A tiny, glamorous terrier with a bold heart.
Origin
England
Height
7–8 in (18–20 cm)
Weight
4–7 lb (1.8–3.2 kg)
Lifespan
13–16 years
Coat
Long, fine, silky single coat — low-shedding
Energy
Moderate
Overview
The Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny toy breed with a long, glossy, silky coat, developed in industrial England to catch rats in mills and mines before becoming a fashionable companion. Beneath the glamour is a true terrier spirit.
Bold, spirited, and affectionate, the “Yorkie” bonds closely with its people and makes a surprisingly vigilant watchdog. It is confident and lively, packing an outsized, feisty personality into a very small, elegant frame.
History
Developed in 19th-century Yorkshire, England, from various terriers by workers who needed ratters, the Yorkshire Terrier was later bred down and refined into a beloved luxury companion prized for its beauty and character.
Where it comes from
England
Highlighted in the Yorkshire Terrier's lineage color on the map.
Temperament
The Yorkie is feisty, devoted, and self-assured, watchful with strangers and bonded to its family. It is intelligent and trainable, thriving on companionship, and early socialization keeps it from becoming overly yappy or wary.
Health to watch
Kneecap slipping is common in toy breeds; lean weight and screening reduce strain and severity.
A weak windpipe and dental problems occur; a harness and diligent dental care help protect them.
A liver blood-vessel abnormality occurs in the breed; early testing and treatment can be effective.
General breed tendencies, not a diagnosis. Every dog is an individual — pair this with regular veterinary care.
Care essentials
The long silky coat mats easily and needs daily brushing, or a shorter, more practical trim.
Use a harness rather than a collar and maintain dental care to protect the windpipe and teeth.
The tiny frame is fragile; handle gently and supervise around larger dogs and children.
XPET builds each pet a digital twin — modeling their real biology instead of breed averages, so care stays personal.