Toy breed Small size 2-3 kg
Yorkshire Terrier
A tiny, bold companion built for apartment life - the silky coat and fragile teeth and knees demand real, ongoing care.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Small
Size
2-3 kg · 18-23 cm
Moderate
Exercise needs
Short walks and lively indoor play
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Bonds closely; dislikes long alone time
Moderate
Training
Smart but can be stubborn to housetrain
Very high
Coat care
Long silky coat needs daily grooming
Moderate
Fit with kids
Better with older, gentle children
Moderate
Other pets
Bold with bigger pets; supervise
Moderate
Health burden
Dental, luxating patella, knees
The Yorkshire Terrier typically weighs 2-3 kg, stands 18-23 cm, and lives 13-16 years.
Consider this breed if…
you want a small, portable, big-personality companion for a flat,
someone is home most of the day for a dog that hates being alone,
you accept daily coat care or regular professional grooming costs,
you'll commit to dental care - toy breeds lose teeth without it.
Do not consider this breed if…
you have boisterous toddlers who could injure a 2-3 kg dog,
you're out of the house 8+ hours daily,
you want a wash-and-go dog and won't brush or pay a groomer,
you want a quiet dog - many Yorkies are alert and bark readily.
A typical day with a Yorkshire Terrier
- 7:00 · MorningShort walk, then a quick coat brush
- 9:30 · MidmorningIndoor play and a training game
- 12:30 · NoonPotty break and a nap on a warm lap
- 16:00 · AfternoonSecond walk or a lively play session
- 18:30 · EveningFamily time; toy breeds love close company
- 21:00 · NightTooth check and bed - guard against jumps from height
Family and environment
Kids Conditional
Best with older, gentle kids; too fragile for rough toddlers.
Dogs Conditional
Bold beyond its size; supervise around bigger dogs.
Cats Conditional
Often fine, but its terrier chase instinct can flare.
Apartment Ideal
Small and adaptable - a natural apartment dog if the barking is managed.
House with a yard Suitable
Enjoys a yard but needs supervision - small enough to be at risk outdoors.
City Ideal
Portable and comfortable with urban life.
Countryside Manages
Happy anywhere its people are; no working role and a delicate build.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Moderate
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Portosystemic (liver) shunt Inherited liver malformation; a defining breed condition
Luxating patella Kneecap slips out; common in small breeds
Dental disease Plaque buildup; routine cleanings help
Heart disease (MVD) Mitral valve disease; monitor with a vet
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Close cousin, slightly larger and similar coat
Silky Terrier
A confident toy terrier with a fine, glamorous coat that needs steady grooming - lively company for owners who can handle a big personality.
View profile →
Another long-coated toy lapdog
Maltese
A gentle toy lap dog that thrives on company but needs daily coat care and dislikes being left alone.
View profile →
Tiny, bold apartment companion
Chihuahua
A tiny, long-lived shadow with a big-dog attitude - ideal for one-person apartments, easily overwhelmed by rough small kids.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does a Yorkshire Terrier cost?
A Yorkie puppy from a reputable US breeder typically runs $1,200-$2,500, with tiny "teacup" marketing pushing prices higher and health risks with them. The purchase is only the start: expect regular professional grooming, dental cleanings, and pet insurance across a long 13-16 year life. Toy breeds are prone to dental and knee issues, so budget for lifetime care rather than assuming a small dog is a cheap one.
Are Yorkies good with children?
Better with older, gentle children than with toddlers. At just 2-3 kg, a Yorkie is easily hurt by rough handling or an accidental fall, and it may snap if frightened. In a calm household with kids who know how to handle a small dog, they can be affectionate companions - but always supervise interactions with young children.
Can a Yorkshire Terrier be left alone all day?
Not comfortably. Yorkies bond intensely with their people and are prone to separation anxiety, so long daily stretches alone often bring barking, house-soiling, and stress. Around 4 hours is a sensible ceiling. If you're out 8+ hours a day, arrange a dog walker or daycare, or consider a more independent breed.
Do Yorkies need a lot of grooming?
Yes. The long, silky, hair-like coat mats quickly and needs daily brushing plus regular professional grooming, or a shorter "puppy cut" to cut the upkeep. Add routine tooth brushing, nail trims, and ear cleaning. Grooming is a real ongoing cost and time commitment, not an occasional chore.