Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) Care Guide: Tiny Dog, Big Personality
The Yorkshire Terrier, affectionately known as the “Yorkie,” ranks as one of the world’s most popular toy breeds, consistently appearing in the top 10 most registered breeds globally. With their tiny size (4-7 pounds), floor-length silky coat in signature steel blue and tan colors, perky triangular ears, and confident “big dog in small body” attitude, Yorkies seem like the ultimate companion for modern living – small enough to carry in purses, suitable for apartments and small homes, requiring minimal exercise compared to large breeds, hypoallergenic coat appealing to allergy sufferers, and possessing adorable appearance with endless grooming style options from long show coats to practical puppy cuts. Their portable size, adaptability to various living situations, devotion to their owners, and celebrity status (frequently spotted as accessories to the rich and famous) have made Yorkies fashion statements as much as family pets.
However, Yorkshire Terriers are far more challenging, fragile, and expensive to maintain than their toy size suggests, with serious health issues, intensive grooming needs, and behavioral challenges that catch many first-time small dog owners completely unprepared. Yorkies face numerous breed-specific health problems including luxating patellas (dislocating kneecaps) affecting 20-30% of the breed requiring $1,500-3,000 surgery per leg, collapsing trachea causing respiratory distress and lifelong management costing thousands, severe dental disease with many Yorkies losing most teeth by age 5-7 requiring $500-1,500 dental cleanings and extractions, liver shunt (portosystemic shunt) causing toxin buildup and requiring $3,000-7,000 surgery, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) that can cause seizures or death especially in puppies and tiny adults under 5 pounds.
Beyond health challenges, Yorkies require extensive, expensive grooming – their continuously growing hair (not fur) requires daily brushing preventing matting, professional grooming every 4-6 weeks costing $50-100 per visit ($600-1,200 annually), or learning to groom at home with significant time investment and proper tools. Additionally, despite their tiny size, Yorkies have HUGE personalities – they’re bold, stubborn terriers who were originally bred to hunt rats, resulting in dogs with prey drive toward small animals, tendency to bark excessively at everything, potential aggression toward other dogs (including much larger dogs they’ll fearlessly challenge), and notorious difficulty with house training (toy breeds are the hardest to house train, often taking 6-12 months or never fully succeeding). Their extreme fragility means they’re easily injured by falls, rough handling, larger dogs, and children’s play, making them unsuitable for families with young kids.
This complete Yorkshire Terrier guide provides everything prospective and current owners need to know about successfully caring for this challenging but charming breed, including comprehensive health issues with specific symptoms, prevention, and cost expectations, detailed grooming requirements and options for maintaining their coat, realistic house training expectations and strategies, behavior management addressing barking, aggression, and “small dog syndrome”, daily care requirements including feeding schedules and exercise needs, safety considerations for this fragile breed, pricing information for USA, UK, and Germany including purchase prices and lifetime costs, prevention tips for common health and behavior problems, and extensive FAQs answering every Yorkie question. Whether you’re considering this breed or managing existing challenges with your Yorkie, this guide provides the honest information needed for successful ownership.
Yorkshire Terrier Temperament and Personality
Big Dog Personality in Tiny Package
Confident and bold: Despite weighing only 4-7 pounds, Yorkies have enormous confidence, often acting like they’re the size of German Shepherds. They fearlessly approach larger dogs, challenge perceived threats, and carry themselves with swagger far exceeding their tiny stature.
Terrier tenacity: Yorkies were originally bred as ratters in Yorkshire, England, hunting rats and other vermin in textile mills and mines. This working terrier heritage means they possess prey drive, determination, independence, and stubborn streaks making them far more challenging than their toy size suggests.
Devoted and affectionate: Yorkies form intense bonds with their owners (often bonding most strongly to one person), following them room to room, wanting constant companionship, and becoming “velcro dogs” who hate being left alone.
Energetic and playful: Yorkies are active, playful dogs who enjoy games, walks, and interactive play despite their small size. They’re not sedentary lap dogs content to lounge all day – they need mental and physical stimulation.
Vocal and alert: Yorkies bark at everything – doorbells, footsteps, passing dogs, leaves blowing, strangers, delivery drivers. Their excellent hearing combined with territorial nature creates vigilant watchdogs who alert to all activity (sometimes excessively).
Can be aggressive: Yorkies often develop “small dog syndrome” where they become aggressive toward other dogs (even much larger ones), nippy with strangers, possessive of owners/resources, and dominant with household members if not properly trained and socialized.
Size Considerations
Standard weight: 4-7 pounds (any Yorkie over 7 pounds is technically overweight or outside breed standard)
“Teacup” Yorkies: Dogs marketed as “teacup” or “micro” Yorkies (under 4 pounds) are NOT a separate variety – they’re undersized Yorkies prone to even more severe health problems including hypoglycemia, liver shunt, collapsing trachea, and extreme fragility. Ethical breeders don’t deliberately breed for “teacup” size.
Fragility: At 4-7 pounds, Yorkies are easily injured by falls from furniture, rough play, stepping on them, dropping them, or interactions with larger dogs or children.
Major Health Issues in Yorkshire Terriers
Luxating Patella (Dislocating Kneecap)
What it is: The kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal groove in the knee joint, causing pain, limping, and potentially arthritis.
Extremely common: Affects 20-30% of Yorkies, making it one of the most prevalent orthopedic problems in the breed.
Grading:
- Grade 1: Kneecap can be manually manipulated out but pops back immediately. May not require treatment.
- Grade 2: Kneecap occasionally pops out during activity, causing intermittent limping. Dog may skip for a few steps then continue normally.
- Grade 3: Kneecap is out of place most of the time, causing consistent limping.
- Grade 4: Kneecap is permanently dislocated, cannot be repositioned. Causes severe lameness.
Symptoms:
- Intermittent limping or “skipping” on back leg(s)
- Holding leg up for several steps then resuming normal gait
- Yelping when kneecap pops out
- Difficulty jumping or climbing stairs
- Arthritis development in affected joints
Treatment:
- Grades 1-2: May not require surgery if symptoms are mild. Weight management, joint supplements, limiting jumping, and anti-inflammatories.
- Grades 3-4: Surgical correction required ($1,500-3,000 per leg). Surgery repositions the kneecap and often reshapes the groove to prevent re-dislocation.
Prevention: Choose puppies from parents with certified knees, maintain lean weight (obesity worsens patellar luxation), prevent excessive jumping, and provide joint supplements.
Collapsing Trachea
What it is: The cartilage rings supporting the trachea (windpipe) weaken and flatten, causing the trachea to collapse partially or completely, obstructing airflow.
Common in Yorkies: Affects 15-20% of the breed, particularly middle-aged to senior dogs and overweight individuals.
Symptoms:
- Honking, goose-like cough (hallmark sign)
- Difficulty breathing, especially during excitement or exercise
- Gagging or retching
- Exercise intolerance
- Blue/purple gums in severe cases (lack of oxygen)
- Symptoms worsen with obesity, heat, humidity, or excitement
Triggers:
- Pulling on collar (pressure on trachea)
- Obesity (extra weight compresses trachea)
- Excitement or stress
- Hot/humid weather
- Respiratory infections
Treatment:
- Conservative management: Weight loss (CRITICAL), switching from collars to harnesses, cough suppressants, bronchodilators, anti-inflammatories, humidifiers, avoiding triggers
- Surgical options: Tracheal stent placement ($3,000-7,000) for severe cases. Results vary; not all dogs are candidates.
- Lifelong management: This is a progressive condition requiring ongoing care
Prevention: Maintain ideal weight, use harnesses never collars, minimize excitement/stress, and avoid heat/humidity.
Severe Dental Disease
Extremely common: Yorkies are prone to severe dental disease with many losing most or all teeth by age 5-7 without proper care.
Why Yorkies have dental problems:
- Small mouths with crowded teeth creating tight spaces where food/bacteria accumulate
- Thin enamel more susceptible to decay
- Genetic predisposition to periodontal disease
Symptoms:
- Bad breath (often very strong)
- Tartar buildup (brown/yellow coating on teeth)
- Red, inflamed, bleeding gums
- Loose or missing teeth
- Difficulty eating
- Pawing at mouth
- Facial swelling (tooth root abscess)
Consequences: Dental disease isn’t just cosmetic – bacteria from infected mouths enter bloodstream causing heart, liver, and kidney damage, significantly shortening lifespan.
Treatment: Professional dental cleanings under anesthesia every 6-12 months ($500-1,500 each) plus tooth extractions as needed ($50-150 per tooth).
Prevention:
- Daily teeth brushing from puppyhood (non-negotiable)
- Dental chews and water additives
- Professional cleanings starting by age 2-3 years
- Regular veterinary dental exams
Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt)
What it is: Abnormal blood vessel allows blood to bypass the liver, preventing toxin removal. Toxins accumulate causing neurological and systemic problems.
Symptoms:
- Stunted growth (noticeably smaller than littermates)
- Poor appetite
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Increased thirst/urination
- Neurological signs: disorientation, circling, head pressing, seizures
- Symptoms often worsen after eating (protein meals increase toxin load)
Diagnosis: Blood tests showing liver dysfunction, bile acid test, ultrasound or CT scan identifying abnormal vessel.
Treatment: Surgical correction closing abnormal vessel ($3,000-7,000). Medical management with special diet and medications is alternative for dogs who can’t undergo surgery but provides inferior outcomes.
Prognosis: Good with surgery if diagnosed early. Without treatment, most dogs die by age 2-3.
Prevention: Choose breeders who screen for liver shunt. Symptoms usually appear in puppies 4-12 months old.
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Common in puppies and tiny adults: Yorkies under 5 pounds are especially prone.
What happens: Blood sugar drops dangerously low, depriving brain of glucose. Can cause seizures, coma, or death if untreated.
Symptoms:
- Lethargy, weakness
- Trembling, shaking
- Disorientation, stumbling
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Triggers:
- Missing meals or inadequate food intake
- Stress
- Cold temperatures
- Illness
- Excessive exercise
Emergency treatment: Rub corn syrup, honey, or sugar water on gums for immediate glucose absorption. Rush to vet if symptoms are severe or don’t improve within 10-15 minutes.
Prevention:
- Feed small, frequent meals (3-4 times daily for puppies and tiny adults)
- Always have food available (unlike larger breeds, toy breed puppies need free-feed access)
- Keep corn syrup/honey on hand for emergencies
- Avoid prolonged fasting (more than 4-6 hours risky)
- Maintain body temperature
Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease
Hip joint disorder: Blood supply to hip joint is disrupted, causing bone death and joint collapse.
Symptoms: Limping, pain in hip, muscle atrophy in affected leg. Usually appears 6-12 months of age.
Treatment: Surgical removal of affected bone (Femoral Head Ostectomy) $1,500-3,500.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Inherited eye disease: Progressive degeneration of retina causing vision loss and eventual blindness.
Symptoms: Night blindness appearing first, then progressive day vision loss. No treatment exists but dogs adapt well to blindness.
Prevention: Genetic testing and responsible breeding.
Grooming Requirements: The High-Maintenance Reality
The Yorkie Coat
Hair, not fur: Yorkies have continuously growing hair similar to human hair rather than fur that sheds seasonally. This makes them low-shedding (good for allergies) but HIGH-MAINTENANCE.
Texture: Fine, silky, straight hair prone to tangling and matting within hours if not brushed.
Length: Show coat grows to floor-length (requires extreme daily maintenance). Most pet Yorkies kept in shorter “puppy cuts.”
Daily Brushing (Non-Negotiable)
Frequency: Daily brushing is MANDATORY, not optional. Even one day skipped causes mats that are painful to remove.
Time required: 10-20 minutes daily for longer coats, 5-10 minutes for puppy cuts.
Tools needed: Pin brush, slicker brush, metal comb, detangling spray.
Technique: Brush from skin outward in sections, removing all tangles. Pay special attention to areas prone to matting: behind ears, armpits, rear end, belly.
Professional Grooming
Frequency: Every 4-6 weeks for haircuts, baths, nail trims, ear cleaning.
Cost: $50-100 per visit depending on location and services. Annual cost: $600-1,200.
Grooming styles:
- Puppy cut: Short, practical cut (1-2 inches long) requiring least maintenance
- Teddy bear cut: Slightly longer, rounded appearance
- Show coat: Floor-length coat requiring daily wrapping, extreme maintenance (impractical for pets)
- Various creative cuts: Top knots, bows, breed-specific styling
DIY Grooming Option
Learning curve: With training, tools, and practice, owners can learn to groom at home saving money but requiring significant time investment.
Tools needed: Clippers, scissors, brushes, combs, shampoo, dryer, grooming table ($200-500 initial investment).
Time: 2-3 hours per full grooming session for beginners, 1-2 hours with experience.
Bathing
Frequency: Every 2-3 weeks or as needed.
Use dog-specific shampoo: Human shampoo damages coat and skin.
Drying: Must be thoroughly dried (prevents skin issues and matting). Use blow dryer on low heat.
Additional Care
Ear cleaning: Weekly, checking for redness, discharge, or odor.
Nail trimming: Every 2-3 weeks. Yorkie nails grow quickly.
Teeth brushing: Daily preventing severe dental disease.
Eye cleaning: Daily cleaning of discharge preventing staining and infection.
Sanitary trim: Keep hair around rear end short preventing feces buildup.
House Training Challenges
Why Yorkies Are Hard to House Train
Small bladders: Physically can’t “hold it” as long as larger dogs. Puppies need bathroom breaks every 1-2 hours.
Stubborn terrier nature: Independent thinking makes them less motivated to please owners compared to breeds like Goldens.
Small “accidents”: Tiny puddles are easily missed, allowing dogs to develop habits of indoor elimination.
Weather sensitivity: Yorkies hate rain, cold, heat. They often refuse to go outside in bad weather.
Timeline: Full house training often takes 6-12 months for Yorkies. Some never fully reliably house train.
House Training Strategies
Crate training: Essential. Dogs avoid soiling sleeping areas. Crate must be appropriately sized (just large enough to stand, turn, lie down).
Frequent breaks: Take outside every 1-2 hours initially, after meals, after play, first thing in morning, last thing at night.
Designated potty spot: Consistently use same outdoor area. Scent cues encourage elimination.
Rewards: Immediately praise and treat when dog eliminates outside.
Supervision: Constant supervision indoors. Watch for signs (circling, sniffing, whining).
Enzymatic cleaner: Thoroughly clean all accidents removing odor that encourages repeat elimination.
Patience: Accept that toy breeds take longer than larger breeds. Some never achieve 100% reliability.
Potty pad option: Some Yorkie owners use indoor potty pads as backup or permanent solution, especially in apartments or for weather-resistant dogs.
Training and Behavior Management
Training Basics
Start early: Begin training the day puppy comes home.
Positive reinforcement: Use treats, praise, play. Harsh corrections damage tiny dogs physically and emotionally.
Short sessions: 5-10 minutes maximum – small attention spans.
Socialization crucial: Expose puppies (8-16 weeks) to diverse people, dogs, environments preventing fear and aggression.
Preventing “Small Dog Syndrome”
What it is: Behavioral problems including aggression, excessive barking, possessiveness, demanding behavior, and refusal to obey commands that develop when small dogs aren’t trained or held to behavioral standards.
Why it happens: Owners excuse bad behavior because dog is small and “can’t do much damage.” However, aggression from 7-pound dog is still aggression.
Prevention:
- Train Yorkies to same standards as large dogs
- Don’t allow behaviors you wouldn’t tolerate in 70-pound dog
- Address barking, jumping, possessiveness immediately
- Enforce rules consistently
- Don’t allow aggression toward people or dogs regardless of size
Managing Barking
Reality: Yorkies are vocal. Complete silence is unrealistic, but excessive barking can be managed.
Strategies:
- Identify triggers (doorbell, passing dogs, etc.)
- Teach “quiet” command
- Reward silence
- Provide adequate exercise and mental stimulation
- Never yell (reinforces barking)
- Consider anti-bark training tools if necessary
Aggression Management
Common: Many Yorkies show aggression toward strangers, other dogs, or family members if not properly socialized and trained.
Prevention/Management:
- Early, extensive socialization
- Positive training never punishment
- Manage interactions preventing rehearsal of aggression
- Consult professional trainers or behaviorists if aggression is serious
Daily Care Schedule
Puppy Schedule (8 weeks – 6 months)
6:00 AM – Wake up, immediate potty break
6:15 AM – Breakfast (¼ cup kibble)
6:45 AM – Potty break
7:00 AM – Play session (10 minutes)
8:00 AM – Potty break
9:00 AM – Nap time (crate)
11:00 AM – Potty, snack (¼ cup)
11:30 AM – Play/training (15 minutes)
12:30 PM – Potty break
1:00 PM – Nap
3:00 PM – Potty, snack (¼ cup)
3:30 PM – Play
5:00 PM – Potty break
6:00 PM – Dinner (¼ cup)
6:30 PM – Potty break
7:00 PM – Family time, gentle play
8:00 PM – Potty break
9:00 PM – Quiet time
10:00 PM – Final potty break
10:15 PM – Bedtime (crate)
Note: Puppies may need middle-of-night potty break
Adult Schedule (6 months+)
7:00 AM – Wake up, potty
7:15 AM – Breakfast (¼-½ cup split into 2 meals daily)
7:45 AM – Morning walk (15-20 minutes)
8:30 AM – Potty break
9:00 AM – Crate/safe area if leaving for work
12:00 PM – Potty break (dog walker if at work)
6:00 PM – Owners return, potty immediately
6:30 PM – Dinner
7:00 PM – Evening walk (15-20 minutes)
7:30 PM – Play/training session
8:00 PM – Family time
10:00 PM – Final potty break
10:30 PM – Bedtime
Grooming Schedule
Daily: Brushing (10-20 minutes), teeth brushing, eye cleaning
Weekly: Ear cleaning, nail check
Every 2-3 weeks: Bath, nail trim
Every 4-6 weeks: Professional grooming or DIY haircut
Exercise Needs
Daily requirement: 20-30 minutes split into 2 walks
Activities:
- Short walks (avoid overexertion)
- Indoor play
- Interactive toys
- Training sessions (mental stimulation)
Avoid:
- Long hikes (too much for tiny legs)
- Extreme heat or cold
- Off-leash in unfenced areas (prey drive, fragility, potential to run away)
- Dog parks with large dogs (injury risk)
Safety Considerations
Fragility Risks
Falls: Even short falls from furniture can cause serious injuries (broken bones, head trauma). Use ramps or stairs.
Being stepped on: Easy to not see 4-7 pound dog underfoot. Watch carefully when walking.
Rough handling: Children must be taught gentle handling. Yorkies are NOT suitable for families with young children (under 10) who can’t be consistently gentle.
Large dogs: Even friendly large dogs can accidentally injure or kill Yorkies during play. Supervise all interactions closely.
Predators: Hawks, owls, coyotes, and other predators view Yorkies as prey. Never leave unsupervised outdoors.
Weather Sensitivity
Cold: Yorkies have minimal body fat and single-layer coat. Use sweaters/coats below 50°F.
Heat: Small dogs overheat quickly. Avoid exercise in heat above 80°F.
Rain: Many Yorkies refuse to potty in rain. Have indoor backup plan.
Nutrition and Feeding
Caloric Needs
Adults: 150-200 calories daily (approximately ¼-½ cup high-quality kibble split into 2 meals)
Puppies: Small, frequent meals (3-4 times daily) preventing hypoglycemia
Food Selection
High-quality small breed formula: Smaller kibble size appropriate for tiny mouths
Avoid: Fillers, by-products, artificial colors/preservatives
Consider: Foods addressing dental health
Treats
Limit: Maximum 10% of daily calories
Size: Break treats into tiny pieces appropriate for small mouths
Pricing: USA, UK, Germany
Purchase Prices
USA:
- Reputable breeder: $1,200-3,500
- Show quality: $3,500-10,000+
- Rescue/shelter: $200-500
UK:
- Kennel Club registered: £800-2,500
- Show quality: £2,500-7,000+
- Rescue: £150-350
Germany:
- VDH registered: €1,000-3,000
- Show quality: €3,000-8,000+
- Rescue: €200-450
Annual Costs
USA:
- Food: $200-400
- Professional grooming: $600-1,200
- Routine vet care: $400-800
- Preventive medications: $150-300
- Dental cleanings: $500-1,500 annually (essential)
- Supplies: $200-400
- Total: $2,050-4,600 annually
UK: £1,600-3,500 annually
Germany: €1,800-3,800 annually
Major Health Expenses
Luxating patella surgery: $1,500-3,000 per leg
Collapsing trachea treatment: $500-7,000
Liver shunt surgery: $3,000-7,000
Dental disease treatment: $500-1,500+ annually
Emergency hypoglycemia treatment: $200-1,000
Lifetime costs: $20,000-40,000+ over 12-16 years
Pet insurance ESSENTIAL given breed’s health issues
Lifespan
Average: 12-16 years with proper care
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Yorkies hypoallergenic?
A: No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but Yorkies are low-shedding making them better for some allergy sufferers. However, people react to dander and saliva, not just hair.
Q: Are Yorkies good with kids?
A: NOT recommended for families with children under 10. Yorkies are too fragile for rough play and may nip at children. Better for older children who understand gentle handling.
Q: How hard is it to groom a Yorkie?
A: VERY high-maintenance. Daily brushing mandatory. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks ($600-1,200 annually) unless you learn to groom at home.
Q: Can Yorkies be house trained?
A: Yes, but it’s challenging and takes longer than larger breeds (often 6-12 months). Some never achieve 100% reliability.
Q: Do Yorkies bark a lot?
A: Yes. Yorkies are vocal, alert dogs who bark at everything. Training can reduce but not eliminate barking.
Q: Are “teacup” Yorkies a real breed?
A: No. “Teacup” is a marketing term for undersized Yorkies (under 4 pounds). They’re NOT a separate breed and have MORE health problems. Ethical breeders don’t breed for “teacup” size.
Q: What’s the difference between Yorkies and Silky Terriers?
A: Different breeds. Yorkies weigh 4-7 pounds with blue and tan color. Silky Terriers are larger (8-11 pounds) with different coat texture and temperament.
Q: How much does Yorkie ownership really cost?
A: $2,000-4,600 annually plus major health expenses. Lifetime costs: $20,000-40,000+. Yorkies are expensive due to grooming needs and health issues.
Key Takeaways
High-maintenance grooming: Daily brushing mandatory, professional grooming every 4-6 weeks ($600-1,200 annually)
Serious health issues: Luxating patellas, collapsing trachea, dental disease, liver shunt, hypoglycemia all common and expensive
House training challenges: Takes 6-12 months, some never fully reliable
Fragile: Easily injured. Unsuitable for families with young children
Expensive: $20,000-40,000+ lifetime costs
Vocal: Bark excessively without training
NOT low-maintenance: Despite small size, require extensive daily care
Best for: Adults or families with older children (10+), willing to commit to daily grooming, able to afford expensive vet care, patient with house training, and wanting devoted companion
Yorkshire Terriers are charming, devoted companions with huge personalities packed into tiny bodies. However, they’re far more challenging, fragile, and expensive than their toy size suggests. Yorkies require extensive daily grooming, expensive veterinary care for numerous health issues, patient house training, and careful handling preventing injury. They’re NOT suitable for families with young children, first-time dog owners unprepared for grooming/health costs, or anyone wanting low-maintenance pets. For owners who can meet their substantial needs, Yorkies reward you with unwavering devotion, entertaining antics, and companionship. Just be prepared for the reality: that beautiful coat needs daily care, those tiny legs may need surgery, and house training will test your patience! 🐕💙✨