Yorkshire Terrier Breed Guide

Don't let the topknot fool you: the Yorkshire Terrier is a genuine terrier — a former ratting dog wearing a silk coat, with the confidence to match.

Temperament

Affectionate, feisty, and brave beyond all reason. Yorkies bond hard to their people, greet strangers with commentary, and carry terrier tenacity into everything from tug games to squirrel diplomacy.

Exercise Needs

Moderate for the size: daily walks plus play. Their terrier brain needs jobs — puzzle feeders and scent games prevent the boredom barking the breed is known for.

Grooming

The silky coat is beautiful and demanding: daily brushing in a long show coat, or the practical "puppy cut" every 4–6 weeks. Either way it sheds very little — a top pick for tidy homes and mild allergies. Small-jaw dental care is non-negotiable.

Training Notes

Quick learners with selective hearing. Positive, food-driven training works; repetitive drilling bores them into mischief. House training runs slow — small bladder, strong will — so work the schedule patiently.

Health Considerations

Dental disease, patellar luxation, tracheal collapse (harness only), and liver shunts in some lines. Like most toys, they're long-lived — 13–16 years — when weight and teeth are managed.

Is a Yorkie Right for You?

Great for apartments, allergy-conscious owners, and anyone who wants a big-dog personality in a handbag-sized frame — with a standing grooming appointment.