Yorkshire Terrier Guide: Temperament, Health Problems & Care

Tiny in size but enormous in personality, the Yorkshire Terrier packs the boldness of a true terrier into a glossy, four-to-seven-pound package. Yorkies are affectionate lap dogs and alert little watchdogs — but that delicate frame and flowing coat come with real care commitments. Here's an honest, practical guide to the Yorkshire Terrier's temperament, common health problems, and day-to-day care.

Yorkshire Terrier at a glance

• Size: Toy — usually under 7 lb (about 3 kg)
• Lifespan: 13–16 years
• Energy: Moderate — lively bursts of play, then happy lap time
• Grooming: High — silky single coat needs daily brushing or regular trims
• Good for: Apartments, attentive owners, companion-first households

Temperament: what Yorkies are really like

Don't let the size fool you — Yorkies are true terriers: feisty, brave, confident and full of opinions. They bond intensely with their people, love being on a lap, and make surprisingly effective alert watchdogs, announcing every visitor with gusto. That watchfulness can tip into yappiness without early, gentle training and boundaries, so it pays to teach a "quiet" cue and reward calm behaviour from the start. They're clever and love to please when motivated, but the terrier streak means they can be stubborn. Because they're so small, it's easy to over-baby them — a Yorkie that's socialised and given real structure is a far happier, more confident dog than one carried everywhere. House-training can take patience with such a small dog, and consistency plus a set routine make all the difference. Despite their glamorous reputation, Yorkies came from working ratter stock, so they still enjoy games, chasing toys and having a job to do — channel that terrier drive into play and gentle training rather than letting it turn into nuisance barking.

Common Yorkshire Terrier health problems

Tracheal collapse

Yorkies are prone to a weakening of the windpipe that causes a distinctive honking cough. This is why you should always walk a Yorkie on a well-fitted harness rather than a collar — pressure on the throat can trigger episodes and worsen the condition over time.

Luxating patella

Slipping kneecaps are common in toy breeds and can cause a skipping or hopping gait. Keeping your Yorkie lean and discouraging big jumps off furniture protects those tiny knees.

Dental disease

With a small mouth crowded with teeth, Yorkies are especially prone to plaque, tartar and gum disease. Regular tooth brushing, dental care products and professional cleanings are genuinely important for a long, healthy life — not optional extras.

Liver shunt and low blood sugar

Portosystemic liver shunt (a blood-vessel abnormality bypassing the liver) is seen in the breed, and their tiny size makes puppies and small adults prone to hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar), especially if they miss meals. Frequent small meals help protect against sugar crashes.

Joint, eye and cold sensitivity

Legg-Calvé-Perthes (a hip problem) and inherited retinal issues also occur. And because they're so small with a fine coat, Yorkies feel the cold — a well-fitting sweater and cosy indoor spot help in winter.

Caring for a Yorkshire Terrier

Exercise

A couple of short walks and some indoor play meet a Yorkie's needs. Always use a harness to protect the delicate windpipe, and in cold or wet weather a sweater or coat keeps this little dog comfortable.

Diet

Feed a quality small-breed diet in measured portions, and for small or young Yorkies, offer frequent small meals to guard against low blood sugar. Ask your vet about the right routine for your dog. Because a Yorkie's whole daily ration is tiny, even a few extra treats can cause weight gain or upset a small stomach, so measure carefully and keep table scraps to a minimum. Watch too for fussy eating, which in such a small dog should never be ignored for long.

Grooming

This is the big commitment. The silky, low-shedding coat needs daily brushing to prevent mats, plus regular trims (many owners keep a shorter "puppy cut" for ease). Stay on top of teeth, ears and nails with a good grooming kit. For other small companions with big personalities, see our Pomeranian guide and Chihuahua guide.

Frequently asked questions

Are Yorkshire Terriers good pets?

For attentive owners who want a big personality in a small dog, yes — they're feisty, affectionate and great in apartments. Just plan for daily grooming, careful handling of a fragile toy dog, and early training to curb yappiness.

How long do Yorkshire Terriers live?

Usually 13–16 years. Good dental care, weight control and current vet visits help them live long, healthy lives.

Should a Yorkshire Terrier wear a harness instead of a collar?

Yes. Yorkies are prone to tracheal collapse, and collar pressure on the throat can trigger coughing and make it worse. Always attach the lead to a well-fitted harness rather than a neck collar.

This guide is educational and not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult your vet about your individual dog.