Breeds / Yorkshire Terrier

Breed guide

Yorkshire Terrier

Q: Do Yorkies shed? Are they hypoallergenic?

Yorkies have a fine, hair-like coat and are generally low-shedding. That can help some allergy-sensitive families, but no dog is completely hypoallergenic because allergens can also come from dander and saliva. Spend time around adult Yorkies if allergies are a concern.

Q: Are Yorkies good family dogs?

Yes, for families who want an involved, affectionate, alert companion. Their very small size means young children need supervision and coaching in gentle handling. Yorkies are often happiest when included in daily routines instead of being left alone for long stretches.

Q: Do Yorkies bark a lot?

Yorkies are naturally alert and may bark at sounds, visitors, or activity. Early socialization, enough mental and physical exercise, and a consistently taught quiet cue can keep barking manageable. Punishment often adds anxiety; calm training works better.

Q: Are Yorkies easy to train?

They are intelligent and capable, but their confidence can look like stubbornness. Short positive sessions work well. House-training requires consistency because toy puppies have small bladders and need frequent opportunities to go outside.

Q: How much grooming does a Yorkshire Terrier need?

A floor-length coat requires daily brushing and careful maintenance. Most companion Yorkies wear a shorter puppy cut, which still needs brushing several times a week and professional grooming about every four to six weeks. Dental, nail, ear, and face care are also important.

Q: What is the difference between a Yorkie and a Yorkshire Terrier?

There is no difference. Yorkie is simply the familiar nickname for the Yorkshire Terrier. Terms such as teacup, micro, or miniature Yorkie are marketing descriptions, not separate AKC-recognized varieties.

Q: Where can I find Yorkie puppies in Pennsylvania?

Royalty Pets raises Yorkshire Terrier puppies in Bird In Hand, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. View our available puppies or join the waitlist for future litters. We welcome questions about parent dogs, health screening, early socialization, grooming, and the adoption process.

Royalty Pets raises Yorkshire Terrier puppies—better known as Yorkies—in Bird In Hand, Pennsylvania. Yorkies may be tiny, but they bring intelligence, confidence, and unmistakable terrier personality into the home. We raise them for loving companionship, with careful attention to health, early socialization, and the fit between each puppy and family.

Kayla, Yorkshire Terrier dam at Royalty Pets

At a glance

Breed overview

A small companion with a brave terrier heart, a silky low-shedding coat, and a close bond with family. Yorkies are portable and adaptable, but they still need training, grooming, and daily engagement.

Breed groupToy Group

SizeUp to 7 pounds

Height7–8 inches

Lifespan11–15 years

TemperamentAffectionate, confident, spirited

Energy levelModerate

Good with kidsBest with gentle children

Good with other petsOften yes, with introductions

Honest fit check

Is a Yorkshire Terrier right for you?

A great fit if you want…

You want a small dog with a big, engaging personality

You can provide regular grooming and dental care

You enjoy short walks, play, and positive training

You can supervise interactions with young children and larger pets

Personality

Temperament

The temperament is the biggest reason this breed is so loved.

Confident and spirited

Yorkies carry the boldness of their terrier roots and often approach life as if they are much larger dogs.

Affectionate companion

They form close family bonds and enjoy lap time as much as participating in household activity.

Smart and curious

A Yorkie learns quickly and benefits from short, upbeat training sessions that keep the mind busy.

Naturally alert

They notice visitors, sounds, and changes quickly. Teaching a quiet cue early helps channel that watchdog instinct.

Appearance

Distinctive by design

Compact, fine-boned toy breed with a confident carriage

Silky, straight coat that can be kept long or in a puppy cut

Dark, expressive eyes and upright V-shaped ears

Puppies are born darker and their adult color develops over time

Recognized coat colors

Black & Tan

A common puppy color combination

Blue & Tan

Classic adult Yorkie coloring

Blue & Gold

Steel-blue body with rich gold points

Black & Gold

Dark body with warm golden furnishings

Grooming & care

Keeping a Yorkshire Terrier healthy

Brush consistently

A long coat needs daily attention; a shorter puppy cut still requires brushing several times each week.

Plan regular trims

Many families schedule professional grooming every four to six weeks for a manageable companion coat.

Keep the face tidy

Hair around the eyes and mouth should be kept clean, comfortable, and safely trimmed or tied back.

Prioritize dental care

Regular tooth brushing and veterinary dental guidance are especially important for this small breed.

Training

Trainability

Patient house-training

A predictable routine, frequent outdoor opportunities, and close supervision help a small puppy succeed.

Reward the behavior you want

Yorkies respond best to clear expectations and positive reinforcement rather than harsh correction.

Socialize thoughtfully

Positive exposure to handling, people, sounds, surfaces, and friendly dogs builds confidence without overwhelming a tiny puppy.

Health considerations

Why responsible breeding matters

Yorkshire Terriers can enjoy long, active lives, but responsible breeding matters. Their small size brings specific considerations for knees, eyes, heart, teeth, and overall structure.

Ask for more than a verbal promise. A responsible Yorkie breeder should discuss the parent dogs, completed health screening, family history, veterinary care, and written guarantees openly.

Have the knees been evaluated?

Patellar luxation can affect toy breeds. Ask how the parents' knees were assessed and request available results.

What eye testing was completed?

Eye health should be part of the conversation. Ask which examinations or DNA tests apply to the parents and what the results mean.

What do you know about heart and family history?

Screening and an honest understanding of the line help a breeder make more informed decisions and help families know what to watch.

Can I review the documentation?

Ask to see parent information, screening records, puppy veterinary care, and the written health guarantee before committing.

Modern lifestyles

A breed that fits the way we live now

Fits smaller homes

Yorkies can do well in apartments and smaller homes when they receive daily walks, play, training, and appropriate barking guidance.

Easy to take along

Their small size makes travel convenient, though safe carriers, temperature awareness, and routine still matter.

Needs real engagement

A Yorkie is not an ornament. Mental games, sniffing, play, and training help satisfy an active terrier mind.

Our story

Small dog, genuine terrier

Yorkshire Terriers were developed as working terriers before becoming beloved companions. That history still shows in their curiosity, confidence, and willingness to announce themselves. Families who understand both sides—the affectionate lapdog and the spirited terrier—are usually the happiest with the breed.

Close to family

Yorkies often choose a favorite person while still enjoying the whole household.

Terrier instincts

Chasing, digging, exploring, and vocal alerting can all be part of the package.

Tiny means supervise

Careful handling protects a small puppy around stairs, furniture, young children, and larger dogs.

Structure matters

We value a sound, healthy companion over marketing labels such as micro or teacup.

Royalty Pets helps families choose a Yorkie for the whole dog—health, temperament, care needs, and companionship—not size alone.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions about Yorkshire Terriers

How big do Yorkies get?

The AKC Yorkshire Terrier standard calls for adults no heavier than seven pounds, and many stand about seven to eight inches tall. Individual puppies vary, so no responsible breeder can guarantee an exact adult weight. Parent size and family history offer the best practical guide.

Do Yorkies shed? Are they hypoallergenic?

Are Yorkies good family dogs?

Do Yorkies bark a lot?

Are Yorkies easy to train?

How much grooming does a Yorkshire Terrier need?

What is the difference between a Yorkie and a Yorkshire Terrier?

Where can I find Yorkie puppies in Pennsylvania?

Additional resources

American Kennel Club — Yorkshire Terrier

akc.org

Yorkshire Terrier Club of America

yorkshireterrierclubofamerica.org

Responsible Dog Breeder Network

responsibledogbreeder.com

Think a Yorkshire Terrier is your match?

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