Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
While the Yorkshire Terrier is often long-lived, it struggles with typical toy breed issues such as patellar luxation and tracheal collapse. Since there are no mandatory genetic tests for these conditions or for the dangerous portosystemic shunt, breeding selection is often insufficiently controlled. Buyers should be aware that joints and airways remain vulnerable without strict selection of the parent animals.
Lifespan
13–16 yrs
Height
15–18 cm
Weight
2–3 kg
Practical
Typical coat colors
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Yorkshire Terrier, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →The Yorkshire Terrier is a brave, highly intelligent little Erdhund (earth dog) — originally bred to fearlessly hunt rats in the narrow confines of English textile mills. Beneath that silky coat beats the dauntless heart of a true terrier who firmly believes they are a large guard dog.
The real vibes check
A Yorkshire Terrier doesn't know they are small — they see a full-grown lion in the mirror. If you treat them like a fragile accessory in a handbag, they will quickly become a frustrated yapper. However, if you take them seriously as a genuine, eager-to-work terrier, you will gain a fearless and highly intelligent companion who will stick with you through thick and thin.
The Yorkshire Terrier, affectionately often called “Yorkie”, is a small breed of dog with an elegant and striking appearance. He belongs to FCI group 3, the terriers, and is a toy terrier. Its long, silky fur that reaches to the ground and its proud posture give it a noble appearance. The lack of undercoat makes its fur particularly fine and silky. His large, dark eyes, which are a warm brown tone and have a clingy charisma, are also striking. The ears are small, V-shaped and stand erect.
The Yorkshire Terrier's roots lie in England, specifically the county of Yorkshire after which it is named. In the 19th century, the Yorkie was developed by Scottish workers who moved to the industrial areas of Yorkshire. Yorkshire Terriers were originally used as rat catchers to keep textile factories and mines free of pests. Over time, their elegant appearance was recognized and they became increasingly popular as lap dogs of polite society. The Yorkshire Terrier was recognized as a separate breed in the 1870s and has since won many hearts around the world.
The Yorkshire Terrier was originally bred to combat rats in textile factories and mines, but later developed into a popular companion dog.
England
1800
The Yorkshire Terrier may be small, but his personality is anything but! He is lively, energetic and often has the confidence of a much larger dog. One of the most beautiful characteristics of the Yorkie is his affection. He loves being close to his people and often develops a particularly close bond with one person. The Yorkie has a natural curiosity and reacts quickly to anything that moves. He is intelligent and learns quickly, but sometimes he can be a bit stubborn. Although very affectionate, the Yorkie can learn to stay alone for short periods of time if properly prepared. However, he can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long. As a terrier, the Yorkie tends to exhibit hunting behavior, especially when it sees small animals such as birds or squirrels. He is also territorial and alert and will bark if he hears or sees anything unusual, making him a good watchdog, although his size means he is not intimidating.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Powerful instinct that can override recall when triggered. | Strong |
Fun Fact!
Despite its cute appearance, one should not forget that the Yorkshire Terrier is a real terrier, fearless and headstrong.
Yorkshire Terriers are active dogs that need something to do. It is important to make sure that you choose the largest possible representative of this breed and one with the longest possible nose, as both the small size and the short nose are considered breeding traits that can cause a lot of suffering for the dogs.
Yorkshire Terriers are very adaptable and make good city dogs. Their small size makes them ideal for apartment living. However, they are also very affectionate and should not be left alone for too long. They generally get along well with older children, but due to their small size, caution should be exercised around very young children. When it comes to other pets, Yorkies can sometimes be territorial, but they can also get along well with cats and other dogs if properly socialized.
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Fine with calm, respectful children — not small tornadoes.
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Small space, noise, lots of people — no problem at all.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
The Yorkshire Terrier is an intelligent dog with a lot of energy. He is curious by nature and loves learning new things. However, his strong character can sometimes pose a challenge in parenting. It is important to start training from the beginning and be consistent but loving. Sports like agility can be a great way to develop your urge to move and your intelligence. The passionate hunter can also be kept busy with search and retrieval games. However, it is important to make sure that you do not “over-busy” the dog and that you also allow him periods of rest. Frustration tolerance and impulse control are important, and it may be useful to incorporate this into training, especially if the dog tends to draw attention to itself through unwanted behavior such as constant barking. By setting clear rules and deliberately ignoring undesirable behavior, you can counteract the small dog's high energy and ensure more peace in everyday life. If you treat it like a "real" If the dog is treated and trained and exercised accordingly, it proves to be an active and pleasant companion.
In terms of nutrition, Yorkshire Terriers benefit from a balanced, high-quality diet. They can be prone to low blood sugar, so it is important that they receive regular meals. Small breeds like the Yorkie often benefit from food specifically formulated for small dogs. The Yorkshire Terrier's coat is long, silky hair without an undercoat. This makes them relatively well suited to the climate in Germany, although in cold weather you should make sure to put a small coat on them. Long hair requires regular care to prevent tangles.
| Care Level Daily care is non-negotiable — neglect affects health. | Very high-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Solid, watch carefully
While the Yorkshire Terrier is often long-lived, it struggles with typical toy breed issues such as patellar luxation and tracheal collapse. Since there are no mandatory genetic tests for these conditions or for the dangerous portosystemic shunt, breeding selection is often insufficiently controlled. Buyers should be aware that joints and airways remain vulnerable without strict selection of the parent animals.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
You should focus on maintaining a healthy body weight and regular dental care; in return, many of these dogs can remain active for a long time, though they often require more attention as they age.
Responsible breeders have the kneecaps checked and use DNA tests for metabolic issues to limit risks within the bloodline as much as possible.
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Mein junger Yorkie-Rüde ist ein echtes Energiebündel und absolut unerschrocken. Er läuft ohne Sinn und Verstand mitten in eine Gruppe von 30-Kilo-Hunden rein und will einfach nur spielen. Diese soziale, furchtlose Art ist wunderschön anzusehen, bringt mich im Alltag aber auch oft an meine Grenzen.
Die größte Herausforderung ist seine Sturheit und die Konzentration. Er hört gefühlt nur dann, wenn er gerade Lust dazu hat. Wenn er draußen einen anderen Hund sieht oder eine interessante Fährte riecht, blendet er mich komplett aus und ist kaum noch abrufbar. Wir sind täglich viel unterwegs und machen Spieleinheiten, aber seine unbändige Energie und der Drang, jedem Reiz hinterherzujagen, erfordern extrem viel Geduld und konsequentes Training.
Wer sich einen Yorkshire Terrier anschafft, muss sich im Klaren darüber sein, dass die Fellpflege ein tägliches Thema ist. Da sie keine Unterwolle haben, haaren sie zwar kaum, aber im langen, seidigen Fell verfängt sich beim Gassigehen gefühlt der halbe Wald. Wir haben ein festes tägliches Ritual entwickelt, bei dem Blätter und kleine Kletten direkt vor der Tür ausgebürstet werden, sonst verfilzt das Haar sofort.
Leider ist die Rasse auch gesundheitlich nicht ganz ohne. Bei vielen Yorkies im Bekanntenkreis ist Patella-Luxation (Probleme mit der Kniescheibe) ein Thema, weshalb man beim Welpenkauf unbedingt auf seriöse Züchter achten sollte. Auch die Zähne machen oft Ärger: Bei unserer Hündin mussten die Milchzähne damals vom Tierarzt gezogen werden, weil sie nicht von alleine ausfallen wollten, als die bleibenden Zähne schon nachkamen. Wenn man das aber im Blick behält, hat man einen wunderbaren, treuen Begleiter.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Yorkshire Terrier.
The Yorkshire Terrier is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Yorkshire Terrier is 13-16 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Yorkshire Terrier grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Yorkshire Terrier can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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