Yorkshire Terrier
England
Breed Traits
About
The Yorkshire Terrier looks like a delicate lapdog but thinks like a true terrier. It is brave, curious and often bossy, happy to challenge much larger dogs. Yorkies are deeply affectionate with their people and love being involved in everything. They make alert watchdogs and can be vocal, which owners in apartment buildings should manage early. They adapt well to small homes and modest exercise needs. Their confident personality, combined with their tiny size, means they need gentle handling and protection from their own boldness at times.
Is the Yorkshire Terrier Right for You?
Ideal Home / Owner
The Yorkshire Terrier suits apartment dwellers, couples and older families who want an affectionate, lively companion and can commit to regular grooming. It is not ideal for homes with very young children or owners who want a quiet, low-maintenance dog.
Yorkshire Terrier History
The Yorkshire Terrier comes from the industrial north of England. In the mid nineteenth century, Scottish workers moved south to the textile mills and coal mines of Yorkshire and Lancashire, bringing small terriers with them. These were likely crossed with local terriers, possibly including the Waterside Terrier and others, to produce a small, tough dog that could keep rats under control in mills and mines.
As the breed became more refined, its size shrank and its long, silky blue and tan coat became its signature feature. A dog named Huddersfield Ben, born in 1865, was a hugely successful show and stud dog and is widely regarded as the father of the modern breed. Over time the Yorkie moved from working-class ratter to fashionable companion of Victorian ladies.
The breed was recognised by the Kennel Club in England in the 1880s and by the American Kennel Club in 1885. One famous Yorkie, Smoky, served with an American soldier in the Pacific during the Second World War and is often credited as one of the early therapy dogs. Her story helped boost the breed's popularity in the post-war years.
Today the Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular toy breeds in the world. In India it is a familiar companion in cities, valued for its small size, long life and low-shedding coat. Its popularity means quality varies widely, so it is worth seeking breeders who focus on health and temperament rather than extremely tiny size.
Diet
Yorkies need only small amounts of food, but quality matters. Choose a toy or small-breed diet with small kibble and split it into two or three meals a day. Very small puppies are prone to hypoglycaemia, so they should not miss meals. Some Yorkies are fussy eaters, which tempts owners to offer table food, but this can lead to digestive upsets and weight gain. Avoid rich, spicy or oily leftovers. Dry food and dental chews can help with tooth health. Ask your vet for exact portions based on your dog's age and weight.
Weather & climate
Big Personality, Tiny Body
A brave and affectionate terrier that adapts easily to apartment life and loves being at the centre of family activity.
Training
Yorkies are clever and eager for attention, but their terrier independence can make them stubborn. Use short, positive training sessions with small treats and lots of praise. House training is often the biggest challenge, so keep to a strict routine and consider indoor toilet options during heavy monsoon rains. Early socialisation helps them become confident rather than snappy with strangers and other dogs. Avoid carrying your Yorkie everywhere, as this can lead to small dog syndrome, where it becomes demanding and reactive.
Grooming
The Yorkie's coat is more like human hair than fur, which is why it sheds very little, but it needs regular care. If kept long, it must be brushed daily to prevent tangles and mats. Most pet owners in India choose a shorter puppy cut, which is cooler and much easier to manage in heat and humidity. Professional grooming every four to six weeks keeps it neat. Trim the hair around the eyes and paws, clean the ears weekly and keep nails short. Brush the teeth several times a week, as Yorkies are prone to dental disease.
Health
Yorkies often live long lives, but they are prone to some health issues. Common concerns include dental disease, luxating patella, collapsing trachea, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, portosystemic liver shunt and hypoglycaemia in very small dogs. Using a harness rather than a collar helps protect the delicate windpipe. In India, a short coat and cool indoor environment help Yorkies cope with summer. Walk them early or late in the day and keep fresh water available. Their small size also makes them vulnerable to cold in winter, so a light jumper helps.
