Yorkies 101

Toy group

The Yorkshire Terrier is probably the first of the modern celebrity “purse dog” breeds, a spunky dog able to hold their own in an urban setting. A tiny dog with a big attitude, Yorkies can be too bossy for their own good and need to be protected from their worst inclinations to avoid injuries. They are very affectionate to their families, but not particularly interested in strangers.

What we love about Yorkies

Original celebrity purse dog with a big dog attitude.

Because of their size-related fragility, Yorkies may not be the best dogs for families with young children or large dogs. They learn quickly and those living alongside them will reap the benefit of early manners training!

Energy level

100% energy level

Energy level: 100% (Very high)

Bark level

  • Talkative
  • As needed

Bark level: Very vocal. This breed is very vocal and barks frequently

Size

7 to 8 inches tall
Toy breed size

Size: 7 to 8 inches tall. This is a Toy sized Dog.

Lifespan

11 to 15 years

Lifespan: 11 to 15 years average

Weight

6 to 8 lbs

Weight: 6 to 8 lbs typical range

Energy level
Very high (100%)
Bark level
Very vocal
Height
7 to 8 inches
Lifespan
11 to 15 years
Weight
6 to 8 lbs

The Yorkshire Terrier stands 7 to 8 inches tall and weighs 6 to 8 lbs. Yorkshire Terriers have a lifespan of 11 to 15 years. They are known for a very high (100%) energy level and a very vocal bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Yorkshire Terriers get?
Yorkshire Terriers stand 7 to 8 inches tall and typically weigh between 6 and 8 pounds.
How long do Yorkshire Terriers live?
The average lifespan of a Yorkshire Terrier is 11 to 15 years.
Are Yorkshire Terriers good for first-time dog owners?
Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Do Yorkshire Terriers bark a lot?
Yorkshire Terriers are very vocal — they bark frequently and use their voice to communicate.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This Yorkshire Terrier health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Yorkie

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Yorkie conditions

Mid-life Yorkshire Terriers should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Luxated patella poses very high risk. Pancreatitis is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Pancreatitis
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Dental disease
Moderate Risk

Senior Yorkie

10+ years

Risk level for common Yorkie conditions

Senior Yorkshire Terriers face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Collapsed trachea and Kidney failure and Valvular heart disease pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Collapsed trachea
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Kidney failure
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Valvular heart disease
Very High Risk

Yorkie puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Yorkie conditions

Yorkshire Terrier puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastritis is at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Gastritis
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Dental disease
Moderate Risk

Young adult Yorkie

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Yorkie conditions

As Yorkshire Terriers grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Luxated patella poses very high risk. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Dental disease
Moderate Risk

Mature adult Yorkie

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Yorkie conditions

Mid-life Yorkshire Terriers should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Luxated patella poses very high risk. Pancreatitis is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Pancreatitis
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Dental disease
Moderate Risk

Senior Yorkie

10+ years

Risk level for common Yorkie conditions

Senior Yorkshire Terriers face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Collapsed trachea and Kidney failure and Valvular heart disease pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Collapsed trachea
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Kidney failure
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Valvular heart disease
Very High Risk

Yorkie puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Yorkie conditions

Yorkshire Terrier puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastritis is at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Gastritis
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Dental disease
Moderate Risk

Young adult Yorkie

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Yorkie conditions

As Yorkshire Terriers grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Luxated patella poses very high risk. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Dental disease
Moderate Risk
Yorkshire Terrier standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your Yorkshire Terrier's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 6 months)
Gastritis: High Risk, Ear infection: Moderate Risk, Dental disease: Moderate Risk
Young Adult (7 months to 5 years)
Luxated patella: Very High Risk, Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis: High Risk, Dental disease: Moderate Risk
Mature Adult (6 years to 9 years)
Luxated patella: Very High Risk, Pancreatitis: High Risk, Dental disease: Moderate Risk
Senior (10+ years)
Collapsed trachea: Very High Risk, Kidney failure: Very High Risk, Valvular heart disease: Very High Risk
3-Fun fact Torkshire terrier GettyImages-1019428258

The United States has no fewer than six memorials to a Yorkie named Smoky, who saved American lives in World War II by dragging a communications cable through a 60-foot drainage line that was just 8 inches in diameter.

Yorkshire Terrier coat care and colors

The Yorkshire Terrier has a long, silky coat that tangles easily without daily combing and brushing. For that reason, most Yorkies are kept clipped short by a professional groomer. While that makes home coat care easier, it does make for cold dogs on winter days, so it’s best to have a sweater or two for warmth when needed. Additionally, acclimating puppies to having their feet handled will make a lifetime of nail trims easier.

Yorkie exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

The Yorkshire Terrier is an active breed; fortunately, exercising them is easy because they are so small. Resist the urge to carry them everywhere, and let them move those little legs.

Trainability

Trainability

A big dog in a small body, the Yorkshire Terrier may consider commands as mere suggestions. Encourage good behavior with praise and small treats.

Group 7531

Yorkie fun facts

Top girl names for Yorkies

100%

of Yorkies are female

0%

of Yorkies are male

Top boy names for Yorkies

Nationwide loves Yorkshire Terriers of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Explore pet insurance
Yorkshire Terrier gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among Yorkshire Terriers insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

Yorkshire Terrier statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like Yorkies

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