Yorkshire Terrier
Tiny, bold and famously long-lived. Hypoallergenic coat needs daily care.
Photo: Madeline / Unsplash
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 — 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
30–45 minutes a day plus indoor play. Two short walks plus mental work is enough. Yorkies are easy to over-exercise — their joints are tiny.
Grooming
Daily brushing if kept in a long coat. Most owners opt for a "puppy cut" every 6–8 weeks. Hair grows continuously and doesn't shed (good for allergies). Tear staining around eyes is common — 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 — daily brushing essential). Hypoglycaemia in young puppies.
👍 Best for
Apartment-dwellers, allergy-sensitive owners, retirees, anyone wanting a long-lived pocket-sized companion.
👎 Not best for
Households with toddlers or large rough dogs — Yorkies are fragile.
Buying guides for Yorkshire Terrier owners
Buying guides for Yorkshire Terrier owners
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