Yorkshire Terrier

— Bold. Affectionate. Feisty.

Originally bred in England's Yorkshire mills to hunt rats, the Yorkshire Terrier has transformed into one of the most popular toy companion breeds, though it never lost its bold, feisty terrier spirit. Despite weighing just a few pounds, "Yorkies" carry themselves with confidence far beyond their size, wrapped in a silky, glamorous coat.

EnglandOrigin

Toy GroupBreed Group

13 - 16 YearsLife Expectancy

QUICK OVERVIEW

Apartment or small-space living

Owners committed to grooming

Households wanting a devoted lap companion

Homes with very young, boisterous children

About the Yorkshire Terrier

Last updated: August 12, 2026

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Key Facts

Originally bred to hunt rats in English textile mills during the Industrial Revolution

Long, silky coat resembles human hair and requires significant grooming

One of the longest-lived toy breeds, often reaching 13-16 years

Retains true terrier boldness and confidence despite their small size

Is Yorkshire Terrier Right for You?

Apartment or small-space living

Owners committed to grooming

Households wanting a devoted lap companion

Homes with very young, boisterous children

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The Yorkshire Terrier has a long, silky, fine coat coat in blue and tan, with very low shedding year-round.

Yorkshire Terrier

Personality

BoldTrue to their terrier heritage, Yorkies are confident and rarely intimidated despite their tiny size.

AffectionateForms close bonds with their people and often prefers being carried or held close.

FeistyCan be assertive and vocal, particularly toward unfamiliar dogs or people.

AlertNaturally watchful, making them effective (if small) watchdogs who readily announce visitors.

Care & Needs

GroomingTheir long, silky coat needs daily brushing to prevent tangling, or regular trims to a shorter, lower-maintenance length.

Dental CareToy breeds are especially prone to dental crowding and periodontal disease — regular brushing and vet checks matter.

HandlingTheir small, delicate frame is prone to injury from falls or rough handling, requiring gentle interaction and supervision with kids.

TemperatureSensitive to cold given their small size and fine coat — a sweater helps in cool weather.

Did You Know?

A Yorkshire Terrier named Smoky served as a therapy and working dog during World War II, credited with helping soldiers and later recognized as one of the first documented therapy dogs.

Yorkshire Terriers have been serving humans in many important roles including: Ratters , Therapy Dogs and Companion Dogs .

Health & Common Issues

Dental DiseaseSmall jaw structure makes Yorkies highly prone to overcrowded teeth and periodontal disease without regular dental care.

Collapsing TracheaA structural airway issue more common in small toy breeds, sometimes triggered by excitement or a collar putting pressure on the throat (a harness is often recommended instead).

Patellar LuxationA common small-breed joint issue where the kneecap slips out of place, ranging from mild to requiring surgical correction.

Training & Exercise

Use consistent, positive reinforcement; Yorkies are intelligent but can be stubborn, particularly around housetraining.
Socialize early to manage their natural terrier assertiveness, especially around unfamiliar dogs.
Use a harness rather than a collar for walks, reducing pressure on their throat given their susceptibility to tracheal issues.
Avoid excessive carrying; encouraging independent walking builds confidence rather than dependency.

History & Origin

1800s Developed in Yorkshire, England, by working-class weavers who needed small, tenacious dogs to control rat populations in textile mills.

Victorian Era Gained popularity among English high society as a fashionable lap dog, shifting the breed's role from working ratter to companion.

1885 Officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Today One of the most popular toy breeds globally, prized for its glamorous coat and devoted personality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Yorkshire Terriers good with children?

They can be, but their small, delicate size means supervision and teaching gentle handling matter more than with sturdier breeds — they're generally a better fit for families with older, calmer children.

Do Yorkshire Terriers shed?

Very little — their fine, silky coat sheds minimally, which is part of why the breed is often chosen by owners with mild allergies, though regular grooming is still necessary to prevent matting.

Why do Yorkies bark so much?

Their terrier heritage gives them a naturally alert, vocal temperament, which combined with small-dog confidence can lead to frequent barking without consistent training to manage it.