How big does a Yorkshire Terrier get?

A full-grown Yorkshire Terrier typically stands 18–20 cm (7.1–7.9 inches) tall at the shoulder and weighs 2–3.5 kg (4.4–7.7 lbs). Yorkshire Terrier is a toy breed and usually reaches full size by 12 months.

What is the lifespan of a Yorkshire Terrier?

The average lifespan of a Yorkshire Terrier is 11–15 years. Smaller breeds tend to live longer than larger breeds. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important factors in extending your dog's lifespan — overweight dogs can lose 1–2 years of life expectancy.

What are the personality traits of a Yorkshire Terrier?

Yorkshire Terrier are known for being affectionate, bold, independent, sprightly. They may be better suited for homes without small children. They are moderately trainable with consistent positive reinforcement. Their size and energy level make them suitable for apartment living.

Is a Yorkshire Terrier a good choice for apartments and families?

Yes, a Yorkshire Terrier can adapt well to apartment living due to their toy size and moderate energy levels. They may be better suited for households without young children. They are a low-shedding breed, which is great for keeping your home clean.

What are common health issues for toy breed dogs like the Yorkshire Terrier?

Small and toy breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier are prone to dental disease, patellar luxation (knee issues), tracheal collapse, and hypoglycemia. They can also develop heart valve disease as they age. Keeping your dog at an ideal weight is the single most effective way to reduce the risk of many of these conditions. Use our BCS assessment tool above to check your dog's condition.

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Yorkshire Terrier Weight & Calorie Guide

Q: How many calories does a Yorkshire Terrier need per day?

A typical adult Yorkshire Terrier weighing about 3 kg needs approximately 239–299 kcal per day, depending on activity level and neuter status. Puppies and very active dogs need more, while seniors and neutered dogs need less. Use our breed-specific calculator for an exact number.

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Quick Answer

A healthy adult Yorkshire Terrier weighs 2–3.5 kg (4.4–7.7 lbs), according to the AKC breed standard. Puppies reach 50% of adult weight by 4–5 months and full weight by 9–10 months.

Source: AKC breed standard, WSAVA nutrition guidelines

Quick Facts

Ideal Weight

2–3.5 kg

(4.4–7.7 lbs)

Size Category

toy

Breed Type

Daily Calories

~239–299 kcal

Adult, neutered

Free Tools

BCS Assessment Calorie Calculator

Ideal Weight Range

2 kgto3.5 kg

4.4 lbsto7.7 lbs

UnderweightIdealOverweightObese

Data:AKC breed standard·WSAVA guidelines

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Puppy Weight Predictor

For puppies under 12 months. Enter your puppy's current weight and age to predict adult weight.

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How the puppy weight predictor works

This predictor uses growth milestone data from Salt et al. (2017), published in Veterinary Record, which tracked the weight development of dogs across five size categories from birth to adulthood. By comparing your puppy's current weight against the expected growth percentage for their age and size category, we estimate their adult weight range.

Factors that affect adult weight

Genetics play the largest role, but nutrition, neutering status, and overall health also influence growth rate. Puppies fed excessive calories during rapid growth phases may exceed their genetic weight potential, while underfed puppies may not reach it. Large and giant breeds grow more slowly than toy and small breeds, reaching full size at 18–24 months rather than 10–12 months.

Data source: Salt et al. (2017) "Growth patterns of commercial kennel dogs" Veterinary Record • AKC breed standards

Yorkshire Terrier Health & Weight Management

Yorkshire Terriers are confident, sprightly toy dogs with a glamorous silky coat and a terrier's bold spirit in a tiny package. Their fine bone structure makes them vulnerable to joint issues — luxating patella and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease are common breed concerns, and excess weight places disproportionate stress on their delicate frame. Tracheal collapse is also prevalent; extra body fat worsens respiratory compromise in these already-breath-prone small dogs.

Exercise: 20–30 minutes of daily activity — brisk walks and indoor play sessions. Yorkies have surprising energy for their size and enjoy chasing toys and learning tricks. Avoid jumping from heights due to fragile leg structure. Indoor agility at miniature scale provides excellent physical and mental stimulation.

Feeding tips: Yorkies need very few calories — even a teaspoon extra per meal can cause gradual weight gain in a 5 lb dog. Use a kitchen scale for precise portions. Feed 2–3 small meals daily (puppies need 3–4 to prevent hypoglycemia). Choose small-breed kibble that supports dental health through mechanical cleaning action.

Keeping your Yorkie at a healthy 4–8 lbs (2–3.5 kg) protects joints and trachea. Use PawScale's calorie calculator for Yorkies to find exact daily needs, assess body condition with our BCS tool, and follow the feeding guide for portion guidance.

Data source: AKC breed standard • Last updated: 2026-08-19

Is your Yorkshire Terrier at a healthy weight?

59% of dogs are overweight — can you tell? Take our free 2-minute Body Condition Score assessment.

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Yorkshire Terrier Calorie Calculator

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much should a Yorkshire Terrier weigh?

The ideal weight for a Yorkshire Terrier is 2–3.5 kg (4.4–7.7 lbs). Even a small weight gain can be significant for smaller breeds. Use our calorie calculator above to get personalized feeding recommendations.

How many calories does a Yorkshire Terrier need per day?

A typical adult Yorkshire Terrier weighing 3 kg needs approximately 239–299 kcal per day, depending on activity level and whether they are neutered. Use our breed-specific calculator above for an exact number based on your dog's details.

Is my Yorkshire Terrier overweight?

59% of dogs are overweight, and most owners cannot tell just by looking. Check your Yorkshire Terrier's Body Condition Score (BCS) — if you can't easily feel their ribs or they have no visible waist from above, they may be overweight. Take our free 2-minute BCS assessment above to find out.

When does a Yorkshire Terrier reach full adult weight?

Yorkshire Terrier puppies reach 50% of their adult weight by 4–5 months and typically reach full adult weight by 9–10 months, according to AKC growth guidelines. Small breeds mature faster than large breeds.

What size crate does a Yorkshire Terrier need?

A Yorkshire Terrier typically needs a 24-inch crate based on breed size. Use PawScale's free crate size calculator for a personalized recommendation.

References & data sources

1. AKC Official Breed Standard — Yorkshire Terrier. akc.org

2. Salt C, et al. “Estimating the expected growth of dogs.” Vet Record, 2017;180(15):376.

3. National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, 2006.

4. Laflamme DP. “Development and validation of a body condition score system for dogs.” Canine Practice, 1997;22(4):10–15.

5. WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines; Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) 9-point BCS scale.

Last reviewed: September 2026

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