🐕 Dog breed

Yorkshire Terrier: breed facts, care and health

Small but full of terrier spirit: brave, curious and lively. The hair-like coat sheds little but needs regular care.

✍️ CanlıDostum Editorial Team📅 October 22, 2026⏱️ 3 min read

⚡ At a glance

  • Adult weight: 2–3.2 kg (4–7 lb)
  • Life expectancy: 13–16 years
  • Activity: Moderate · 30–45 min a day
  • Best suited to: Apartments, families with older children

Key facts

OriginEngland
Height18–23 cm (7–9 in)
Adult weight2–3.2 kg (4–7 lb)
Life expectancy13–16 years
Activity needsModerate · 30–45 min a day
CoatLong, hair-like, no undercoat; low shedding
Best suited toApartments, families with older children

Approximate ranges based on breed standards; individuals vary.

Temperament

Yorkies are devoted, playful and self-confident, with a strong watchdog instinct and a tendency to bark. Early training and socialisation help.

Daily exercise

30–45 minutes of walks and play a day; their intelligence makes puzzle games a hit.

🏃Log walks and play with the activity tracker and see weekly totals.
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Feeding

Dental health affects eating in toy breeds; think about kibble and tooth care together.

Example: a neutered adult Yorkshire Terrier at an ideal weight of 2.8 kg (6 lb) needs roughly 240 kcal a day (RER × 1.6). Work out your own pet's needs with the calorie calculator and check ideal weight with the ideal weight calculator.

Common health problems

  • Patellar luxation
  • Tracheal collapse
  • Gum disease and retained baby teeth
  • Portosystemic shunt
  • Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: hip problem causing limping in young dogs
🚨Not every Yorkshire Terrier will have these problems; the list shows conditions seen more often in the breed. If you notice symptoms, or are getting a puppy or kitten, ask about the parents' health screening and plan regular check-ups with your vet.

Care tips

  • Daily brushing of long coat, regular trims
  • Brush teeth several times a week; see a vet if baby teeth don't fall out
  • Use a harness
  • Frequent meals for puppies
🪪Microchip your pet and keep your contact details up to date — in many countries it is required by law.

Frequently asked questions

Do Yorkshire Terriers shed?

Very little; the coat grows like human hair, so regular brushing and trims are needed.

Is a Yorkie good for apartments?

Yes, its size suits apartments. Barking can be managed with early training.

Why does my Yorkie cough like a goose?

It can be a sign of tracheal collapse. See your vet and use a harness instead of a collar.

⚠️This page is for general information and is based on FCI and AKC breed standards and general veterinary sources such as WSAVA, the AVMA and the Merck Veterinary Manual. It does not replace an examination or advice from a veterinarian.

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