Toy · Rank #13 Most Popular Dog Breed
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in 19th-century Yorkshire, England, by working-class weavers who bred small terriers to catch rats and mice in textile mills. Despite its glamorous silky coat and toy-sized frame, the Yorkie retains the bold, tenacious spirit of its terrier roots. It became fashionable as a companion dog among Victorian upper classes and today is one of the most popular toy breeds worldwide.
Ideal Weight
2-3.2 kg
Height
18-23 cm
Activity Level
Moderate (Daily Walks)
Life Expectancy
13-16 yrs
Feeding Guide
Yorkshire Terriers have small stomachs and high metabolisms, benefiting from two to three small, measured meals per day to maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent hypoglycemia—particularly in puppies and small adults. High-quality food designed for toy breeds with appropriate caloric density is recommended. Dental health is a concern, so dental-friendly kibble or regular dental treats are beneficial.
Water Needs
Yorkies are small dogs with moderate activity levels and should always have access to fresh, clean water. Despite their size, they can be surprisingly active and should be encouraged to stay hydrated, especially during play or warm weather.
Exercise Guide
Yorkshire Terriers need around 20–30 minutes of daily exercise, including walks and indoor play sessions. They have surprisingly good stamina for their size and enjoy interactive games, short walks, and indoor agility. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys complements their physical exercise well.
Common Health Issues in Yorkshire Terriers
- Patellar luxation
- Hypoglycemia
- Tracheal collapse
- Portosystemic shunt (liver shunt)
These are conditions commonly associated with the breed, not a diagnosis for your individual pet.
Yorkshire Terrier Calorie Calculator
Estimated Daily Calories
228 kcal
0.7
Cups / day
78
Grams / day
Based on a generic 350 kcal/cup food. Use the full Calorie Calculator to enter your food's exact calorie density.
Yorkshire Terrier FAQs
How much should I feed a Yorkshire Terrier?
Yorkshire Terriers have small stomachs and high metabolisms, benefiting from two to three small, measured meals per day to maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent hypoglycemia—particularly in puppies and small adults. High-quality food designed for toy breeds with appropriate caloric density is recommended. Dental health is a concern, so dental-friendly kibble or regular dental treats are beneficial. For a personalized daily calorie and portion estimate based on your Yorkshire Terrier's exact weight, age, and activity level, use the calculator above or our full Calorie Calculator.
How much exercise does a Yorkshire Terrier need?
Yorkshire Terriers generally have moderate exercise needs. Yorkshire Terriers need around 20–30 minutes of daily exercise, including walks and indoor play sessions. They have surprisingly good stamina for their size and enjoy interactive games, short walks, and indoor agility. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys complements their physical exercise well.
How much water does a Yorkshire Terrier need?
Yorkies are small dogs with moderate activity levels and should always have access to fresh, clean water. Despite their size, they can be surprisingly active and should be encouraged to stay hydrated, especially during play or warm weather. As a general guideline, most dogs need roughly 50-60 ml of water per kg of body weight daily -- use our Water Intake Calculator for an estimate based on your pet's exact weight.
What health issues are common in Yorkshire Terriers?
Yorkshire Terriers are commonly associated with Patellar luxation, Hypoglycemia, Tracheal collapse, and Portosystemic shunt (liver shunt). This is general educational information, not a diagnosis -- regular veterinary checkups are the best way to catch and manage breed-related conditions early.
How big does a Yorkshire Terrier get?
A fully grown Yorkshire Terrier typically weighs 2.0-3.2 kg (4-7 lbs) and stands about 18-23 cm (7-9 in) tall at the shoulder, with a typical life expectancy of 13-16 years.
Medical Disclaimer
This tool provides general, educational estimates and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Breed-based estimates for the Yorkshire Terrier are general guidance and vary by individual dog or cat. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs before making changes to their diet, water intake, or care routine.
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From the Blog
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Yorkshire Terrier Feeding Guide
Yorkshire Terriers are tiny dogs with high metabolisms and a real risk of hypoglycemia if not fed correctly. This guide covers daily portion sizes, meal frequency, life-stage feeding, and key Yorkie-specific nutrition tips.
Yorkshire Terrier Ideal Weight Guide
The Yorkshire Terrier's ideal weight is 2–3.2 kg (4.4–7 lb). This guide explains what healthy looks like on this tiny breed, how to body-condition score a Yorkie, and how to spot overweight in a dog with a long silky coat.
Yorkshire Terrier Growth Chart: What to Expect
Yorkshire Terriers are a small breed that typically reach their adult weight of 2–3.2 kg by around 10–12 months. This guide covers Yorkie growth milestones, how to monitor puppy development, and when to transition to adult food.
How Many Calories Should a Yorkshire Terrier Eat?
Yorkshire Terriers are tiny dogs with fast metabolisms, typically needing just 150–250 calories per day. Here's how to estimate the right daily calorie target for your Yorkie by weight, age, and activity level.
Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Guide
Yorkie puppies are among the smallest and most demanding to raise correctly. This guide covers puppy feeding, hypoglycemia prevention, growth milestones, socialization, and early health care for Yorkshire Terriers.
Yorkshire Terrier Senior Care Guide
Yorkshire Terriers live 13–16 years and are generally considered senior around age 9–10. This guide covers age-related health changes, dietary adjustments, and how to keep your older Yorkie comfortable and thriving.
More Tools
Calorie Calculator
Full calorie calculator with custom food density.
Weight Checker
Check if your Yorkshire Terrier is at a healthy weight.
Body Condition Score Calculator
Assess your Yorkshire Terrier's body condition with a simple visual score.
Dog Age Calculator
Convert your Yorkshire Terrier's age into human years.
Water Intake Calculator
Estimate how much water your Yorkshire Terrier needs daily.
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