The Yorkshire Terrier started out as a mill and mine ratter in nineteenth-century northern England, and that working past still shows. Adults usually weigh four to eight pounds and wear a fine, silky blue-and-tan coat that grows continuously and sheds very little. Pet Yorkies often run a bit heavier than the show standard, and most reach adult size around nine to twelve months.
Behind the toy-sized frame is a confident, curious terrier who bonds tightly with family and is quick to sound the alarm. Yorkies are fragile around rough play and prone to dental problems, so gentle handling and daily tooth care matter. Plan on regular grooming, patient house training and several small meals a day for puppies and very tiny dogs. Each Yorkie's personality differs, so look past breed reputation.