Yorkies 101

Toy group

The Yorkshire Terrier is probably the first of the modern celebrity “purse dog” breeds, a spunky dog able to hold their own in an urban setting. A tiny dog with a big attitude, Yorkies can be too bossy for their own good and need to be protected from their worst inclinations to avoid injuries. They are very affectionate to their families, but not particularly interested in strangers.

Nationwide Outline Icons Vibrant Blue Heart 24x24pxWhat we love about Yorkies

Original celebrity purse dog with a big dog attitude.

Because of their size-related fragility, Yorkies may not be the best dogs for families with young children or large dogs. They learn quickly and those living alongside them will reap the benefit of early manners training!

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
7 to 8 inches tall
Group Size Toy
Lifespan
11 to 15 years
020
Weight
6 to 8 lbs
0150

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Mature adult Yorkie

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Yorkie conditions

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Luxated patella

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Pancreatitis

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Dental disease

Senior Yorkie

10+ years

Risk level for common Yorkie conditions

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Collapsed trachea

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Kidney failure

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Valvular heart disease

Yorkie puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Yorkie conditions

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Gastritis

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Ear infection

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Dental disease

Young adult Yorkie

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Yorkie conditions

risk-level-bar

Luxated patella

risk-level-bar

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

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Dental disease

Mature adult Yorkie

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Yorkie conditions

risk-level-bar

Luxated patella

risk-level-bar

Pancreatitis

risk-level-bar

Dental disease

Senior Yorkie

10+ years

Risk level for common Yorkie conditions

risk-level-bar

Collapsed trachea

risk-level-bar

Kidney failure

risk-level-bar

Valvular heart disease

Yorkie puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Yorkie conditions

risk-level-bar

Gastritis

risk-level-bar

Ear infection

risk-level-bar

Dental disease

Young adult Yorkie

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Yorkie conditions

risk-level-bar

Luxated patella

risk-level-bar

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

risk-level-bar

Dental disease

Yorkie GettyImages-1318666271

Nationwide can help you save on your Yorkshire Terrier's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Get your Yorkshire Terrier’s health information in a free report

3-Fun fact Torkshire terrier GettyImages-1019428258

The United States has no fewer than six memorials to a Yorkie named Smoky, who saved American lives in World War II by dragging a communications cable through a 60-foot drainage line that was just 8 inches in diameter.

Yorkshire Terrier coat care and colors

The Yorkshire Terrier has a long, silky coat that tangles easily without daily combing and brushing. For that reason, most Yorkies are kept clipped short by a professional groomer. While that makes home coat care easier, it does make for cold dogs on winter days, so it’s best to have a sweater or two for warmth when needed. Additionally, acclimating puppies to having their feet handled will make a lifetime of nail trims easier.

Yorkie exercise & training

Loves walks

Exercise level

The Yorkshire Terrier is an active breed; fortunately, exercising them is easy because they are so small. Resist the urge to carry them everywhere, and let them move those little legs.

Class clown

Trainability

A big dog in a small body, the Yorkshire Terrier may consider commands as mere suggestions. Encourage good behavior with praise and small treats.

Group 7531

Yorkie fun facts

Top girl names for Yorkies

100%

of Yorkies are female

0%

of Yorkies are male

Top boy names for Yorkies

Nationwide loves Yorkshire Terriers of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like Yorkies

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