How much time does it take to care for a Yorkshire Terrier?
Caring for a Yorkie requires a daily time commitment of 20–30 minutes and a long-term investment in space and handling.
Lifespan and Daily Commitment
A Yorkshire Terrier has a lifespan of 13–16 years, which means you're committing to a long-term relationship. You'll need to spend 20–30 minutes each day on exercise and care.
Prepare for a space of at least 10 square feet for your Yorkie to move around comfortably. Regular handling is crucial for a well-behaved dog, so plan on interacting with your pet for 10–15 minutes each day.
- Lifespan: 13–16 years
- Daily time commitment: 20–30 minutes
- Space required: 10 square feet
- Handling time: 10–15 minutes daily
One-Time Setup
Before bringing your Yorkie home, you'll need to set up a comfortable space. This includes a crate or bed, food and water bowls, and a safe area for play.
Invest in a grooming brush or comb suitable for a long coat, and a toothbrush for dental care. A small dog gate can help keep your Yorkie safe in the home.
- Crate or bed: 1
- Food and water bowls: 2
- Grooming brush or comb: 1
- Toothbrush: 1
- Dog gate: 1
Recurring Consumables
You'll need to replenish certain items regularly. This includes high-quality dog food, treats, grooming supplies, and dental care products.
Expect to replace your dog's bed and toys every 6–12 months, depending on wear and tear.
- Dog food: 1–2 cups per day
- Treats: 10–20 per week
- Grooming supplies: every 3–6 months
- Dental care products: every 6 months
- Bed and toys: every 6–12 months
Recurring Costs
Don't forget to budget for recurring costs such as vet visits, vaccinations, and pet insurance. Regular check-ups are essential for a healthy Yorkie, typically every 6–12 months.
Substrate for a litter box, if used, should be changed every 2–3 days to maintain hygiene.
- Vet visits: every 6–12 months
- Vaccinations: annually
- Pet insurance: varies
- Substrate for litter box: every 2–3 days
- Vaccinations: annually
Are You Ready?
Before you bring a Yorkie into your home, consider the following checklist to ensure you're prepared for the time commitment and space requirements.
Do you have a safe, comfortable space for your Yorkie to live and play?
Can you dedicate 20–30 minutes each day for exercise and care?
Do you have the financial resources to cover ongoing costs such as food, vet care, and grooming?
- Safe living space
- Daily exercise and care routine
- Financial resources for ongoing costs
Keep reading about Yorkshire Terrier: Yorkshire Terrier care sheet
Related questions
How often should I brush my Yorkie's long coat?
You should brush your Yorkie's long coat daily to prevent matting and tangling.
How much exercise does a Yorkshire Terrier need?
A Yorkie requires 20–30 minutes of exercise each day to stay healthy and happy.
How often should I take my Yorkie to the vet?
You should take your Yorkie to the vet for regular check-ups every 6–12 months.
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.