Yorkshire Terrier Temperament & Personality
The Yorkshire Terrier is known for being affectionate, confident, courageous, feisty, spirited. Learn everything you need to know about the Yorkshire Terrier temperament, including their energy level, trainability, and compatibility with families and other pets.
Quick Facts
Temperament Overview
The Yorkshire Terrier, affectionately known as the Yorkie, is a toy breed that exemplifies the phrase 'big dog in a small package.' According to AKC standards, Yorkies should weigh no more than seven pounds and stand approximately 7-8 inches at the shoulder. Despite their diminutive size, these dogs possess a bold, confident personality and remain true to their terrier heritage with a feisty and spirited nature. Their most distinctive feature is their floor-length, silky coat that parts along the spine and falls straight down either side, colored in a combination of blue and tan that develops as the dog matures.
Yorkshire Terriers form strong bonds with their owners and thrive on companionship, often becoming devoted lap dogs while maintaining an alert, watchful demeanor. They are naturally suspicious of strangers and will readily announce visitors with their surprisingly loud bark. Their small size makes them well-suited to apartment living, but they require more exercise and mental stimulation than many prospective owners anticipate. Yorkies are not recommended for families with young children, as their tiny size makes them vulnerable to accidental injury, and they may snap if handled roughly or startled.
Prospective owners should understand that Yorkies are high-maintenance dogs despite their small stature. Their long, silky coat requires daily brushing and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to prevent matting. Many pet owners opt to keep their Yorkies in a shorter 'puppy cut' to reduce grooming demands. These dogs are prone to several health issues related to their small size, including dental problems, collapsing trachea, and patellar luxation. They are sensitive to cold weather and require protective clothing in winter months.
The Yorkshire Terrier's temperament reflects its working terrier origins - they are tenacious, brave, and sometimes stubborn. They can be challenging to housetrain and may exhibit territorial behavior toward other dogs despite their size. However, with proper socialization, consistent training, and an owner who understands the breed's unique characteristics, Yorkies make excellent companions for singles, seniors, and couples who can provide the attention and care these dogs require. Their hypoallergenic coat and compact size have made them one of the most popular toy breeds in America.
Living with a Yorkshire Terrier
Good with Children
Yorkshire Terriers may not be the ideal choice for homes with young children. Their temperament or size may pose challenges in family settings. Homes with older, dog-savvy children or adult-only households may be a better fit. Individual dogs may vary, so consult your breeder about temperament.
Good with Other Dogs
Yorkshire Terriers may not always coexist peacefully with other dogs. They can show territorial or dominant behavior around other canines. Careful, gradual introductions and ongoing socialization are recommended. Some individuals do better as the only dog in the household.
Training a Yorkshire Terrier
Training a Yorkshire Terrier presents unique challenges that stem from the breed's intelligent yet independent nature. Yorkies are smart dogs capable of learning quickly, but their terrier stubbornness and tendency to believe they are in charge can complicate training efforts. Housetraining is notoriously difficult with this breed due to their small bladder capacity and stubborn streak - many Yorkies are never fully reliable indoors without consistent, patient training using positive reinforcement methods. Crate training is highly recommended, and owners should expect the housetraining process to take 4-6 months or longer, with frequent outdoor trips every 2-3 hours. Early socialization is absolutely critical for Yorkshire Terriers to prevent the development of 'small dog syndrome,' where they become yappy, aggressive, or fearful. Puppies should be exposed to various people, animals, sounds, and environments between 8-16 weeks of age. Despite their size, Yorkies should be trained using the same standards applied to larger dogs - jumping, nipping, and excessive barking should not be tolerated simply because the dog is small. These behaviors become problematic habits that are difficult to correct in adult dogs. Yorkies respond best to positive reinforcement training with small, high-value treats, as harsh corrections can damage the human-animal bond and increase anxiety. Owners must be consistent and patient, as Yorkies can be manipulative and will test boundaries regularly. Short training sessions of 5-10 minutes work best due to their short attention span. Basic obedience commands (sit, stay, come, down) should be taught early, and recall training is particularly important despite their small size. Yorkies can excel in dog sports such as agility and rally when properly motivated. A common mistake is allowing unwanted behaviors because the dog is small and 'cute' - this creates a spoiled, poorly-behaved adult dog. Professional training classes are recommended, particularly puppy kindergarten and basic obedience, to provide structure and socialization opportunities while teaching owners how to effectively communicate with their strong-willed companion.
Exercise & Energy Level
Expect to provide at least 60-90 minutes of daily exercise. Regular walks, play sessions, and mental stimulation are essential. This breed thrives with an active family and benefits from having a yard to run in.
Grooming & Care
Coat Type
Long
Shedding
Low
Grooming
Daily
Yorkshire Terriers require specialized care due to their small size and unique physical characteristics. Their dietary needs are precise - they require high-quality, calorie-dense food formulated for toy breeds, fed in small portions 3-4 times daily to prevent hypoglycemia, particularly in puppies and young adults. Adult Yorkies typically consume only 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food per day. Due to their tendency toward dental disease, many veterinarians recommend dental-specific kibble or incorporating teeth-cleaning treats into their diet. Fresh water must always be available, and owners should monitor food intake carefully as obesity can exacerbate joint and respiratory problems. Exercise requirements are moderate but essential - Yorkies need 20-30 minutes of daily activity split into multiple short walks and play sessions. Despite their small size, they have high energy levels and benefit from interactive play, puzzle toys, and supervised outdoor time. Indoor activities are often sufficient on extreme weather days, as Yorkies are sensitive to both heat and cold. They should never be left outside unsupervised and require sweaters or coats in temperatures below 45°F. Mental stimulation is equally important, as bored Yorkies may develop destructive behaviors or excessive barking. Grooming is the most demanding aspect of Yorkshire Terrier care. Their continuously growing, hair-like coat requires daily brushing with a pin brush and metal comb to prevent tangles and mats. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is necessary for bathing, trimming, ear cleaning, and nail clipping. The hair on their head must be kept trimmed or tied up to prevent eye irritation. Regular dental care is critical - teeth should be brushed 3-4 times weekly, with professional cleanings as recommended by a veterinarian. Routine veterinary care should include monitoring for common breed-specific issues such as liver shunts, heart problems, and joint disorders. Annual veterinary costs typically range from $500-$1,000, not including emergency care or treatment for chronic conditions.
Health Considerations
Average Lifespan: 11-15 years
Like all breeds, Yorkshire Terriers can be prone to certain health conditions. Being aware of these potential issues can help you work with your veterinarian to provide the best preventive care. Common health concerns include:
- •patellar luxation
- •collapsed trachea
- •portosystemic shunt
- •hypoglycemia
- •dental disease
When choosing a Yorkshire Terrier, look for a responsible breeder who performs health testing on their breeding dogs. Ask about OFA certifications, genetic testing, and health guarantees to help ensure you bring home a healthy puppy.
History & Origin
England
Catching rats in clothing mills
The Yorkshire Terrier originated in Yorkshire, England during the mid-19th century, developed by working-class weavers and miners in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. The breed was created by crossing various terrier types, including the now-extinct Clydesdale Terrier, Paisley Terrier, and possibly the Skye Terrier, Dandie Dinmont, and Manchester Terrier. These small but fierce dogs were originally bred to catch rats in the textile mills and coal mines of industrial England, where their small size allowed them to access tight spaces while their terrier tenacity made them effective vermin hunters. The early Yorkshire Terriers were larger than today's specimens, sometimes weighing up to 12-14 pounds. The breed's transformation from working ratter to fashionable companion began in the Victorian era when they caught the attention of English ladies of society. A dog named Huddersfield Ben, born in 1865, is considered the foundation sire of the modern Yorkshire Terrier - he was shown extensively and sired numerous offspring that established the breed's refined appearance and consistent type. The Kennel Club of England recognized the breed in 1886, and by this time, selective breeding had reduced the Yorkie's size and refined its coat to the silky, floor-length texture prized today. The breed's name was officially changed from 'Broken-Haired Scotch Terrier' to 'Yorkshire Terrier' in 1870, reflecting the region where it was perfected. Yorkshire Terriers arrived in America in the 1870s and were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, making them one of the earliest breeds registered. They gained popularity steadily throughout the 20th century, receiving a significant boost during World War II when a Yorkie named Smoky became famous as a war dog, accompanying an American soldier through the Pacific theater and performing remarkable feats. By the 1990s and 2000s, Yorkies had become one of America's most popular breeds, consistently ranking in the AKC's top ten. Their status as a celebrity accessory dog in the early 2000s led to both increased popularity and concerns about irresponsible breeding. Today, reputable breeders work to maintain the Yorkshire Terrier's health, temperament, and conformation to AKC standards while preserving the spirited terrier character that defined the breed's working origins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yorkshire Terrier Temperament
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