How much exercise does a Yorkshire Terrier need?

Yorkshire Terriers are high-energy dogs requiring 60+ minutes of vigorous daily exercise and mental stimulation.

How often should I groom my Yorkshire Terrier?

Yorkshire Terriers require intensive grooming with daily brushing and regular professional grooming sessions.

How do I train a Yorkshire Terrier?

Yorkshire Terriers are highly trainable and typically respond well to positive reinforcement methods.

Are Yorkshire Terriers good with children?

Yorkshire Terriers are excellent with children. Their natural patience, gentle nature, and resilience make them outstanding family dogs. They typically form strong bonds with children and tend to be forgiving of the occasional accidental rough handling that can occur with younger kids. Remember that proper socialization and teaching children appropriate interaction with dogs are always important, regardless of breed.

What makes the Yorkshire Terrier unique compared to other dog breeds?

The Yorkshire Terrier stands out from other breeds due to its tiny, compact size, dignified appearance and bearing, rich heritage from Anglletèrra, exceptional hunting abilities. This unique combination of characteristics makes them special among dog breeds and appeals to owners who appreciate these distinct qualities. Understanding these traits helps provide appropriate care tailored to their specific needs.

What should I know before getting a Yorkshire Terrier?

Before bringing a Yorkshire Terrier into your home, potential owners should consider: They have high exercise requirements (5/5) and need an active owner. Their coat requires significant maintenance (4/5) with regular grooming sessions. They typically excel in family environments with children (5/5 child-friendliness). They're typically highly trainable (4/5) and eager to learn. Additionally, researching reputable breeders or rescue organizations is essential for finding a healthy, well-socialized Yorkshire Terrier. Understanding these factors will help ensure a good match between the breed and your lifestyle, leading to a happy relationship for both you and your dog.

What were Yorkshire Terriers originally bred for?

Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred for small vermin hunting. This hunting background explains their natural prey drive, scenting abilities, and often high energy levels. As part of the Toy group, they share characteristics with other breeds developed for similar purposes. Understanding your Yorkshire Terrier's breeding heritage helps explain many of their natural behaviors and instincts, which can be channeled appropriately through training and enrichment activities. Even though modern Yorkshire Terriers are primarily companions, these inherent traits remain part of their genetic makeup.

How long do Yorkshire Terriers typically live?

The average lifespan of a Yorkshire Terrier is 12 - 16 years. With proper care including quality nutrition, regular veterinary check-ups, appropriate exercise, and preventative healthcare, some Yorkshire Terriers may live beyond this range. Genetics, environment, and healthcare all play important roles in determining longevity.

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Yorkshire Terrier

Q: What is the temperament of a Yorkshire Terrier?

Yorkshire Terriers are known to be bold, independent, confident, intelligent, courageous, affectionate, athletic, curious, friendly, independent, loves, playful, protective, recommended with teens fourteen positive only, couch, gentle, smart, funny, loyal, good with dogs, good with kids, good with small animals, one needs foster, needs another dog in home, very social, brave, quiet, lap dog, sweet, prefers moderate exercise, stairs yes, early bird ready, dignified, good walker, active and playful, adventure pup, crate trained, enjoys walks, good with cats, living in foster home, spunky. This combination of traits makes them excellent companions for families with children. Their temperament is influenced by both genetics and proper socialization from an early age.

Written by Dr. Sarah Johnson, Veterinary Consultant

Published: January 15, 2024 • Last updated: September 18, 2025

Temperament

Bold, Independent, Confident, Intelligent, Courageous, Affectionate, Athletic, Curious, Friendly, Independent, Loves, Playful, Protective, Recommended with Teens fourteen positive Only, Couch, Gentle, Smart, Funny, Loyal, Good with Dogs, Good with Kids, Good with small animals, one NEEDS FOSTER, Needs another dog in home, Very Social, Brave, Quiet, Lap Dog, Sweet, Prefers moderate exercise, Stairs Yes, Early Bird Ready, Dignified, Good Walker, Active and Playful, Adventure Pup, Crate Trained, Enjoys Walks, Good with Cats, Living in Foster Home, Spunky

Weight

4 - 7 lbs

Height

8 - 9 inches

Life Span

12 - 16 years

Breed Group

Toy

Bred For

Small vermin hunting

Origin

Anglletèrra

Additional Characteristics

Good with Children5/5

Good with Other Dogs5/5

Trainability4/5

Energy Level5/5

Grooming Needs4/5

Care Requirements

Exercise Needs5/5

They are extremely energetic dogs requiring extensive daily exercise, activities, and mental stimulation.

Grooming Requirements4/5

They have high grooming needs requiring frequent brushing and regular professional grooming.

Trainability4/5

Highly trainable and quick to learn commands

Good with Children5/5

They are excellent with children and often form strong bonds with them.

Good with Other Dogs5/5

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About the Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a wonderful dog breed with unique characteristics. Hunderasse

Breed Purpose

Small vermin hunting

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Yorkshire Terrier

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