A little, lively, self-assured breed who’s bundles of fun
Originally bred to catch rats in mills, Yorkshire Terriers have a hunting instinct and are bold, fearless characters. They make great companions for those living alone and good pets for families with older children, as long as kids are taught how to interact with them correctly. They are energetic and enjoy time spent off the lead and playing games.
Vital Stats
| Size: | Small |
|---|---|
| Coat: | Long-haired, low shedding, requires daily grooming |
| Exercise: | 30 minutes a day |
| Life span: | 12+ years. Yorkshire Terriers are one of the longer-living breeds and can live into their late teens. |
| Breed group: | Terrier |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, independent, confident |
Size 20cm
-
23cm Coat long
coat Exercise up to
30mins Life span 12+years
Yorkshire Terrier Temperament & Personality
Over the years, this breed was gradually miniaturised, first for their work as ratters and later to create a fashionable pet, however they still love to be part of the action.
- They’re more assertive and playful than their ‘companion’ status would suggest, but they still love to be around people.
- True to their terrier nature, Yorkies are fun, feisty, and love to chase!
- Better suited to families with older children, as young ones may accidentally to upset these small dogs.
- They are happy to live with other dogs and cats if introduced correctly from a young age, but should be watched around small pets as they are hardwired to chase.
Yorkshire Terrier Temperament & Personality
Over the years, this breed was gradually miniaturised, first for their work as ratters and later to create a fashionable pet, however they still love to be part of the action.
Yorkshire Terrier Training & Exercise
Originally bred as working dogs, Yorkshire Terriers would much rather be busy than sat on a lap for long periods.
Training tips
- Yorkies are naturally eager to please and will therefore learn quickly, although, like other toy breeds, they can be slow to housetrain.
- Good socialisation from early on will help to ensure they are used to unexpected events, such as busy environments and attention from young children.
Keeping them happy
- While they do have a dominant side to their personalities, good training will bring out their more sociable, affectionate traits.
- They thrive with physical and mental stimulation, enjoying indoor and outdoor games alongside their daily walks.
Exercise
- It’s recommended for adult Yorkshire Terriers to exercise for 30 minutes a day. Adequate exercise will help to burn off energy in the right way, leaving them less prone to territorial behaviour and excessive barking, which are common dog behaviour problems in Yorkies.
Yorkshire Terrier Training & Exercise
Originally bred as working dogs, Yorkshire Terriers would much rather be busy than sat on a lap for long periods.
Find out more about the conditions that we see most in Yorkshire Terriers throughout their lifetime.
Yorkshire Terrier Grooming
Yorkshire Terriers have a long, silky coat that continues to grow, much like human hair. This means that while Yorkies don’t shed as much as other breeds, they do require a high level of grooming. Take a look at our advice page for tips on grooming your dog.
- Daily brushing can help to prevent matting of their long fur
- They will benefit from regular haircuts from a professional groomer who will be able to help you choose from a number of cuts and styles.
- Typically, long-haired Yorkies will sport a top knot to keep fur out of their eyes, while owners who prefer shorter hair go for a trimmed-all-over ‘puppy cut’.
Yorkshire Terrier Grooming
Yorkshire Terriers have a long, silky coat that continues to grow, much like human hair. This means that while Yorkies don’t shed as much as other breeds, they do require a high level of grooming.
Yorkshire Terrier Nutrition
With the correct care and nutrition, Yorkies have a long life span. To keep your Yorkshire Terrier in good condition, vets recommend that you feed them a breed-appropriate, high-quality pet food two to three times a day.
- Stick to the portion sizes on the back of their pet food packaging, keeping their age and exercise levels in mind
- Including a dry food can also help fend off gum disease
Yorkshire Terrier Nutrition
With the correct care and nutrition, Yorkies have a long life span.
FAQs
Are Yorkshire Terriers hypoallergenic?
How to groom a Yorkshire Terrier
Are Yorkshire Terriers good with kids?
Are Yorkshire Terriers easy to train?
Where to buy a Yorkshire Terrier
FAQs
Are Yorkshire Terriers hypoallergenic?
How to groom a Yorkshire Terrier
Are Yorkshire Terriers good with kids?
Are Yorkshire Terriers easy to train?
Where to buy a Yorkshire Terrier
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Yorkshire Terrier insurance considerations
Choosing the right insurance for your Yorkshire Terrier can help keep them happy and healthy whatever happens. Some conditions that we see they are prone to are not always covered by other providers’ policies. For example, they may not cover your pet for dental illness or injury, or for congenital and hereditary conditions. With Petplan’s Covered for Life® dog insurance we have no additional limits for specific conditions or diagnostic tools, and we know how important teeth are to a dog’s health so we include cover for dental illness and injury as standard.
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Physical & online
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Diagnostic
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Prescription
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Surgery &
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Physiotherapy &
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Hereditary
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Behavioural
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Congenital
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Dental illness
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