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Dog breed · Toy

Yorkshire Terrier

A tiny terrier with a full-size personality, originally bred to kill rats in Yorkshire mills.

Small13–16 yearsEnglandCan suit apartments

Breed characteristics

Group
Toy
Origin
England
Size
Small
Weight
2–3.5 kg (4–8 lb)
Height
18–23 cm
Lifespan
13–16 years
Coat
Fine, silky, continuously growing
Temperament
FeistyDevotedAlertSpirited

History

Created in nineteenth-century northern England from Scottish terrier types brought by migrant workers.

Appearance

Long steel-blue and tan coat, small head and an upright, confident carriage.

Exercise and activity

Two short walks plus indoor play; mental games matter as much as distance.

Care and grooming

Daily brushing for a long coat or a short pet clip every six weeks; brush teeth daily.

Health considerations

  • Dental disease
  • Patellar luxation
  • Tracheal collapse
  • Portosystemic shunt
  • Hypoglycaemia in puppies

Honest challenges

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