Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Field Notes • Dog Breed

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small toy dog breed developed in 19th-century northern England, especially Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small toy dog breed developed in 19th-century northern England, known for its long silky coat and spirited temperament. Often called a Yorkie, it is a popular companion dog worldwide.

What it is

The Yorkshire Terrier is a toy breed that originated in the mid-1800s in Yorkshire and Lancashire, England. It was developed from terrier breeds brought by Scottish migrants and was initially associated with working-class industrial areas before becoming a companion breed. Adults typically weigh up to 7 lb and stand about 7–9 inches tall.

Key details

Yorkies are known for their long, silky coat and confident, energetic temperament. They are vocal and alert, often serving as noticeable watchdogs. Their small size makes them better suited to homes with older children. Lifespan commonly falls between 11 and 15 years, and their coat requires regular grooming.

Why it matters in Canada

Yorkshire Terriers are a popular companion breed in Canada, where their small size suits apartment and urban living. Canadian readers encounter the breed through national and international kennel standards, breeder listings, and veterinary care guidance.

In short

  • Developed in 19th-century northern England as a toy breed.
  • Adults weigh up to 7 lb and stand 7–9 inches tall.
  • Known for a long silky coat, lively temperament, and alertness.
  • Popular in Canada for urban and apartment living.
Canadian angle

Yorkshire Terriers are a popular companion breed in Canada, where their small size suits apartment and urban living. Canadian readers commonly encounter the breed through national and international kennel standards, breeder listings, and veterinary care guidance.

Quick questions

How big do Yorkshire Terriers get?
Adult Yorkshire Terriers usually weigh up to 7 lb and stand about 7–9 inches tall at the shoulder.
What is the lifespan of a Yorkshire Terrier?
Most sources place the typical lifespan at about 11–15 years.
Are Yorkshire Terriers good with kids?
They can be affectionate with families, but their small size makes them better suited to homes with older, gentler children than very young children.

Sources

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/Yorkshire-Terrier-dog
    Supports: Breed origin, development in 19th-century Yorkshire and Lancashire, toy dog classification.
  2. Dimensions — https://www.dimensions.com/element/yorkshire-terrier
    Supports: Maximum weight, companion-breed description, average lifespan, suitability for households without small children.
  3. DogTime — https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/yorkshire-terrier
    Supports: Height, weight, lifespan, breed size description, breed standard summary.
  4. Chewy — https://www.chewy.com/education/dog-breeds/yorkshire-terrier
    Supports: Height, weight, lifespan, and caution about small children.
  5. Rover — https://www.rover.com/blog/breeds/yorkshire-terrier/
    Supports: Vocal tendency, older-children suitability, lifespan, and size description.
  6. WebMD — https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/know-about-yorkshire-terriers
    Supports: Size, lifespan, temperament, and barking tendency.
  7. Royal Canin — https://www.royalcanin.com/mt/dogs/breeds/yorkshire-terrier
    Supports: Lifespan and better suitability for families with older children.
  8. Yorkie Information Center — https://www.yorkieinfocenter.com/yorkie-size
    Supports: Breed-standard weight maximum and adult size range.