Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier

Small breed · England

Yorkshire Terriers — Yorkies — are tiny but tenacious terriers with a big personality. Originally bred to catch rats in Yorkshire mills, they now rank among the most popular toy breeds worldwide.

Breed Statistics

13–16 yrs
Lifespan
2–3.2 kg
Weight
30 min/day
Exercise
Daily grooming
Grooming

Temperament

  • Bold
  • Lively
  • Curious
  • Independent
  • Affectionate

Daily Calorie Range

150–280 kcal/day

For an average adult Yorkshire Terrier. Adjust for weight, age, and activity level.

5 Facts About the Yorkshire Terrier

  1. 1

    Yorkies were originally bred by workers in Yorkshire mines to catch rats.

  2. 2

    Smoky, a WWII Yorkie, was one of the first therapy dogs in history.

  3. 3

    Despite their small size, Yorkies have a true terrier's boldness and energy.

  4. 4

    Their coat is more similar to human hair than typical dog fur — low shedding.

  5. 5

    Yorkies are one of the top 10 most popular breeds in the US.

Yorkshire Terrier Age Calculator

Affects aging rate — giants age fastest.

More Yorkshire Terrier Guides