Content reviewed by the Petplan Spain team · Updated in May 2026
The Yorkshire Terrier is, along with the Chihuahua and the Maltese, one of the most popular toy breeds in Spanish homes. Small, brave, with a silky steel-blue and gold coat, it combines the indomitable personality typical of terriers with a compact size that makes it ideal for city life. Before adopting one, it is worth getting to know its history, its character and the hereditary conditions associated with miniature breeds.
Origin and history of the Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier was born in the mid-19th century in the English county of Yorkshire, in the middle of the Industrial Revolution. Its creators were largely Scottish weavers who emigrated to the north of England in search of work in the textile factories and brought with them several breeds of small Scottish terriers — especially the Paisley Terrier, the Clydesdale Terrier and the Skye Terrier. Crossed with local terriers, they gave rise to a small, agile and brave dog, used initially to hunt rats in the textile warehouses and factories.
The consolidation of the modern breed is attributed to “Huddersfield Ben” (1865-1871), considered the patriarch of today’s Yorkshire and recognised both in shows and in working trials. After his death, British breeders progressively fixed the characteristics of the Yorkshire we know today. The British Kennel Club officially recognised it in 1886; the American Kennel Club, in 1885. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale includes it in Group 3 (Terriers), number 86.
In Spain, the Yorkshire Terrier has for decades been one of the most popular toy breeds. Its compact size, its adaptation to flat living, its coat (technically not a double coat but similar to human hair — it sheds very little, which makes it attractive for people with mild allergies) and its alert character have made it a classic choice for both older people and urban families. It is also one of the breeds with the most veterinary insurance registrations in our market.
Physical characteristics
The Yorkshire Terrier is a compact but well-proportioned toy dog, with a long, fine, silky coat in characteristic steel-blue and gold tones. Its head is small with erect V-shaped ears, and its alert gaze reflects the terrier character it keeps intact.
| Origin | Yorkshire, England (United Kingdom) |
|---|---|
| FCI group | Group 3 – Terriers, no. 86 |
| Size | Toy / very small |
| Weight | 2–3.2 kg (show standard; in pets usually 2–4 kg) |
| Height at withers | 18–23 cm |
| Life expectancy | 13–16 years |
| Coat | Long, fine, straight and silky (similar to human hair). Steel-blue on the body and gold on the head, chest and legs |
| Temperament | Brave, alert, lively, terrier to the core. Reserved with strangers |
Yorkshire Terrier on video: character, health and care
We sum it up for you in two minutes: where the breed comes from, how long it lives, what its character is like and the four conditions most worth keeping an eye on.
Prefer the short version? You have it in Short format. And you will find more breed profiles on video on our YouTube channel.
Character and temperament
Despite its size, the Yorkshire Terrier is a terrier in its own right: brave, determined, alert, with a notable hunting instinct and a strong personality. It is deeply loyal to its family, especially to a main carer, and can be vocal and wary of strangers or other dogs if it does not receive early socialisation. That “big dog in a small body” attitude is part of its charm but also its main challenge: it should not be treated like a toy.
It is very intelligent and learns quickly, although it can be stubborn if training is not firm and consistent. Early socialisation is critical to avoid reactivity towards other dogs, fears and excessive barking. Well brought up, the Yorkshire is a loyal, fun, surprisingly versatile companion with a very strong bond with its carer.
Health and common conditions in the Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is generally a long-lived breed, but like every toy breed it has a series of well-documented hereditary conditions worth knowing about.
Tracheal collapse
This is one of the most prevalent conditions in the Yorkshire Terrier. The cartilage rings of the trachea weaken and flatten, causing the characteristic dry, paroxysmal “goose-honk” cough, especially with excitement, collar pulling or intense exercise. Diagnosis is radiological/endoscopic; treatment involves using a harness instead of a collar, bronchodilators, weight control and, in severe cases, surgery with a tracheal prosthesis or stent.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome
This is an avascular necrosis of the femoral head of hereditary origin, characteristic of small breeds and especially prevalent in the Yorkshire. It typically appears between 5 and 8 months of age, presenting with progressive lameness of the hind limb. It is diagnosed radiographically; treatment is usually surgical (femoral head excision arthroplasty, which offers an excellent functional prognosis in dogs of this size).
Patellar luxation
As in many toy breeds, the kneecap slips out of its trochlear groove and causes intermittent lameness. It is classified into four grades; mild grades are managed with physiotherapy and weight control, moderate or severe ones with corrective surgery.
Portosystemic shunt (PSS)
The Yorkshire Terrier has one of the highest prevalences of congenital portosystemic shunt among all breeds. Blood from the digestive tract is diverted without passing through the liver, causing a build-up of toxins: apathy, vomiting, stunted growth, seizures. Diagnosis is by blood tests (pre- and post-prandial bile acids, ammonia) and imaging; treatment is surgical when possible or medical-dietary.
Dental and periodontal problems
Like all toy breeds, the Yorkshire suffers from dental overcrowding, retained milk teeth and a predisposition to severe periodontal disease. Daily tooth brushing, periodic dental cleanings under anaesthesia and, in puppies, the extraction of persistent milk teeth are essential to avoid premature tooth loss.
Other conditions to watch for
Juvenile hypoglycaemia, progressive retinal atrophy (with a prcd-PRA test available), cataracts, distichiasis (abnormal eyelashes that rub against the cornea), keratoconjunctivitis sicca, hereditary mucopolysaccharidosis and mitral valve disease in older adults complete the list. Annual veterinary check-ups, and every six months from the age of 8.
Coat care and feeding
The Yorkshire Terrier’s coat is one of the most demanding aspects of its care. Unlike most breeds, it has no dense undercoat: its hair is unique, fine and similar to human hair. It grows continuously and, if kept long (show style), requires meticulous daily brushing, as well as a topknot to keep the fringe away from its eyes. Most owners opt for a maintenance cut (puppy cut or teddy bear cut), which reduces brushing to 2-3 times a week. Baths every 2-3 weeks with quality shampoos to avoid drying out the skin.
Feeding must be of excellent quality and adjusted to the toy size: small kibble adapted to its jaw, measured rations split into 2-3 daily servings to avoid hypoglycaemia. Obesity aggravates patellar luxation and tracheal collapse. It is advisable to include joint supplements in senior formulations and omega-3 for the coat.
Dental hygiene is critical: daily brushing with canine toothpaste, dental snacks and periodic veterinary oral cleanings. As with other toy breeds, it is very sensitive to the cold: in winter it is advisable to keep it warm on outdoor walks.
Exercise and stimulation
Despite its size, the Yorkshire keeps the active terrier character: it needs between 30 and 45 minutes of exercise a day, combining walks, games and exploration of safe environments. It is advisable to use a harness rather than a collar so as not to aggravate the tracheal collapse characteristic of the breed.
Mental stimulation is just as important: tricks, scent games, interactive toys and basic obedience reinforce the bond and prevent boredom. The breed shines in obedience disciplines adapted to small breeds and even in miniature agility.
It keeps a strong hunting instinct: in open areas it is not unusual for it to chase rodents or small animals, so it is advisable to always keep it on a lead outside fenced spaces.
How much does veterinary insurance for a Yorkshire Terrier cost?
The price of veterinary insurance for a Yorkshire Terrier depends on several factors:
- The dog’s age: insuring it as a puppy is cheaper and avoids exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
- Level of cover: from basic policies to full cover with illness, surgery and civil liability.
- Geographic area: veterinary rates vary by province.
- The animal’s previous health status.
A Legg-Calvé-Perthes surgery, the chronic management of tracheal collapse, a portosystemic shunt surgery or frequent periodic dental cleanings can amount to several thousand euros over the dog’s life. Insuring it from a puppy is a very sensible decision in a breed with so many documented hereditary conditions.
Why Petplan is the best choice for your Yorkshire Terrier
Petplan, the European leader in veterinary insurance for dogs and cats, offers in Spain a pet health insurance with cover designed specifically for the conditions the Yorkshire Terrier is most prone to: tracheal collapse, Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome, patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, dental and periodontal problems and mitral valve disease. Our veterinary insurance also includes access to 24/7 veterinary telehealth and optional civil liability for dogs.
Taking out the policy from a puppy is especially worthwhile in this breed: hereditary conditions are not excluded as pre-existing and, when the time comes to face a joint or liver surgery or the monitoring of a tracheal collapse, the cost will not condition the decision to treat your Yorkshire.
Other breeds that may interest you
Other small and terrier-type breeds, with similar coat care and health:
- Biewer Terrier: character, health and care
- West Highland White Terrier: character, health and care
- Jack Russell Terrier: character, health and care
- Miniature Pinscher: character, health and care
See all our dog breed profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Yorkshire Terrier
Is the Yorkshire Terrier a good dog for families with children?
It can be for families with older, respectful children, but due to its small size and bone fragility it is not the best choice for homes with very young children. Early socialisation is essential.
How much exercise does a Yorkshire Terrier need per day?
Between 30 and 45 minutes daily, combining short walks, games at home and mental stimulation.
What health problems are most common in Yorkshire Terriers?
Tracheal collapse, patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome, dental problems, portosystemic shunt (with a high prevalence in the breed), juvenile hypoglycaemia and PRA are the most relevant.
Is pet insurance worth it for a Yorkshire Terrier?
Yes. Hereditary conditions — such as Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease surgery, chronic tracheal collapse, portosystemic shunt, and frequent dental cleanings under anaesthesia — can result in considerable veterinary expenses. Petplan offers specific cover for these conditions when purchased from a young age.
What’s the best pet insurance for a Yorkshire Terrier in Spain?
Petplan is the number one pet insurance provider in Europe for dogs and cats, with coverage specifically designed for hereditary conditions in Yorkshire Terriers, 24/7 veterinary telehealth, and optional liability insurance. You can calculate your personalised price at petplan.es.
