The Yorkshire Terrier: Small Dog, Big Character

The Yorkshire Terrier may look delicate, polished and perfectly suited to a lap, but that only tells part of the story.

Underneath the silky coat is a proper little terrier. Bold, alert, determined and often very sure of their own importance, the Yorkie has a way of taking up far more space than their size would suggest.

They are small dogs with strong opinions, quick reactions and a habit of noticing absolutely everything.

From working terrier to companion dog

The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the north of England during the nineteenth century, particularly in Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Its exact ancestry is not completely clear, but small terriers brought south by Scottish workers are thought to have played a part, along with other longer-coated terrier breeds.

These early dogs were not simply decorative companions. They were used to catch rats and other vermin in mills, factories and working communities. They needed to be quick, confident and persistent.

That history still makes sense when you live with a Yorkie. The modern dog may spend more time on the sofa than chasing rats, but the instinct to investigate movement, react to sound and get involved in everything has not gone away.

As the breed became more established, its appearance became finer and more recognisable. Huddersfield Ben, a famous show dog from the nineteenth century, had a major influence on the breed as we know it today.

Over time, the Yorkshire Terrier moved away from its working role and became popular as a companion and show dog. The coat became longer and more glamorous. The attitude stayed much the same.

Nobody told them they were small

Yorkshire Terriers sit in the Toy Group, but many of them behave as though this is an administrative mistake.

They can be extremely confident, sometimes to the point of recklessness. A Yorkie may bark at a much larger dog, patrol the garden as if protecting several acres or launch into a situation without stopping to consider whether it is a good idea.

That confidence is part of their charm, but it can also catch people out.

Small dogs still need training, careful socialisation and the chance to learn how to deal with the world. Picking a Yorkie up whenever something feels difficult may be understandable, but it can prevent them from building confidence on the ground.

They need to walk, sniff, explore and make choices. They may be tiny, but they are still dogs.

They usually have something to say

Yorkies are often excellent little alarm systems.

A car door closing, footsteps outside, a delivery driver, a bird in the garden or a noise nobody else has noticed may all require an immediate announcement.

They are naturally alert and quick to respond, so barking can become a habit quite easily. Once a Yorkie decides something is worth commenting on, they can be surprisingly committed to the discussion.

Repeatedly saying “quiet” usually adds more noise rather than less.

It is often more helpful to acknowledge what they have noticed, move them away from the window or door and teach them something else to do. A settle mat, a recall away from the noise or a simple search game can work better than trying to argue with them.

And arguing with a Yorkshire Terrier is rarely a winning strategy.

Clever, but not always cooperative

Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent dogs. They learn routines quickly and are often extremely observant.

They know which cupboard contains the treats. They recognise the sound of food packaging. They notice when someone is preparing to leave the house, even when that person is trying to be subtle.

They are also capable of deciding that a request is not worth responding to.

This can sometimes be labelled as stubbornness, but it is often more accurate to say that they are independent thinkers. Their terrier background encouraged them to act quickly and solve problems without waiting for constant direction.

Training tends to work best when it is short, clear and rewarding. Too much repetition can lose them. So can a heavy-handed approach.

A Yorkie may happily learn something in three attempts and then spend the fourth attempt suggesting an entirely different activity.

Their coat changes as they grow

Yorkshire Terrier puppies are born much darker than the adults they will become.

Most begin with black and tan colouring. As they mature, the coat gradually changes towards the blue and tan shades associated with the breed.

It is not a quick or even process. The colour can continue developing for quite some time, and young dogs may look noticeably different at various stages.

The adult coat is fine, straight and silky rather than thick or fluffy. It can look beautiful, but it is not effortless.

A full coat requires a lot of upkeep. Even Yorkies kept in shorter pet trims need regular brushing and grooming, particularly behind the ears, around the legs and under harnesses, where knots can form easily.

That glamorous coat comes with work attached.

The strange snorting noise

One quirk that can alarm people new to the breed is reverse sneezing.

A dog may suddenly stretch out their neck and make a series of loud snorting or inhaling sounds. It can look dramatic, especially the first time it happens.

A short episode is often caused by temporary irritation around the throat or soft palate and may pass quickly.

That said, breathing problems should never simply be written off as a Yorkie thing. Frequent episodes, coughing, collapse, reduced exercise tolerance or obvious difficulty breathing need veterinary attention.

Small breeds can be affected by conditions such as tracheal collapse, so any new or worsening breathing noise is worth checking.

They need more than a lap

Yorkshire Terriers do not need huge amounts of exercise, but they do need things to do.

A walk is not only about covering distance. It gives them the chance to sniff, explore and gather information. That matters to a bright, alert dog.

Many Yorkies enjoy scent games, food puzzles and searching for hidden treats. They often like anything that gives them a small job and the chance to work something out.

They also seem to have a talent for finding exactly the object they should not have.

Socks, tissues and dropped food can become unexpectedly valuable possessions.

Their size also means owners need to look out for them. Busy pavements, rough play, uncontrolled larger dogs and people who scoop them up without warning can all be overwhelming.

A confident Yorkie is not necessarily a Yorkie who feels safe in every situation.

Close, affectionate and slightly controlling

Yorkshire Terriers often form very strong bonds with their people.

Many like to follow someone from room to room, settle beside them and keep a close eye on everything they are doing.

They can be affectionate and cuddly, but they are not always passive lapdogs. Some prefer to choose when contact happens and where they sit. Others want to be involved in every conversation, meal and trip to the kitchen.

They can become excellent household supervisors.

That closeness is lovely, but it is still useful to teach puppies that being alone for short periods is normal. A dog who is always with someone can struggle when routines change.

Independence needs to be practised, even with a breed that would often prefer to accompany you everywhere.

More than the hairstyle

The Yorkshire Terrier has changed a great deal since its early working days, but it has not lost the qualities that made it a terrier.

They are bright, bold, busy and often very funny. They can also be noisy, persistent and completely convinced that their way is the sensible way.

That is part of living with one.

The Yorkie is not just a pretty little dog with a long coat. It is a confident terrier in a very small frame, with a long memory, sharp ears and an opinion on most things.

Usually an opinion they are quite happy to share.

This can also be tightened further for a shorter blog, while keeping the same voice and breed quirks.