---
title: "Yorkshire Terrier - temperament, price, health | Pedibase"
description: "Everything to know about the Yorkshire Terrier (United Kingdom): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-16 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
canonical_url: "https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/yorkshire-terrier"
meta:
  "og:description": "Everything to know about the Yorkshire Terrier (United Kingdom): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-16 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
  "og:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/18/pexels-photo-35386961.jpeg"
  "og:image:alt": "Dog and cat breeders near you"
  "og:image:height": "630"
  "og:image:width": "1200"
  "og:title": "Yorkshire Terrier - temperament, price, health"
  "twitter:description": "Everything to know about the Yorkshire Terrier (United Kingdom): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-16 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
  "twitter:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/18/pexels-photo-35386961.jpeg"
  "twitter:title": "Yorkshire Terrier - temperament, price, health"
---

> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)

+14

Dogs

# The Yorkshire Terrier: temperament, price, health, and breeders

United Kingdom

Small, lively and elegant terrier, the Yorkshire Terrier charms with its big personality in a miniature format.

Size SmallLife expectancy 12–16 yearsBudget ≈ €75/monthPuppy €1,200 – €2,500

[Find a breeder 179](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=yorkshire-terrier)

The right choice?

## Is this breed right for you?

[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)

Families and children Good

Daily exercise needs Moderate

Apartment living Excellent

First-time owners Very good

Other pets Good

Tolerance of being alone Limited

Guarding instinct Good

Strengths and weaknesses

- Very practical size: Its small size makes life easier in an apartment and for everyday travel.
- Very affectionate: It often forms a strong bond with its family and likes to take part in all household activities.
- Low shedding: It generally loses little hair, which appeals to many households.

- Demanding coat care: Its long coat requires regular brushing and consistent grooming to avoid knots and dirt.
- Can be a barker: Its alert temperament sometimes leads it to react strongly to noises and passers-by.
- Fragility of the very small size: Bumps, falls and rough handling are riskier than with a larger dog.

Who is it for?

Ideal 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.

Not recommended for

- Homes often absent: It does not tolerate a lack of interaction well and may develop vocalization or anxiety.
- Very rough young children: Its small size requires calm, supervised handling.
- People seeking minimal maintenance: Its coat and teeth require a consistent routine.

Meet the breed

## What does it look like?

1,75 mHuman

21 cmYorkshire Terrier

<dl>

<dt>Height at the withers</dt>
<dd>18–23 cm</dd>

<dt>Weight</dt>
<dd>2–3 kg</dd>

<dt>Coat</dt>
<dd>Long, fine, silky</dd>

<dt>FCI group</dt>
<dd>3</dd>

<dt>Origin</dt>
<dd>United Kingdom</dd>

<dt>Grooming</dt>
<dd>High-maintenance coat</dd>

</dl>

## Photos and videos

See the Yorkshire Terrier in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.

![Yorkshire Terrier - Photo 2](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:240:240/el:1/q:70/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/18/pexels-photo-35386961.jpeg)

![Yorkshire Terrier - Photo 3](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:240:240/el:1/q:70/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/19/pexels-photo-32618948.jpeg)

![Yorkshire Terrier - Photo 4](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:240:240/el:1/q:70/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4147/pexels-photo-6222967.jpeg)

![Yorkshire Terrier - Photo 5](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:240:240/el:1/q:70/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4148/pexels-photo-29025330.jpeg)

![Yorkshire Terrier - Photo 6](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:240:240/el:1/q:70/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4149/pexels-photo-7326186.jpeg)

![Yorkshire Terrier - Photo 7](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:240:240/el:1/q:70/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4150/pexels-photo-36182710.jpeg)

![Yorkshire Terrier - Photo 8](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:240:240/el:1/q:70/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4152/yorkshire-terrier-fresh-haircut.jpg)

![Yorkshire Terrier - Photo 9](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:240:240/el:1/q:70/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/10038/yorkshire-terrier-1788874987818-0.jpg)

![Yorkshire Terrier - Photo 10](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:240:240/el:1/q:70/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/10039/yorkshire-terrier-1788874989679-1.jpg)

![Yorkshire Terrier - Photo 11](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:240:240/el:1/q:70/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/10040/yorkshire-terrier-1788874991457-2.jpg)

![Yorkshire Terrier - Photo 12](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:240:240/el:1/q:70/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/10041/yorkshire-terrier-1788874992963-3.jpg)

![Yorkshire Terrier - Photo 13](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:240:240/el:1/q:70/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/10042/yorkshire-terrier-1788874994345-4.jpg)

![Yorkshire Terrier - Photo 14](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:240:240/el:1/q:70/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/10043/yorkshire-terrier-1788874997360-5.jpg)

![Yorkshire Terrier - Photo 15](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:240:240/el:1/q:70/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/10044/yorkshire-terrier-1788874999993-6.jpg)

Origins

## Where does it come from?

The birth of the breed dates back to the beginning of the 19th century, when Scottish workers from the wool industry joined Yorkshire with their small terriers. Crosses with several local terriers, including the Maltese Bichon, gradually produced the Yorkshire Terrier, used for hunting rats in mines and rabbits in burrows. Its small size made it easier to extract from the tunnels, and the official breed standard was established in 1898.

Appearance

## What does it look like?

The Yorkshire Terrier is a very small compact dog with a straight back, a firm loin and slightly curved ribs. Its coat is reasonably long on the body, smooth, shiny, fine and silky, with a dark steel blue color from the base of the skull and tan markings on the head and the lower parts of the limbs. The head is rather small and flat with a slightly rounded skull, the eyes are dark and expressive, the ears are small V-shaped carried erect, and the tail, well furnished with hair, is carried higher than the level of the back.

Temperament

## Temperament and personality

The Yorkshire Terrier is a dog with character, alert, intelligent, affectionate and often exuberant with those close to him. Behind his delicate appearance, he retains a strong terrier temperament, with real boldness, a spirit of adventure and a tendency to raise the alarm. He can show little patience, sometimes stubborn, and is better suited to a calm environment capable of respecting his small size.

Affectionate Playful Intelligent

Living together

## Living with children and other pets

The Yorkshire Terrier likes living indoors and adapts very well to the city, but it must not be reduced to the role of a simple lapdog. Lively and bold, it enjoys daily walks, games and exploring the smells and sounds of its environment. It can require a lot of interaction, ask for regular outings and be vocal when it watches what is around it.

Training

## Training and socialization

The education of the Yorkshire Terrier must be early, rigorous and consistent, with clear limits from the start. Its liveliness and intelligence are real assets, but it may try to gain the upper hand if it senses a hesitant framework. It is also necessary to work early on managing barking and socialization to channel its alert temperament without making it defensive.

Budget

## Price and budget for the Yorkshire Terrier

The price of a Yorkshire Terrier varies mainly depending on the reputation of the breeder, the quality of the bloodlines, the pedigree and the care given to the puppy’s socialization. A price that is too low should prompt caution.

[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/yorkshire-terrier/price)

Health

## Health at a glance

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog fairly sturdy for its size, but it has well-known predispositions that must be monitored seriously. The joints, the cervical vertebrae, the kneecaps and especially the teeth require particular vigilance, because tartar plaque, gingivitis and loosening can appear relatively early. Good prevention, serious breeding and regular veterinary follow-up clearly improve its comfort of life.

[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/yorkshire-terrier/health)

Nutrition

## Feeding your pet well

The Yorkshire Terrier needs a complete diet, highly digestible and suited to very small dogs. Energy density, protein quality and kibble size matter as much as the amount given.

[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/yorkshire-terrier/food)

Did you know?

## Fun facts and popularity

The Yorkshire Terrier gained particular fame with Smoky, a small female adopted by Corporal William A. Wynne during World War II. Present in the theater of operations, she is said to have warned her owner of imminent danger and helped save his life during a bombing. After the war, Smoky became a famous dog, invited on television and to visit hospitalized veterans.

FAQ

## Frequently asked questions about the Yorkshire Terrier

Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.

### Is the Yorkshire Terrier suitable for apartment living?

Yes, it adapts very well to apartment living if its needs for outings, stimulation and human presence are met.

### Does the Yorkshire Terrier shed a lot?

No, it generally sheds little, but its long coat requires regular brushing to prevent knots and maintain a nice appearance.

### Is the Yorkshire Terrier easy to train?

It can learn well with a gentle and consistent method, but its terrier temperament requires patience and real consistency.

## Find a Yorkshire Terrier breeder

The areas where Pedibase lists the most Yorkshire Terrier breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.

[Yorkshire Terrier breeders in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes29](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier/auvergne-rhone-alpes) [Yorkshire Terrier breeders in Nouvelle-Aquitaine27](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier/nouvelle-aquitaine) [Yorkshire Terrier breeders in Occitanie21](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier/occitanie) [Yorkshire Terrier breeders in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur20](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier/provence-alpes-cote-dazur) [Yorkshire Terrier breeders in Pays de la Loire12](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier/pays-de-la-loire) [Yorkshire Terrier breeders in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté12](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier/bourgogne-franche-comte) [Yorkshire Terrier breeders in Centre-Val de Loire11](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier/centre-val-de-loire) [Yorkshire Terrier breeders in Brittany10](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier/brittany)

### Yorkshire Terrier breeders by country

[179 breeders of Yorkshire Terrier in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier) [130 breeders of Yorkshire Terrier in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier/germany) [54 breeders of Yorkshire Terrier in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier/italy) [40 breeders of Yorkshire Terrier in Spain](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier/spain) [23 breeders of Yorkshire Terrier in the United Kingdom](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier/united-kingdom) [18 breeders of Yorkshire Terrier in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier/austria) [13 breeders of Yorkshire Terrier in Finland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier/finland) [7 breeders of Yorkshire Terrier in the Netherlands](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier/netherlands) [6 breeders of Yorkshire Terrier in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier/denmark) [3 breeders of Yorkshire Terrier in Croatia](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier/croatia)

[All breeders of Yorkshire Terrier in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier)

## Ready to welcome a Yorkshire Terrier?

Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.

[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-yorkshire-terrier)

## Compare Yorkshire Terrier with other breeds

- [Chihuahua vs. Yorkshire Terrier](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/chihuahua-vs-yorkshire-terrier)

## Discover other breeds

[![Silky Terrier](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:320:320/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/6805/australian_silky_terrier_karlyermai_trail_blaza.jpg)<h3>Silky Terrier</h3>](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/silky-terrier)

[![Australian Terrier](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:320:320/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/8394/terrier-australien-3.jpg)<h3>Australian Terrier</h3>](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/australian-terrier)

[![Biewer Yorkshire](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:320:320/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/5654/pexels-photo-11309269.jpeg)<h3>Biewer Yorkshire</h3>](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/biewer-yorkshire)

[![Pug](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:320:320/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/7370/carlin-1.jpg)<h3>Pug</h3>](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/pug)

[![Chihuahua](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:320:320/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4403/blubble_head_english_chihuahua_-_warhol.jpg)<h3>Chihuahua</h3>](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/chihuahua)

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#website","@type":"WebSite","description":"Find dog and cat breeders near you. France's leading breeder directory, with an interactive map, breed information, and verified reviews.","inLanguage":"en","name":"Pedibase","url":"https://www.pedibase.com","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/search?q={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#identity"},"translationOfWork":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#website"}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/yorkshire-terrier#webpage","description":"Everything to know about the Yorkshire Terrier (United Kingdom): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-16 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders.","name":"Yorkshire Terrier - temperament, price, health","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/yorkshire-terrier","@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/yorkshire-terrier#breadcrumb"},"isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en#website"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/yorkshire-terrier#/schema/question/1"},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/yorkshire-terrier#/schema/question/2"},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/yorkshire-terrier#/schema/question/3"}],"potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/yorkshire-terrier"]}],"primaryImageOfPage":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/18/pexels-photo-35386961.jpeg","width":1200,"height":630,"inLanguage":"en","contentUrl":"https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/18/pexels-photo-35386961.jpeg"}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#identity","@type":"Organization","description":"Pedibase is a free directory of dog and cat breeders that helps prospective owners find a registered breeder near them.","email":"contact@pedibase.com","name":"Pedibase","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/","contactPoint":{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"contact@pedibase.com"},"logo":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#logo"},"parentOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Aurion","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1 rue Pasteur","postalCode":"72000","addressLocality":"Le Mans","addressCountry":"FR"}},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/pedibase","https://www.instagram.com/pedibase_app"]},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/yorkshire-terrier#breadcrumb","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Home","item":"https://www.pedibase.com/en","position":1},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Dogs","item":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breeds","position":2},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Yorkshire Terrier","position":3}]},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/yorkshire-terrier#/schema/question/1","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Is the Yorkshire Terrier suitable for apartment living?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, it adapts very well to apartment living if its needs for outings, stimulation and human presence are met."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/yorkshire-terrier#/schema/question/2","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Does the Yorkshire Terrier shed a lot?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No, it generally sheds little, but its long coat requires regular brushing to prevent knots and maintain a nice appearance."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/yorkshire-terrier#/schema/question/3","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Is the Yorkshire Terrier easy to train?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It can learn well with a gentle and consistent method, but its terrier temperament requires patience and real consistency."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#logo","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Pedibase","contentUrl":"https://www.pedibase.com/logo.svg","inLanguage":"en","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/logo.svg"}]}
```