Yorkshire Terrier
Tiny, bold and famously long-lived. Hypoallergenic coat needs daily care.
The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in Victorian-era English mills as a vermin-catcher for cotton mills and coal mines. Today's "Yorkie" is a toy-sized companion with the temperament of a much larger dog β bold, watchful and stubborn. The signature long, silky, hypoallergenic coat is breath-taking but requires real daily commitment.
Temperament
Confident, brave, affectionate, sometimes feisty. Yorkies often think they're the size of a German Shepherd and will challenge larger dogs. Bond very closely with one person. Can be yappy without training.
Exercise needs
30β45 minutes a day plus indoor play. Two short walks plus mental work is enough. Yorkies are easy to over-exercise β their joints are tiny.
Grooming
Daily brushing if kept in a long coat. Most owners opt for a "puppy cut" every 6β8 weeks. Hair grows continuously and doesn't shed (good for allergies). Tear staining around eyes is common β wipe daily.
Common health issues
Tracheal collapse (use a harness, never a collar). Patellar luxation. Liver shunts (puppy screen test). Dental disease (small mouths, crowded teeth β daily brushing essential). Hypoglycaemia in young puppies.
π Best for
Apartment-dwellers, allergy-sensitive owners, retirees, anyone wanting a long-lived pocket-sized companion.
π Not best for
Households with toddlers or large rough dogs β Yorkies are fragile.
