Dog breed · Toy
Yorkshire Terrier
Feisty, affectionate, brave
- Size
- Toy
- Weight
- 2–3.5 kg (4–8 lb)
- Height
- 18–23 cm (7–9 in)
- Life span
- 13–16 years
- Origin
- England
By Maya HartThe coat
Long · Saddle / black and tan
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Yorkshire Terriers right for you?
You will love
- Copes well in a flat
- Sheds little
Be ready for
- Coat needs regular grooming
- Barks or howls a lot
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Yorkshire Terriers weigh 2–3.5 kg (4–8 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Yorkshire Terrier
Bred to catch rats in Yorkshire mills, the Yorkie is a terrier in a silky coat: busy, curious and vocal. The hair-like coat sheds very little but mats quickly, and most pet owners keep it trimmed short.
Health to know about
- Dental disease
- Luxating patella
- Liver shunt (portosystemic shunt)
- Tracheal collapse
- Pancreatitis after fatty food
Care in short
- Daily brushing, or a short "puppy cut" every 6–8 weeks
- Daily tooth brushing
- Low-fat treats
- Short walks and play are enough
Kit for a Yorkshire Terrier
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Best everyday brush
Self-cleaning slicker brush
4.6Fine bent wires lift loose undercoat; a button pushes the hair off.
- Quick to clean
- Suits most medium and long coats
Best for long coats
Pin brush and comb set
4.5Pins get through a thick coat; the comb finds the knots it missed.
- Gentle rounded pins
- Comb has two tooth widths
Best for walks
Padded no-pull harness
4.5Front clip discourages pulling without pressure on the throat.
- Four adjustment points
- Reflective trim
Similar breeds
Questions owners ask
How big does a Yorkshire Terrier get?
Adults usually weigh 2–3.5 kg (4–8 lb) and stand 18–23 cm (7–9 in) tall.
How long do Yorkshire Terriers live?
Typically 13–16 years.
Are Yorkshire Terriers good with children?
Usually fine with supervision (3 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Yorkshire Terriers shed?
Very little.
What health problems are Yorkshire Terriers prone to?
Dental disease; Luxating patella; Liver shunt (portosystemic shunt); Tracheal collapse; Pancreatitis after fatty food.
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts