Yorkshire Terrier
Two kilos of silk-wrapped terrier certainty.
Vital stats
| Size | Toy · 18–23 cm |
| Weight | 2–3.2 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years |
| Energy | Moderate — 30–45 min/day |
| Shedding | Minimal — hair-like coat |
| Coat | Long silky single coat · steel blue and tan |
| Group | Toy · FCI №86 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Bred by Yorkshire mill workers to clear rats from looms and shafts, the Yorkie never received the memo about being a lapdog. It's brave to the point of comedy, sharp-eyed, vocal about visitors and fiercely attached to its person — a true terrier that happens to fit in a handbag.
Habits & quirks
The announcement service
Doorbells, deliveries and distant pigeons are all reported, promptly and at volume.
Big-dog delusions
Will square up to dogs twenty times its size; your job is diplomacy.
Lap by default
Wherever you settle, two kilos of silk arrives within the minute.
The topknot negotiation
Tolerates hair ties with the weary patience of a celebrity in make-up.
Care
| Grooming | Daily combing for a long coat, or a puppy cut every few weeks — either way, it's a standing commitment. |
| Teeth | Tiny jaws crowd teeth: daily brushing and regular dental checks are the breed's biggest health job. |
| Feeding | Small, regular meals — very small Yorkies, especially puppies, can dip into low blood sugar. |
| Safety | Fine bones and big confidence are a risky mix: manage stairs, sofa leaps and boisterous larger dogs. |
Common questions
Do Yorkshire Terriers shed?
Barely — the fine, hair-like coat grows continuously rather than shedding seasonally. The trade-off is regular combing or clipping to stop mats.
Are Yorkies good with children?
Best with gentle, older children. Their bones are genuinely fragile, and rough handling can injure the dog or teach it to snap in self-defence.
Are Yorkies yappy?
They're born watchdogs and will announce everything by default. With early training and enough stimulation, the bulletins can be kept to headlines.