Dog · Small Breed
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small, lively toy breed known for its silky coat, bold personality, and strong attachment to its family. Originally developed in England to catch rats in textile mills, Yorkies are now popular companion dogs that combine portability with a confident, terrier-like spirit. Despite their tiny size, they are alert, intelligent, and often surprisingly brave.
The Calculator
How old is your Yorkshire Terrier in human years?
At 1 year old
Your Yorkshire Terrier is approximately 15 in human years.
Field Notes
About the Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier originated in 19th-century Yorkshire, England, where workers bred small terriers to control rats in mills and mines. Over time, the breed became smaller and more refined, eventually gaining popularity as a fashionable companion dog while keeping its terrier courage and alertness.
Yorkies are affectionate, bright, and deeply bonded to their people, but they can also be feisty and vocal. Many are confident well beyond their size, which makes early socialization and gentle, consistent training especially important.
Their long, fine coat needs regular brushing to prevent tangles, and many owners choose a shorter trim for easier upkeep. Because they are small and somewhat delicate, they should be handled carefully, fed an appropriate small-breed diet, and receive routine dental care since toy breeds are prone to dental disease.
Yorkshire Terriers do not need intense exercise, but they do benefit from daily walks and short play sessions that keep them mentally and physically engaged. Indoor games, training practice, and interactive toys can help meet their activity needs, especially in apartments or smaller homes.
Temperament
Exercise Needs
moderate
Health Watch
- Dental disease
- Luxating patella
- Tracheal collapse
- Portosystemic shunt (liver shunt)
- Hypoglycemia, especially in puppies
Grooming
Yorkshire Terriers need frequent brushing, regular bathing, and routine coat trimming or professional grooming to keep their fine hair healthy and free of mats.
Growth Curve
Yorkshire Terrier weight chart
Typical weight progression from young to adult. The tinted band marks the healthy adult range — 2–3 kg.
Nutrition, Staged
Yorkshire Terrier Feeding Guide
Stage-based portions tuned to breed energy requirements. Use as a starting point — your veterinarian tailors the final numbers.
Formative years
Young
Follow breed-specific puppy feeding guidelines
Peak years
Adult
Follow breed-specific adult feeding guidelines
Mature years
Senior
Follow breed-specific senior feeding guidelines
Questions, Answered
On the Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers can make excellent family companions when treated gently and included in daily life. They often do best with older children who understand how to handle a very small dog respectfully, since rough play can cause injury.
Many Yorkies are naturally alert and quick to bark at unfamiliar sounds, visitors, or movement around the home. Early training and enough mental stimulation can reduce excessive barking, but some level of watchdog behavior is common in the breed.
Most Yorkshire Terriers do well with one or two short daily walks plus indoor play and training sessions. They are small but energetic, so regular activity is still important for weight control, behavior, and mental enrichment.
Their coat is high maintenance if kept long because it tangles easily and needs frequent brushing. Many owners choose a puppy cut or other shorter trim, which makes home care much easier while still requiring regular grooming appointments.
Dental care is one of the biggest priorities, since small breeds commonly develop tartar buildup and gum disease early in life. Regular veterinary exams, weight monitoring, protection from jumping injuries, and attention to signs like coughing, limping, or low blood sugar in puppies are also important.
Adjacent Breeds
