DogsLifeBreed profile
Yorkshire Terrier: size, sleep, exercise and care
The Yorkshire Terrier is a toy terrier with a long, steel-blue and tan coat. The breed standard sets a maximum weight of 3.2 kg and no minimum, and SKK notes that many Yorkies in practice weigh more; most stand around 20–25 cm. The weight shown below is that standard maximum, not a typical average.
At a glance
- Size
- Toy
- Adult weight
- 3.2 kg
- Height at the shoulder
- 20–25 cm
- Life expectancy
- 11–15 years
- Exercise needs
- Low · 30 min per day
Sleep needs
Typical total sleep per 24 hours, including naps.
| Puppy | Adult | Senior |
|---|---|---|
| 18–20 h | 12–14 h | 12–15 h |
These are general life-stage ranges for dogs from the AKC and Hill's Pet Nutrition; no kennel club publishes sleep figures for the Yorkshire Terrier specifically. Small puppies lose heat quickly, so give a Yorkie puppy a warm, draught-free spot to sleep and a blanket it can burrow into.
Exercise needs
The Royal Kennel Club puts the Yorkshire Terrier in its "up to 30 minutes a day" band. Short walks and play are enough for most, though many Yorkies happily do more. SKK mentions airway problems in the breed, so a harness is gentler than a collar.
Potty training
Yorkies are bright and curious, but like most toy breeds they can take a while to become completely reliable indoors, as the AKC points out. Take a puppy out often: after sleep, meals, drinks and play, and last thing at night.
Many owners teach a pad or litter tray as well, for cold or rainy days. Whatever you choose, keep the spot the same and reward every success. A puppy potty schedule makes it easier to stay ahead of accidents.
Puppy potty schedule calculator →
Feeding
Young toy puppies can get low blood sugar if they go too long without eating, especially if they are cold or stressed. Feed several small meals a day and contact your vet if the puppy turns weak, trembly or lethargic.
SKK notes that Yorkies easily build up tartar and that puppies often keep some milk teeth, which may need a vet to remove. Start tooth brushing early and ask your vet to check the teeth during the change from puppy to adult teeth.
Frequently asked questions
How much should a Yorkshire Terrier weigh?
The breed standard says up to 3.2 kg, with no lower limit. SKK notes that many pet Yorkies weigh more, so judge your dog by body condition rather than the number.
How much exercise does a Yorkie need?
Up to about 30 minutes a day according to the Royal Kennel Club.
Why does my Yorkie puppy still have baby teeth?
Retained milk teeth are common in the breed according to SKK. A vet may need to remove them.
Sources
- Yorkshireterrier – rasbeskrivning — Svenska Kennelklubben (SKK)
- Yorkshire Terrier dog breed information — American Kennel Club
- Yorkshire Terrier breed information — The Royal Kennel Club
- Hypoglycemia in Dogs — American Kennel Club
- How Much Do Puppies Sleep? — American Kennel Club
- How Much Should My Dog Sleep Per Day? — Hill's Pet Nutrition
- Can Senior Dogs Sleep Too Much? How Much Should Older Dogs Sleep? — American Kennel Club
- How to Potty Train a Puppy — American Kennel Club