Breeds  /  Yorkie
Breed guide

Yorkie

Yorkshire Terriers are small, confident and full of personality — big-dog character in a very little frame. They bond hard to their people, travel well, and shed almost nothing. They also need daily coat care and firm, kind training, because a Yorkie who is never told 'no' will run the house.

At a glance

Breed overview

A toy-group terrier: bold, bright and devoted, with a fine silky coat that behaves more like hair than fur.

Breed groupToy group
Size4–7 pounds
Height7–8 inches
Lifespan11–15 years
TemperamentBold, affectionate, spirited
Energy levelModerate
Good with kidsYes, with older children
Good with other petsYes, with early socialization
Honest fit check

Is a Yorkie right for you?

A great fit if you want…
A tiny companion that goes everywhere with you
A coat that sheds very little
A confident little dog with real personality
A quieter home, or one with older children
Personality

Temperament

The temperament is the biggest reason this breed is so loved.

Bold for their size

Yorkies were bred as working terriers and it still shows. They are brave, curious and rarely intimidated by anything.

Devoted

They attach closely to one or two people and want to be with them constantly — often literally in your lap or your bag.

Alert

A natural little watchdog. Teach a quiet cue early or the announcing becomes constant.

Genuinely fragile

At four to seven pounds, a jump off the sofa or a misstep by a toddler can injure them. Supervision matters.

Appearance

Distinctive by design

Fine, silky, straight coat that grows like hair
Small, neat head with erect ears
Compact, well-proportioned body
Steel-blue and tan coat in the adult dog
Recognized coat colors
Blue and tan
The classic adult coat
Black and tan
Usual puppy colouring
Black and gold
Richer gold markings
Blue and gold
Steel blue with gold
Grooming & care

Keeping a Yorkie healthy

Daily brushing
The silky coat tangles easily. A few minutes every day keeps it comfortable and prevents mats forming close to the skin.
Long coat or puppy cut
A long show coat is beautiful and a lot of work. Most families keep a short puppy cut with a groom every six to eight weeks.
Teeth
Small mouths crowd easily, so dental care matters more in this breed than most. Brush regularly from puppyhood.
Exercise
Short walks and indoor play are plenty. They are lively but tire quickly, and they feel the cold.
Training

Trainability

Treat them like a dog
The commonest mistake with Yorkies is carrying them past every rule. Ask for the same manners you would of a large dog.
Positive reinforcement
Tiny treats and praise. They are quick learners when the sessions are short and cheerful.
House training takes time
A very small bladder means frequent trips outside and a steady routine. Patience here pays off for years.
Health considerations

Why responsible breeding matters

Every breed carries its own strengths and its own things to watch, and no honest breeder will tell you otherwise. A family deserves the whole picture before they choose a puppy — not a sales pitch.

We would rather you ask us hard questions than wonder later. Here are the ones worth asking any breeder, including us. You can see each puppy’s parents, and their health testing, on the puppy’s own page.

What health testing do you do on the parents?
Every breeder should be able to answer this plainly and without hesitating. Ask what’s been done, and ask what hasn’t — some evaluations can only be done once a dog is fully grown, and a straight answer about that tells you more than a perfect one.
Can I see the results?
Testing means little if nobody can look at it. A breeder who publishes results, or hands them over when asked, is a breeder who expects you to check.
Can I meet the parents?
The parents show you the temperament and condition your puppy is growing into. Meeting them in the home where the litter is raised tells you things no document can.
What happens if something goes wrong?
Ask what’s guaranteed, for how long, and who picks up the phone in a year. The answer to this question is where good breeders and quick sales part ways.
Modern lifestyles

A breed that fits the way we live now

Apartment living

Ideal for small spaces — they need very little room and are happy with short walks.

Travelling companions

Small enough to come along, and they generally love being wherever you are.

Quieter households

Their size makes them a better fit for homes with older children or calm adults than for a house full of toddlers.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions about Yorkies

Almost not at all. Their coat is closer to human hair than to fur, which is why families sensitive to dog hair often choose the breed. It does mean daily brushing.

Think a Yorkie is your match?

See who's available now, or join the waitlist for an upcoming litter.

0