Is a Yorkshire Terrier the right pet for a beginner?
Committing to a Yorkie means a 13–16 year commitment, daily care for 20–30 minutes, and a space of 10 square feet.
Commitment Reality
A Yorkie's lifespan of 13–16 years requires a long-term commitment. You'll need to dedicate 20–30 minutes each day to their care, including exercise and grooming. They need a space of at least 10 square feet, so consider your living situation carefully.
Handling a Yorkie can be delicate due to their small size. You'll need to be gentle and patient, especially when grooming and during handling sessions.
Their long, silky coat requires daily brushing or a short clip to prevent matting and tangling.
- 13–16 year lifespan
- 20–30 minutes daily care
- 10 square feet of space
- Daily brushing or regular clipping
- Gentle and patient handling
One-Time Setup
Before bringing your Yorkie home, you'll need to set up their habitat. This includes a crate or dog bed, a litter box if you plan to train them, and a suitable collar and leash.
You'll also need grooming tools such as a brush, comb, and nail clippers. A small dog brush or a soft slicker brush works well for their long coat.
- Crate or dog bed
- Litter box (if potty training)
- Collar and leash
- Grooming tools: brush, comb, nail clippers
Recurring Consumables
You'll need to replenish certain items regularly. This includes food, treats, toys, and grooming supplies.
Food should be high-quality and appropriate for a small breed. Treats should be given in moderation to avoid overfeeding.
- High-quality dog food
- Treats (given in moderation)
- Toys for mental stimulation
- Grooming supplies: brush, comb, nail clippers
Ongoing Costs
In addition to food and grooming supplies, there are other recurring costs to consider. These include vet visits, vaccinations, and potential medical care.
Substrate for the litter box, bedding for the crate or bed, and replacement equipment like leashes and collars should also be budgeted for.
- Vet visits and vaccinations
- Substrate for litter box
- Bedding for crate or bed
- Replacement equipment: leashes, collars
Are You Ready?
Before you bring a Yorkie home, ask yourself these questions: Do you have the time and space for a small dog? Can you commit to daily grooming and exercise? Are you prepared for the ongoing costs of care?
If you can answer yes to these questions, you may be ready for the joys and challenges of Yorkie ownership.
- Do you have the time and space?
- Can you commit to daily grooming and exercise?
- Are you prepared for ongoing costs?
Keep reading about Yorkshire Terrier: Yorkshire Terrier care sheet
Related questions
How often should I brush my Yorkie's coat?
You should brush your Yorkie's coat daily to prevent matting and tangling.
How much exercise does a Yorkie need?
A Yorkie requires 20–30 minutes of exercise each day, including walks and playtime.
What type of food should I feed my Yorkie?
Feeding your Yorkie a high-quality, small breed-specific food is best for their health and nutritional needs.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your yorkshire terrier is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.