Is a Yorkshire Terrier Right for You?
The Yorkshire Terrier may be small, but it carries itself with the confidence and determination of a much larger dog. Originally bred to hunt rats in textile mills, Yorkies still have a bold terrier personality — alert, curious, and often surprisingly protective of their family. They are affectionate companion dogs that thrive on attention and interaction with their owners. Intelligent and eager to learn, Yorkies respond well to training, though their independent streak means consistency and patience are important. For those looking for a lively, devoted companion in a compact size, the Yorkshire Terrier can be an entertaining and loyal partner.
Yorkshire Terrier — At a Glance
Temperament: Confident, affectionate, alert
Breed Type: Toy / terrier companion
Height: 7–8 inches
Weight: Up to 7 pounds
Lifespan: 13–16 years
Shedding: Very low (long silky coat requires grooming)
Exercise Needs: Low to moderate
Good for Families: Yes (gentle handling recommended)
Best for Owners: Companion-focused households
Origin: United Kingdom
Size: Toy
Where Did Yorkshire Terriers Come From? Discover Their Scottish & English Roots
Despite their strong association with England, Yorkshire Terriers actually originated in Scotland. In the mid-19th century, Scottish weavers brought several small terrier breeds—now extinct—with them when they moved to Yorkshire, England. These early dogs were likely crossed with the Skye Terrier and possibly the Maltese. Once in Yorkshire, the breed was further refined, eventually earning the name “Yorkshire Terrier” in honor of the English county where they became so popular.
Were Yorkshire Terriers Used as Rat Hunters? Meet the Fearless “Ratters”
Long before they became fashionable lap dogs, Yorkshire Terriers were hardworking “ratters.” Butchers and shopkeepers relied on them to catch and kill rats in warehouses, mills, and shops. Bred to be fearless and tenacious, these tiny dogs often took on opponents much larger than themselves—and won. Hunters also appreciated their courage, sometimes carrying Yorkies in their pockets while venturing into forests. Once on the scene, these pocket-sized hunters would bravely flush out and pursue small animals hiding in dens and burrows.
Huddersfield Ben: The Legendary Yorkie Who Defined the Breed
No single dog shaped the Yorkshire Terrier breed more than Huddersfield Ben. This legendary stud dog was the most sought-after sire in England during his lifetime. Ben excelled in both the show ring and the ratting pit, winning over 70 dog shows and countless ratter competitions. Breeders admired him because he possessed all the traits they wanted: a perfect coat, compact size, and fearless spirit. He went on to father many puppies, passing down those desirable characteristics. Tragically, at just six years old, Ben was run over by a carriage and killed. Despite his short life, he is widely considered the foundation sire of the modern Yorkshire Terrier breed.
Is the Biewer Terrier a Yorkie? The Surprising Genetic Twist
At first glance, the Biewer Terrier looks a lot like a Yorkshire Terrier. But is it actually a Yorkie? The answer is no—they are now recognized as a separate breed. The Biewer Terrier originated in Germany almost by accident. It all started with a recessive piebald gene—a gene not normally found in purebred Yorkies. When two purebred Yorkshire Terriers carrying this hidden gene were bred together, they produced puppies with distinctive white, black, and tan markings. Those puppies became the foundation of the Biewer Terrier breed. So while the Biewer traces back to Yorkie parents, it has earned its own identity as a distinct breed.
Yorkshire Terrier Size & Coat Colors: What the AKC Standard Says
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small but sturdy breed, standing up to 8 inches tall and weighing no more than 7 pounds. But not every Yorkie you see meets the official show standard. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the only accepted coat colors for purebred Yorkshire Terriers are blue and tan—and even those shades have very specific rules.
Here’s exactly what the AKC breed standard says:
Blue – A dark steel-blue, not a silver-blue, and not mingled with fawn, bronzy, or black hairs.
Tan – All tan hair is darker at the roots than in the middle, shading to still lighter tan at the tips. There should be no sooty or black hair intermingled with any of the tan.
So while you may see Yorkies with gold, black, or other color variations, only those matching the blue-and-tan description above can compete in AKC conformation events.
Are Yorkies Hypoallergenic? The Truth About Their Unique Coat
One of the most appealing traits of a Yorkshire Terrier is its coat. Unlike the fur of many other breeds, a Yorkie’s coat is soft, fine, and very similar in feel to human hair. This unique texture comes with a practical benefit: while there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, Yorkies generally produce less dander than other breeds because of their hair-like coat. For that reason, they are often a good choice for allergy sufferers—though it’s always wise to spend time with the breed first to see how you react.
Growing Up Yorkshire Terrier
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Are Yorkies Easily Excited? CBARQ Rankings on Excitability
The same CBARQ (Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire) study from the University of Pennsylvania that looked at separation anxiety also measured excitability in over 300 breeds. In that category, the Yorkshire Terrier ranks 38th out of 124 breeds.
What does that mean for Yorkie owners? It means that while they aren’t the most hyper breed out there, they do tend to become noticeably excited when something stimulating happens. Common triggers include:
The doorbell ringing
Getting ready for a walk or a car ride
Visitors arriving at the house
Once worked up, a Yorkie may take longer than average to settle back down after the event has passed. So if your little companion starts zooming around when guests arrive, this research suggests that behavior is completely typical for the breed.
Yorkshire Terrier Humor!
How Smart Are Yorkshire Terriers? Stanley Coren’s Intelligence Ranking
Just how intelligent is the Yorkshire Terrier? According to Professor Stanley Coren’s landmark book, The Intelligence of Dogs, the Yorkie ranks 27th out of more than 130 breeds in working and obedience intelligence.
To put that number into practical terms: a Yorkshire Terrier will typically learn a new command after just 15 to 25 repetitions. That places them in the above average category of canine intelligence.
For comparison:
Brightest dogs (Border Collies, Poodles, German Shepherds) need 5 or fewer repetitions.
Yorkies need 15–25 repetitions (above average).
Least intelligent breeds may require 80–100 repetitions to learn the same command.
So while your Yorkie may not solve complex puzzles as fast as a Border Collie, they are far from stubborn or slow. With patience and consistency, they learn new commands relatively quickly—which makes them both trainable and rewarding to work with.
Are Yorkshire Terriers Hard to Train? (Spoiler: They Just Have Attitude)
Let’s be honest—Yorkshire Terriers can be a little hard to train. But don’t for a second think it’s because they’re not smart. (Spoiler alert: they’re actually above average, as we just learned!)
The real issue? Attitude.
Yorkies have a confident, almost cocky personality packed into a tiny body. They know they’re cute, and sometimes they use it against you. Add a healthy dose of stubbornness to the mix, and you’ve got a dog who might look at you like, “That command? Yeah… I’ll do it when I feel like it.”
Smaller breeds in general can be trickier to train, but the Yorkie’s independent streak takes things to another level. That said, don’t give up! With consistency, patience, and maybe a few tasty treats, they will eventually “get it.” And once they do, you’ll have a loyal, clever companion who just happens to have a little swagger
The Smallest Dog in History Was a Yorkie (And Her Record Still Stands!)
Think your Yorkie is tiny? Meet Sylvia. In 1945, this dwarf Yorkshire Terrier stood just 2.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weighed a mere 4 ounces—roughly the size of a human fist or a small juice box.
Despite being decades ago, Sylvia still holds the Guinness World Record for the smallest dog ever recorded. That’s right—over 75 years later, no dog has come close to beating her record.
So the next time someone calls your Yorkie “small,” just smile and tell them about Sylvia. Suddenly, your pup will look positively giant!
Check Your Yorkshire Terrier Facts and Take a Fun Yorkie Quiz!
Do Yorkshire Terriers bark a lot?
Yes, Yorkshire Terriers are known to be a vocal breed. This behavior stems from their history as watchdogs and ratters—they were bred to alert and investigate. While you can’t eliminate barking entirely, you can manage it with training. A “thank you” protocol (calmly acknowledging the alert, then redirecting to a different behavior like sitting on a mat) often works well. Avoid yelling, as your Yorkie may think you’re joining in.
How much exercise does a Yorkie need daily?
Yorkshire Terriers need about 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be split into short walks and indoor play sessions. Despite their small size, they have terrier energy and benefit from mental stimulation like puzzle toys or nose work games. Adequate exercise actually helps reduce excessive barking and destructive behaviors.
Are Yorkshire Terriers good with children and other dogs?
Yorkshire Terriers can do well with older, gentle children who understand how to handle small dogs. However, their small size makes them vulnerable to accidental injury from rough play or falling. With other dogs, Yorkies often have a “big dog” attitude and may not back down from a challenge, so supervision is key. Early socialization helps them become more confident and less reactive around other animals.
Why is my Yorkie so hard to house train?
House training a Yorkshire Terrier can test your patience for a few reasons. First, their tiny bladders mean they need frequent bathroom breaks. Second, they can easily sneak off to have an accident in a corner without you noticing—and every unnoticed accident reinforces the habit. The solution: limit their unsupervised space with gates or a playpen, take them out after every meal and nap, and reward successful outdoor potty trips immediately. Indoor potty pads are also a valid option, especially for owners in apartments or cold climates.
How often should a Yorkshire Terrier be groomed?
A Yorkie with a long coat needs daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. Their coat is similar to human hair, so it requires consistent care. Most pet owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” to make maintenance easier. Yorkies also need a bath about once a week, and the hair on top of their head should be trimmed or tied up to avoid eye irritation. Check their ears weekly for debris or signs of infection.
Are Yorkshire Terriers good for first-time dog owners?
Yes and no. Yorkies can be wonderful for first-time owners who have done their research. They are small, adaptable to apartments, and deeply loyal. However, they come with challenges: house training is difficult, grooming is high-maintenance, and their small size means they are accident-prone. A first-time owner who is committed to consistent training, socialization, and grooming can do very well with a Yorkie.
Are Yorkshire Terriers at risk of being stolen?
Absolutely. While French Bulldogs top the national lists, Yorkshire Terriers are particularly targeted in urban areas, especially in cities like New York. Their tiny size makes them incredibly easy to snatch and conceal, and their high resale value makes them a favorite among thieves. For a full breakdown of the most frequently stolen breeds across different regions, see our post on “10 Dog Breeds at High Risk for Theft.”
Facts About Yorkshire Terriers-Final Thoughts
Yorkshire Terriers are equal parts elegance and attitude. With their long, silky coats and pint-sized frames, they’ve got the looks that turn heads. But here’s the thing—don’t let that tiny package fool you. Inside every Yorkie lives the heart of a much larger dog.
They strut like they own the sidewalk. They’ll bark at dogs three times their size. And somehow, they’ll still demand to sit on your lap five minutes later. That’s the magic of the breed: confident, playful, and unapologetically spunky.
Yorkies make wonderful family dogs and are especially well-suited for apartment living. They’re natural companions who thrive on being close to their humans. That said, life with a Yorkie comes with a few responsibilities. Their gorgeous coats need regular grooming to stay tangle-free. And because they’re one of the smallest breeds out there, pet parents need to handle them with care—no roughhousing, no high falls, and always a watchful eye.
But for those who get it right? You’ll have a loyal, loving, and endlessly entertaining little shadow who just happens to believe they’re ten feet tall.
In a world of big dogs, the Yorkshire Terrier proves that greatness comes in small packages.
