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Yorkshire Terrier temperament & health issues

Yorkshire Terrier insurance

Discover the benefits of insuring your Yorkshire Terrier with Agria

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Our guide to living with a Yorkshire Terrier

Living with a Yorkshire Terrier is a long-term commitment, and looking after their health is all part of responsible ownership. Known for their big personalities and affectionate nature, Yorkies can be prone to issues like dental disease, joint problems, and allergies, which may need ongoing treatment or regular vet visits. Taking out pet insurance early can help with unexpected vet bills and make sure your Yorkshire Terrier gets the care they need throughout their life.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier quick facts

  • Origin: England 
  • Lifespan: 12-16 years  
  • Height: 18-23cm
  • Weight: 2-3.5kg
  • Coat colours: Blue and tan, black and tan, blue and gold, black and gold 

The UK's most trusted pet insurer*

We're a Which? Best Buy for Dog Insurance 2026

You can trust us with your Yorkshire Terrier

Agria's Lifetime Premium £20,000 dog policy has been the highest-scoring Best Buy for 3 years. We are also a Which? Best Buy for our Lifetime and Lifetime Plus dog insurance products. **

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*Based on Agria Pet Insurance's number 1 Trustpilot ranking in the category Pet Insurance, correct as of Feb 2026.

** Which? policy score ratings are based on an analysis of policy cover levels conducted in November 2025. Best Buy providers have a high policy score and a good track record for paying claims. 

Where does the Yorkshire Terrier come from?

The Yorkshire Terrier, or ‘Yorkie,’ originated in the 19th century in northern England, where it was bred to catch rats in textile mills and coal mines. Created from a mix of terrier breeds, including the now-extinct Clydesdale Terrier, the Yorkie quickly became a favourite among the Victorians, transitioning from a working dog to a fashionable lap companion.  

Today, Yorkshire Terriers are one of the most popular toy breeds, loved for their lively character and affectionate nature. 

Yorkshire Terrier temperament

Bold

Yorkies are bold, intelligent, and full of energy. Despite their small stature, they often have the attitude of a much larger dog and can be surprisingly fearless.

Social

Yorkies also get along with other pets but sometimes forget how small they are, so supervision around larger dogs is a good idea.

Feisty

Yorkshire Terriers are not naturally aggressive but can be feisty. Early training and socialisation help them stay calm and friendly around people and pets.

Loving

Yorkshire Terriers are highly affectionate with their owners and love to be the centre of attention.

Delicate

They’re generally good with children, but their tiny size makes them delicate, so gentle handling is essential.

Playful

While friendly and playful, they can be a little wary of strangers and may bark at unfamiliar sights or sounds.

Are Yorkshire Terriers good family dogs?  

Yorkshire Terriers can be lovely family dogs in calm homes. They enjoy cuddles and play but may not suit households with rough, young children. They’re generally good pets for first-time owners too, but require owners that are dedicated to their training because of their stubbornness and potential for barking.

Yorkshire Terriers can also be good companions for older people. They’re known for their loyalty and don't require much space, which makes them a good choice for people with smaller homes.

Yorkshire Terrier grooming

Yorkshire Terriers have a fine, silky coat that resembles human hair. Their long, flowing fur requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and matting. Many owners opt for a shorter ‘puppy cut’ for easier maintenance - a low-maintenance haircut that involves trimming the fur to about 1 or 2 inches all over.

Close up of a Yorkshire Terrier

Thinking of getting a Yorkie puppy?

What to expect week-by-week from your first year

We've laid out what to expect from your first year with your new puppy with a series of videos and helpful guides, so you can stay on top of your training, keep your pup healthy, and help them settle in to their new life.

Puppy milestonesPuppy guides & advice

Yorkshire Terrier training

  1. 1

    Use positive reinforcement

    Yorkies are intelligent but can have a stubborn streak. They respond well to positive reinforcement, especially when training is kept fun and engaging.  

  2. 2

    Be consistent

    They’re quick learners but can develop ‘small dog syndrome’ if allowed to be too bossy, where they overcompensate for their size by being aggressive or barking. 

  3. 3

    Be patient

    Consistency and gentle leadership are key. House training can take time, so patience is needed. 

  4. 4

    Build up their stamina

    Yorkshire Terriers enjoy walks and can go for up to an hour if fit. Start with shorter walks and build up their stamina

Yorkshire Terrier health issues

Yorkshire Terriers are a relatively healthy breed, but they can be prone to a few health conditions that are worth being aware of.

Knowing what to expect can help you plan for their lifelong care and decide whether lifetime pet insurance is right for you.

  • Dental disease

    Dental problems are common in small breeds like Yorkies. Treatment can range from professional cleaning under anaesthetic to tooth removal and ongoing gum care.

  • Luxating patella (dislocating kneecap)

    This affects the kneecap and can cause pain, limping, and difficulty walking. Depending on the severity, treatment may include pain relief, physiotherapy, or surgery.

  • Hypersensitivity (allergies)

    Yorkshire Terriers can be prone to hypersensitivity, where the immune system overreacts to triggers like pollen, fleas, food, or everyday allergens. This can cause issues like itchy skin, scratching, ear infections, or tummy upsets.

  • Tracheal collapse

    This is where the windpipe weakens and flattens, leading to breathing issues and a characteristic ‘honking’ cough. Some dogs need ongoing medication, lifestyle adjustments, monitoring, or specialist care.

Regular vet check-ups, good dental care, and keeping a healthy weight can all help support your Yorkie’s long-term wellbeing. However, even well-cared-for dogs can develop conditions later in life, which is why many owners choose lifetime dog insurance.

Common conditions for the Yorkshire Terrier

Here are the top 5 most commonly-claimed health conditions for the Yorkshire Terrier breed, based on Agria pet insurance claims data.

Yorkshire Terrier puppy
  1. 1

    Hypersensitivity

  2. 2

    Seizure disorder

  3. 3

    Atopy finding

  4. 4

    Pelvic limb finding

  5. 5

    Osteoarthritis

Top 5 common conditions based on Agria Pet Insurance claims for Yorkshire Terriers in 2025.

Many of these health conditions can require ongoing management rather than one-off treatment. Having insurance in place early can help ensure these types of conditions remain covered throughout your Yorkshire Terrier’s life.

For dog breeders and puppy buyers, it’s also important to note that Royal Kennel Club recommends checking the puppy’s mum for a number of specific genetic conditions.

What we love most about Yorkshire Terriers

Lively and affectionate

Full of energy but love to cuddle.

Low shedding

Their coat requires care but doesn’t leave hair everywhere.

Perfect for small spaces

Adapt well to apartments.

A Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny dog with a huge personality

Whether prancing proudly on a walk or snuggled in your lap, they bring joy, charm, and companionship to any home.

Yorkshire Terrier insurance with Agria

With Agria, it's lifetime, every time

At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.

So, whatever happens throughout your Yorkshire Terrier's life, we’ll always be there for you and your dog!

Agria Pet Insurance has been awarded 'best pet insurance overall' from The Telegraph.

Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year

So your dog can get the care they need.

We pay 98% of claims*

And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your dog.

No increase in your premiums when you claim

So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.

Free vet video calls, 24/7

Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.

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Dotty about dogs? Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.

*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance and Royal Kennel Club Pet Insurance claims received between January 2025 and December 2025.

 

Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.

Yorkshire Terrier FAQs

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Trustpilot and Defaqto ratings correct at time of print. Defaqto rating applies only when all optional add-ons are included. Agria Pet Insurance has been awarded 'Best Pet Insurance Overall' by The Telegraph. Terms, conditions and excesses apply. Promotions may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Vet fees reinstated each year provided you renew your policy each year without a break in cover.

For UK customers: 
Agria Pet Insurance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Services Register Number 496160. Agria Pet Insurance Ltd is registered and incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 04258783. Registered office: First Floor, Blue Leanie, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 7QW. Agria insurance policies are underwritten by Agria Försäkring who is authorised and regulated by the Prudential Regulatory Authority and Financial Conduct Authority.

For Jersey customers:
Agria Pet Insurance Ltd is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC). Ref: 0001498. Registered office: As detailed above.

For Guernsey customers:
Clegg Gifford Channel Islands Limited is licensed by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. Ref: 2722221. Registered office: Admiral House, Place Du Commerce, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 2AT.

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