Yorkshire Terrier
Small in size but big in personality, the Yorkshire Terrier charms with boldness and affection. Its silky coat and lively spirit make it an ideal companion.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
18–23 cm (male)
18–23 cm (female)
WEIGHT
2–3.2 kg (male)
2–3.2 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–16 years
Yorkshire Terrier: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Yorkshire Terrier isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Yorkshire Terrier's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
Yorkshire Terriers are typically affectionate, alert, and confident, often forming strong bonds with their owners while displaying a spirited, sometimes bold demeanor despite their small size.
Key Personality Traits
Enjoys people but can be selective with strangers
Quick learner, responds well to training
Very active and alert throughout the day
Likes games and interactive play sessions
Adjusts well to various living environments
Strengths
- Alert and responsive to surroundings
- Strong loyalty to family members
- Compact size suits apartment living
- Low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat
- Adaptable to various daily routines
Challenges
- Prone to separation anxiety when alone
- Fragile bones due to small size
- Tendency toward excessive barking
- Needs regular grooming and coat care
- Can be stubborn during training
Protect your Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier can develop dental issues and luxating patella. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Yorkshire Terriers are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent and quick learners, though they can be stubborn. Consistent, positive reinforcement training methods yield the best results, especially when started early.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
30–45 minutes daily
recommended per day
This breed has moderate exercise needs and enjoys daily walks and interactive play. Mental stimulation is important, as they are active and benefit from varied activities to prevent boredom.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Yorkshire Terriers are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Yorkshire Terrier would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Their small size and moderate exercise needs suit new dog owners well.
Apartment Living
Yorkies adapt well to small spaces and require minimal room to thrive.
Active Lifestyle
They enjoy play but don’t require intense daily exercise.
Kids
Their fragile build makes them less tolerant of rough play from young children.
Multiple Pets
Can get along with other pets if socialized early and monitored.
Being Left Alone
They dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues.
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Yorkshire Terriers compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yorkshire Terrier
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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