Yorkshire Terrier – The Small Dog with a Luxurious Appearance

Blog | 22/03/2025 by Dog Breed

The Yorkshire Terrier, also known as the Yorkie, is a small and elegant dog with a weight of 3–5 kg and a height of 10–15 cm, beloved by the aristocracy.

Yorkshire Terriers originated in England and are known for their petite size and luxurious appearance. Despite weighing only 3–5 kg, these dogs have a strikingly beautiful and sophisticated look. Their elegance has made them a favorite among celebrities and famous personalities.

If you want to learn more about this charming Dog breed, keep reading our detailed article below!

Where Did the Yorkshire Terrier Originate?

Yorkshire Terrier – A Dog with a Luxurious Appearance.

The Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) is a small and elegant toy dog breed originating from England. It first appeared in the 19th century and was initially bred for hunting rats in mines and factories.

However, due to its sophisticated appearance, the Yorkshire Terrier quickly gained popularity and became widely recognized as a symbol of elegance and wealth among the British aristocracy.

There are currently three different types of Yorkshire Terriers:

Standard Yorkshire Terrier
Teacup Yorkie (extremely small in size)
Parti Yorkie (tri-color Yorkie)

If you’re interested in learning about other small and adorable dog breeds, don’t miss our article on the Corgi, available here!

Physical Characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier Has a Small and Adorable Appearance.

The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the smallest dog breeds, yet it boasts long, silky fur and an irresistibly cute face. Let's explore some key details about this charming breed's appearance:

Standard Size: Height ranges from 15 - 23 cm, weight from 1.5 - 3.2 kg, with an average lifespan of 12 - 16 years. Some are smaller than 1.5 kg but tend to be frail.
Head and Face: Small, compact, and well-proportioned head; slightly protruding black nose; round, bright eyes; short muzzle; V-shaped ears that stand erect.
Tail: Straight with a slight curve, medium length, though some may have their tails docked at a young age.
Body: Small, well-balanced frame; short legs; straight back; slim waist; small paws; graceful and agile gait.
Coat: Long, silky, and shiny.
Common Coat Colors: Black and tan, black and brown, steel blue and tan.

Personality of the Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies Love to Run and Play

Despite their small size, Yorkshire Terriers are incredibly playful and energetic. Let’s explore some key personality traits of this lively breed:

Intelligent and Quick-Witted

Yorkshire Terriers rank among the top 30 most intelligent dog breeds. They learn quickly, are observant, and are easy to train.

Loyal and Affectionate

Yorkies are extremely loyal and love to stay close to their owners. They enjoy being cuddled and petted and often form a strong bond with a single person they recognize as their owner from a young age. If ignored or left alone for too long, they can become depressed.

Energetic and Curious

These little dogs are highly active and love to run, jump, and explore. They enjoy digging and, if left without toys, may resort to chewing on household items.

Brave and Fearless

Despite their tiny stature, Yorkshire Terriers are courageous and bold. They won’t hesitate to confront much larger dogs without fear. They are also highly alert to their surroundings.

Strong Hunting Instinct and Love for Chasing

Originally bred for rat hunting, Yorkies have retained their natural instinct to chase smaller animals like rodents, cats, and insects. When taking your Yorkie for a walk, it’s best to keep them on a leash to prevent them from running after small creatures.

Special Diet for Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkshire Terriers Need a Well-Balanced Diet

Despite their small size, Yorkshire Terriers require a proper diet to support their growth and maintain a shiny, smooth coat. You can feed them high-quality dry kibble specifically formulated for small dog breeds to ensure they receive essential nutrients.

If you prefer fresh food, here are some recommended options for Yorkies:

Protein Sources: Beef, chicken, pork, salmon, and other lean meats.
Vegetables: Carrots, pumpkin, broccoli, and other fiber-rich veggies for vitamins and digestion.
Supplements: Boiled eggs, plain yogurt, and low-fat cheese for added nutrition.
Omega-3 Fish Oil: Helps keep their coat soft and glossy.

Feeding Guidelines for Yorkshire Terriers

Under 6 months old: Feed four small meals daily as their digestive system is still developing. Ensure food is finely chopped and soft.
6-12 months old: Gradually introduce firmer food, but avoid excessive starch, sugar, spices, or fatty foods.
Adult Yorkies: Feed two meals per day, focusing on fiber and protein while controlling calorie intake to prevent obesity.
Portion Size: Due to their small body size, Yorkies only require about 100-250g of food daily, depending on their weight.

How to Care for a Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers (Yorkies) are elegant yet high-maintenance dogs, requiring special attention to their grooming, diet, and health. Here’s how to take care of them properly:

Proper Diet: Ensure a balanced diet and control portion sizes to avoid obesity.
Coat Care: Yorkies have long, silky fur that requires regular grooming. Bathe them twice a week, dry their fur immediately after bathing, and trim their coat every 1-2 months to maintain its smooth texture.
Hygiene Maintenance:
Clean their eyes daily with saline solution.
Clean their ears 1-2 times per week.

Brush their teeth 3-4 times per week, using chew toys for dental health.

Daily Exercise: These energetic dogs need daily walks and playtime to stay active.
Regular Health Check-ups & Vaccinations: Vaccinate them against common diseases like Canine Parvovirus (Parvo), Distemper, Rabies, and Hepatitis, and schedule vet check-ups every 6 months.

Common Health Issues in Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkshire Terriers Are Prone to Certain Health Issues

Due to their small size, fragile bones, and long coats, Yorkshire Terriers are susceptible to several common health conditions, including hypoglycemia, periodontal disease, joint problems, and tracheal inflammation. Let’s take a closer look at these issues.

Hypoglycemia (Extremely Dangerous for Yorkies Under 6 Months Old)

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a serious condition that frequently affects Yorkie puppies under six months old.

Causes: Poor nutrition, skipping meals, excessive stress.
Symptoms: Lethargy, weakness, trembling, seizures, and even coma.
Prevention & Treatment: Provide a well-balanced diet, feed on time, and avoid excessive physical activity.

Periodontal Disease

Over 90% of adult Yorkshire Terriers suffer from periodontal disease due to their small jaw and overcrowded teeth.

Causes: Natural dental structure, lack of regular oral hygiene.
Symptoms: Bad breath, excessive drooling, swollen gums, bleeding gums.
Prevention & Treatment: Regular tooth brushing and dental chew toys.

Joint Problems

Yorkies have fragile bones, making them prone to joint-related diseases.

Causes: Genetic factors, calcium deficiency, weak bone structure.
Symptoms: Limping, sensitivity to touch around the legs or hips.
Prevention & Treatment: Prevent jumping from high surfaces, maintain a healthy weight, and supplement with calcium.

Tracheal Inflammation

Yorkshire Terriers have a narrow and sensitive trachea, making them prone to respiratory issues like tracheal collapse.

Causes: Tight collars, exposure to smoke, viruses.
Symptoms: Dry cough, wheezing, fainting due to lack of oxygen.
Prevention & Treatment: Avoid tight collars, limit exposure to smoke and dust, and visit a vet if symptoms worsen.

Yorkshire Terrier Pricing & Buying Considerations

Yorkshire Terriers are popular due to their elegant and adorable appearance. However, before purchasing one, you should understand their pricing and key considerations.

Price Range for Yorkshire Terriers

Origin	Estimated Price (VND)
Bred in Vietnam	7 - 10 million
Imported from Thailand	10 - 25 million (depending on pedigree papers)
Purebred Imported from Europe	45 - 60 million

Note: Prices vary based on origin, purity, gender, age, and appearance.

Things to Consider When Buying a Yorkshire Terrier

✔ Beware of "cheap" Yorkies priced under 1 million VND—these could be unhealthy or mixed breeds.
✔ Verify origin and documents before purchasing.
✔ Buy from reputable breeders with a clear lineage and health guarantees.
✔ Check health and appearance to ensure the puppy is not sick.
✔ Seek advice from experienced Yorkie owners before making a decision.