Comparator

Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier: which breed to choose?

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

Chihuahua

Small1–3 kg1,500–2,500 €

Full profile Find a breeder

Yorkshire Terrier

Small2–3 kg1,200–2,500 €

Full profile Find a breeder

Key takeaways

Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier are similar in size (1–3 kg).
Both breeds fall within the same purchase price range: 1,500–2,500 €.
Monthly budget is similar for both breeds: about 86 € per month.
Both breeds need a similar level of daily activity (3/5).
Chihuahua is rated higher for “Family & children”: 4/5 vs 3/5 for Yorkshire Terrier.
For “Apartment living”, both breeds are tied (5/5).
For “First-time owner”, both breeds are tied (4/5).
Chihuahua lives longer on average: 14–18 years vs 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 : He adapts well to small spaces if his outings and need for companionship are respected.
People present : He appreciates households that give him time, attention and regular interactions.
Fans of elegant small dogs : His refined look and lively temperament appeal to people ready to take on his upkeep.

Detailed comparison

	Chihuahua	Yorkshire Terrier
General information
Origin	Mexico	United Kingdom
FCI group	9	3
Size	Small	Small
Height at 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 ans	12–16 ans
Average price	1,500–2,500 €	1,200–2,500 €
Monthly budget	≈ 86 €	≈ 86 €
Compatibility
Family & children	Very good	Good
Daily activity required	Moderate	Moderate
Apartment living	Excellent	Excellent
First-time owner	Very good	Very good
Other pets	Good	Good
Tolerance for being alone	Fairly good	Limited
Guarding instinct	Limited	Good
Pros & Cons
	Low escape risk Very adaptable Robust health Easy grooming Sheds little Drools little Not very obedient High exercise needs Tends to destroy Barks a lot	Obedient Low escape risk Very adaptable Robust health Sheds little Drools little High exercise needs Tends to destroy Barks a lot High-maintenance grooming

Add a third breed Which dog to choose

Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier: which breed to choose?

Chihuahua

Yorkshire Terrier

Key takeaways

Our verdict

Detailed comparison

Chihuahua

Yorkshire Terrier

Other popular dogs comparisons