The Yorkshire Terrier weighs less than a bag of sugar. It stands barely 20 centimetres tall. And it is absolutely, unshakeably convinced that it’s the most important creature in your home. It’s probably right.
Yorkies are the world’s most popular toy breed for a reason. Behind the silk ribbon topknot and the floor-length glamour coat is a terrier — a genuine, rat-catching, mill-working, no-nonsense terrier that just happens to come in a handbag-sized package. They’re bold, bossy, affectionate, fiercely loyal, and endlessly entertaining. They’ll bark at intruders, demand to sit on your lap during dinner, and look deeply offended if you try to leave the house without them.
But Yorkies aren’t just cute accessories. They have significant grooming needs, dental health challenges that start younger than you’d expect, and a temperament that requires more training and socialisation than their size might suggest. This guide covers all of it: the real costs of Yorkshire Terrier ownership in Australia, why “teacup” Yorkies are a red flag, the grooming commitment, and whether this breed is genuinely right for your lifestyle.
What You’ll Learn
- Breed traits & temperament
- Health concerns to know
- True cost in Australia
- Training & exercise needs
- Is this breed right for you?
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed Group | Toy (ANKC Group 1) |
| Origin | Yorkshire, England — mid-1800s |
| Size | Small/Toy: 20–23 cm (8–9 in) at the shoulder |
| Weight | Up to 3.2 kg (7 lbs); typically 1.8–3.2 kg |
| Coat | Long, silky, fine, single coat — resembles human hair |
| Colour | Steel blue and tan (puppies born black and tan; colour changes by 6–12 months) |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years |
| Temperament | Bold, confident, affectionate, energetic, bossy, loyal |
| Exercise Needs | 30–45 minutes daily (walks + play) |
| Shedding | Very low — hair grows continuously like human hair |
| Good With Kids | Best with older children (6+); too fragile for toddlers |
| Apartment Friendly | Excellent — one of the best apartment breeds |
| Hypoallergenic | Allergy-friendly (low-shedding) but not truly hypoallergenic |
History & Origins
The Yorkshire Terrier’s origin story is decidedly unglamorous. In the mid-1800s, Scottish weavers migrating south to the textile mills of Yorkshire brought small terriers with them — dogs bred to hunt rats in the mills and mines. These working terriers were crossed with local breeds, and over several decades, a small, silky-coated terrier emerged that was as effective at catching vermin as it was at catching attention.
The breed was initially called the Scotch Terrier (not to be confused with the Scottish Terrier), but by the 1870s, it was formally named the Yorkshire Terrier in recognition of where the breed was refined. As the dogs moved from factory floors to fashionable drawing rooms, selective breeding emphasised the long, silky coat and diminutive size that define the breed today.
The most famous Yorkie in history is Smoky, a 1.8 kg war hero found in a New Guinea jungle during World War II. She served in 12 combat missions, survived over 150 air raids, and was the first recorded therapy dog. Audrey Hepburn also helped cement the Yorkie’s celebrity status with her dog Mr. Famous, who appeared on magazine covers and in film scenes.
In Australia, the Yorkshire Terrier has a loyal following. The breed is registered with the ANKC in the Toy Group, and state breed clubs operate across the country. While less common than some toy breeds in Australia, dedicated breeders maintain strong bloodlines with an emphasis on health, temperament, and correct type.
Temperament & Personality
The Yorkshire Terrier temperament is what makes this breed so addictive — and so frequently underestimated. People see the bow, the tiny body, and the silky hair, and they expect a passive lapdog. What they get is a terrier.
Yorkies have no concept of their own size. They’ll challenge dogs ten times their weight, bark at strangers with genuine conviction, and strut through a dog park like they own it. This confidence is charming but needs managing — a Yorkie that isn’t taught boundaries can become aggressive, territorial, and difficult to live with.
Behind the bravado, Yorkies are deeply devoted to their people. They want to be with you constantly — on your lap, in your bed, following you to the bathroom. They’re one-person (or one-family) dogs that thrive on attention and become anxious or destructive when left alone for too long.
Yorkies bark. At visitors, at noises, at other dogs, at squirrels, and sometimes at nothing identifiable. They were bred as alert dogs and their bark is surprisingly loud for their size. Training can reduce excessive barking, but expecting silence from a Yorkie is unrealistic.
Yorkies are best suited to households with older children (six and above) who understand how to handle a tiny dog gently. They’re too small and fragile for toddlers — a fall from a child’s arms can cause serious injury. Some Yorkies also have a low tolerance for being grabbed, poked, or startled, and may snap in response.
Mixed results. Yorkies can coexist with cats and other dogs if socialised early, but they have a prey drive (they were rat catchers) and can be scrappy with other dogs, particularly dogs of the same sex. Their small size means they’re also at risk from larger dogs during rough play.
This is a real phenomenon in Yorkies. Owners who don’t enforce rules because the dog is small end up with a tiny tyrant — one that resource-guards, snaps at visitors, and refuses to walk on a lead. Treat your Yorkie like a dog, not a doll. Training, boundaries, and socialisation matter just as much as they do for a German Shepherd.
Health & Genetic Conditions
Yorkshire Terriers are generally long-lived, but their small size brings a specific set of health challenges. Dental disease is the breed’s biggest ongoing health cost, and liver shunts — while uncommon — are a serious genetic concern that buyers should understand.
Prevalence: Liver shunts are a defining health concern in this breed. Around 3% of Yorkshire Terriers in the USA have been found to be affected by portosystemic shunts — a significantly elevated rate compared to the general dog population, and the condition is confirmed to be hereditary in Yorkies specifically. The shunt is an abnormal blood vessel that allows blood from the digestive tract to bypass the liver entirely, meaning toxins that should be filtered out instead circulate to the brain and other organs.
Symptoms: Stunted growth and a persistently small, thin frame are often the first signs in puppies. Neurological signs include confusion, staring into space, head pressing against walls, circling, and seizures — particularly after eating. Other signs include vomiting, excessive thirst and urination, and urinary crystals or stones. Symptoms may come and go, which can delay diagnosis. Most cases are identified in dogs under two years of age.
Treatment Cost (AUD): Diagnostic workup — bile acid testing, ultrasound, and imaging — runs $800–$2,500. Surgical correction of the abnormal vessel is the treatment of choice and costs $4,000–$8,000, with a good prognosis when performed before severe liver damage occurs. Medical management alone (prescription liver diet, lactulose, antibiotics) costs $200–$600/month indefinitely and is less effective long-term.
Prevention: No DNA test is currently available for liver shunts in Yorkies. Ask breeders directly about liver disease or shunts in their lines — reputable breeders track health outcomes in puppies they have placed. Avoid breeders producing teacup or extremely small Yorkies, as breeding for minimal size increases the risk of this and other serious health conditions. Any puppy that is noticeably small, slow-growing, or showing odd neurological signs should be assessed by a vet before purchase.
Prevalence: Tracheal collapse is one of the most commonly reported conditions in Yorkshire Terriers based on owner surveys, and is listed as a primary breed concern by the Yorkshire Terrier Club. It involves a progressive weakening of the cartilage rings that support the windpipe, causing the trachea to flatten during breathing. It is considered a genetic condition and can affect dogs of any age, though signs most often become apparent in adults.
Symptoms: A harsh, dry, honking cough — often described as a goose honk — is the hallmark sign. Coughing is triggered by excitement, exercise, eating, drinking, or pressure on the throat from a collar. In more advanced cases, the dog may show exercise intolerance, laboured breathing, bluish gums, or coughing fits that end in gagging. Heat and humidity worsen symptoms.
Treatment Cost (AUD): Medical management with cough suppressants, anti-inflammatories, sedatives for episodes, and bronchodilators costs $80–$300/month in ongoing cases. Surgical placement of an intraluminal stent to hold the trachea open is available for severe cases and costs $4,000–$8,000, though not all dogs are candidates.
Prevention: Always use a harness rather than a collar — neck pressure from collars directly aggravates tracheal collapse and can accelerate progression. Keep your Yorkie at a healthy weight, as excess weight increases respiratory strain. Avoid exposing affected dogs to smoke, aerosol sprays, dust, or extreme temperatures. Early diagnosis and medical management before the condition advances significantly improves quality of life.
Prevalence: Patellar luxation is among the most prevalent orthopedic conditions in the breed. OFA patella evaluation is a recommended health screen for Yorkshire Terriers, and the condition is listed as one of the most common genetic musculoskeletal disorders in the breed alongside Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. The kneecap slips out of the femoral groove, causing intermittent to persistent lameness in one or both hind legs. Small body size and fine-boned leg structure make Yorkies structurally predisposed.
Symptoms: Intermittent skipping or hopping on a hind leg — the dog suddenly picks up the leg for several steps before it pops back into place. In more advanced cases, the dog walks with a crouching or bowlegged stance, avoids jumping, and shows obvious difficulty or stiffness in the hindquarters. Grade 3–4 luxations involve a permanently displaced kneecap and constant lameness.
Treatment Cost (AUD): Grades 1–2 are often managed conservatively with joint supplements and activity modification. Surgical correction for Grade 3–4 luxation costs $2,000–$4,500 per knee and carries an excellent prognosis when performed before arthritis sets in. Left untreated, persistent luxation accelerates joint degeneration.
Prevention: OFA patella evaluation is recommended for all breeding Yorkies — confirm both parents carry a current OFA normal rating. Keep your Yorkie lean, as extra weight significantly worsens patellar stress. Discourage repeated high-impact jumping from furniture onto hard floors, and address any skipping or hopping early rather than waiting for it to worsen.
Prevalence: PRA is a documented inherited concern in the breed. Embark data from tested Yorkshire Terriers shows 13.5% are carriers and 0.7% are at-risk for the prcd form of PRA — a higher carrier rate than many breeds. The condition causes progressive, painless degeneration of the retinal cells, leading to eventual blindness. Onset is typically in middle age, with night blindness preceding day blindness by months to years.
Symptoms: Early signs include reluctance to enter dark rooms, hesitation on stairs at night, and bumping into objects in low light. As the disease progresses, daytime vision deteriorates. The pupils may appear more dilated than normal, and the eyes can take on a reflective quality due to retinal changes visible during a vet eye exam. The condition affects both eyes.
Treatment Cost (AUD): There is no treatment to halt or reverse PRA. Veterinary ophthalmology consultations for diagnosis and monitoring cost $150–$350 per visit. Most dogs adapt remarkably well to progressive vision loss when their home environment remains consistent, familiar scents are maintained, and obstacles are minimised.
Prevention: A DNA test for prcd-PRA is available through Embark, UC Davis VGL, and Orivet. All breeding Yorkies should be tested — affected dogs (at-risk) should not be bred, and carriers should only be paired with DNA-tested clear partners to prevent producing affected offspring. Annual CAER eye certification is also recommended for breeding stock to screen for other inherited eye conditions including retinal dysplasia and cataracts.
Prevalence: Legg-Calvé-Perthes is a frequently reported condition in Yorkshire Terriers and other toy terrier breeds, consistently listed alongside patellar luxation as one of the most common inherited musculoskeletal problems in the breed. It is caused by a disruption of blood supply to the femoral head in young dogs, leading to bone death and collapse of the hip joint. Most cases are diagnosed between 4 and 12 months of age, and a genetic basis is strongly suspected.
Symptoms: Sudden or gradual onset of hind limb lameness, pain when the hip is touched or manipulated, progressive muscle wasting in the affected rear leg, and reluctance to bear full weight. One or both hips may be affected. Early signs can look similar to patellar luxation, making veterinary assessment and X-rays important for accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Cost (AUD): Surgery — femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHNO) — is the standard treatment and costs $2,000–$4,000 per hip. Most small-breed dogs recover very well following surgery with post-operative physiotherapy, often returning to full activity within a few months. Pain management during recovery adds $100–$300/month.
Prevention: No DNA test is currently available. Choose breeders who are transparent about musculoskeletal health history in their lines and who OFA patella-test their breeding stock — this signals a broader commitment to orthopaedic health. Keep puppies lean and avoid high-impact exercise during the growth phase. Report any hind limb lameness in a puppy or young adult Yorkie promptly — early surgical intervention gives the best outcomes before significant arthritis develops.
One study found that 98% of Yorkies examined showed early periodontal disease. Their small jaws create overcrowded teeth, and their lack of enamel strength means teeth deteriorate faster than in larger breeds. Budget for professional dental cleanings (under anaesthesia) at least annually, and brush their teeth daily at home. This is not optional — it’s the single most impactful thing you can do for your Yorkie’s health.
Portosystemic shunts (liver shunts) are a genetic condition where blood bypasses the liver, preventing proper detoxification. Yorkies are disproportionately affected compared to other breeds. Symptoms include poor growth, neurological signs after eating (disorientation, head pressing, seizures), and urinary tract problems. Reputable breeders screen for this. Ask about liver shunt history in the puppy’s lineage before purchasing.
Lifespan & Longevity: How Long Do Yorkshire Terriers Live?
The Yorkshire Terrier lifespan is 12 to 16 years, with many reaching their mid-teens. They’re one of the longest-lived dog breeds, and their small size contributes to this longevity. The keys to a long Yorkie life are dental care, weight management, and avoiding injuries from falls or rough handling.
Puppy stage (0–2 years): Feed a quality small-breed puppy food. Yorkie puppies under 4 months need 4–5 small meals daily to prevent hypoglycaemia. Begin dental care habits immediately — daily tooth brushing with puppy-safe toothpaste. Socialise extensively: other dogs, people, environments, sounds. Start lead training and basic obedience early. Protect from falls — a puppy this small can break bones from couch height.
Adult stage (2–10 years): Prime years. Maintain daily exercise (30–45 minutes), grooming routine, and dental care. Annual vet check-ups with dental assessment, patella evaluation, and cardiac auscultation. Monitor weight — even 200 grams of excess weight is significant on a 3 kg dog.
Senior stage (10+ years): Increase vet visits to twice yearly. Monitor for tracheal collapse symptoms (honking cough), vision changes, dental deterioration, and joint stiffness. Many senior Yorkies remain lively and engaged well into their teens. Adjust diet to senior formula and continue dental care.
Grooming & Care: The Commitment Behind the Glamour
Yorkshire Terrier grooming is either the breed’s greatest appeal or its biggest drawback, depending on your perspective. The Yorkie’s coat is hair, not fur — it grows continuously like human hair and doesn’t shed in the traditional sense. This means minimal shedding but maximum grooming commitment.
Grooming Schedule
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | Daily (long coat) or 2–3x/week (short cut) | Essential to prevent matting. Use a pin brush and fine-tooth comb. Spray with detangler. |
| Bathing | Weekly to fortnightly | Yorkies need more frequent baths than most breeds. Use a gentle, moisturising dog shampoo. |
| Professional grooming | Every 4–6 weeks | Haircuts, sanitary trims, nail trimming, ear cleaning. Essential unless you learn to groom at home. |
| Topknot / Bangs | Daily management | Keep hair out of eyes to prevent irritation. Use a soft band or clip — never rubber bands (they break hair). |
| Ear cleaning | Weekly | Small ears trap debris. Check for wax buildup and clean gently. |
| Nail trimming | Every 2–3 weeks | Tiny nails need regular attention. Overgrown nails affect gait. |
| Dental care | Daily tooth brushing; professional cleaning 1–2x/year | The single most important health maintenance task for this breed. |
| Tear stain cleaning | Daily | Wipe under eyes with a damp cloth or tear stain remover to prevent brown staining. |
Long coat vs short cut (puppy cut). The show-ring Yorkie has a floor-length, parted coat that requires daily brushing, regular conditioning, and careful management. Most pet owners opt for a “puppy cut” or “teddy bear cut” — a shorter, all-over trim that’s dramatically easier to maintain. Even with a short cut, Yorkies still need professional grooming every 4–6 weeks and regular home brushing.
Do Yorkshire Terriers shed? Technically yes, but minimally. Their hair grows continuously and falls out in small amounts (like human hair) rather than seasonal shedding. You won’t find clumps of hair on your furniture. This makes them popular with allergy sufferers, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
Exercise Needs
Yorkshire Terriers need 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise — a combination of walks and play. They’re more active than many people expect from a toy breed. A bored, under-exercised Yorkie will bark excessively, become destructive, or develop anxious behaviours.
Two short walks per day plus indoor play sessions suit most Yorkies perfectly. They also enjoy: fetch (with appropriately sized toys), trick training, puzzle feeders, agility (modified for small dogs), and simply following you around the house — which they’ll do regardless.
⚠️ Australian climate warning:
Yorkies lack an undercoat and feel the cold. In Australian winters, even in temperate climates, they need a jumper or coat for outdoor walks. In summer, their small size makes them vulnerable to overheating — exercise in the cool of the morning or evening, provide shade, and watch for signs of heat stress. Never leave a Yorkie in a hot car or on hot pavement — their proximity to the ground means they absorb radiant heat quickly.
Safety note.
Yorkies are small enough to be injured by everyday hazards: being stepped on, sitting on, dropped, attacked by larger dogs, or falling from furniture. Supervise outdoor time (raptors have been known to target very small dogs in some Australian areas). Use a harness rather than a collar for walking — collars put pressure on the trachea and can worsen tracheal collapse.
Training Guide
Yorkshire Terrier training requires patience, consistency, and a refusal to let their cuteness override your rules. These are intelligent dogs that learn quickly when motivated but have a terrier’s independent streak and a toy breed’s talent for manipulating their owners with adorable expressions.
Socialisation & Training Timeline
| Age | Training Focus | Honest Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| 8–16 weeks | Socialisation, house training, bite inhibition, handling exercises, crate introduction | Moderate — house training can be slow in toy breeds; be patient |
| 4–6 months | Basic obedience, leash manners, “quiet” command, continued socialisation | Moderate — independent streak fully emerges; short sessions work best |
| 6–12 months | Recall, settle cues, boundary training, desensitisation to handling (grooming prep) | Moderate — adolescent sassiness peaks |
| 1–2 years | Proofing commands, trick training, confidence building around larger dogs | Easy–Moderate — maturing; more cooperative |
| 2+ years | Maintenance, enrichment, therapy dog potential, trick repertoire | Enjoyable — settled adult Yorkies are fun training partners |
House training is the biggest challenge.
Toy breeds are notoriously difficult to house train. Their small bladders mean more frequent toilet breaks, and their size means accidents are easy to miss. Be consistent with a regular schedule, use positive reinforcement, and don’t punish accidents. Many Yorkie owners find puppy pads useful as a transitional tool, though outdoor training should remain the goal.
Treat them like a dog.
The single best training advice for Yorkie owners: enforce the same rules you’d enforce with a large dog. No jumping on people, no resource guarding, no snapping at visitors, no refusing to walk. A well-trained Yorkie is a pleasure; an untrained one is a tiny dictator with very sharp teeth.
Cost of Ownership in Australia
| Expense | Estimated AUD Cost |
|---|---|
| Registered Yorkshire Terrier puppy (ANKC breeder) | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Initial setup (crate, bed, bowls, leads, harness, grooming tools, toys) | $400–$800 |
| Annual food (premium toy-breed diet) | $400–$800 |
| Annual vet check-ups & vaccinations | $350–$600 |
| Pet insurance (comprehensive, toy breed) | $40–$80/month |
| Desexing | $250–$500 |
| Professional grooming (every 4–6 weeks) | $60–$100 per session ($700–$1,300/year) |
| Annual dental cleaning (under anaesthesia) | $500–$2,000 (depending on extractions needed) |
| Clothing (jumpers, coats — essential in winter) | $50–$200 |
| Training (puppy school + follow-up) | $250–$500 |
| Emergency vet fund (recommended reserve) | $2,000–$4,000 |
Total first-year cost estimate: $5,500–$10,000+
(including purchase price). Ongoing annual costs: $2,500–$5,000. The two biggest ongoing expenses are grooming and dental care. Owners who learn to groom at home can reduce costs significantly, but dental care is not negotiable.
Where to find Yorkshire Terrier puppies in Australia:
Contact the Yorkshire Terrier Club in your state through Dogs Australia. ANKC-registered breeders are listed on DogzOnline and state kennel club websites. Yorkies are available across all Australian states, with breeders in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, and TAS. Expect waiting lists for well-bred puppies from health-tested parents. Prices vary by state and breeder reputation.
⚠️ Teacup Yorkshire Terrier warning.
There is no official “teacup” or “miniature” Yorkshire Terrier breed. Dogs marketed as “teacup Yorkies” are simply undersized dogs — often bred from runts or through practices that compromise health. Teacup-sized Yorkies (under 1.5–2 kg) are at significantly higher risk for hypoglycaemia, fragile bones, organ problems, and shorter lifespans. No reputable breeder deliberately breeds for teacup size. If a breeder advertises “teacup Yorkshire Terriers for sale,” walk away.
Is a Yorkshire Terrier Right for You?
want a small, portable, affectionate companion; live in an apartment or small home; can commit to daily grooming (even with a short cut); are prepared for significant dental care costs; want a low-shedding breed; have older children who handle small dogs gently; and enjoy a dog with personality, sass, and strong opinions about everything.
have toddlers or very young children (too fragile); want a dog that doesn’t bark; are unwilling to invest in regular grooming and dental care; want an off-leash dog for outdoor adventures; prefer a laid-back, easy-going temperament; or are looking for a “teacup” or miniature dog (this is a health red flag, not a breed variant).
The most common Australian comparison. The Silky Terrier is an Australian breed developed partly from Yorkies, but is slightly larger (23–26 cm vs 20–23 cm), sturdier, and more terrier-like in temperament. Silkies have a coarser, less high-maintenance coat and are generally more robust. Yorkies are smaller, more refined, and have a silkier coat. If you love the Yorkie look but want something slightly hardier and more manageable, the Australian Silky is worth considering.
Both are tiny, long-coated toy breeds. The Maltese is generally calmer, less terrier-like, and has a pure white coat. Yorkies are bolder, more energetic, and have the distinctive blue-and-tan colouring. Grooming commitment is similar for both. If you want a gentler, quieter toy breed, the Maltese may suit better. If you want more personality and sass, the Yorkie wins.
The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the great characters of the dog world. For owners who appreciate a bold, devoted, endlessly entertaining companion and are willing to invest in grooming and dental care, there are few breeds that deliver as much personality per gram of body weight.
Three things to remember: (1) Brush their teeth daily — dental disease is the breed’s number one health issue and your biggest controllable cost. (2) Avoid anything labelled “teacup” — it’s a marketing term for unhealthy breeding practices. (3) Enforce rules from day one. A spoiled Yorkie is an adorable nightmare; a well-trained Yorkie is one of the best small dogs on the planet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Yorkshire Terrier cost in Australia?
A registered Yorkshire Terrier puppy from an ANKC breeder typically costs between $2,500 and $5,000 in Australia. The total first-year cost of ownership, including purchase, setup, grooming, vet care, and insurance, can range from $5,500 to over $10,000. Ongoing annual costs are around $2,500–$5,000, with grooming and dental care being the largest recurring expenses.
Do Yorkshire Terriers shed?
Yorkshire Terriers shed minimally. Their coat is hair, not fur — it grows continuously like human hair and falls out in small amounts rather than shedding seasonally. This makes them a popular choice for allergy sufferers, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Regular brushing is required to manage their hair growth and prevent matting.
How long do Yorkshire Terriers live?
Yorkshire Terriers are one of the longest-lived dog breeds, with a typical lifespan of 12 to 16 years. Many reach their mid-teens with proper care. Keys to longevity include diligent dental care, maintaining a healthy weight, preventing injuries from falls, and managing breed-specific health conditions like tracheal collapse and patellar luxation.
Are Yorkshire Terriers hypoallergenic?
Yorkshire Terriers are considered allergy-friendly due to their low-shedding, hair-like coat, but they are not truly hypoallergenic. They still produce dander and saliva, which can trigger allergies. Their coat requires frequent grooming to prevent matting and to manage the hair that does shed.
What is a teacup Yorkshire Terrier?
“Teacup” is a marketing term, not an official breed variant. It refers to Yorkshire Terriers bred to be extremely small (often under 1.5–2 kg). These dogs are at significantly higher risk for serious health problems including hypoglycaemia, fragile bones, liver shunts, and shorter lifespans. Reputable breeders do not deliberately breed for teacup size.
What is the difference between a Silky Terrier and a Yorkshire Terrier?
The Australian Silky Terrier is slightly larger (23–26 cm) and sturdier than the Yorkshire Terrier (20–23 cm). Silkies have a coarser, less high-maintenance coat and a more terrier-like temperament. Yorkies are more refined, have a silkier coat, and are generally bolder and more energetic. Both are toy breeds, but the Silky is often considered a hardier alternative.
Are Yorkshire Terriers good apartment dogs?
Yes, Yorkshire Terriers are excellent apartment dogs. Their small size, low exercise needs (30–45 minutes daily), and adaptability make them well-suited to apartment living. However, they can be vocal, so training to manage barking is important in shared living spaces.
Why do Yorkies have so many dental problems?
Yorkies have small jaws that lead to overcrowded teeth, and their teeth have weaker enamel compared to larger breeds. This combination makes them highly prone to periodontal disease. Studies show over 98% of Yorkies develop early dental issues. Daily tooth brushing and annual professional cleanings are essential to manage this.
Are Yorkies good with kids?
Yorkies are best with older children (6+) who understand how to handle a tiny dog gently. They are too fragile for toddlers — a fall or rough handling can cause serious injury. Some Yorkies have a low tolerance for being grabbed or startled and may snap. Supervision and teaching children proper interaction are crucial.
What colours do Yorkshire Terriers come in?
The breed standard colour for Yorkshire Terriers is steel blue and tan. Puppies are born black and tan, and their coat colour changes to the adult blue and tan by 6–12 months of age. Non-standard colours like parti-colour (white patches) or chocolate exist but are not accepted in the show ring and may indicate crossbreeding.
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2. WebMD Pets — What to Know About Yorkshire Terriers: https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/know-about-yorkshire-terriers
3. Lyka — Yorkshire Terrier Breed Guide (Australia): https://lyka.com.au/blog/yorkshire-terrier-breed-guide
4. Vets Love Pets — Yorkshire Terrier Breed Guide (Australia): https://vetslovepets.com.au/blogs/dog/yorkshire-terriers-breed-guide
5. Pooch & Mutt — Yorkshire Terrier Breed Guide: https://www.poochandmutt.co.uk/blogs/by-breed/yorkshire-terrier
6. YuMove — Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems: https://yumove.co.uk/pages/dog-breeds/yorkshire-terrier
7. Napo Pet Insurance — Yorkshire Terrier Guide: https://www.napo.pet/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-yorkshire-terriers
8. CareCredit — Yorkshire Terrier Breed Guide: https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/pet-care/yorkshire-terrier-dog-breed/
9. Yorkshire Terrier Club of America: https://www.ytca.org/
10. Canna-Pet — Yorkshire Terrier Guide: https://canna-pet.com/breed/yorkshire-terrier/