Why This Breed Matters
The Yorkshire Terrier was a working class dog before they were a fashion accessory. Victorian mill workers in Yorkshire bred them to catch rats in textile factories and mines. That terrier attitude is still there under the silky coat — Yorkies are feisty, bold, and have no idea they weigh 7 pounds. They'll try to boss around dogs ten times their size and see nothing wrong with it.
Ownership Reality
Yorkies are terriers. Say it again: terriers. They're not lap dogs who happen to have nice coats. They're ratters with attitude who need training and boundaries or they'll run your house. 'Small dog syndrome' happens when owners think they don't need to train small dogs — and Yorkies are the poster child. The coat is high maintenance: daily brushing or regular grooming appointments. They can be yappy. They're fragile (watch for hypoglycemia in puppies). But a well-trained Yorkie is portable, loyal, and has personality for days.
Buy If
You want a small dog with big personality. You can commit to grooming. You'll train them like a real dog. You live in an apartment or small space.
Skip If
You have young children (too fragile). You think small dogs don't need training. You want a quiet dog. You're not willing to invest in grooming.
Temperament
- Bold and confident
- Affectionate with owners
- Can be yappy
- Feisty terrier attitude
- Suspicious of strangers
Common Health Issues
- Patellar luxation
- Tracheal collapse
- Dental disease
- Hypoglycemia (especially puppies)
- Portosystemic shunt
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease