Yorkshire Terrier
YORK-shur TAIR-ee-ur
Sprightly, Tomboyish, Affectionate, Feisty. Originally bred for ratting in textile mills and mines.
An adult Yorkshire Terrier weighs 4-7 lbs (male) or 4-7 lbs (female), needs 130-270 calories daily, and lives 11-15 yrs. As a toy breed, every calorie and every ounce of body weight matters proportionally more. The breed's primary health watch is patellar luxation. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Yorkshire Terrier needs 130 to 270 calories per day. An average male (6 lbs / 2.5 kg) needs around 190 kcal; a female (6 lbs / 2.5 kg) roughly 190 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Yorkshire Terrier. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Smaller breeds generally live longer than large breeds, and the Yorkshire Terrier benefits from this with a life expectancy of 11-15 yrs. Their compact frames create their own set of vulnerabilities. The breed's primary health concerns are patellar luxation and collapsed trachea, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Short daily walks and indoor play. Don't underestimate their energy; Yorkies were ratters who worked all day in mills. But their tiny size means they tire faster than their spirit suggests. Despite their small size, Yorkshire Terriers have real exercise needs. Short walks, indoor play sessions, and training activities all count. Their small bodies tire more quickly than large breeds, so several short activity bursts throughout the day work better than one long session.
Care and traits
Yorkshire Terriers have a long, silky, steel blue and tan (hair, not fur; grows continuously) coat. Origin: England (Yorkshire).
Yorkies have hair, not fur; it grows continuously like human hair, which means minimal shedding but regular haircuts. The show coat (floor-length) requires daily maintenance; most pet owners keep a short 'puppy clip.' Collapsed trachea is common; use a harness instead of a collar to avoid pressure on their delicate windpipe.
Grooming is a significant time commitment with this breed. Plan for daily brushing sessions and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Skipping grooming leads to mats, skin irritation, and potential infection underneath tangled coat.
Their small size makes them suitable for apartment living, but they still need daily outdoor exposure and socialization. Small dogs are vulnerable to injury from rough handling, falls from furniture, and confrontations with larger animals. Supervision around young children is essential.
Tools for Yorkshire Terrier owners
Frequently asked questions
Adult Yorkshire Terriers typically need 130 to 270 calories daily. A 6-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. At this size, every calorie counts nutritionally. Feed a high-quality, calorie-dense food in small, measured portions. Indoor-only dogs need less; those with yard access and regular play need more. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Both males and females typically weigh 4-7 lbs (1.8–3.2 kg).8–3.2 kg). At this size, even a few ounces of extra weight is proportionally significant. A toy breed a pound over ideal weight is like a human carrying 15-20 extra pounds. Run your hands along the ribcage: you should feel ribs under a thin layer of flesh without pressing hard. From above, look for a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs.
Veterinarians most commonly identify patellar luxation in Yorkshire Terriers. Patellar luxation (slipping kneecap) is common in this size range. Maintaining a lean weight reduces stress on the knee joint. Moderate, consistent exercise strengthens the surrounding muscles. Severe cases may require surgical correction. Other conditions seen in the breed include collapsed trachea, portosystemic shunt (liver shunt), dental disease. Not every Yorkshire Terrier will develop these conditions, but knowing the breed's tendencies helps you and your vet monitor proactively.
The Yorkshire Terrier does well with 20 to 30 minutes of daily activity. Good activities for this breed include indoor fetch, short walks, interactive toys. Indoor play and training sessions count as legitimate exercise for dogs this size. While not as demanding as high-energy breeds, a Yorkshire Terrier that gets no exercise will gain weight and may develop behavioral issues.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026