Yorkshire Terrier information and Characteristics

Yorkshire Terriers—often called Yorkies—are one of the UK’s most popular toy breeds. These small dogs pack big personalities into their tiny frames, making them a top choice among companion animals and a truly fashionable pet. Whether you’re researching a yorkshire terrier puppy or learning more about adult yorkshire terriers, this easy-to-read guide covers everything from yorkshire terrier temperament to care tips, health advice and kennel club credentials.

Quick-Fire Breed Snapshot

• Breed Type: Toy breeds (Kennel Club)

• Size & Weight: 18–23 cm tall, dog’s weight 2–3 kg (small breeds)

• Life Expectancy: 12–15 years (life expectancy)

• Colour & Coat: Steel blue and rich tan (blue and tan) with a long silky coat similar to human hair (floor length coat)

• Nicknames: Yorkie, yorkshire terrier

A Brief History – From Scottish Weavers to Modern Flats

The breed’s story begins in the 1800s, when Scottish weavers moved to the cotton mills of Yorkshire with their Clydesdale Terriers and Broken-haired Scotch Terriers. Crosses with local Black-and-Tan terriers plus a pinch of Maltese produced a stylish rat-catcher that could slip between looms. A stud dog called Huddersfield Ben (1865-1871) set the modern breed type, passing on the straight, floor-length coat that felt more like human hair than dog fur. Within decades, ladies carried “Yorkies” as a fashionable pet at dog shows; today the breed ranks among the UK’s most popular companion animals.

Personality & Lifestyle Fit

Yorkshire Terrier Temperament

Yorkie puppies and other dogs alike often underestimate the punch these little dogs pack. Known for their active dogs energy, Yorkies are affectionate, alert and fearless—traits that make them excellent watchdogs but sometimes lead to excessive barking.

Good with Kids, Other Pets & Apartment Living

Yorkshire Terriers are generally good family dogs when introduced to other pets and children at an early age. Socialisation and consistent training sessions help them adapt in busy households or apartment living situations.

Energy Levels & Exercise Needs

Although tiny, Yorkies require daily physical exercise—about 30 minutes of walks or dog sports like agility. Regular exercise keeps them fit, supports a healthy blood supply and helps prevent behavioural issues.

Grooming the Iconic Silky Coat

A Yorkie’s long silky coat is its crowning glory—and your biggest job. For show dogs, the floor-length coat must be brushed daily with a pin brush and metal comb to stop tangles. Most pet owners prefer the “puppy cut”: hair trimmed short every six to eight weeks by a professional groomer, making regular brushing quicker. Whether full or short, plan a bathing routine every three weeks using canine shampoo, followed by careful blow-drying to keep that glossy steel blue sheen. Don’t forget the fringe: secure with a topknot or clip so hair stays out of the eyes. Nails, ears and teeth need the same upkeep as many dogs, but the Yorkie’s low-shedding coat is a plus for allergy-prone households.

Health & Common Conditions

Yorkies are generally healthy dogs, yet like many small breeds they face a few inherited risks. The charity PDSA lists patellar luxation, bladder stones and tracheal collapse as top concerns. A study from the Royal Veterinary College notes that tracheal collapse can cause coughing, “goose-honk” sounds and exercise intolerance, but weight control and medication often keep symptoms in check. Other issues that may affect Yorkshire Terriers include Legg-Calvé-Perthes (hip blood-supply failure), portosystemic shunt (abnormal liver blood flow) and early-onset dental disease due to their smaller mouths.

Vet-approved prevention tips

• Keep your dog’s weight lean with measured meals to reduce joint strain.

• Ask breeders for British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club health-scheme results.

• Schedule annual check-ups; many conditions respond best when caught at an early age.

• Brush teeth daily and book professional cleans as advised by your local vet.

Exercise & Dog Sports

Although classed as little dogs, Yorkies pack plenty of energy. A brisk 20-minute daily walk plus indoor fetch or scent-work games keeps them fit without overloading their small joints. Many enjoy dog sports such as rally obedience or trick competitions, which double as mental stimulation. Mind the weather: with scant body fat and a single coat, Yorkies struggle to tolerate cold weather. Pop on a lightweight jumper in winter and skip pavement walks when summer heat soars. Puppies should follow the “five-minute rule” (five minutes of formal exercise per month of age) to protect growing bones.

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Feeding & Nutrition for Small Stomachs

Yorkies burn calories fast yet have delicate tummies. Choose a high-quality kibble made for toy breeds; tiny bites suit their jaw size and help reduce tartar. Split meals into three portions for puppies and two for adults to avoid blood-sugar dips, as small dogs can develop hypoglycaemia. Watch treats: one cube of cheese equals a hefty slice of their daily calories. Fresh water is vital—dehydration worsens risk of bladder stones. If weight loss, diarrhoea or picky eating persist, seek a vet diet plan.

Practical Ownership in the UK

Legal Must-Dos

All UK dogs must be microchipped by 8 weeks old. For details, see DEFRA microchipping guidance.

Housing & Space Requirements

Yorkies adapt well to apartment living. Crate training from a young age provides a safe space, while short daily walks meet their exercise needs.

Weather Gear & Comfort

Yorkshire Terriers’ silky coat doesn’t insulate well. Invest in waterproof jackets for cold weather and cooling mats for occasional warm days to keep your Yorkie comfortable.

Training Tips & Problem-Solving

Start positive-reinforcement training at an early age. Short, fun drills build focus and stop a Yorkie becoming the household boss.

Because Yorkies are intelligent and eager to please, many owners progress to advanced cues—spin, weave or ring a bell—providing cerebral workouts. Keep sessions under ten minutes, use soft treats to suit tiny teeth, and end on success. Consistency sets the foundation for a polite companion animal that impresses both family and other dogs.

Cost of Owning a Yorkie

Puppy Purchase vs Rescue

A yorkshire terrier puppy from a kennel club-registered breeder costs £1,000–£2,500, while rescue fees average £300.

Annual Budget Breakdown

Expect to spend £1,000–£1,200 per year on food, professional grooming, insurance and vet checks for any health issues.

Choosing the Right Yorkshire Terrier Puppy or Rescue

• Breeders: Look for members of a recognised Yorkshire Terrier Club who follow the Kennel Club Assured Breeders scheme. Ask to see health certificates for patellar stability and eye checks. Meet at least one parent to gauge temperament.

• Rescue: Charities like Many Tears or breed-specific rescues rehome adult Yorkshire Terriers that are already neutered and often crate-trained.

• Red flags: Avoid “puppy mills” advertising multiple litters or refusing home visits. Uncommonly coloured pups marketed as “rare” (e.g., solid gold) may fall outside the breed standard and are harder to insure.

No matter the source, remember UK law requires all dogs to be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old—failure can lead to a £500 fin

FAQ

Is a Yorkshire Terrier a good family dog?

Yes, Yorkshire Terriers are generally great family dogs, especially when properly socialised and trained.

Can Yorkies be left alone?

Ideally, Yorkies shouldn't be left alone for more than 4-6 hours to prevent anxiety.

Does a Yorkshire Terrier bark a lot?

Without training, Yorkies may exhibit excessive barking. Early training sessions can mitigate this.

What's the life expectancy of a Yorkie?

Typically, Yorkshire Terriers live between 12-15 years with good care.

Conclusion

From their origin in the Yorkshire mills to today’s lap-dog fame, Yorkshire Terriers offer a blend of high energy, low shedding and huge personality. Keep the coat glossy with routine grooming, feed balanced portions for a long life expectancy, and harness that terrier spirit through games and gentle training tips. Choose a responsible breeder—or give a rescue Yorkie a second chance—then enjoy years of lively companionship with one of Britain’s most charming dog breeds.