Yorkshire Terrier

aka -
Yorkie
Tiny Dog, Major Drama
Yorkies are pint-sized divas with fearless hearts. They’re as bold as they are beautiful.

Experienced Owner

They need confident, attentive owners who can handle their sass and keep their training consistent.
Activity Needs
High
High
High
High

Always down for a walk, a play session, or a stylish stroll through the farmer’s market. Needs stimulation.

Trainability
Stubborn
Stubborn
Stubborn

Very smart but independent. Training requires patience, consistency, and a sense of humor.

kid compatability
Kids
Kids

With respectful kids and clear boundaries, Yorkies can be cuddly family members. They prefer being the center of attention.

grooming needs
High
High
High

Daily brushing or professional grooming required. Their silky coat is no joke.

noise level
Loud
Loud
Loud

Expect sass, alerts, and full-on monologues. Yorkies are unapologetically loud.

Good for Allergies
Yes
Yes

A better hypoallergenic option, but grooming is essential.

🐾 Just brought home a puppy?

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Then dive into the full Puppy 101 Series—your go-to hub for raising a happy, well-adjusted dog.

And if you’re ready to go even deeper, grab a copy of the book: Help! I Got a Puppy. It’s everything you didn’t know you needed to know.

What It's Like To Own One

Living with a Yorkie is like sharing your home with a pint-sized diva who always has something to say—and usually says it first. They’ve got opinions on everything, from your outfit to the timing of dinner, and they fully expect to be consulted. With their silky coats, bright eyes, and confident prance, Yorkies carry themselves like tiny celebrities—and somehow, they make you feel lucky to be their entourage.

But beneath the glam and sass is a fiercely loyal companion. Yorkies love hard. They don’t see themselves as small, and they definitely don’t act like it. While not classic lapdogs in temperament, they’re deeply affectionate with their chosen person—always up for a cuddle, always down to follow you from room to room like they’re live-streaming your life.

They do require care: regular grooming, boundaries, and emotional attention. But if you’re ready to treat your Yorkie like the tiny icon they are—with patience, respect, and the occasional designer sweater—you’ll gain a bold, devoted companion who’s equal parts spark and soul.

Tail Of The Tape

Trait
Low
High
Height
7
in
8
in
Weight
4
lbs
7
lbs
Lifespan
11
yrs
15
yrs

Personality Snapshot

  • Tiny but full of attitude
  • Needs clear training and structure
  • Grooming is high-maintenance
  • Prone to barking and demanding attention
  • Extremely people-focused and loyal

Health Watch: Common Breed Risks

Yorkies may be petite, but their health needs are serious business. Common concerns include:

• Dental disease (tiny mouths = tartar buildup)

• Collapsing trachea

• Luxating patella (slipping kneecaps)

• Hypoglycemia (especially in puppies)

• Portosystemic shunt (liver condition)

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

• Fragile bones (due to small stature)

Regular vet visits and delicate handling go a long way in protecting their health.

Breed Embodiment

Moira Rose
Fashion-forward, opinionated, and not one to be ignored

Fictional Owners

Cher Horowitz
Stylish, energetic, and surprisingly clever
Sharpay Evans
Bold, high-maintenance, and secretly sweet underneath
Elle Woods
High-energy, polished, and smarter than you think

Where They Want To Live

Yorkies thrive in chic apartments, cozy condos, or stylish homes where they can live like the icons they believe they are. They don’t need a yard—they need attention, affection, and a sunny spot by the window where they can monitor the world with the seriousness of a security chief in couture.

Ideal for city dwellers or anyone who wants a lot of personality in a small package, Yorkies are happiest when their environment reflects their needs: calm, cozy, and close to their people. As long as you’re around and there’s a plush surface nearby, your Yorkie will rule their (very fashionable) kingdom with sass, smarts, and surprising tenderness.

Dating Profile

I may be small, but I take up space—emotionally, vocally, and aesthetically. I’m all about morning walks, midday spa sessions, and evening snuggles on plush throws. I’m bold, loyal, and stylish to the core. Must love glam, have a flair for conversation (I do talk back), and appreciate the finer things in life—like being told I’m stunning. If you’re looking for a tiny companion with runway energy and ride-or-die devotion, I’m already at your heels.

Things To Know

• Needs socialization to avoid yappy habits

• Not ideal for rough toddlers

• Grooming is a major time or budget commitment

• Craves companionship and stimulation

• May challenge larger dogs—big attitude in a small frame

Gear Guide

• Slicker brush and leave-in conditioner

• Stylish carrier bag for outings

• High-quality kibble to maintain coat

• Dog stroller for city treks\n• Snuffle mat or flirt pole

Coat Types & Color Variety

Yorkies come dressed in signature style—fine, flowing, and ready for compliments:

• Long, silky coat that resembles human hair

• Classic coloring: steel blue and tan (deepening with age)

• Requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and matting

• Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks keeps the cut camera-ready

• Hypoallergenic, with very low shedding

High-maintenance? A little. Worth it? Absolutely.

Diet & Nutrition Needs

Feeding a Yorkie means precision over volume—this is not a free-feeding kind of dog:

• Choose high-quality, small-breed kibble that’s easy to chew

• Feed multiple small meals a day, especially for puppies or tiny adults

• Watch for weight loss or hypoglycemia in high-energy dogs

• Avoid greasy or rich treats that upset their sensitive tummies

• Keep portions exact—tiny dogs gain weight fast

They’ll act like they’re starving, but trust the scale, not the eyes.

💡 Health Care Tips

Yorkies thrive with consistent care tailored to their delicate build and bold spirit:

• Brush teeth daily and prioritize regular dental cleanings

• Use a harness—not a collar—to protect their sensitive trachea

• Avoid high jumps or rough play that can stress their joints

• Monitor for changes in behavior or appetite—little signs mean big things

• Keep them warm—small bodies lose heat fast

Treat them like the tiny royalty they are, and they’ll reign with joy.

Bottom Line

I may be small, but I take up space—emotionally, vocally, and aesthetically. I’m all about morning walks, midday spa sessions, and evening snuggles on plush throws. I’m bold, loyal, and stylish to the core. Must love glam, have a flair for conversation (I do talk back), and appreciate the finer things in life—like being told I’m stunning. If you’re looking for a tiny companion with runway energy and ride-or-die devotion, I’m already at your heels.

Additional Resources