Yorkshire Terrier characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Very Small | 3% of breeds |
| Energy level | High | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Medium | 34% of breeds |
| Good with children | Low | — |
| Grooming needs | Very High | 18% of breeds |
| Shedding | Low | 26% of breeds |
| Barking | Very High | 5% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | High | 22% of breeds |
| Adaptability | High | 31% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 14 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Yorkshire Terrier right for you?
The Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny, pocket-sized dog that takes up almost no room at home and is simple to transport. In terms of temperament, it can live with children but needs careful, supervised introductions and is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home. Day to day, the Yorkshire Terrier needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Yorkshire Terrier needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. With high energy and medium athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Yorkshire Terrier to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Yorkshire Terrier is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and sheds very little. It is considered hypoallergenic, which — combined with its low shedding — makes it one of the easier breeds to live with for allergy sufferers.
Temperament and training
The Yorkshire Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions and barks a great deal, which is worth considering with neighbors close by. It copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Yorkshire Terrier
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Yorkshire Terrier genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Size: Very small — the Yorkshire Terrier is among the smallest breeds we score, small enough that supervision around toddlers matters. Only 3% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Barking: Very high — the Yorkshire Terrier is among the most vocal breeds in the catalogue — a real constraint in a flat with shared walls. Only 5% of breeds we score share this rating.
- With children: Low — the Yorkshire Terrier is less child-oriented than most breeds. Only 7% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Grooming needs: Very high — the Yorkshire Terrier needs more coat work than almost any breed here — this is a standing weekly commitment. Only 18% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Yorkshire Terrier actually costs you
| Exercise | Around an hour to ninety minutes of daily exercise, and it will notice when a day is skipped. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Daily brushing plus regular professional grooming. Skipping it does not just look bad — coats in this class mat, and matting hurts. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Vocal enough to be a genuine issue with shared walls. |
Where the Yorkshire Terrier fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Workable on space, but the barking needs managing where walls are shared. |
| Families with young children | Poor fit | Low child tolerance — a household with toddlers is not the right fit. |
| First-time owners | Depends | Manageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Medium prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | Recorded as a low-allergen coat. No dog is truly hypoallergenic — meet the individual dog before deciding. |
| Wanting a watchful dog | Good fit | High protectiveness. Socialisation decides whether that reads as steady or reactive. |
Guides the Yorkshire Terrier is ranked in
The Yorkshire Terrier earns a place on 6 of our lifestyle shortlists:
Perfect for
- Apartment living
- Grooming enthusiasts
- Active seniors
- Fashion-conscious owners
Things to consider
- High grooming maintenance
- Can be yappy
- Fragile build
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Yorkshire Terrier good with children?
- The Yorkshire Terrier may do better in homes with older or no children, and needs careful socialization.
- Does the Yorkshire Terrier shed a lot?
- The Yorkshire Terrier has low shedding and is considered hypoallergenic.
- How much exercise does the Yorkshire Terrier need?
- With high energy, the Yorkshire Terrier needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Yorkshire Terrier live?
- The Yorkshire Terrier typically lives around 14 years.
- Can the Yorkshire Terrier live in an apartment?
- The Yorkshire Terrier can live in an apartment provided it gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
- Is the Yorkshire Terrier easy to train?
- The Yorkshire Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Yorkshire Terrier be left alone during the day?
- The Yorkshire Terrier copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.