| Height | 7-8 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 11–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Affectionate / Sprightly / Tomboyish [1] |
| AKC group | Toy Group [1] |
| Origin | England [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 13 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Even small dogs require exercise to stay healthy, both mentally and physically. Yorkies will benefit from both moderate exercise, such as walks with their owner at a steady pace, as well as occasional short bursts of activity, such as chasing after a tennis ball in the backyard. A short walk twice a day will likely be enough for your Yorkie to see new scenery and burn off energy. [1]
Grooming
The Yorkshire Terrier's coat is very similar to human hair and should be treated accordingly. If the coat is kept long, it needs to be brushed daily. To avoid eye irritation, the hair on the upper part of the head should be trimmed short or pulled up into a topknot. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Yorkshire Terriers are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as eye anomalies and luxating patella, a dislocated kneecap once called a 'trick knee' in humans. To help avoid the latter, care should be taken to limit the Yorkie's jumping height, especially as a puppy. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a small dog (median $508) | $273 – $1,110 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, small dog | $352 – $1,258 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, small dog | $435 – $1,484 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
| Full professional grooming, per visit | $40–$150 | [6] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Yorkshire Terrier in 1885. [1]
- It ranked No. 13 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 7 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Yorkie.” [1]
- The AKC lists England as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC includes it in its “Smallest Dog Breeds, Hypoallergenic Dogs, Best Dogs for Apartment Dwellers” breed lists. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 1/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Close neighbors or thin walls: AKC rates barking 4/5
- ⚠️ Think twice: Low-maintenance seekers: AKC rates grooming needs 5/5
Common questions
How long do Yorkshire Terriers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 11-15 years.
How big does a Yorkshire Terrier get?
AKC breed information lists height 7-8 inches and weight 7 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Yorkshire Terrier?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs like the Yorkshire Terrier, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.