The Yorkshire Terrier at a Glance
The Yorkshire Terrier — universally known as the Yorkie — punches well above its weight in personality. Small enough to fit in a handbag, bold enough to challenge dogs three times its size, the Yorkie is one of the most distinctive and spirited breeds in the canine world. Originally bred as working terriers in 19th-century Yorkshire, England, they've transitioned seamlessly into companion dogs while retaining all the confidence and tenacity of their working ancestors.
In South Africa, Yorkies are popular in urban settings — their small size suits flat and townhouse living, and their low-shedding coats appeal to owners who prefer less dog hair around the home. But behind that glamorous appearance is a dog with a proper working terrier's temperament, and understanding that is key to living happily with one.
Physical Characteristics
The Yorkie is a small but sturdy dog, typically weighing between 2 and 3.5 kg at maturity. Their most iconic feature is their silky, fine-textured coat, which comes in a steel-blue and tan combination in adults — puppies are born black and tan and develop their adult colouring gradually.
The coat grows continuously and can reach floor-length in show dogs, though most pet owners opt for a shorter "puppy cut" that's far more practical to maintain. The coat is closer in texture to human hair than typical dog fur, which contributes to reduced shedding — though it does require regular brushing to prevent matting. For coat maintenance, regular professional grooming is recommended, and understanding dog grooming basics at home will keep your Yorkie comfortable between appointments.
Yorkies have a compact, well-proportioned body with an upright, confident bearing. Their small, V-shaped ears are typically erect, giving them an alert, attentive expression that matches their personality perfectly.
Temperament: Big Dog in a Small Body
The Yorkie's personality is genuinely one of its defining traits. These are confident, curious, and assertive dogs that are rarely aware of their own small size. They can be stubborn, independent, and opinionated — qualities that make them entertaining companions but also create challenges for first-time owners who underestimate how much structure they need.
Loyalty and Attachment
Yorkies form strong bonds with their primary person. They're often described as "velcro dogs" — following their owner from room to room and wanting to be involved in whatever is happening. This loyalty is endearing but can tip into separation anxiety if not managed. From a young age, it's important to build comfort with alone time gradually, rather than letting the dog become entirely dependent on constant human presence.
Terrier Tenacity
Yorkies have a well-developed prey drive — they'll chase small animals, dig in the garden, and alert bark at anything unfamiliar. Their terrier heritage means they don't back down easily, which can create problems with other dogs if they're not properly socialised from puppyhood. A Yorkie that hasn't been socialised may be snappy, reactive, or persistently antagonistic towards other dogs.
Intelligence and Trainability
Yorkies are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training. They learn quickly when motivated — usually by food rewards or play — but they're also quick to decide when they've had enough of a training session. Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes), varied, and consistently rewarding. Harsh training methods are particularly counterproductive with Yorkies; they tend to shut down or become anxious when handled roughly.
One common training mistake is allowing small dogs to behave in ways that would never be tolerated from a larger breed. A Yorkie that resource-guards, growls at guests, or pulls on the lead isn't being "cute" — it's displaying behaviours that will escalate without consistent boundaries. Read more about avoiding common training mistakes that apply just as much to small breeds.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Despite their size, Yorkies need regular exercise. Daily walks are essential — a brisk 20–30 minute walk, once or twice a day, suits most adults well. They enjoy exploring and benefit from sniff-heavy walks where they can engage their keen noses. Be mindful of the heat during South African summers; their small size makes them more vulnerable to overheating, so walk early morning or in the evening during hot weather.
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training games, and dog toys that encourage problem-solving help prevent the boredom-driven behaviours that many Yorkie owners struggle with.
Health Considerations
Yorkies are generally a hardy breed, but there are specific health issues to be aware of:
- Dental disease: Small breeds are highly prone to periodontal disease. Regular tooth brushing and annual dental checks are non-negotiable.
- Hypoglycaemia: Low blood sugar is a risk in very small Yorkies, particularly puppies. Feed small, frequent meals and watch for lethargy or weakness.
- Tracheal collapse: This is a structural issue where the tracheal rings weaken over time. Using a harness instead of a collar reduces pressure on the throat.
- Luxating patella: A condition where the kneecap slips out of place, common in small breeds. Watch for intermittent limping or skipping steps.
- Portosystemic shunt: A liver condition that can affect the breed — responsible breeders screen for this.
Keeping your Yorkie's vaccinations up to date and scheduling annual vet checks gives you the best chance of catching any issues early. With good care, Yorkies typically live 12–15 years — among the longer-lived small breeds.
Is a Yorkie Right for You?
Yorkies are excellent companions for the right owner. They suit people who want a devoted, characterful dog that doesn't take up much physical space, who are willing to invest in consistent training and grooming, and who enjoy an active, engaged relationship with their pet.
They're less suited to households with very young children (due to their small, fragile size) or owners who want a low-maintenance dog. The coat requires regular attention, the training requires patience and consistency, and the personality requires someone who genuinely enjoys a dog with strong opinions.
If you're drawn to small breeds in South Africa, it's worth comparing with other popular options — see our guide to dog breeds in South Africa for a broader overview of what suits different lifestyles and living situations.
