Veterinary and insurance guide · Petplan Spain team · Updated 2026
The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular toy breeds in the world: a tiny, glamorous terrier with a long, silky steel-blue and tan coat, the confidence of a “big dog” and a fierce devotion to its owner. Portable, long-lived and full of personality, the “Yorkie” is a wonderful companion for flat and city life, but behind that elegant coat hides a true terrier, and its tiny size brings with it a very specific set of veterinary predispositions. In this guide we go over its origin, its temperament, the illnesses we most often see in the clinic, the care it needs and the real veterinary costs worth anticipating in Spain, and we explain why Petplan’s pet insurance is the best choice for your Yorkshire Terrier.
Origin and history of the Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the north of England during the 19th century, in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire, where Scottish weavers and workers bred small terriers to hunt rats in factories and mines. From those working ratters, selective breeding produced the refined, glamorous toy dog we know today, but beneath the surface the bold, tenacious terrier character remains.
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognises the Yorkshire Terrier under standard number 86, in group 3 (terriers). Its hallmarks are its tiny size, its long, fine, glossy steel-blue and tan coat with a texture similar to human hair, its small head with erect, well-set ears and a confident, alert expression.
Physical characteristics
| Height at withers | Approx. 20 to 23 cm |
| Weight | Up to 3.2 kg |
| Coat | Long, fine, silky and glossy; steel-blue and tan; sheds very little |
| Texture | More like human hair than fur; needs daily care or a short cut |
| Temperament | Bold, lively, affectionate and loyal |
| Life expectancy | 13-16 years |
| Recognition | FCI 86 · Group 3 (terriers) |
Temperament and character
The Yorkshire Terrier is bold, lively, affectionate and intensely loyal to its owner. Despite its tiny size, it is a terrier from head to toe: confident, alert and quick to raise the alarm, which makes it a surprisingly effective watchdog. It bonds closely with its family and loves to take part in everything they do.
There are two traits worth knowing before adopting one. First, the big-dog confidence in a tiny body means it needs early and consistent socialisation; without it, it can become barky, possessive or willing to stand up to much larger dogs. Second, because it is so small and delicate it is better suited to adults and considerate older children than to very young ones, who can injure it unintentionally. Treated with respect and trained gently, it is a loyal, fun and long-lived companion.
Common health problems in the Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is generally long-lived, but its extremely small size brings several characteristic predispositions worth knowing about.
Dental disease
This is the breed’s most common problem. So many teeth in such a tiny mouth cause crowding, tartar and periodontal disease, often with early tooth loss. Regular dental care (brushing and professional cleaning) is essential throughout its life.
Joints, trachea and skull
The Yorkie is predisposed to patellar luxation, to tracheal collapse (a narrowing of the trachea that causes a hoarse cough) and to Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (degeneration of the head of the femur). Walking it with a harness rather than a collar is important to protect its delicate trachea.
Liver shunts and hypoglycaemia
The breed is notably predisposed to portosystemic (liver) shunts, a congenital abnormality of the blood vessels that may require specialist surgery, and — especially as puppies — to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), which needs immediate attention. Eye conditions and a delicate digestion are also seen.
Coat care and feeding
The Yorkie’s long, silky coat is its hallmark and its biggest commitment. As the hair is fine, similar to human hair and grows continuously, a full-length coat needs daily brushing to avoid tangles, as well as regular baths and trims. Many owners sensibly opt for a short “puppy clip”. Routine dental care and cleaning the eyes and ears are just as important.
Feeding should be based on a quality small-breed food in carefully measured portions: the Yorkie needs very little and puts on weight easily, and the breed can have a delicate appetite and digestion. Fresh water should always be available.
Exercise and stimulation
The Yorkshire Terrier needs only moderate exercise: a couple of short daily walks, plus play and games at home, are enough, and it adapts perfectly to flat living. Despite its size it is energetic and curious, and enjoys a good walk and the chance to explore rather than always being carried.
Because it is intelligent and alert like any good terrier, mental stimulation and gentle, positive training matter as much as physical exercise. Early socialisation is the key to a confident, well-behaved Yorkie rather than a barky or nervous one. Company also counts: it is loyal and does not like being left alone for long.
How much does insurance for a Yorkshire Terrier cost?
The price of pet insurance for a Yorkshire Terrier in Spain depends on the age at the time of purchase, the type of cover (civil liability, accidents, full health), the sum insured and the geographic area.
To put the value in perspective: dental treatment is frequent and recurring; a patellar luxation or tracheal surgery can reach €1,200-2,500; a liver shunt may require specialist surgery costing over €3,000; and hypoglycaemia in puppies needs emergency care. Given how long-lived the breed is, insurance turns years of unpredictable spending into a stable monthly payment.
Why Petplan is the best choice for your Yorkshire Terrier
Petplan has been the world’s leading pet insurer since 1976 and operates in Spain as Petplan Ibérica. Our cover is designed specifically for the particularities of the Yorkshire Terrier: dental disease, patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, liver shunts and other small-breed conditions fall within the scope of the policy, as long as the animal is insured before they show clinically.
We work with free choice of vet throughout Spain: you can keep going to your trusted vet or your reference specialist, not a closed network. Reimbursement is fast and the policy covers your Yorkie for life as long as you renew it, with no exclusions for illnesses that appear with age — something that matters enormously in such a long-lived breed.
If you want to know exactly how much it costs to insure your Yorkshire Terrier, with its date of birth, your postcode and the level of cover, you can calculate your personalised price in under a minute and with no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Yorkshire Terrier
How long does a Yorkshire Terrier live?
The Yorkshire Terrier is a long-lived breed, with a life expectancy of 13 to 16 years. Dental care, keeping a healthy weight and annual check-ups help it reach the upper end of that range.
Is the Yorkshire Terrier a good family dog?
Yes, in the right home. The Yorkie is affectionate, lively and loyal, and adapts wonderfully to flat living. Because it is tiny and rather bold, it fits better with adults and families with older, considerate children than with very young ones, and it benefits from early socialisation.
Does the Yorkshire Terrier shed? Is it hypoallergenic?
The Yorkie has a fine, silky coat with a texture similar to human hair that sheds very little, which is why it is often described as hypoallergenic. No dog is completely free of allergens, but it is a good option for many people with allergies. The long coat needs daily brushing, or it can be kept in a short “puppy clip”.
What health problems should I watch for in a Yorkshire Terrier?
The most relevant are dental disease, patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, portosystemic (liver) shunts, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and the tendency to hypoglycaemia in puppies. Dental care, using a harness instead of a collar and annual check-ups help to anticipate them.
What is the best insurance for a Yorkshire Terrier in Spain?
Petplan is the best choice for a Yorkshire Terrier in Spain: cover designed for the breed’s particularities (dental disease, patellar luxation, tracheal collapse and liver shunts), free choice of vet throughout Spain with no closed network, and lifelong renewal with no exclusions for age-related conditions that appear later.
