Breeds / Yorkies

Breed guide

Yorkies

Q: How big do Yorkshire Terriers get?

Most adult Yorkies weigh up to 7 pounds and stand approximately 7-8 inches tall.

Q: Do Yorkshire Terriers shed?

Yorkies are considered a very low-shedding breed because their coat resembles human hair more than traditional dog fur.

Q: Are Yorkshire Terriers easy to train?

Yes. Yorkies are intelligent and capable learners who respond well to positive reinforcement training.

Q: How long do Yorkshire Terriers live?

The average Yorkshire Terrier lifespan is between 11 and 15 years.

Q: Are Yorkshire Terriers good with children?

Yes, especially with older, respectful children who understand how to interact gently with smaller dogs.

Q: How much grooming does a Yorkshire Terrier require?

Yorkies require regular brushing and professional grooming every 4-8 weeks to maintain their beautiful coats.

Q: Why choose a Yorkshire Terrier from Furever Friends?

Furever Friends focuses on responsible breeding, health, temperament, and early socialization to help raise confident, healthy, and well-adjusted Yorkshire Terrier puppies.

The Yorkshire Terrier, affectionately known as the Yorkie, is one of the most popular toy dog breeds in America. Famous for their silky coats, confident personalities, and loyal nature, Yorkies may be small in size, but they have big personalities and strong bonds with their families. At Furever Friends in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania, we love Yorkshire Terriers because they bring joy, loyalty, and endless personality to the families who welcome them home.

At a glance

Breed overview

A big personality in a tiny package — bold, intelligent, and deeply loyal, with a low-shedding coat that resembles human hair.

Breed groupToy Group

SizeUp to 7 pounds

Height7–8 inches

Lifespan11–15 years

TemperamentAffectionate, bold, alert

Energy levelModerate

Good with kidsVery Good (older children)

Good with other petsGood

Honest fit check

Is a Yorkies right for you?

A great fit if you want…

A small companion dog with a big personality

A low-shedding breed

A family ready for structure, training, and consistent routines

A companion that travels well

Personality

Temperament

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

Affectionate & loyal

Forms incredibly strong bonds with their families and prefers being close to their favorite people.

Bold & confident

Classic terrier confidence — often described as "big dogs in small bodies."

Intelligent & trainable

Enjoys learning new commands, tricks, and activities, especially with engaged, consistent owners.

Alert & attentive

Naturally observant and quick to alert their family to visitors or unusual activity.

Appearance

Distinctive by design

One of the smallest recognized dog breeds

Silky coat that closely resembles human hair

Coat continues growing throughout life, kept long or in a puppy cut

Compact size ideal for apartment living and travel

Recognized coat colors

Blue & Gold

Classic Yorkie coloring

Blue & Tan

Steel blue with tan points

Black & Gold

Rich black with gold points

Black & Tan

Black with tan points

Grooming & care

Keeping a Yorkies healthy

Daily brushing

Frequent brushing keeps the silky, human-hair-like coat tangle-free.

Professional grooming

A trim every 4–8 weeks — many owners choose a shorter puppy cut for easier maintenance.

Ear care

Routine ear cleaning is part of regular care.

Nails & dental

Regular nail trimming and dental care round out the routine.

Training

Trainability

Quick learners

Highly intelligent and capable — respond well to positive reinforcement training.

Benefits from structure

Terrier confidence means Yorkies do best with clear structure and consistent guidance.

Needs mental stimulation

Enrichment activities and consistent routines help channel their energy productively.

Health considerations

Why responsible breeding matters

Every breed carries its own strengths and its own things to watch, and no honest breeder will tell you otherwise. A family deserves the whole picture before they choose a puppy — not a sales pitch.

We would rather you ask us hard questions than wonder later. Here are the ones worth asking any breeder, including us. You can see each puppy’s parents, and their health testing, on the puppy’s own page.

What health testing do you do on the parents?

Every breeder should be able to answer this plainly and without hesitating. Ask what’s been done, and ask what hasn’t — some evaluations can only be done once a dog is fully grown, and a straight answer about that tells you more than a perfect one.

Can I see the results?

Testing means little if nobody can look at it. A breeder who publishes results, or hands them over when asked, is a breeder who expects you to check.

Can I meet the parents?

The parents show you the temperament and condition your puppy is growing into. Meeting them in the home where the litter is raised tells you things no document can.

What happens if something goes wrong?

Ask what’s guaranteed, for how long, and who picks up the phone in a year. The answer to this question is where good breeders and quick sales part ways.

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