Dog breed profile
Yorkshire terrier
A detailed profile covering characteristics, everyday care and linked health conditions.
Quick facts
Typical guide only; individual needs vary.
Profile description
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small companion and vermin-control breed developed in northern England from several terrier types. Most adults stand around 18 to 23 centimetres tall and commonly weigh up to approximately 3.2 kilograms, although larger individuals occur. The breed has a compact body, erect ears and a long, straight, silky coat that is typically steel blue and tan in adulthood. Modern representatives of the Yorkshire terrier type may live primarily as companions, but inherited body shape and behavioural motivations remain relevant to exercise, training and home selection.
Yorkshire Terriers are lively, intelligent, affectionate and confident. Despite their tiny size and decorative coat, they retain genuine terrier instincts and may bark, dig or chase rodents, birds and other small animals. Many form very close bonds with their owners and may become possessive, vocal or distressed when left alone without gradual preparation. They often challenge much larger dogs without recognising their own vulnerability.
Their light build makes them prone to injury from falls, rough handling and larger animals. The small jaw is highly vulnerable to dental crowding and periodontal disease, while the long coat requires substantial maintenance. Yorkshire Terriers are best suited to owners who can provide companionship, regular training, careful handling and consistent grooming and dental care.
Before choosing a Yorkshire terrier, prospective owners should consider adult temperament, activity and handling needs as well as appearance. Responsible selection of a Yorkshire terrier should consider stable temperament, functional structure and documented health history alongside colour, coat and outward breed type. Any interaction between a Yorkshire terrier and children should be actively supervised, with the dog given an undisturbed resting place and the children taught respectful handling.
First-time dog owner tips
Practical preparation for welcoming this breed into your home.
Care requirements
Daily Yorkshire terrier care requires several short walks, indoor play, scent games and training activities each day. Early Yorkshire terrier training should combine positive reinforcement and patience with a predictable toilet routine. Quiet behaviour, calm greetings and gradual alone-time training are useful priorities. Build the Yorkshire terrier's weekly routine around several forms of movement rather than repeating one route, and include lower-intensity recovery after unusually demanding activity. Mental work for a Yorkshire terrier can come from scent searches, food puzzles, cooperative handling and short training problems matched to the dog's confidence and physical ability.
The long silky coat should be brushed and combed thoroughly every day when kept at full length. Many companion dogs receive a shorter professional trim every six to eight weeks. On the Yorkshire terrier, check behind the ears, beneath the legs, around the feet and under equipment for developing mats.
Facial hair should be kept away from the eyes. Teeth should be brushed daily because Yorkshire Terriers are highly prone to dental disease and early tooth loss. Nails require regular trimming, and ears should be checked for irritation.
Food portions must be measured precisely to prevent obesity. Very small puppies may require veterinary guidance regarding meal frequency and low blood sugar risk. Regular veterinary examinations should monitor knees, liver function, airway health, eyes and dental condition. The dog should be protected from falls, jumping from high furniture, rough children and unsupervised interaction with larger dogs. Care requirements for a senior Yorkshire terrier should be reviewed as mobility, senses and recovery change; shorter sessions, better footing and easier access can preserve independence without removing enrichment. Seek veterinary advice promptly if a Yorkshire terrier develops breathing difficulty, collapse, severe pain, repeated vomiting, inability to urinate, sudden weakness or a rapidly worsening change in behaviour.
Conditions linked to this breed
Cataract [Cloudiness of the Lens of the Eye]
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Colour Dilution Alopecia
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Congenital Portosystemic Shunts
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Congenital Renal Disease [Hereditary Nephropathies]
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Corneal Dystrophy
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Hyperadrenocorticism [Cushing's Disease]
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Dermoid Sinus
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Endocardiosis
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Hemivertebra
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Hydrocephalus
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Ichthyosis
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Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca KCS, Dry Eye
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Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head
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Luxating Patella
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Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy Generalised
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General dog health conditions
These conditions can affect dogs generally and are not presented as conditions specifically associated with this breed.
Diabetes Mellitus
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Hypothyroidism
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Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)
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Pancreatitis
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