Meet the Magnificent Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are an iconic breed of dogs. They are specifically popular in the United States, recently winning the country’s 11th most popular dog breed in 2024. Though beloved by Americans, the breed actually originated in England. 

A surplus of rats in 19th-century England is how the Yorkshire Terrier mix came to be. They were bred to chase down rats infesting textile mills. The Yorkie’s natural hunting instincts, athleticism, and compact size made the job an easy feat. 

At some point in time, humans grew to value Yorkie puppies for their companionship and beauty rather than their hunting skills. The breed is more associated with celebrities and luxury today than it is with working dogs. Nonetheless, a Yorkie can be the perfect pup for pet parents of all kinds. 

Physical Characteristics

Height: 7-8 inches

Weight: 7 pounds

Shedding Level: Little to no shedding

Coat Type: Silky

Coat Length: Long

Colors: Black, gold, tan, blue

A healthy purebred adult Yorkshire Terrier weighs around 7 pounds. But Teacup Yorkies can be even smaller, at only 3 to 4 pounds. Yorkie Poos can be toy, small, or medium breeds, depending on the size of the Poodle parent. 

Yorkshire Terrier mix dogs are low-maintenance compared to other breeds. Their long, silky hair keeps growing and doesn’t shed. Curious how to groom a Yorkie? We recommend daily brushing plus a professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks. 

Personality

Raising a Yorkie is a loving, memorable experience. They are great dogs that develop deep attachments to their humans. Size is no object--these pups are alert and confident, so they’ll bark at anything that makes them feel intimidated. 

Yorkshire Terrier mix dogs thrive on quality time with their human family. They want to be wherever you are, warming your lap, and hopefully getting some belly scratches in return. 

If you have Yorkie puppies, socialize them as early as it’s safe to do so. Meeting and safely interacting with other dogs, people, and places is a great way to practice socialization. It shows your dog that they don’t have to be afraid in new environments. 

The only personality trait to worry about is their pride. Yorkie stubbornness can get in the way of their natural ability to learn new commands. Make training sessions short, sweet, and full of delicious treats. 

Caring for Yorkshire Terrier Dogs

Every breed comes with its own unique set of care needs. Some dogs require specific diets, exercise methods, or vet care to prevent breed-related health issues. Here are a few tips on helping your Yorkshire Terrier thrive. 

Brush regularly, groom every 1-2 months 

Looking for tips on how to groom a Yorkie? Treat it just like your own head of hair. Brush it daily, wash it regularly, and schedule a groomer’s visit every 4 to 6 weeks. 

Dental health is key! 

With toy breeds like Teacup Yorkies, they are more prone to dental issues building up on their tiny teeth. We know it’s gross, but try to brush your dog’s teeth daily for peak dental health. It will likely save you more money on tooth extractions down the line. 

Keep your Yorkies warm 

These small-breed dogs don’t have an insulated undercoat, so they can be sensitive to cold weather. If you live in extreme winter temperatures, grab a pair of paw boots and a waterproof jacket to warm your pup on walks. 

Watch for hip and joint pain 

Teacup Yorkies, Yorkie Poos, and other small-breed pups have delicate bones. A jump off tall furniture could easily in just your furry friend. If you notice your Yorkie puppy limping around, schedule a visit to the vet and consider joint support supplements. 

Play time = exercise

Every healthy dog needs daily exercise, whether it’s a nice walk, run, or simple playtime outside the house. Yorkies do require exercise, but not as much as other breeds. Short walks and a few rounds of fetch will usually do the trick. 

Yorkie Dog Food Requirements

Parents of Yorkshire Terriers will tell you that they can be very selective about their diet. Some Yorkies are natural picky eaters that quickly tire of eating the same thing over and over again. It’s frustrating–but we have a solution. 

Sundays for Dogs was designed for picky eaters. Founder and practicing vet, Dr. Tory Waxman, formulated Sundays’ dog food with only 100% human-grade ingredients. It’s real-food nutrition that’s made better, tastes better, and nourishes better. 

Yorkie puppies love Sundays because it contains only real meat, fruits, veggies, and whole grains. That’s it! They can taste the real ingredients, and it makes them more motivated to eat their meals. 

Most pet parents agree that Sundays reversed their pups’ picky eating habits for good. Make the switch and see the difference that air-dried dog food can make for your pup. Save 20% when you subscribe to Sundays for Dogs! 

Yorkshire Terrier Breed FAQs

How long do Yorkies live?

With love and care, a healthy Yorkie can live up to 16 years, if not longer. Regular vet visits, healthy dog food, and dental care are the best ways to boost your pup’s life expectancy. 

Do Yorkshire Terrier dogs shed? 

No, most Yorkie dogs shed minimally or not at all. They aren’t fully hypoallergenic, but they are a great option for someone allergic to dog dander who might still want to be a pet parent. 

How often should I groom my Yorkshire Terrier?

Brush their hair (and teeth) daily, if you can. We know it sounds like a hassle, but it will save you and your pup a lot of hassle. 

What’s the best Yorkie dog food? 

We recommend vet-formulated and picky eater-approved Sundays for Dogs. Their recipes are 100% human-grade, nutrient-dense, gentle on digestion, and highly nutritious.