Yorkshire Terrier: Breed Overview
Size and Appearance
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small toy breed, with the FCI standard (number 86) setting a typical weight of up to 3.2 kg. This compact size, combined with a lively, alert expression, makes them instantly recognisable. Standard coat colours are steel blue and tan – the body a dark steel-grey, with tan markings on the head. Their lifespan often reaches 12 years or more.
Temperament and Personality
True to their terrier heritage, they are lively, affectionate, and confident. Despite their tiny stature, they carry themselves with assurance and enjoy being the centre of attention. Good with older children and other pets when socialised early, they make excellent companions for those seeking a spirited yet portable dog.
Coat and Shedding
The single, fine coat sheds very little, which is why the breed is frequently described as low-shedding or, with caveats, hypoallergenic. No dog is truly allergen-free, but they produce less dander than many breeds. Regular grooming – daily brushing – keeps the coat in top condition and removes loose hairs.
Health and Grooming Requirements
Common Health Concerns
Yorkshire Terriers are generally robust, but like many toy breeds, they are predisposed to certain conditions. Hypoglycemia can occur in young puppies if meals are skipped, so small, frequent feeds are recommended. Dental problems are common due to their small jaws; weekly tooth brushing helps prevent tartar buildup. Patellar luxation (loose kneecaps) is another known issue — avoid jumping from heights and keep your dog at a healthy weight. Regular veterinary check-ups catch these early.
Daily Grooming Routine
Daily brushing is essential to prevent matting, especially behind the ears and under the collar. Their fine coat tangles easily, so a metal comb or soft slicker brush works well. For a proper puppy cut, professional grooming every 6–8 weeks keeps the coat neat and reduces matting. Many owners find the low-shedding nature of the coat helpful, though it is not truly hypoallergenic.
Exercise Needs
Exercise needs are moderate — short daily walks of 15–20 minutes suffice. These lively little dogs enjoy play sessions indoors but do not require long runs. Puppies arrive with their first vaccinations and worming treatment, and a full vaccination schedule should be discussed with your vet. Microchipping is standard practice, and all ZKwP/FCI registered breeders provide a health record and EU pet passport with their puppies.
Why Choose an FCI Registered Yorkshire Terrier Breeder
ZKwP and FCI Registration
ZKwP, the Polish Kennel Club, is a full member of the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale). Every ZKwP breeder in our catalogue holds a registered kennel name listed in the FCI repertory (fci.be). This means each FCI registered breeder adheres to a single standard — FCI standard number 86 — which defines the Yorkshire Terrier as a toy breed weighing up to 3.2 kg with a steel blue and tan coat. Choosing a breeder from this directory gives you confidence that the puppy meets the recognised breed type.
Health Testing and Pedigree
Parent dogs in ZKwP kennels undergo health screening according to ZKwP breeding regulations. Many breeders test for common issues in toy breeds, such as luxating patella and eye conditions. Every puppy comes with full pedigree documentation and an EU pet passport, recording its lineage, microchip, vaccinations, and worming. Puppies from ZKwP breeders include a clear health record, and each pup's price reflects that investment.
What Sets ZKwP Breeders Apart
We verify every entry: each of the 121 ZKwP Yorkshire Terrier breeders in our catalogue is cross-checked against the FCI repertory. These breeders follow the Polish Kennel Club code of ethics, which sets rules on breeding frequency, socialisation, and litter limits. Prices are set individually per litter, based on parent achievements and health results — our typical range is 3150–4575 PLN (approx. 700–1050 EUR, using the 13 Nov 2026 NBP mid-rate of 4.407 PLN/EUR), with a median of 4000 PLN (about 900 EUR). Each breeder prices independently, so these are indicative averages only.