Breed comparison

Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier: Which breed should you choose?

Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier are two dog breeds often compared by prospective owners. Here’s a point-by-point comparison to help you decide: size, temperament, purchase price, monthly budget, and compatibility with your lifestyle.

Chihuahua

Small1–3 kg€1,500 – €2,500

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Yorkshire Terrier

Small2–3 kg€1,200 – €2,500

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Key takeaways

Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier are a similar size (1–3 kg).
Both breeds fall within the same purchase price range: €1,500 – €2,500.
The monthly budget is similar for both breeds: about €86 per month.
Both breeds need a similar level of daily activity (3/5).
Chihuahua scores higher for “Families and children”: 4/5 compared with 3/5 for Yorkshire Terrier.
For “Apartment living,” both breeds are tied (5/5).
For “First-time owners,” both breeds are tied (4/5).
Chihuahua lives longer on average: 14–18 years compared with 12–16 years for Yorkshire Terrier.

Our verdict

Choose Chihuahua if you’re looking for…

Attentive urban life: It is very well suited to an apartment household that offers it presence, outings and a stable environment.
Careful adults: Its small size requires owners capable of handling and protecting a delicate dog.
Active seniors: Its practical size and moderate exercise needs can suit a calm but present lifestyle.
Families with calm children: It can fit in provided that the children are respectful and understand its fragility.

Choose Yorkshire Terrier if you’re looking for…

Apartment living: It adapts well to small spaces if its outings and need for companionship are respected.
People often at home: It appreciates households that give it time, attention and regular interactions.
Lovers of elegant small dogs: Its refined appearance and lively character appeal to people willing to take on its care.

Detailed comparison

	Chihuahua	Yorkshire Terrier
General information
Origin	Mexico	United Kingdom
FCI group	9	3
Build	Small	Small
Height at the withers	16–21 cm	18–23 cm
Weight	1–3 kg	2–3 kg
Coat	Short or long, smooth to slightly wavy	Long, fine, silky
Life expectancy	14–18 years	12–16 years
Average price	€1,500 – €2,500	€1,200 – €2,500
Monthly budget	≈ €86	≈ €86
Compatibility
Families and children	Very good	Good
Daily exercise needs	Moderate	Moderate
Apartment living	Excellent	Excellent
First-time owners	Very good	Very good
Other pets	Good	Good
Tolerance of being alone	Fair	Limited
Guarding instinct	Limited	Good
Strengths and weaknesses
	Low risk of running away Highly adaptable Robust health Easy to care for Sheds very little Rarely drools Not very obedient High exercise needs Prone to destructive behavior Barks a lot	Obedient Low risk of running away Highly adaptable Robust health Sheds very little Rarely drools High exercise needs Prone to destructive behavior Barks a lot High-maintenance coat

Add a third breed Which dog should you choose?

Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier: Which breed should you choose?

Chihuahua

Yorkshire Terrier

Key takeaways

Our verdict

Detailed comparison

Chihuahua

Yorkshire Terrier

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