The Yorkshire Terrier, affectionately known as the Yorkie, may be tiny, but they’re bursting with confidence and charm. Originally bred in 19th-century Yorkshire to catch rats in textile mills, today they’re better known as stylish lapdogs and loving companions.
Feisty, elegant, and affectionate, the Yorkie is ideal for anyone looking for a small dog with a big personality.
What Are Yorkies Like?
- Feisty and fun – little dogs with a terrier spirit.
- Affectionate companions – love snuggles as much as play.
- Confident watchdogs – quick to bark at anything unusual.
- Elegant appearance – long, silky coats if kept in full show trim.
- Low-shedding but high-maintenance – regular clipping needed.
Yorkies and Families
Yorkies adore their families but often form a special bond with one person. They’re playful and loving with older children, happily running around the garden or joining in games.
With toddlers, however, they can be less patient — so they’re best suited to homes with older children or adults who understand their limits.
As lapdogs, they’re just as happy curling up on the sofa with their favourite human after a busy play session.
Exercise & Lifestyle
- Walks: A good daily walk is essential, especially if you live in a flat without a garden.
- Playtime: They’re lively and enjoy games, both indoors and out.
- Living space: Adaptable — perfect for flats or houses, as long as they get their exercise.
- Boredom: Without stimulation, they may exhibit excessive barking or chewing.
Personality & Training
Yorkies are clever but can be stubborn and independent. Training should be fun, positive, and reward-based — harsh methods won’t work.
Be prepared: they can be slow to house-train and tricky on the lead. Patience and consistency are key.
They also make excellent watchdogs, alerting you to every sound. Teaching a “quiet” command early on will help keep barking under control.
Need extra help with training? Meet Pickles, the first AI Dog Trainer— a friendly pup who gives step-by-step advice tailored to your puppy’s behaviour.
Living With a Yorkshire Terrier
- Other pets: Usually fine with dogs and cats if raised together, but they can be bossy.
- Terrier instincts: Likely to chase neighbourhood cats and small animals. Secure gardens are essential.
- Grooming: Minimal shedding, but their coat requires clipping every few months. A full show coat is high-maintenance, so many owners choose a shorter “puppy cut.”
Quick Facts: Yorkshire Terrier
- Origin: Yorkshire, England, mid-19th century
- Role: Originally ratting, now companion/lapdog
- Weight: 3–8 kg
- Height: 18–25 cm
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Best trait: Fun, affectionate lapdog
- Challenging trait: High-maintenance grooming needs
Pros & Cons of Owning a Yorkie
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affectionate, fun lapdogs | Coat requires regular clipping |
| Adaptable to small homes and flats | Can be stubborn to train |
| Low-shedding | Barky watchdog tendencies |
| Playful and loving with families | Less patient with toddlers |
Health Notes
Yorkshire Terriers are generally healthy but can be prone to:
- Dental issues – small mouths often mean crowded teeth.
- Luxating patella – loose kneecaps that may cause lameness.
- Collapsed trachea – a common small-dog problem causing coughing.
Regular vet checks and good dental care are essential.
Thinking of buying a Yorkie puppy? Download our free Best in Breeder Question Guide to make sure you ask the right questions and choose a healthy pup from the start.
History & Fun Facts
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Yorkies were originally working-class dogs, used to keep factories and homes free of rats.
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Early Yorkies were much larger, around 6 kg. Over time, selective breeding created today’s smaller companion dog.
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Despite their elegant looks, Yorkies are true terriers at heart — bold, brave, and always up for an adventure.
Want to celebrate your Yorkie’s cheeky character forever? Our Cartoon-style Pet Portraits capture their personality in a way a photo never could.
Cost of Owning a Yorkie in the UK
- Puppy price: £1,000–£2,000 depending on breeder.
- Insurance: £25–£40 per month.
- Food: £20–£30 per month.
- Grooming: £40–£60 every 6–8 weeks, unless clipped at home.
FAQ
Are Yorkies good family dogs?
Yes, with older children. They’re playful and affectionate but less suited to toddlers.
Do Yorkies need much exercise?
They’re small but lively. A daily walk and playtime will keep them fit and happy.
Are Yorkies easy to train?
They’re intelligent but stubborn. House-training and lead work can be a challenge.
Do Yorkies shed a lot?
Hardly at all. They’re low-shedding, but their coats require regular clipping or grooming.
Great Names for Yorkies
With their mix of elegance and cheeky terrier charm, Yorkies suit all kinds of names:
Elegant Names
- Duchess
- Pearl
- Louis
- Ruby
Fun & Cute Names
- Biscuit
- Tinker
- Poppy
- Noodle
Classic Terrier Names
- Alfie
- Charlie
- Millie
- Jack
Tiny-but-Mighty Names
- Pixie
- Button
- Dash
Need more inspiration? Try our Dog Name Generator for hundreds of personalised suggestions.
Is a Yorkshire Terrier Right for You?
If you want a tiny dog with a bold personality, a Yorkshire Terrier could be your perfect companion. They’re affectionate, adaptable, and make excellent watchdogs — but they do need regular grooming and patient training.
Bringing home a Yorkie puppy? Our Ultimate Puppy Planner helps you track training, routines, and milestones in a fun, keepsake style.
Still unsure? Take our Which Dog Is Right for Me Quiz to see if the Yorkie is your paw-fect match.
Pickles’ Top Tip: “Don’t be fooled by their size — Yorkies think they’re Great Danes in disguise! Keep them busy with play and cuddles, and they’ll reward you with endless sass and snuggles.”