FCI and The Royal Kennel Club-based standards set an upper limit of 3.2 kg (7 lb); UKC likewise says no more than 7 lb. Hill's gives 5-7 lb (about 2.3-3.2 kg) for both sexes.
alert and intelligent
bold, spirited terrier in a tiny body
affectionate and adaptable to flat or country life
The Yorkie wears a single layer of glossy, perfectly straight hair with a silky feel, closer to human hair than to wool. In show trim it falls evenly down both sides from a parting that runs from the nose to the tail, often reaching the floor. Underneath is a compact, neat little body that the dog carries upright and with an air of self-importance, topped by a head of long golden tan hair.452
Coloursdark steel blue body (from back of skull to tail root) with rich golden tan head, chest and legspuppies are born black and tan and gradually change colour as they mature458
Personality what they are like
A lively, curious little dog with far more confidence than its size suggests. Yorkies are loving with their people and happy to cuddle, yet they keep the keen, busy instincts of the working terriers they descend from and make keen watchdogs. They are quick learners and can pick up basic training easily, though they may choose to listen selectively when something more interesting is going on.476
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Energetic for a toy dog. Sources suggest roughly 20-30 minutes of exercise a day as a baseline (The Royal Kennel Club says up to 30 minutes; Purina says at least half an hour), and many Yorkies will happily keep going on longer walks. Indoor play and short training games also help burn off energy.876
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Grooming is a daily job for a long coat: brush and comb through to the skin and tie up the topknot so hair stays out of the eyes. Many pet owners keep the coat clipped shorter, which cuts brushing down to about weekly plus occasional professional trims. The coat sheds very little. Daily tooth brushing is recommended because the small mouth is crowded.8672
Home where they are happiest
Suits both flats and houses, in town or country, as long as the dog gets daily outings and a secure outdoor space for toilet breaks. Yorkies can be vocal, which is worth considering with close neighbours.87
Food basics what goes in the bowl
As a toy breed with a quick metabolism and a small stomach, a Yorkie does best on several small meals a day of a complete small-breed food with small kibble.7
Company who they like around
A people-focused companion that likes to be close to its family. Because of its delicate size it fits best with adults or older, gentle children. Early, positive meetings with other dogs build confidence, and it usually gets on best with cats it has grown up with.76
The story where it all began
The Yorkie took shape in the mid-1800s in the mill and mining districts of Yorkshire and Lancashire. Scottish weavers who moved south during the Industrial Revolution brought small terriers such as the Clydesdale and Paisley types, and these were mixed with local terriers (Waterside, Old English Black and Tan and others; the FCI standard also mentions Maltese and Skye Terrier ancestry). The dogs earned their keep catching rats in the mills and mines. Early shows lumped them in with 'broken-haired Scotch' terriers, but by around 1870 the name Yorkshire Terrier had stuck because the dogs had been refined so much in that county. The key stud dog was Huddersfield Ben, born in 1865 and owned by Mary Ann Foster; he was a winner in the show ring and in ratting contests, and most modern Yorkies trace back to him. Breeders gradually brought the size down to today's 3-7 lb range, and the Yorkie moved from working ratter to fashionable Victorian lapdog. It was first registered with the AKC in 1885 and recognised by The Kennel Club in 1886. After the Second World War, the story of the war dog Smoky gave the breed a fresh wave of popularity, and it has stayed one of the best-loved toy breeds ever since.2345
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Yorkie puppies are born black and tan; the adult steel blue and gold colouring can take up to about three years to fully develop.2
2
Huddersfield Ben, the 'father of the breed', weighed about 11 lb yet tended to sire puppies around half his size.3
3
Smoky, a 4 lb Yorkie found in a New Guinea foxhole in 1944, crawled through a 70 ft, 8 in wide pipe at Lingayen Gulf to pull a telegraph wire through, saving hours of dangerous digging.9
4
Smoky is credited as the first recorded therapy dog, visiting a military hospital in New Guinea from July 1944 and continuing the work for about 12 years.9
5
A Yorkie named Sylvia, who died in 1945, is on record as the smallest dog ever, weighing just 4 oz (about 110 g).2
6
In the show ring Yorkies are traditionally judged standing on a small decorative box rather than on the floor.8
7
Show Yorkies often have their long coats lightly oiled and wrapped in paper between shows to keep the hair in top condition.2
I woke up early, my tail wagging. I checked every corner of the house, then hopped onto my human's lap for cuddles. After breakfast, we went for a walk. I trotted proudly, sniffing everything. I barked at a big dog, just to show I'm boss. Back home, I played with my squeaky toy, tossing it in the air. I curled up with my human on the sofa, watching TV. I gave a little sigh of happiness. It was a busy, joyful day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard No. 86, Group 3 (Terriers), Section 4 (Toy Terriers); definitive acceptance 30 Oct 1954; current standard published 10 Nov 20111
The Royal Kennel Club
Toy Group; recognised 1886; Breed Watch Category 18
Popularity Ranked 13th of AKC-registered breeds in 2025 (11th in 2024)10
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Yorkshire Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery 2 days
Bathevery month
HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseAbout 60 minutes a dayevery day
Cold care winterA jumper or coat on cold walksevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Yorkshire Terrier tip
Yorkshire Terriers are prone to dental disease, so choose treats that support oral health, such as dental chews or a vet-recommended dental diet. Because they gain weight easily on small extras, keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories and measure portions carefully.
These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.
You need
100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
a little water (as needed)
How
Preheat your oven to 175°C.
Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.
How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Yorkshire Terrier, and at what times?
Feed your Yorkshire Terrier several small meals each day using a complete small-breed kibble. Adult dogs do well with at least two meals, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Regular meal times, such as morning and evening, help maintain their quick metabolism.711
What should a Yorkshire Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete small-breed food with small kibble is ideal for your Yorkie. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always check with your vet if you are unsure about a food.712
How often should I bathe a Yorkshire Terrier?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, while general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your Yorkie gets dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo.13Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Yorkshire Terrier need brushing?
For a long coat, daily brushing is needed to prevent tangles; many owners keep the coat clipped short for easier care. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing every two days. If clipped, weekly brushing plus occasional professional trims works well.867213Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Yorkshire Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim your Yorkie's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, roughly every three weeks. Cut a small amount at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.13Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Yorkshire Terrier need?
Your Yorkshire Terrier needs about 20 to 30 minutes of exercise daily as a baseline, but many enjoy longer walks. Furry Diary's plan suggests around 60 minutes a day, including indoor play and training games. Adjust to your dog's energy level.876Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Yorkshire Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush your Yorkie's teeth daily with a dog-safe toothpaste to prevent dental issues. Check ears every two weeks and gently wipe the outer ear; never push anything into the ear canal. Regular care keeps them healthy.867213Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Yorkshire Terrier live?
A Yorkshire Terrier typically lives between 12 and 16 years. With good care, many enjoy a long, happy life.8672
Is a Yorkshire Terrier good with children and other pets?
Yorkies are loving and confident but are best suited to homes with older, gentle children due to their small size. They can get along well with other dogs and cats if introduced early and positively. Always supervise interactions with young children.76
Can a Yorkshire Terrier be left alone?
Yorkshire Terriers are very people-focused and prefer to be with their family. They may become anxious or bark if left alone for long periods. The amount of time they can be left alone varies; consult a good breeder or vet for advice tailored to your dog.76
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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