As one of the American Kennel Club’s most popular breeds year after year, Yorkshire Terriers pack a big personality into a tiny, toy-sized frame.
Whether you’re new to the breed or a lifelong Yorkie lover, these fun facts about Yorkshire Terriers might surprise you. Even seasoned owners may discover something new about their spirited little companions!
Yorkies Are Called the “Tomboy Toy”
Don’t let their tiny size fool you—Yorkshire Terriers may only weigh five to seven pounds, but they’re packed with personality and grit. Their bold, feisty nature has earned them the nickname “the tomboy toy.” According to the breed standard, Yorkies should carry themselves with confidence, with a “high head carriage” and an air of “vigor and self-importance.” These spirited traits help explain why Yorkies excel in everything from agility and obedience to therapy work. They’re also fantastic travel companions and loving family dogs.
Bows Are Part of Their Breed Standard
Yorkies in the show ring often sport neat little bows—and not just for flair. The Yorkshire Terrier breed standard actually requires them. It states that “the fall on the head is long, tied with one bow in center of head or parted in the middle and tied with two bows.” So yes, those red or decorative bows aren’t just cute—they’re part of official Yorkie fashion. Why settle for one bow when two are perfectly acceptable?
The Yorkie’s Coat Has a Unique Texture
Yorkshire Terriers are famous for their long, flowing, silky coats that shimmer in the show ring. But behind that glamorous look is some serious upkeep. Yorkie hair is similar to human hair—it tangles easily if not brushed daily and can break when rubbing against carpets or furniture. The good news? Yorkies don’t have an undercoat, so they shed very little—about as much as you do. For easier maintenance, many breeders recommend the adorable “puppy cut,” a shorter, low-maintenance style that still shows off their charm.
Yorkshire Terriers Have a Blue-Collar Background
Despite their polished appearance today, Yorkies were originally working-class dogs. Bred to chase and catch rats in textile mills and mines, they were tough little exterminators in underground tunnels. That prey drive still shows up in their play—just hand them a stuffed mouse and watch them go! For those wanting to tap into their roots, Yorkies can even participate in AKC Earthdog tests, which allow them to track and pursue caged rats through tunnels (don’t worry—the rats are totally safe).
Yorkies May Have Been the Inspiration for Toto
Here’s a fun one: some believe that Toto, Dorothy’s famous sidekick from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, was originally inspired by a Yorkshire Terrier. The first edition’s illustrations by W.W. Denslow show a dog that some say resembles a Yorkie—and considering Denslow reportedly owned one, it’s not a stretch. However, in the 1939 film adaptation, Toto was famously played by a Cairn Terrier. So, the debate between Yorkie and Cairn fans continues!
They Love Their People
Yorkies are tiny dogs with huge hearts. They’re affectionate, loyal, and often greet strangers like long-lost friends. Despite their small size, they’re surprisingly patient and make wonderful family pets. Their gentle nature and approachable size make them great with children, and they thrive on being around their humans—whether snuggling on the couch or tagging along on adventures.
They’re Terriers Through and Through
Even though we often call them “Yorkies,” it’s important to remember—they’re terriers at heart. True to their roots, Yorkshire Terriers are tenacious, brave, and a little bossy. Despite their dainty appearance, they’re full of fire and attitude. That fearless terrier temperament served them well back when they were working dogs, hunting rats in mines and mills long before becoming fashionable companions in Victorian parlors.
One Yorkie Was a War Hero
Among the most legendary Yorkies is “Smoky,” a tiny war hero with a big legacy. Discovered in a Papua New Guinea jungle during World War II, Smoky was adopted by U.S. Army Corporal William Wynne and quickly became a beloved companion to troops. In one remarkable feat, she crawled through a narrow, 60-foot-long drainage culvert to pull a communication wire—an action credited with saving lives. Beyond her wartime bravery, Smoky is considered one of the world’s first therapy dogs, lifting the spirits of wounded soldiers in hospitals. Her story lives on in Wynne’s book Yorkie Doodle Dandy and through multiple memorials, including six in the U.S. and one in Australia.
Yorkies Can Thrive in Big Cities
Don’t let their size fool you—Yorkies are perfectly suited for city living. In fact, they’ve consistently ranked among the most popular dog breeds in New York City, even if their numbers have dipped a bit in recent years. Their bold, confident demeanor makes them great at navigating the hustle and bustle of urban life, from dodging crowds on busy sidewalks to staying calm when a truck backfires. With early socialization and training—like passing the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen test—your little pup can develop that unmistakable New York state of mind.
Yorkshire Terriers Have More Terrier Cousins
Yorkies may be one of the most recognizable toy breeds today, but their roots are rugged. They originated in northern England, where they were developed with help from several Scottish terrier-type breeds—not to be confused with the Scottish Terrier itself. Among their likely ancestors are the Skye Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, both of which contributed to the Yorkie’s distinctive look and feisty temperament. So while they may be small and stylish now, their family tree is filled with hardworking, tough terriers.
