Despite their small size, Yorkshire Terriers are known for their vibrant spirit and loyal nature, making them a favourite toy breed worldwide.
Whether you’re lucky enough to share your life with a Yorkie or just thinking about adopting a pup, this is your go-to guide for parenting this endearing breed.
From choosing the right diet to keeping their minds sharp, our holistic approach covers all the ins and outs of caring for a Yorkshire Terrier.
Top breed takeaways
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Breed history
Yorkies may look like pampered lapdogs today, but their origins are far from glamorous.
Bred in 19th-century England, these tenacious terriers worked in textile mills, hunting down rats with precision and agility. Over time, their small stature, intelligence, and charm caught the attention of Victorian aristocrats, transforming them into one of the most sought-after companion dogs.
Today, Yorkies are one of the most beloved toy breeds worldwide, adored for their adaptability and entertaining ‘big dog’ personality.
Key characteristics
Yorkies are known for their confident and spirited nature. They’re highly affectionate with their families and thrive on attention. Their keen intelligence makes them quick learners with a stubborn streak.
Health considerations
Yorkshire Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to dental issues, patellar luxation, and eye conditions.
A gently cooked, high-protein diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can support their oral, joint, and eye health.
Appearance and size
Yorkies are a toy breed; compact and poised with delicate features and a distinctive silky, steel blue and tan coloured coat. Their ears are small and upright, giving them an alert expression.
Yorkshire Terrier personality and temperament
Yorkies might be pint-sized, but their personalities are anything but small. Confident, playful, and full of sass, they carry themselves like they’re the boss!
They form strong, devoted bonds with their families and love to be the centre of attention and affection. They can be good with children, if they’re supervised and socialised appropriately. Yorkies have a petite frame, so children should be shown how to handle them gently.
They can be protective over their pack, and like a true terrier, they’re not afraid to verbally challenge other dogs and strange humans, making them great watchdogs. Training Yorkies to balance these instincts with a more moderate approach takes consistency and patience.
They’re a smart and playful pup that loves interactive games and exercise. If they’re not given adequate stimulation, they can get up to mischief, like chewing your favourite shoes.
Whether yapping to alert you to someone at the door, or needing an urgent cuddle, Yorkies are happy to tell you about it. You can engage in barking training to teach them other ways to communicate.
Real insights from a Yorkshire Terrier parent
For a real-world glimpse into life with this breed and the traits that make them so special, hear from Analise about her experience parenting Molly — a Yorkie and Lyka pup.
“Molly is a quintessential Yorkie — sassy, protective, and sharply intelligent in a way that feels almost human. She has this energy that’s both endearing and relentless. One moment, she’s curled up on my lap, and the next, she’s barking sharply, telling me it’s a minute past dinner time. Something about her presence feels grounding, like she’s always there, quietly demanding to be noticed.”
— Analise, Molly’s human (she's on Lyka)
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Yorkshire Terrier size
A full-grown Yorkshire Terrier usually weighs less than 3.2 kg and can grow between 18-20 cm tall, depending on their gender and genetics.
They tend to stop growing in height by 9-12 months of age.
Yorkies are the ideal urban pup: apartment-friendly and compact enough to fit in a pet carrier — perfect if you’re using public transport on your weekend adventures in the concrete jungle.
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How long do Yorkshire Terriers live?
Yorkshire Terriers typically live between 12-16 years.
As dog parents, we want our pups to live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible — and there’s so much we can easily do to help them thrive, not just survive. Every dog deserves a long, vibrant life, and it begins with a thoughtful, holistic approach to their wellbeing.
A nourishing real food diet (like Lyka), regular exercise, mental stimulation, training, grooming, and proactive vet care all work together to help your pup feel their very best.
"An issue I often see in clinic is dental disease. With their small, crowded mouths, Yorkshire Terriers can be prone to periodontal disease. Regular brushing and a diet containing kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum) can reduce plaque and tartar build-up."
— Dr Alexander England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)
Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience.
What does a Yorkshire Terrier eat?
Lively Yorkshire Terriers need nutritious food to fuel their alert minds and active bodies.
The best Yorkshire Terrier diet is made with real food ingredients, like high-quality protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables.
Lyka’s human-grade meals are gently cooked to retain the tastes, textures, and nutrients of each carefully selected ingredient. They’re easy to digest, help keep your pup hydrated, and delicious — perfect for even the fussiest eaters.
Maintaining the right weight and body shape is crucial for a Yorkshire Terrier’s health and wellbeing. Excess weight or obesity can lead to other diseases and affect their joints, mobility, quality of life, and lifespan.
That’s why Lyka meals are custom portioned to meet your dog’s specific needs, helping you keep them at their healthiest and happiest.
Do Yorkshire Terrier puppies need special food?
Contrary to popular belief, puppies don’t need special puppy food if they’re getting the right portion of nutrient-dense real food.
Yorkshire Terrier puppies need a diet containing high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low GI carbohydrates for slow-release energy, like Lyka.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development →
Read more: Puppy vs adult food: what our experts want you to know →
Yorkshire Terrier health issues
Yorkshire Terriers from reputable breeders are generally known to be healthy, but like all dogs, they can develop health issues or inherit conditions from their parents.
Before planning a litter, respectable breeders will consider the health, temperament, and genetic history of their breeding pairs to select good characteristics. Always check the health of the parents before choosing your new pup.
1. Joint issues
Yorkies can be prone to inherited developmental conditions like patellar luxation (a dislocated kneecap). Rapid growth as a puppy (caused by too much dietary calcium or protein) can also be a factor. Some dogs can develop arthritis as a secondary condition.
Look for real, fresh food that supports joint health and contains bioavailable ingredients known for their musculoskeletal-boosting properties, like:
🐟 Sardines: a powerful source of Omega 3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties to support strong and supple joints.
🌾 Quinoa: contains manganese for bone development.
🌱 Fennel Seeds: rich in antioxidant properties to reduce the damage to joints caused by oxidative stress.
Lyka meals contain sardines, fish oil and flaxseed oil that support common joint ailments like arthritis and osteochondritis.
2. Gum disease
Gum disease in dogs (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection along the gum line that can cause swollen gums and loose teeth. In severe, untreated cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream leading to other health problems.
Yorkshire Terriers have small mouths making them predisposed to tartar and plaque build-up leading to gum disease. All dogs benefit from a dental care routine, including regular brushing, to keep their teeth and gums clean, strong, and healthy.
Your dog’s diet can help too.
💚 Kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum): shown to reduce plaque and tartar build-up.
🦷 Dental treats: chews like Lyka’s Busy Beefies and Pig Twigs, are designed for repeated chewing which can also support your pup’s oral health.
Read more: Gum disease in dogs: how to spot, treat, and prevent it (with pictures) →
3. Eye conditions
Yorkshire Terriers can be susceptible to eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy: a degenerative disease that impacts the photoreceptor cells in their eyes, eventually leading to blindness.
It’s an inherited disease, so speak to your breeder about how they have mitigated the risks by selecting their breeding pairs.
Although you may not be able to change your dog’s genetics, you can support their eye health through nutrition. Meals containing ingredients with antioxidant properties may help, though more research needs to be done to confirm the benefits.
Look for these ingredients in Lyka meals:
🧡 Turmeric: contains curcumin, an active ingredient with antioxidant properties to help fight cellular damage.
🥕 Carrots: packed with beta-carotene that can promote eye health.
Yorkshire Terrier coat, grooming, and hygiene tips
Keeping your Yorkshire Terrier well-groomed is about more than just a sleek and shiny coat — it’s essential for their overall health.
A consistent grooming routine helps maintain healthy skin, trim nails, and clean teeth. By investing a little time in their hygiene, you ensure your dog stays healthy and happy.
Coat types and shedding
Yorkies have a long and silky single coat of low-shedding hair, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers. They’re known for their distinctive blue, tan, and gold colourings.
They’re tolerant to warm and cold weather but may prefer a haircut in the summer and a cosy jacket in the winter to make them more comfortable.
Grooming
A Yorkshire Terrier’s long, fine hair needs regular brushing with a pin brush to keep it in good condition, free from tangles and mats. Many dog parents tie their hair into top-knots to keep it out of their eyes — fancy ribbons or hair accessories are optional!
If you want a low maintenance coat, you can have their hair professionally groomed into a short cut. They’ll need trims every 6-8 weeks to keep their coat neat and tidy.
They only need a bath every 1-2 months or so, unless they’ve rolled in something particularly dirty or smelly. Remember to use dog-friendly shampoo, as human products can irritate their skin.
Yorkshire Terrier hygiene tips
A Yorkie’s nails can grow surprisingly fast and if they're not trimmed regularly can become uncomfortable and affect how they walk.
Introduce your pup to nail trims from an early age so they’re used to the sensation and the tools. Don’t forget to reward them with a high-value treat at the end, so they develop a positive association with the process.
Brushing your dog's teeth a few times a week helps reduce tartar buildup and supports healthy gums.
Routine ear checks help to spot early signs of ear infections in dogs, wax buildup, or irritation. You can give them a gentle wipe with a clean, damp cloth, but be careful not to reach too far into their ear, as this can cause damage.
Inspect your dog’s paws frequently, checking for cuts, debris, or redness between their pads.
Yorkshire Terrier exercise requirements
Yorkies may be pocket-sized, but they have boundless energy and need up to an hour of daily exercise. They love to join you on walks or for a game of fetch at the park. Mental and physical stimulation are essential to keep these clever pups happy.
A high-protein, low-glycaemic index diet, like Lyka’s real food meals, provides steady, nutritious energy to complement their active lifestyle.
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Training a Yorkshire Terrier
These plucky pups are intelligent and eager to learn, but they can be stubborn at times. They’re ideal for structured agility or obedience training sessions that teach them clear commands and behavioural expectations. Positive reinforcement techniques work best, with consistency and patience being key.
Training should continue throughout their life, with enrichment activities and routines to keep them stimulated.
For Yorkshire Terrier puppies, toilet training requires frequent breaks (expect one hour of bladder control per month of age), while crate training offers a safe space and helps with house-training. Controlled socialisation through puppy school or meet-ups is essential for building confidence and social skills.
Your pup’s receptivity to training can be improved with the right nutrition that helps support consistent moods, steady energy levels, and cognitive development.
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training →
How to choose a reputable Yorkshire Terrier breeder
So, you’ve decided that a Yorkshire Terrier is the perfect companion? How exciting! The next step is finding a reputable breeder or considering adoption.
How do I find a reputable Yorkshire Terrier breeder?
Often each state has a recognised breed club that can provide a list of reputable breeders that will usually have a website, social media channels, and direct contact details.
RightPaw is a website dedicated to promoting responsible breeders and ethical programs. Not all breeders use this site, but it’s a helpful tool to support you on your puppy journey.
Speak to other dog parents — it’s a great way to gain invaluable insight into their first-hand experience and give you even more of a taste of what to expect from the breed.
How much is a Yorkshire Terrier puppy?
You can expect to pay around $3,000 to $5,000 for a Yorkshire Terrier puppy from an ethical breeder in Australia. But remember that the ongoing cost of parenting a dog is a significant commitment of money and time.
Veterinary bills can be expensive and unexpected, so it’s worth considering pet insurance too.
If you want to adopt a Yorkie from a rescue shelter, we’re right behind you. Try to find out as much information about them as you can but recognise that a lot of their history will be unknown.
When you bring them home, show them love, patience, and consistency to help them settle into a new and secure life with you.
Read more: How much does a dog cost? The real price of dog ownership →
FAQs
Still have questions about the Yorkshire Terrier breed? Check out our FAQs for more information.
Are Yorkshire Terriers hypoallergenic?
Yes, Yorkshire Terriers are considered hypoallergenic because they have hair rather than fur, which reduces dander that can trigger allergic reactions in humans.
When should I desex my Yorkie?
Most dogs are desexed when they reach maturity. Your vet will consider your dog’s age, size, health, and behaviour to determine the right time for the procedure.
For how long is a Yorkshire Terrier pregnant?
The Yorkie gestation period is around 63 days or nine weeks from conception.
What’s the difference between a teacup, mini and standard Yorkshire terrier?
The Yorkshire Terrier is the only recognised breed. Other variations that might be advertised are not separate breeds, but descriptions of size.
Do Yorkshire Terriers get along with cats and other pets?
Yorkies can get along with other cats and dogs if they’re socialised appropriately. Some terriers may feel jealous if other pets are given attention, so supervision and positive reinforcement may be required. Smaller pets like hamsters, rabbits, rats or gerbils may trigger their terrier instincts, so caution is advised.
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together.
Parenting your Yorkshire Terrier comes with many decisions, like choosing the best diet for your new best friend.
Designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, and made with real, human-grade ingredients, our meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Yorkies across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.
