Dog Breed · England
Yorkshire Terrier
A tiny terrier with a big personality and a silky coat that needs regular grooming.
By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated
In brief
The Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny British toy breed with a long, silky steel-blue and tan coat and a famously bold, lively personality. Its defining trait is a big-dog attitude in a pocket-sized body, making the Yorkie a spirited, devoted companion that adapts well to city and flat living.
Yorkshire Terrier: At a Glance
| Origin | England |
|---|---|
| Size | Toy (up to 3 kg) |
| Weight | 2-3.2 kg (4-7 lb); breed standard caps weight at around 3.2 kg (7 lb) |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years |
| Coat | A long, fine, glossy single coat with a silky, almost human-hair-like texture in steel-blue and tan, with no thick undercoat. Yorkies shed very little, which suits some allergy sufferers, but a full-length show coat needs daily brushing to prevent tangles. Many pet owners keep their dog in a shorter 'puppy clip' that needs only occasional trimming, plus regular bathing to keep the coat clean and shining. |
| Temperament | Bold, affectionate, lively |
| Good with | Well suited to many homes, including flats and first-time owners, thanks to their small size and adaptability, though their boldness and fragility mean they often do better with older, gentle children than boisterous toddlers. They form intense bonds and can dislike being left alone for long. They need modest daily walks and play, and benefit from early socialisation so their feisty terrier streak does not become bossy with other dogs. |
History & Origins
The Yorkshire Terrier emerged in the industrial north of England during the Victorian era, developed by working-class weavers and miners in Yorkshire and Lancashire who needed small, agile dogs to catch rats in mills, mines and textile workshops. The breed was created from various small terriers brought south by Scottish workers, refined into a glamorous, silky-coated dog by the 1860s. A famous early stud dog named Huddersfield Ben helped fix the breed type. The Yorkie quickly rose from a ratting working dog to a fashionable companion among Victorian ladies, and it remains one of the world's most popular toy breeds.
Yorkshire Terrier Fun Facts
- Yorkshire Terriers began as working ratters in Victorian mills and mines before becoming glamorous lap dogs.
- A Yorkie named Smoky served as a famous mascot in the Second World War and is credited as one of the first therapy dogs.
- Their flowing coat is a single layer of silky hair rather than fur, which is why they shed so little.
- Sylvia, a 1940s Yorkie, is recorded as one of the smallest dogs ever, standing just over six centimetres tall.
Yorkshire Terrier Common Health Issues
Conditions seen more often in this breed, and how owners and vets help manage them. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — always speak to your vet.
Patellar luxation
The kneecap slips out of place, causing intermittent skipping or lameness.
Care: Mild cases may need weight control only; severe cases can require surgery.
Dental disease
Plaque and tartar build-up leads to gum infection and tooth loss.
Care: Brush teeth regularly and schedule professional dental cleanings as your vet advises.
Tracheal collapse
Tracheal collapse can occur in this breed and may need veterinary monitoring.
Care: Discuss prevention and treatment with your vet.
Every dog deserves a chance
Whatever breed steals your heart, millions of dogs around the world have no home at all. A symbolic adoption or a gift to WARN funds humane care for street and community dogs — vaccination, neutering and emergency treatment.
