Origin and History
The Yorkshire Terrier originated in Yorkshire, England, during the 19th century. The breed was developed by mill workers who wanted a small, agile dog capable of catching rats in the textile factories and coal mines of the region. Scottish workers who migrated to Yorkshire during the Industrial Revolution brought several terrier breeds with them — the Waterside Terrier, Paisley Terrier, and Skye Terrier among them — and crossbreeding over several decades produced the dog we recognise today.
The breed was officially recognised by The Kennel Club in 1886. Although the Yorkie's working origins are firmly rooted in industry, the breed quickly found favour with Victorian ladies as a fashionable companion, a role it has held ever since. The Yorkshire Terrier Club of Great Britain remains the primary breed organisation in the UK.
Temperament
Do not let the size fool you. The Yorkshire Terrier has the spirit of a much larger dog — bold, curious, feisty, and utterly confident in itself. This is a true terrier temperament in a small package. Yorkies are affectionate and loyal with their families but can be vocal, and some individuals have a tendency to bark at strangers, unfamiliar sounds, or other dogs.
They are intelligent and quick to learn but can also be independent and stubborn in the way typical of terriers. Early training and consistent boundaries are important. Without them, Yorkies can develop demanding or snappy behaviour. They enjoy being the centre of attention and generally get on well with older children who understand how to handle a small dog carefully. Their size makes them vulnerable to accidental injury from very young children.
Size
The breed standard calls for a Yorkshire Terrier to weigh no more than 3.2 kg, though in practice many pet Yorkies fall slightly above this. Dogs bred within the standard weight range tend to be healthier and longer-lived than those bred for extreme smallness. The breed stands approximately 20 to 23 cm at the shoulder.
Health Considerations
Yorkshire Terriers are generally a long-lived breed, often reaching 13 to 16 years, but they carry a number of breed-specific health concerns that all owners should understand.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation — dislocation of the kneecap — is common in toy breeds including the Yorkshire Terrier. It ranges from mild cases causing an occasional skipping gait to severe cases requiring surgery. Breeding dogs should be assessed for this condition, and buyers should ask about the joint health of parent dogs.
Tracheal Collapse
The trachea (windpipe) in toy breeds can weaken over time, causing the rings of cartilage to flatten. Tracheal collapse causes a characteristic honking cough that worsens with excitement or exercise. Using a harness rather than a collar, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding exposure to smoke or strong irritants can reduce the risk of progression. In moderate to severe cases, medication or surgery may be needed.
Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt)
A portosystemic shunt is an abnormal blood vessel that bypasses the liver, allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream unfiltered. It is a genetic condition and typically presents in young dogs — symptoms include poor growth, disorientation, seizures, and digestive problems. Yorkshire Terriers have one of the higher breed prevalences for this condition. Diagnosis is made through blood tests and imaging; surgical correction is possible in many cases but varies in complexity and outcome.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease
This condition involves degeneration of the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) due to reduced blood supply. It causes pain and lameness, typically in young dogs under one year of age. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the affected bone, followed by physiotherapy, and most dogs recover well.
Hypoglycaemia
Very small Yorkshire Terriers, particularly puppies, are prone to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). Signs include weakness, trembling, disorientation, and in severe cases, seizures. Puppies should be fed small, frequent meals and monitored closely. Any suspected hypoglycaemic episode requires prompt veterinary attention.
Dental Problems
Dental health is one of the most important ongoing concerns in Yorkshire Terriers. Their small jaws frequently do not have enough space for a full adult set of teeth, leading to overcrowding, retained baby teeth, and rapid tartar build-up. Without regular dental care — daily tooth brushing where possible and professional dental cleaning as needed — periodontal disease can develop early and progress quickly. Poor dental health is linked to systemic illness affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Grooming
The Yorkshire Terrier's coat is its most distinctive feature — long, silky, and fine in texture, growing continuously rather than shedding in the way a double-coated breed does. Owners who keep the coat long must be prepared to brush it daily to prevent matting and tangles, and to keep the topknot tied or clipped away from the eyes.
Many pet owners opt for a shorter "puppy cut," which reduces daily grooming demands but still requires a professional trim every six to eight weeks. Regular baths with a gentle shampoo formulated for fine coats will keep the hair in good condition. Ear hair should be kept trimmed to allow air circulation and reduce the risk of ear infections.
Exercise
Yorkshire Terriers are active little dogs but their exercise requirements are easily met. Around 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise — split across two walks — is sufficient for most adults. They also enjoy indoor play and are well-suited to flat or apartment living provided they receive adequate mental stimulation and daily outings.
A Note on Teacup Yorkies
The term "teacup Yorkie" refers to individuals bred to be exceptionally tiny — typically below 1.8 kg. This is not a recognised size or variety by The Kennel Club or the Yorkshire Terrier Club. Breeding for extreme smallness is associated with severe and compounded health problems, including fragile bones, hypoglycaemia, heart defects, and shortened lifespan. Buyers should be wary of any breeder marketing teacup or micro dogs as a premium product.
Is the Yorkshire Terrier Right for You?
The Yorkshire Terrier is a suitable choice for first-time owners who take the time to understand terrier temperament and commit to the breed's grooming and dental care requirements. They adapt well to various living situations and can be excellent companions for older adults as well as active families. Choosing a puppy from a reputable breeder who health-tests for patellar luxation and screens breeding lines for liver shunt is the foundation of a healthy start.