Yorkshire Terrier: Complete Breed Guide
Don't let their small size fool you — Yorkshire Terriers have the confidence of a dog ten times their size. These spirited little terriers are loyal, loving, and full of attitude.
History
Developed in Yorkshire, England in the 19th century by textile mill workers to catch rats. Despite their humble origins, they quickly became fashionable companion dogs among Victorian women.
Temperament
Yorkies are bold, confident, and fiercely loyal to their owners. They're affectionate with family but can be wary of strangers. They have classic terrier spirit — they don't know they're small.
They can be yappy if not trained, but with proper socialisation, they're charming companions.
Exercise Needs
20-30 minutes daily. Short walks and indoor play are sufficient. They're more active than many toy breeds but don't require intense exercise.
Health
- Dental Disease: Extremely common — tiny mouths with crowded teeth
- Patellar Luxation: Very common in toy breeds
- Tracheal Collapse: Weakened windpipe causing coughing and breathing difficulty. Always use a harness, never a collar.
- Portosystemic Shunt: Liver blood vessel defect
- Hypoglycaemia: Low blood sugar, especially in puppies and very small adults
- Legg-Calve-Perthes: Hip joint deterioration
Grooming
The signature floor-length silky coat requires daily brushing. Most pet owners keep a shorter puppy cut for practicality. They're considered hypoallergenic (hair, not fur) and shed minimally.
Living With a Yorkie
Perfect for: Apartments, single adults, older owners, allergy sufferers Not ideal for: Families with very young children (fragile), very cold climates without protection
Training tip: Don't baby them because they're small. Treat them like a real dog — with boundaries, training, and socialisation. "Small dog syndrome" is a training failure, not a breed trait.