Yorkshire Terrier Dog Breed

Yorkies can get on well with older children who respect their space and listen to their signals and body language when they’re uncomfortable. 

They’re not suited to living with young or boisterous children who haven’t learned to be gentle and calm. Like all dogs, it’s important to supervise Yorkies around children to avoid any accidents or inappropriate interactions.

As one of the smallest dog breeds, Yorkies are delicate and easily injured in rough play.

Even so, they also know what they want and what they don’t, and they aren’t at all afraid to tell you!

For example, if a child tries to play with them or pick them up when they’re not in the mood, a Yorkie will growl to ask them to go away and will snap or bite if ignored to drive the point home.

Yorkies generally get along with other dogs – especially other small dogs like them – but they might see smaller pets as prey and their hunting instincts can kick in. Introducing small pets from a young age is vital.

Absolutely! They love being close to their humans, often on the lookout for a warm lap to snuggle on for a nap.
They may follow you around the house, eager to be involved in everything you do.

Yorkies are known for forming strong bonds with their families and might become very attached to one particular person in the home. 
However, Yorkies need much longer to warm up to someone new. They’re not the kind of dog who will love meeting new people at the pub or café, or smother visitors with kisses.

They very much prefer to keep their personal space as they suss out new people, warming up slowly and building trust over time. 
If not well-socialised (learning about being around other animals and people), Yorkies can become anxious. They may bark or growl at visitors and people they don’t know. So, make sure to spend time building their confidence when they’re young.

Yes! Yorkies are playful little dogs with bundles of energy to burn. They enjoy games of fetch, tug-of-war, and almost anything that involves their favourite humans. 

Don’t be fooled by their size; they have the heart of a terrier and can be quite vocal and daring when they play! 

They’re also known for being quite cheeky and mischievous. Your Yorkie might run off with things like socks or shout at you to get your attention if they’re left to their own devices for too long. You’ll need to provide plenty of toys and activities to keep them entertained.

Yorkies definitely know how to use their voices. Bred to alert people to rats, they’ll bark to let you know about whatever catches their attention. This could be anything from the post arriving to a cat walking across the road. 

Their big voices make them wonderful little watchdogs, but it’s less helpful if you (or your neighbours) value peace and quiet.

They’re also known for being ‘chatty’ and will yap, whine, or grumble to communicate their feelings to you and get your attention. This is a very cute habit when they’re young, but it can grow into a large, loud problem when they’re adults.

Yorkies are naturally vocal, so while you can teach them what’s worth barking at and what’s not, they’ll always be naturally talkative and noisy to some extent!

All dogs can develop behavioural problems if they don’t have proper training, exercise, and the chance to use their brain. 
Yorkies can be particularly clingy with people they love, which means they’re known for developing separation issues. If they’re left alone for long periods, they’re likely to bark a lot or become destructive.

Their personal space is important; they don’t always like to be touched or approached if it’s not on their terms. This can lead to growling or snapping if disturbed when resting or if a stranger tries to stroke them. They need positive experiences and confidence-building to help them learn to be friendly with everyone.

Yorkies often like to chase small animals, which can lead to them zooming around the garden and digging to find whatever they’re interested in. Learning to come back when called can also be more difficult if they get distracted chasing something.

Consistent reward-based training, learning how to interact with others, and plenty of activities that use their brain will help keep these unwanted behaviours in check.

Yorkies are a great choice for those who live in flats or small homes, as they’re more than happy to potter around with you and snuggle up to you, saving space! 

They also don’t need a garden as long as you have green space nearby for them to toilet, sniff, explore, and play in.

In a Yorkie’s ideal home, they’re close to their family and involved in daily activities. They do best when they’re not left for long periods, so they’re great companions if you work from home or are retired. 

Yorkies aren’t usually the best fit for homes with small pets because they naturally hunt prey. But if they’re introduced as a puppy, they’re more likely to do well.

Yorkies are brave and adventurous, so they often love exploring new places, sniffing, running around, and playing. They need a good walk every day, around 30 minutes, to keep them happy and healthy.

Yorkies were bred to do a job, catching rats in mines and mills as well as going after foxes and badgers underground. So, they need plenty to keep their brains busy as well!

Using things like puzzle toys and activity feeders, along with short training sessions throughout the day, will keep that clever little brain busy.

All puppies need to learn how to be around people, pets, and other dogs, calmly and politely (known as socialisation). They also need help to feel calm, comfortable, and confident in everyday situations like travelling, the sound of traffic, and being in busy places (known as habituation). This is essential to prevent tricky behavioural problems in the future, and you'll be off to a great start with your ongoing training.

Yorkies are intelligent and quick learners. They’re also pretty strong and independent, which can make training a bit of a challenge!

This breed is eager to please, but they might try to push the boundaries if they want something. Consistent, reward-based training is key.

Common behavioural issues to watch out for with Yorkies include:
- excessive barking and reactivity
- separation-related behaviour
- housetraining
- handling and touch sensitivity
- resource guarding

All dogs need reward-based training and to learn how to interact with other dogs, animals, and people. Without this, they can develop anxious or rude behaviours which can make them hard to manage and take longer to train in the long run.

As dogs mature, they go through several life stages that can change their behaviour and need extra training. We can help you with this through our free behaviour helpline.

Yorkies have a beautiful, silky coat that needs regular grooming to keep it looking its best.

Their fur is more hair-like than some other dogs, and it grows continuously! So, regular trimming is needed, especially around their eyes, ears, and paws.

Daily brushing with a simple comb helps prevent tangles and mats, especially if you’re keeping your coat long. But many people prefer a shorter “puppy cut” to make grooming more manageable.

They’ll need regular baths, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care. This can be done at home if you train your dog to enjoy grooming from the start.

Keeping your dog healthy includes making sure they have regular vet check-ups and vaccinations, a balanced and complete diet, consistent exercise, and a healthy weight.

Yorkshire Terriers, like many small breeds, are prone to a few health issues:
- Dental problems: Due to their small mouths, Yorkies are prone to dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
- Luxating patella: This is a common condition in small breeds where the kneecap dislocates.
- Hypoglycaemia: Yorkies can suffer from low blood sugar, especially as puppies.
- Tracheal collapse: Their small, delicate tracheas (windpipes) can collapse, leading to breathing issues. It’s best to walk them on a harness to avoid this.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: This condition affects the hip joint and can cause lameness.

With good care, regular vet visits, and a healthy lifestyle, many of these risks can be minimised, ensuring your Yorkshire Terrier lives a long and happy life.