Yorkshire Terrier

also known as Yorkie

Pros History


The Yorkshire Terrier, also known as the Yorkie, is a small breed of dog that was developed in the county of Yorkshire, England in the 19th century. It is a popular and beloved breed that is known for its tiny size, long and silky coat, and feisty personality.

The history of the Yorkshire Terrier can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution, when the breed was developed by working-class people in Yorkshire. At the time, the breed was used as a vermin hunter and a ratter, as well as a companion animal. It was created by crossing various terrier breeds, including the Skye Terrier, the Manchester Terrier, and the Maltese. The resulting breed was called the Yorkshire Terrier, and it quickly gained popularity due to its small size and feisty personality.

In the late 19th century, the Yorkshire Terrier was introduced to the United States, where it quickly gained popularity as a fashionable companion animal. It was favored by the rich and famous, and it became a symbol of wealth and status. The breed's popularity continued to grow in the 20th century, and it became one of the most popular breeds in the world.

Today, the Yorkshire Terrier is still a popular and beloved breed that is known for its small size and long, silky coat. It is a popular choice for people who want a small, portable companion animal, and it is also used in obedience trials and as a show dog. Despite its small size, the Yorkshire Terrier is a feisty and courageous breed that is not afraid to take on larger dogs.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small breed that stands between 7 and 8 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 4 and 7 pounds. It has a long, silky coat that is typically blue and tan in color, and it requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance. The breed is generally healthy and has a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years.

Breed Information


Type

Is Yorkshire Terrier a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Yorkshire Terriers originally used for?

Small Vermin Hunting

Lifespan

How Long Do Yorkshire Terriers Live? What is average life expectancy for a Yorkshire Terrier? How long can Yorkshire Terriers live?

12-16 years

The average Yorkshire Terrier lifespan is somewhere between 12-16 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Yorkshire Terrier Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Yorkshire Terrier?

What is the average height of a Yorkshire Terrier? How big is a Purebred Yorkshire Terrier height? Yorkshire Terrier dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 8-9 inches (20.3 - 22.9 cm) 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) 8.5 inches (21.6 cm)
Female 8-9 inches (20.3 - 22.9 cm) 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) 8.5 inches (21.6 cm)
What is the average weight of a Yorkshire Terrier? How much should Yorkshire Terriers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 5-7 pounds (2 - 3 kg) 3.0 pounds (1 kg) 5.0 pounds (2 kg) 6.0 pounds (3 kg)
Female 5-7 pounds (2 - 3 kg) 3.0 pounds (1 kg) 5.0 pounds (2 kg) 6.0 pounds (3 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Yorkshire Terriers get fat easily?

The Yorkshire Terrier is a dog breed that has a low to average risk for obesity. This means that they are less likely to gain weight than some breeds, but it is still important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Hypoallergenic

Are Yorkshire Terriers Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Yorkshire Terriers are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a Yorkshire Terrier personality? What are Yorkshire Terrier dogs best known for?

Alert
Energetic
Intelligent
Playful
Courageous
Independent
Loyal

Shedding Level

Are Yorkshire Terriers heavy shedders? How Much Does a Yorkshire Terrier Shed?

Yorkshire Terrier will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Yorkshire Terrier dog?

Yorkshire Terriers are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Yorkshire Terrier is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Yorkshire Terriers come from?

England

Ancestry

What are Yorkshire Terriers descended from?

Waterside, Manchester, Paisley, Skye, Dandie Dinmont Terriers

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Yorkshire Terrier breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Yorkshire Terriers first bred? How old is the Yorkshire Terrier breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Yorkshire Terrier?

Toy (AKC:1885)
Companion (UKC)

Yorkshire Terrier Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Yorkshire Terrier eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Yorkshire Terrier nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Yorkshire Terrier coat be naturally?

Black
Blue
Silver
Fawn

Coat Length

How long is a Yorkshire Terriers coat?

The coat of a Yorkshire Terrier dog is generally known for its length.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Yorkshire Terrier Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Yorkshire Terrier?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Yorkshire Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can a Yorkshire Terrier have in her first litter?

12-16 puppies per pregnancy

A Yorkshire Terrier can have a litter of 12-16 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Yorkshire Terrier Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Yorkshire Terriers have a lot of health problems?

The Yorkshire Terrier breed is commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Yorkshire Terrier?

Portacaval Shunt
Tracheal Collapse
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Yorkshire Terriers?

Patellar Luxation

Occasional Diagnoses

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Yorkshire Terrier breed?

Eye
Knee
Liver Ultrasound
X-Rays
Endoscopy

Yorkshire Terrier Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Yorkshire Terriers have a lot of energy?

Yorkshire Terriers are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Yorkshire Terriers need socialization? How social are Yorkshire Terriers?

Yorkshire Terrier have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Yorkshire Terriers get?

The Yorkshire Terrier is a breed that requires minimal physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Yorkshire Terrier have? Do Yorkshire Terriers sleep a lot?

Yorkshire Terriers are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Yorkshire Terrier drool a lot?

The Yorkshire Terrier is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Yorkshire Terrier dogs bark and howl frequently, they are not a good fit for quiet homes.

Territorial

Do Yorkshire Terriers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are Yorkshire Terriers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Yorkshire Terrier running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Yorkshire Terrier dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Yorkshire Terriers enjoy doing? How do I keep my Yorkshire Terrier busy?

Walk, Play, Walking, Belly rubs, Toys, Fetch, Being held, Napping, People watching, Jump, Run, Lounge, Sniffing, Petting, Resting, Belly action, Sleeping, Running, Eating Snacks, Brushing, Cuddling, Attention, Pets, Barking, Exploring, Marking, Licking, Cuddles, Walkig, Play keep away

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Yorkshire Terrier? How much energy does a Yorkshire Terrier have?

Medium

Yorkshire Terriers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Yorkshire Terrier walk each week? How many miles should a Yorkshire Terrier walk every week?

6 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Yorkshire Terrier, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Yorkshire Terrier should exercise a day? How much activity does a Yorkshire Terrier need?

30 minutes

In general most Yorkshire Terriers usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Yorkshire Terrier?

This breed is known for having high grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Yorkshire Terrier?

Daily

Ideally, Yorkshire Terrier should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Yorkshire Terriers?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Yorkshire Terrier eat?

1 cups

For an average 5-7 pound (2 - 3 kg) Yorkshire Terrier feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Yorkshire Terrier Cost Daily?

$1.10 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Yorkshire Terrier is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Yorkshire Terrier Cost Per Month?

$28 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Yorkshire Terrier is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Yorkshire Terrier Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Yorkshire Terrier?

The Yorkshire Terrier breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Yorkshire Terrier dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Yorkshire Terrier dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Yorkshire Terrier do well in apartments? Are Yorkshire Terriers good indoor dogs?

Yorkshire Terriers are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Yorkshire Terriers good with kids? Are Yorkshire Terriers good around children?

Yorkshire Terrier dogs are not kid-friendly.

Senior-friendly

Are Yorkshire Terriers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Yorkshire Terriers good with cats? How friendly Yorkshire Terriers are toward cats?

Yorkshire Terriers are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do Yorkshire Terrier dogs get along with other dogs? Are Yorkshire Terriers OK with other dogs?

Yorkshire Terriers are below average dog friendly dogs. Yorkshire Terrier dogs may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with,

Pet friendly

How do Yorkshire Terrier dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Yorkshire Terriers friendly with strangers?

Yorkshire Terriers are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Yorkshire Terriers like to play? Are Yorkshire Terriers playful?

Yorkshire Terriers have an average level of playfulness. The Yorkshire Terriers, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Yorkshire Terrier easily trained?

Yorkshire Terrier dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.