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Breed guide

Yorkshire Terrier

A tiny dog with a big terrier attitude. Yorkies are affectionate, low-shedding and made for small spaces.

A Yorkshire Terrier
Photo: Svenska Mässan from Sweden · CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
SizeSmall
Weightup to 7 lb
Lifespan11–15 years
Yearly cost$1,000–$2,200*
Better with adults or older kids Can be impatient, fragile or protective around young kids.

At a glance

Energy level
Shedding
Grooming needs
Apartment-friendly
Handles cold
Affectionate / cuddly
Good with kids
Good for first-time owners
Easy to train
Good with other dogs
Good with cats
OK being left alone
Reliable off-leash
Protective / watchdog
Barking
Drooling

Great for

  • Apartments
  • People who want a low-shedding dog
  • Singles and seniors

Watch out for

  • Fragile around rough play and small kids
  • Can be yappy and hard to house-train
  • Dental problems are common; brush teeth often

Daily care

Exercise: 20–30 minutes a day of walks and play.

Grooming: Brush daily if the coat is long; many owners keep a short trim.

Cold weather: Gets cold very fast. Needs a coat and short trips outside on bitter days.

*Yearly cost covers food, routine vet care, preventatives, toys and supplies. It doesn't include the purchase or adoption fee, emergencies or grooming beyond basics.

Gear for a Yorkshire Terrier

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