Yorkshire Terrier

Tiny Dog, Major Drama
Also Known As -
Yorkie
Yorkshire Terriers are affectionate and spirited dogs, known for their small size and bold personality. They are adaptable to apartment living and enjoy being close to their owners.

Experienced Owner

They need confident, attentive owners who can handle their sass and keep their training consistent.
Activity Needs
High
High
High
High

Always down for a walk, a play session, or a stylish stroll through the farmer’s market. Needs stimulation.

Trainability
Stubborn
Stubborn
Stubborn

Very smart but independent. Training requires patience, consistency, and a sense of humor.

kid compatability
Kids
Kids

With respectful kids and clear boundaries, Yorkies can be cuddly family members. They prefer being the center of attention.

grooming needs
High
High
High

Daily brushing or professional grooming required. Their silky coat is no joke.

noise level
Loud
Loud
Loud

Expect sass, alerts, and full-on monologues. Yorkies are unapologetically loud.

Good for Allergies
Yes
Yes

A better hypoallergenic option, but grooming is essential.

About the

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier—more commonly known as the Yorkie—is a small dog breed in the toy category, famous for its luxurious blue-and-tan coat and outsized personality. Despite its petite size (typically 5 to 7 pounds), the Yorkie carries itself with boldness and confidence. Originally bred in 19th-century England to hunt rats in textile mills, today the breed is one of the most popular companion dogs in the world.

Yorkies are energetic, intelligent, and often fearless—hallmarks of their terrier heritage. They’re quick to establish their place in the household “pack,” and while some are naturally social with new people, others lean toward aloofness or alert barking. Much of this depends on early socialization and training. With the right guidance, they make devoted and entertaining companions, equally at home in city apartments or carried in a handbag.

Their long, silky coat requires regular grooming to stay healthy and tangle-free, but it’s part of the breed’s distinct charm and elegance. Though small in stature, Yorkshire Terriers are often described as “big dogs in little bodies”—confident, lively, and always ready to strut.

Similar Breeds: Australian Silky Terrier

What It's Like To Own One

Living with a Yorkie is like sharing your home with a pint-sized diva who always has something to say—and usually says it first. They’ve got opinions on everything, from your outfit to the timing of dinner, and they fully expect to be consulted. With their silky coats, bright eyes, and confident prance, Yorkies carry themselves like tiny celebrities—and somehow, they make you feel lucky to be their entourage.

But beneath the glam and sass is a fiercely loyal companion. Yorkies love hard. They don’t see themselves as small, and they definitely don’t act like it. While not classic lapdogs in temperament, they’re deeply affectionate with their chosen person—always up for a cuddle, always down to follow you from room to room like they’re live-streaming your life.

They do require care: regular grooming, boundaries, and emotional attention. But if you’re ready to treat your Yorkie like the tiny icon they are—with patience, respect, and the occasional designer sweater—you’ll gain a bold, devoted companion who’s equal parts spark and soul.

Tail Of The Tape

Trait
Low
High
Height
7
in
8
in
Weight
4
lbs
7
lbs
Lifespan
11
yrs
11
yrs

Personality Snapshot

  • Tiny but full of attitude
  • Needs clear training and structure
  • Grooming is high-maintenance
  • Prone to barking and demanding attention
  • Extremely people-focused and loyal

Breed Embodiment

Moira Rose
Fashion-forward, opinionated, and not one to be ignored

Dating Profile

I may be small, but I take up space—emotionally, vocally, and aesthetically. I’m all about morning walks, midday spa sessions, and evening snuggles on plush throws. I’m bold, loyal, and stylish to the core. Must love glam, have a flair for conversation (I do talk back), and appreciate the finer things in life—like being told I’m stunning. If you’re looking for a tiny companion with runway energy and ride-or-die devotion, I’m already at your heels.

Fictional Owners

Cher Horowitz
Stylish, energetic, and surprisingly clever
Sharpay Evans
Bold, high-maintenance, and secretly sweet underneath
Elle Woods
High-energy, polished, and smarter than you think

Where They Want To Live

Yorkies thrive in chic apartments, cozy condos, or stylish homes where they can live like the icons they believe they are. They don’t need a yard—they need attention, affection, and a sunny spot by the window where they can monitor the world with the seriousness of a security chief in couture.

Ideal for city dwellers or anyone who wants a lot of personality in a small package, Yorkies are happiest when their environment reflects their needs: calm, cozy, and close to their people. As long as you’re around and there’s a plush surface nearby, your Yorkie will rule their (very fashionable) kingdom with sass, smarts, and surprising tenderness.

🐾 Bringing home a

Toy dogs can bring big challenges.
Start with puppy socialization tips for your 
Yorkshire Terrier
to build confidence early.
And make sure to check out, Help! I Got a Puppy, a complete guide for new dog parents to raise a great pup without losing your mind.
Small dogs can bring big challenges.
Start with our puppy socialization tips for your 
Yorkshire Terrier
to build confidence early. And make sure to check out, Help! I Got a Puppy, a complete guide for new dog parents to raise a great pup without losing your mind.
We’ve got you covered with
first 48-hour tips for your
Yorkshire Terrier
puppy to start off right.
To prep for the wild ride ahead, grab Help! I Got a Puppy, the first book every new dog owner should read.
Big pups grow fast. Get ahead of the curve with
puppy proofing tips for your new  
Yorkshire Terrier
puppy and make your home safe from day one. Then dive into Help! I Got a Puppy, a step-by-step handbook for everything you’ll need (and didn’t know to expect).
Start with this
Puppy 101 for your new  
Yorkshire Terrier
to build habits before that little giant grows up.
And don’t miss Help! I Got a Puppy— the Google Maps of puppyhood and your sanity-saving handbook for the first year.

Things To Know

• Needs socialization to avoid yappy habits

• Not ideal for rough toddlers

• Grooming is a major time or budget commitment

• Craves companionship and stimulation

• May challenge larger dogs—big attitude in a small frame

Gear Guide

• Slicker brush and leave-in conditioner

• Stylish carrier bag for outings

• High-quality kibble to maintain coat

• Dog stroller for city treks\n• Snuffle mat or flirt pole

Health Watch: Common Breed Risks

Yorkies may be petite, but their health needs are serious business. Common concerns include:

• Dental disease (tiny mouths = tartar buildup)

• Collapsing trachea

• Luxating patella (slipping kneecaps)

• Hypoglycemia (especially in puppies)

• Portosystemic shunt (liver condition)

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

• Fragile bones (due to small stature)

Regular vet visits and delicate handling go a long way in protecting their health.

Coat Types & Color Variety

Yorkies come dressed in signature style—fine, flowing, and ready for compliments:

• Long, silky coat that resembles human hair

• Classic coloring: steel blue and tan (deepening with age)

• Requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and matting

• Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks keeps the cut camera-ready

• Hypoallergenic, with very low shedding

High-maintenance? A little. Worth it? Absolutely.

Diet & Nutrition Needs

Feeding a Yorkie means precision over volume—this is not a free-feeding kind of dog:

• Choose high-quality, small-breed kibble that’s easy to chew

• Feed multiple small meals a day, especially for puppies or tiny adults

• Watch for weight loss or hypoglycemia in high-energy dogs

• Avoid greasy or rich treats that upset their sensitive tummies

• Keep portions exact—tiny dogs gain weight fast

They’ll act like they’re starving, but trust the scale, not the eyes.

Health Care Tips

Yorkies thrive with consistent care tailored to their delicate build and bold spirit:

• Brush teeth daily and prioritize regular dental cleanings

• Use a harness—not a collar—to protect their sensitive trachea

• Avoid high jumps or rough play that can stress their joints

• Monitor for changes in behavior or appetite—little signs mean big things

• Keep them warm—small bodies lose heat fast

Treat them like the tiny royalty they are, and they’ll reign with joy.

Bottom Line

I may be small, but I take up space—emotionally, vocally, and aesthetically. I’m all about morning walks, midday spa sessions, and evening snuggles on plush throws. I’m bold, loyal, and stylish to the core. Must love glam, have a flair for conversation (I do talk back), and appreciate the finer things in life—like being told I’m stunning. If you’re looking for a tiny companion with runway energy and ride-or-die devotion, I’m already at your heels.

Additional Resources