Yorkshire Terrier

Exercise by Age

1. Puppy (under 1 year)

   5 min per month of age, twice a day

   Limit exercise to 5 minutes per month of age, twice daily. Avoid high-impact activities to protect growing joints.

2. Adult (1-11 years)

   14,000 steps

   Full daily goal applies. Mix walks with play, training and mental stimulation.

3. Senior (11+ years)

   9,800–11,200 steps

   Reduce intensity by 20-30%. Shorter, more frequent walks. Watch for signs of fatigue or joint stiffness.

Exercise Needs

A very high-energy breed that needs 90+ minutes of intense daily activity.

About the Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small, intelligent dog breed with a long, silky coat that is typically blue and tan in color. They are known for their feisty, independent nature and their affectionate personalities, and were originally bred to hunt rats and other vermin in the textile mills of Yorkshire, England.

Facts about the Yorkshire Terrier

• Exercise

  Small body, big personality — 20–30 min walk plus indoor play covers toy breeds without overexertion.

  AKC

• Behavior

  Toy breeds need socialization early or they can become reactive to larger dogs. Puppy classes help.

  VCA

• Health

  Dental disease is the #1 toy-breed health issue — tooth-cleaning routine from puppy age is essential.

  VCA

• Training

  Don’t skip training thinking they’re “too small” — toy breeds need boundaries as much as any dog.

  The Kennel Club UK

• Did You Know

  Many toy breeds have ancient companion roots — Pekingese were Chinese imperial dogs for over 2000 years.

  AKC

• Exercise

  Yorkies need 30 min of walking + indoor play. Despite being toy-sized, they have terrier energy — don't skip walks.

  AKC

• Health

  Watch for patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, and dental disease. Use a harness, not a collar — protects trachea.

  VCA

• Behavior

  Confident, bold, sometimes bossy. Early socialization prevents "small dog syndrome" — they do NOT know they're small.

  The Kennel Club UK

• Did You Know

  Bred in 1800s Yorkshire to hunt rats in textile mills. Not lap dogs originally — working-class ratters through and through.

  AKC history

Frequently asked questions

How much exercise does a Yorkshire Terrier need?

A Yorkshire Terrier needs about 14,000 steps a day. A very high-energy breed that needs 90+ minutes of intense daily activity.

How big does a Yorkshire Terrier get?

Adult Yorkshire Terriers typically weigh 2–3 kg and stand 20–23 cm at the shoulder.

How long do Yorkshire Terriers live?

A Yorkshire Terrier usually lives 12–16 years.

What is a Yorkshire Terrier's temperament?

Yorkshire Terriers are typically Bold, Independent, Confident, Intelligent, Courageous.