Breed Guide
Yorkshire Terrier
Tiny body, huge personality — bred to hunt rats, now ruling the couch
Size
Small
Weight
2–3.5 kg
Lifespan
13-16 years
Origin
Yorkshire, England, 19th century
Did you know?Yorkies were originally bred to catch rats in clothing mills in northern England.
5/10
Exercise
6/10
Trainability
7/10
Kid-friendly
8/10
Grooming
Personality at a glance
How this breed rates across key traits.
Lower is better
Lower is better
Lower is better
What it's actually like to own one
Yorkies were bred to hunt rats in the clothing mills of northern England, and that terrier confidence never left them — this is a dog that genuinely believes it's much bigger than it is. They're portable, endlessly loyal, and thrive on being close to their person, making them one of the best small-space companions around.
The honest catch: that silky coat needs real commitment — daily brushing or a short trim to keep it manageable — and Yorkies can be surprisingly yappy and fragile with small kids underfoot. This isn't a low-maintenance dog dressed up as one; it's a high-personality dog that happens to be small.
🎓 Training snapshot
Yorkshire Terriers have an independent streak — early, consistent training is key. Short sessions with high-value treats work far better than repetition.
Lifestyle match
Is a Yorkshire Terrier right for you?
You'll love it if
- Apartment dwellers wanting a portable companion
- Owners who enjoy grooming and styling their dog's coat
- Retirees and singles wanting a devoted lap companion
- First-time small-breed owners
Pause if
- Households with toddlers or very young children — Yorkies are fragile and can be easily hurt
- Owners wanting a wash-and-go, low-grooming coat
- People away long hours — prone to separation anxiety without company
- Homes with large, boisterous dogs already in the mix
Life in Australia
What Australian owners need to know.
Heat Tolerance
Moderate — small enough to manage indoors, but avoid midday walks in summer
Tick Risk
Moderate — long coat hides ticks well, check thoroughly after every outing, east coast especially
Apartment Fit
Excellent — one of the best breeds for compact Australian apartment living
Monthly Cost
$150–$250 AUD including food, vet, and regular grooming
Health watchouts
Common conditions to be aware of with this breed.
Luxating Patella
Common in small breeds — ask breeder about knee scoring, watch for skipping gait
Tracheal Collapse
Use a harness, never a collar, to avoid pressure on the throat
Dental Disease
Small crowded mouths need regular brushing — dental issues are very common
Portosystemic Shunt
A liver condition Yorkies are predisposed to — vet screening picks it up early
Your first year together
Key milestones from day one.
Welcome home
Handle gently — Yorkie puppies are genuinely fragile, supervise closely around kids and bigger pets
Socialisation window
Expose to people, noises, and calm dogs — careful introductions around larger breeds
Coat starts growing long
Start a real brushing routine now — desex around this age too
Adult coat established
Settle into a regular grooming schedule — trim short or commit to daily brushing
What Yorkshire Terriers need
Vet-recommended picks sized for this breed.
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Grooming Kit for Long Coats
A Yorkie's silky coat mats fast without the right tools — daily brushing keeps it tangle-free.
KONG Classic — Small
Sized right for tiny jaws — stuff with soft treats to keep a Yorkie occupied and out of mischief.
Small Breed Harness
Protects a Yorkie's delicate trachea — always harness over collar for this breed.
Personalised for your dog
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