¶Table of Contents
¶Quick Facts
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small British terrier kept primarily as a companion, but it should still be alert, intelligent and spirited, with an even temperament.
- The breed is recognised by the FCI as British terrier number 86, in Group 3 and the Toy Terrier section.
- The breed standard sets a maximum weight of 3.2 kg but no minimum weight or height at the withers. In practice, many dogs are heavier than the standard maximum.
- “Teacup” is not an official Yorkshire Terrier size category. The label therefore cannot guarantee a dog’s adult size or health.
- The coat should be straight, glossy, fine and silky. A long coat requires considerable care; clipping it short reduces the work but does not make it maintenance-free.
- The clearest documented health priorities are the teeth, retained deciduous teeth and patellar luxation, or slipping kneecaps.
¶Appearance & Coat
The Yorkshire Terrier should be compact, neat and well proportioned, with an upright carriage and free movement. It may be very small, but it should not look fragile or exaggeratedly miniaturised.
The 3.2 kg maximum describes the show standard’s ideal, not a promise for every adult dog. The standard gives no height at the withers. SKK reports that most dogs are around 20–25 cm and that many weigh more than the standard maximum; even puppies in the same litter can reach different adult sizes. A puppy buyer should therefore ask for the actual weights of the parents and adult relatives rather than rely on terms such as “mini” or “teacup”.
The standard adult coat is dark steel blue over the body and clear golden tan on areas including the head and chest. The hair should be straight and glossy with a fine, silky texture, not woolly. Puppies are born black and tan, and the steel-blue adult colour develops gradually. The pace at which colour and texture mature varies, so a puppy coat cannot show exactly what the adult dog will look like.
A long coat needs frequent, thorough combing all the way to the skin, particularly where the hair is exposed to friction. Many companion dogs are clipped short for an easier routine. This makes bathing, drying and detangling less time-consuming, but the dog still needs brushing and must learn to accept handling around the face, ears, feet and nails. The coat has no undercoat, which can also mean that the dog needs protection in cold, wet weather.
The Yorkshire Terrier is sometimes described as suitable for people with allergies because it sheds little visible hair. That is misleading as a guarantee: no dog is allergen-free, and dog allergens come from sources including saliva and skin cells. Anyone who has or suspects an animal allergy should seek medical advice before getting a dog.
A tricoloured Biewer Terrier is not a special Yorkshire Terrier colour. In Sweden and the other Nordic countries, the Biewer Terrier is treated as a separate breed, despite its close historical relationship with the Yorkshire Terrier. It is not, however, recognised by the FCI.
¶Temperament & Personality
The Yorkshire Terrier is generally attentive, curious and ready to act, rather than a passive lapdog. The breed standard emphasises intelligence, spirit and an even disposition, but sociability, barking and interest in chasing vary between dogs and are influenced by upbringing and training.
Its quick response to sounds and movement can make the breed inclined to sound the alarm. That does not mean every dog barks excessively. A dog that is allowed to investigate its surroundings calmly, rewarded for quiet behaviour and taught to settle is better equipped to handle sounds at the door and movement outside a window. Simply interrupting barking without changing its cause rarely creates a sustainable routine.
The terrier background may show as an interest in toys, scents and small animals. Recall and the ability to disengage from something exciting therefore need training, even with a dog that is easy to pick up. Living with a cat or another dog depends more on the individual, the introduction and daily routines than on a simple yes-or-no verdict for the breed.
With children, the small body is the most important practical consideration. A child must be able to let the dog move away, play at floor level and refrain from carrying or chasing it. Contact with young children should be supervised. The same care is needed during play with much larger dogs, because friendly but physical play can still be too rough for a Yorkshire Terrier.
¶Training & Exercise
The Yorkshire Terrier needs daily physical and mental activity, but there is no meaningful number of minutes that suits every dog. A good day includes several toilet outings, walks with time to sniff, play, simple problem-solving and training in which the dog can succeed.
Adapt the amount and intensity to age, fitness, weather and the individual. It is more useful to observe how the dog functions in everyday life and adjust one thing at a time than to chase a generic number of minutes.
Reward-based training suits the breed’s quick understanding. Prioritise engagement, recall, loose-lead skills, a calm resting place and an alternative behaviour when the dog wants to alert. Also practise grooming, showing the teeth and nail care in small steps. This makes everyday care safer and reduces the need to restrain the dog.
Socialisation does not mean that a puppy must greet everyone. It needs calm, positive experiences of people, dogs, surfaces, traffic and household sounds without being pressured. The breed may also enjoy scent work, rally obedience, tracking, tricks or agility adapted to its size. The particular activity matters less than giving the dog ways to use both body and mind.
¶Health
The Yorkshire Terrier is relatively long-lived as a population, but the teeth and knee joints deserve particular attention. SKK highlights dental calculus, retained deciduous teeth and patellar luxation as issues to know about.
A British study published in 2025 reviewed the records of 3,308 Yorkshire Terriers attending general veterinary practices during 2016. Periodontal disease was the most common specific diagnosis and was recorded in 21.1 per cent during the study year. Retained deciduous teeth were recorded in 3.57 per cent, and the researchers also identified patellar luxation as a breed predisposition. The figures describe a British study group during a defined period, not the risk for a particular Swedish dog, but they make dental care a clear everyday priority.
Start getting the puppy accustomed to tooth brushing early. Daily tooth brushing is the best practical protection against plaque and calculus, but training should be built without force. Ask a veterinarian to check the transition to adult teeth if deciduous teeth remain as the permanent teeth erupt or if the dog appears to have a painful mouth.
Ask the breeder to explain what is known about teeth, bite and knee joints in the parents and close relatives. Ask whether the parents have been examined for patellar luxation and request documented results if available. A single test can reduce uncertainty but can never guarantee a healthy puppy.
There is no universal, permanent Yorkshire Terrier test package across all kennel clubs. Before buying or breeding, check the current Swedish registration rules and recommendations from SKK and the breed club rather than relying on an old list found online.
In the British study, the median age at death was 13.56 years, supporting the picture of a long-lived breed. This is a population measure, not a forecast for an individual. Body condition, oral health, movement, behavioural changes and regular veterinary care need attention throughout life.
¶History & Origins
The Yorkshire Terrier developed in northern England during the 1800s and took shape in Yorkshire’s textile districts. From the 1850s, weavers and wool-mill workers bred very small, soft-coated terriers that retained the terrier’s interest in hunting and also became sought-after companion dogs.
The breed’s exact recipe is not securely documented. The old Black and Tan Terrier, together with the Maltese, Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Skye Terrier, are mentioned as probable contributors. It is therefore more accurate to speak of likely ancestors than to name a definite cross.
The breed name was accepted around 1870, and the Yorkshire Terrier was recognised as a breed in 1886. During the later 1800s, it moved from the small terriers of working communities to a modern companion and show dog. The rat-catching story has a reasonable basis in the terrier background and the breed standard’s description of hunting instinct, but not every early dog necessarily worked in a mine or factory.
The elegant coat has since received great attention, but the breed’s alert expression, initiative and interest in movement remain important to the breed as a whole.
¶Living with the Breed
The Yorkshire Terrier can live well in a flat or a house when it receives activity, calmness training and regular care. The size of the home matters less than whether the household can manage noise, provide time outdoors and create a secure daily rhythm.
Time alone needs to be introduced gradually from very short periods and adapted to the dog’s response. The Swedish Board of Agriculture advises that dogs should be taken outside at least every six hours during the day, but this does not mean that a dog can cope with six hours alone. Puppies and older dogs need more frequent outings, and a dog showing distress needs a different arrangement regardless of what the clock says.
The breed best suits someone who wants a small but active dog and accepts three recurring parts of everyday life: coat, teeth and training. A family with young children or large dogs also needs clear safety routines. Cold and wet weather may require protection, particularly when the coat is clipped short or the dog is standing still.
Before buying a puppy, it is sensible to:
- meet the dam and ask how the parents and adult relatives behave in everyday life
- request the actual weights of the parents and adult relatives and reject promises of a particular “teacup” size
- review documented dental, bite and patella history as well as current breeding recommendations
- decide whether to maintain a long coat or keep the dog clipped, and learn that routine before purchase
- arrange toilet outings, alone-time training and a dog sitter before the puppy comes home.
In the right household, the Yorkshire Terrier is a small, engaged everyday companion with a distinct terrier character. It is easy to take along, but it should be treated as an active dog, not an accessory.
¶Characteristics
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Aggressiveness | 3/5 |
| Child Friendly | 2/5 |
| Energy | 3/5 |
| Hair Shedding | 1/5 |
| Health | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 |
| Grooming Needs | 4/5 |
| Learning Ability | 4/5 |
| Barking Level | 4/5 |
| Height | 20 – 25 cm |
| Weight | 3 – 4 kg |
| Life Expectancy | 13 – 16 years |
¶Yorkshire Terrier price
Here you can see typical asking prices for Yorkshire Terrier in Sweden over the last 12 months.
The calculation is based on valid Get a Pet listings from the last 12 months, including active and expired listings. These are asking prices, not confirmed sale prices.
¶Frequently Asked Questions
Are Yorkshire Terriers good family dogs or are they too fragile for kids?
They can be wonderful family companions, but their tiny size makes them vulnerable to rough handling. They are usually better suited to homes with older, dog‑savvy children who can respect their space. Proper supervision and teaching kids how to handle a small dog are essential.
Do Yorkies bark a lot and can you train them to be quieter?
They are naturally alert and vocal, which can turn into a lot of barking if not managed early. Consistent training, rewarding quiet behavior, and giving them enough mental stimulation are key. Many owners also find that teaching a clear “quiet” cue helps keep noise under control.
How much grooming does a Yorkshire Terrier really need?
Their fine, hairlike coat tangles easily and needs daily brushing if kept long. Many pet owners choose a shorter “puppy cut” that still needs brushing several times a week and regular professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks. Ear cleaning and dental care are especially important for this breed.
Are Yorkies hypoallergenic and good for people with allergies?
They shed very little and have a hair texture closer to human hair, which often makes them easier on allergy sufferers. However, no dog is completely hypoallergenic, since dander and saliva still carry allergens. Spending time with the breed before adopting is the best way to test your reaction.
How much exercise does a Yorkshire Terrier need if they are so small?
They are energetic and curious, so they need more than just being carried or pottering around the house. Two or three short walks plus some indoor play or training sessions each day usually meet their needs. Avoid overdoing high‑impact activity, especially when they are very young or have fragile joints.
Are Yorkies prone to specific health problems I should know about?
They are more likely than many breeds to develop dental disease, luxating patellas, tracheal collapse, and certain liver issues such as portosystemic shunts. Low blood sugar can be a concern in very small or young individuals. Regular vet checks, good dental care, and keeping them at a healthy weight are especially important.
Can Yorkshire Terriers live happily in an apartment?
They adapt very well to small spaces as long as their exercise and social needs are met. Moderate daily activity and plenty of interaction usually keep them content. Barking can be a problem in close quarters, so early training is important for apartment living.
Do Yorkies get along with other dogs and larger pets?
They often think they are much bigger than they are and can be bold with large dogs. With careful introductions and supervision they can live peacefully with other pets, but their small size puts them at risk of accidental injury. Early socialization helps them learn good manners around other animals.
Is a Yorkshire Terrier a good choice for first‑time dog owners?
Their size and affectionate nature appeal to many beginners, but they do require consistent training, regular grooming, and close attention to health. First‑time owners who are prepared to invest time in socialization, house training, and daily coat care often do well with the breed. Those wanting a very low‑maintenance dog may find them challenging.
Why are some Yorkies extremely tiny and are “teacup” Yorkies safe to buy?
Very tiny individuals are usually bred to be undersized and are at higher risk for health problems like fragile bones, low blood sugar, and organ issues. Responsible breeders aim for the standard size range rather than “teacup” marketing. Choosing a well‑bred, healthy small dog is safer than seeking the very smallest possible puppy.¶Comparisons with other breeds
Compare Yorkshire Terrier with other breeds and see the differences in temperament, activity level, and care to make a confident choice. Show all comparisons
¶Find Yorkshire Terrier for sale in Sverige
- Yorkshire Terrier in Örebro
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