ToyEngland

Yorkshire Terrier

A fearless terrier in a silk coat.

Weight: 4–7 lbs
Height: 7–8 in
Lifespan: 11–15 yrs

In short

The Yorkshire Terrier is a toy-group ratting terrier bred in England's Yorkshire mills, weighing 4–7 lbs and standing 7–8 in tall, with a feisty, affectionate and confident temperament. It needs 30–45 minutes of daily exercise, daily coat care and dental care, plus gentle handling because of its tiny size.

Is it right for you?

A great match if you…

want a tiny, bold companion for an apartment
will brush daily or book regular trims
will brush its teeth every day

Think twice if you…

have toddlers or rough-playing kids
want a quiet dog that rarely barks
expect quick, easy housetraining

The daily plan

Exercise: 30–45 min
Training: 3 × 5 min
Treat limit: 15–25 kcal

At a glance

TrainabilityWilling learner7.0/10

EnergyModerate5.5/10

Calm at homeSettles well6.5/10

SheddingLight shedder2.5/10

What sets it apart

01
Silky blue-and-tan coat
Fine, straight hair grows long and needs daily brushing to prevent tangles.
02
Small V-shaped ears
Erect ears give the breed a bright, alert expression.
03
Compact body
A tiny, balanced frame is fragile and needs careful handling and jump control.

Size & coat

Weight	4–7 lbs
Height	7–8 in
Lifespan	11–15 yrs
Coat	Long, silky, hair-like single coat

Side profile 7–8 in at the shoulder

Back in stock soon

Personality

A feisty, affectionate toy terrier with a lot of attitude.

How it thinks

Bright and confident, with a terrier's tenacity and a tendency toward barking and bossiness.

At home

Devoted to its person, wary of strangers, and best with gentle older children.

Training

How often

3 short sessions daily, 5 minutes each.
Socialize early (8–16 weeks)

Socialize between 8–16 weeks with people, noises and larger dogs.
Self-control

Teach a quiet cue and a settle; reward calm instead of alarm barking.
What it works for

Tiny liver pieces are plenty for a dog this small, so break them smaller and count them carefully.

Exercise

Exercise a day 30–45 min

CouchModerateAthlete

Good outlets

Short leashed walks
Indoor fetch
Backyard play.

Brain work

Trick training
Puzzle feeders
Scent games.

Feeding

Tiny dogs are prone to dental disease and hypoglycemia as puppies. Feed small, frequent meals and brush teeth daily.

Puppy (4–12 Mos)

Daily calories: 160–370 kcal
Protein: 28%
Fat: 18%
Treat limit, all treats: 15–35 kcal
Saylor's liver, suggested: 1–2 pieces a day

Adult Maintenance

Daily calories: 150–230 kcal
Protein: 26%
Fat: 15%
Treat limit, all treats: 15–25 kcal
Saylor's liver, suggested: about 1 piece a day

Active / Working

Daily calories: 240–370 kcal
Protein: 30%
Fat: 20%
Treat limit, all treats: 25–35 kcal
Saylor's liver, suggested: 1–2 pieces a day

Senior (8+ Yrs)

Daily calories: 130–200 kcal
Protein: 28%
Fat: 12%
Treat limit, all treats: 15–20 kcal
Saylor's liver, suggested: about 1 piece a day

Compare every life stage

Life stage	Daily calories	Protein	Fat	Treat limit (all treats)	Saylor's liver, suggested / day
Puppy (4–12 Mos)	160–370 kcal	28%	18%	15–35 kcal	1–2 pieces
Adult Maintenance	150–230 kcal	26%	15%	15–25 kcal	about 1 piece
Active / Working	240–370 kcal	30%	20%	25–35 kcal	1–2 pieces
Senior (8+ Yrs)	130–200 kcal	28%	12%	15–20 kcal	about 1 piece

The treat limit is the 10% rule for every treat combined. Saylor's liver is suggested at about 2% of daily calories, as a small topper: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should not become a staple. Check with your vet if your dog has a health condition or a special diet.

Health & grooming

Watch for	Ask the breeder or vet for	When
Dental disease	Dental exam and daily brushing	Yearly dental exam
Patellar luxation and tracheal collapse	Orthopedic and airway exam	Yearly
Portosystemic shunt and hypoglycemia	Bloodwork if signs appear	As advised
Inherited eye disease	Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist (ACVO)	Yearly while breeding

Official health tests for breeding dogs

The OFA's CHIC program asks Yorkshire Terrier breeders to test for these. Ask to see the results before you buy a puppy.

Eye exam (ophthalmologist)
Kneecap (patella) check

Also recommended

Legg-Calve-Perthes
Thyroid panel
Cornell DNA Bank
DNA sample banked with CHIC
Hip evaluation

See the full list on OFA.org

Grooming Minimal; sheds very little

Brush daily, bathe every 2–3 weeks, trim or clip as desired, clean ears weekly, brush teeth daily and trim nails every 3 weeks.

History

Origins

Yorkshire Mill Workers

Scottish weavers brought small terriers to Yorkshire mills to catch rats.
Standardization

Show Ring Refinement

Breeders in the 1800s developed the silky coat and tiny size.
Modern Companion

Lap Companion

Today it is a popular apartment companion and a show favorite.

Questions owners ask

Are Yorkshire Terriers easy to train?

Yes, with patience. Yorkies are smart but stubborn, and housetraining can be slow, so use short, rewarding sessions and a consistent routine.

How many calories does a Yorkshire Terrier need per day?

An active adult Yorkshire Terrier (4–7 lbs) typically needs about 180–300 kcal per day (1.6–1.8× resting energy requirement), while a neutered, low-activity adult needs about 150–230 kcal and a working dog up to 240–370 kcal. Adjust to body condition and your vet's advice.

What is the best diet and training treat for a Yorkshire Terrier?

Small, fast-eaten, high-value pieces. Keep every treat inside the 10% limit: about 15–25 kcal a day in total for an adult Yorkshire Terrier of typical size. If you use Saylor's freeze-dried liver, keep it to a small share of that, roughly about 1 piece a day: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should stay a topper, not a staple. Adjust for your own dog's size and body condition, and ask your vet if there is a health condition or special diet.

Are Yorkshire Terriers good for apartments or first-time owners?

Yes. Their size makes them ideal for apartments, and they suit first-time owners who will handle them gently and keep up with grooming.

How much exercise does a Yorkshire Terrier require daily?

Plan for 30–45 minutes daily of short walks and play. Avoid hard jumping and rough play.

What health issues are Yorkshire Terriers prone to?

Yorkies are prone to dental disease, patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, portosystemic shunt and hypoglycemia. Brush teeth daily and use a harness.

Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats

Back in stock soon

We're restocking. When it's back, a Yorkshire Terrier needs only about 1 piece a day, well inside the 15–25 kcal treat limit.

See the product

Where the Yorkshire Terrier ranks

Health tests follow the OFA's CHIC program. The treat limit is 10% of daily calories for all treats combined. Every dog is different, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about yours.