Yorkshire Terriers weigh between 2–3kg. They have not been told this. A Yorkie approaches the world with the swagger of a large, powerful animal who has assessed every other creature and found them wanting. They will challenge dogs four times their size, bark at strangers with conviction, and assert ownership over furniture, laps, and schedules. They are also silky-coated, deeply affectionate, and genuinely hilarious to own.
3 Things Nobody Tells You About Yorkshire Terriers
- They were working terriers. Yorkies were bred in the 19th century to catch rats in Yorkshire mills and mines. That prey drive is still present. They're quicker, braver, and more tenacious than their appearance suggests — and they will pursue small animals with impressive determination.
- The coat requires significant commitment. Show-coat Yorkies have floor-length, silky, continuously-growing hair that needs daily brushing and regular trimming. Most pet owners opt for a "puppy cut" for manageability. Either way, grooming appointments every 6–8 weeks are necessary.
- They can have big personalities that need management. Small dog syndrome — where owners excuse behaviours in small dogs they'd never accept in large ones — is common in Yorkies. A Yorkie that jumps, snaps, or resource-guards is a Yorkie that needed early consistent training. They're smart enough to learn; the issue is usually owner consistency.
Health Things to Actually Watch For
- Luxating patella: The kneecap slips out of position, causing a characteristic skip or hop in the gait. Mild cases are managed with weight control and monitoring; severe cases require surgery.
- Tracheal collapse: The cartilage rings of the windpipe weaken over time, causing a honking cough, especially when excited or pulling on lead. Use a harness, not a collar. Weight management slows progression.
- Dental disease: Small mouths with the same number of teeth as a large dog — they're crowded and prone to rapid tartar build-up. Brush teeth from puppyhood. Dental disease in small breeds causes chronic pain that goes unrecognised.
- Hypoglycaemia: Especially in toy-sized Yorkies and puppies. Small body mass means blood sugar can drop dangerously fast if meals are skipped. Feed small, regular meals.
Your Yorkie Care Cheat Sheet
- Harness not collar — protects the trachea from pressure damage.
- Brush daily if keeping a long coat; book groomer every 6–8 weeks for a trim.
- Brush teeth 3× weekly minimum — dental disease is the silent health risk in this breed.
- Feed 2–3 small meals daily; never let a toy Yorkie go more than 6 hours without food.
- Train consistently — small dog, same behavioural standards as large dog.
Get your Yorkie's vaccine schedule and health tracker on the Woofio Yorkshire Terrier care page.