Yorkshire Terrier: temperament, care and good with kids

Updated July 6, 2026 · dog breed guide

The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the smallest dogs in the world — but anyone who's owned one knows the energy, confidence and personality are anything but small. Yorkies can thrive in an apartment or a busy household, as long as you give them enough exercise and mental stimulation.

Temperament

Yorkshire Terriers are bold, curious and full of life. Despite weighing just 4–7 lbs (2–3 kg), they behave like a much larger dog — unafraid of confrontation with strange dogs or people, and remarkably alert as watchdogs. They form a deep bond with their owners and dislike long stretches alone. They tend to latch on to one favorite person, but with the right socialization they happily embrace the whole family.

Good with children

★★★

Yorkies suit families with school-age children and older. Because of their small size, they're vulnerable during rough play and may snap defensively if they feel threatened. With children who understand boundaries and handle them gently, they get along very well.

Care & upkeep

The Yorkshire Terrier's silky coat grows continuously — it doesn't shed the way most breeds do, but it does need daily brushing and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Many owners opt for a practical "puppy cut" that keeps the coat short and much easier to maintain. Dental care matters too — small breeds are prone to tartar build-up, so regular teeth brushing is a good habit.

Exercise & daily routine

Despite their small frame, Yorkies need a surprising amount of daily exercise. Two short walks aren't enough to burn off their energy — they also appreciate indoor games, scent work or short agility sessions. Without enough stimulation they bark, and they have a loud bark for their size. An under-exercised Yorkie in an apartment building is rarely a good neighbor.

Who the Yorkshire Terrier suits

The Yorkshire Terrier is a great choice for apartment dwellers, households with older children or adults who can give it daily attention and keep up with coat care. It's also a good option for people with mild dog allergies — the silky coat sheds very little. It's less suited to families with very young children or households where the dog would be alone for most of the day.

Compare with other small breeds in our dog breed guide. If you're interested in low-shedding breeds, see our guide to hypoallergenic and low-shedding dogs.