Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier Grooming Profile

Yorkshire Terriers are small toy dogs reaching full size by 12 months. Their silky, hypoallergenic coats require daily brushing and professional grooming, while their diet of 1/4 to 1/2 cup daily should be split into frequent small meals to prevent hypoglycemia.

Breed Group

Toy Dogs

Country of Origin

United Kingdom

Breed Size

Toy

AKC Recognition

Yes, recognized in 1885

FCI Recognition

Yes, recognized in 1954

Allergy-friendly

Good

10 / 10

Shedding

Minimal

10 / 10

Grooming need

45 mins/week

Low-maintenance

Very Hard

Size

Toy

1 / 10

Growth timeline

10-12 months

1 / 10

Grooming FAQ

Are Yorkshire Terrier hypoallergenic or allergy-friendly?

Yorkshire Terriers are considered hypoallergenic because they have a silky hair-like coat rather than fur and do not shed. While no dog is entirely allergen-free, their minimal dander makes them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers, though regular grooming is necessary to maintain their coat.

Allergy-friendly: 10 / 10

Do Yorkshire Terrier shed?

Yorkshire Terriers are low shedders because they have a single layer of fine, silky hair rather than a typical double coat. Similar to human hair, it grows continuously and loses only a few strands daily. This minimal shedding makes them an excellent choice for keeping homes clean.

Shedding: 10 / 10

How often should you groom a Yorkshire Terrier?

To keep your Yorkshire Terrier’s silky coat healthy and tangle-free, daily brushing is a must. Plan for professional grooming every four to six weeks for haircuts and nail trims. Regular baths every few weeks, along with daily eye cleaning and tooth brushing, ensure your pet remains in top condition.

Are Yorkshire Terrier low-maintenance dogs?

While Yorkshire Terriers are high-maintenance in grooming, their exercise needs are relatively low compared to other terriers, making them suitable for apartment living.

How big do Yorkshire Terrier get?

Yorkshire Terriers are quintessential toy dogs, typically standing a mere 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder. Despite their dainty stature, these "Yorkies" possess a compact and sturdy build, generally weighing no more than 7 pounds, making them ideal companions for apartment living and travel. While they generally weigh no more than 7 pounds, the standard weight range is 4 to 7 pounds.

Size: 1 / 10

When do Yorkshire Terrier stop growing?

Yorkshire Terriers typically reach their full adult size between 10 and 12 months of age. While skeletal growth often finishes by 9 months, they typically reach full physical maturity by 12 months and may fill out until 15 months, stabilizing between 4 and 7 pounds.

Growth timeline: 1 / 10

How much should a Yorkshire Terrier eat?

Adult Yorkshire Terriers typically require 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food daily.

Feeding amount: 1 / 10

How often should a Yorkshire Terrier puppy eat?

Yorkshire Terrier puppies under 3 months should be free-fed to prevent hypoglycemia. Puppies 3-6 months should transition to 3-4 scheduled meals daily. Puppies between 3 and 12 months typically require 3 to 4 scheduled meals per day to prevent hypoglycemia.

Puppy feeding frequency: 10 / 10

Vet Insights

Yorkshire Terriers are small toy dogs reaching full size by 12 months. Their silky, hypoallergenic coats require daily brushing and professional grooming, while their diet of 1/4 to 1/2 cup daily should be split into frequent small meals to prevent hypoglycemia.

Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
VeterinarianResearcherDog breed specialist
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