I know that Yorkshire terriers aren’t for everyone, and I couldn’t find good resource online about some similar dog breeds. I decided to do the research myself.

So, what are some dogs similar to the Yorkshire terrier? Similar breeds include:

• Silky Terrier
• Maltese
• Toy Poodle
• Skye Terrier
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Pomeranian
• Chow Chow
• Japanese Chin
• Australian Shepherd
• Miniature Daschund Hound

These dogs all share similar features with the Yorkshire terrier inn one way or another. Many of them are on the small size, although there are a few medium dogs in there, too, if that’s what you’re looking for. Someone of them have the same colouring, some are former hunting breeds, and many share the Yorkshire’s distrust of other dogs. However, all of them also have a few differences, so if you’re looking for a dog but decided that the Yorkshire isn’t right for you, reading this list is a great place to try and find another option!

Silky Terrier

Summary: An Australian breed that comes from the same genetic line as the Yorkie, these dogs are almost identical to their cousins

Similarities:

• The two dogs are almost identical in size and appearance
• They are both curious and playful dogs
• Both dogs have hypoallergenic coats that require regular grooming

Differences:

• Yorkies are more easy going than Silky terriers
• Silky’s have a shorter coat, traditionally
• Silkies are more energetic and require more frequent exercise

About the Dog

Silky terriers and the near-identical but significantly less popular cousin to the Yorkshire terrier. Standing 8-10 inches tall and weighing around 10 pounds, they’re slightly larger than the Yorkshire, but they still qualify as a toy breed. They have a similar appearance and colouring, but theirs coats tend to be shorter.

The main difference is that the Silky terrier is a little more energetic than the Yorkshire. This makes them more playful, but it also means that they can be more aggressive and territorial. Because of that, Silky’s are harder to train, and I wouldn’t recommend them for first time owners.

Maltese

Summary: A beautiful toy-sized dog with a gorgeous white coat, the Maltese is similar in size and appearance to the Yorkshire.

Similarities:

• Both breeds have a long, elegant coat that often reaches the ground
• Just like Yorkies, Maltese’s love nothing more than hanging out with their owners
• Despite their delicate appearance, both dogs excel in agility and tracking competitions

Differences:

• The two breeds have differences in colouring
• Maltese are more friendly towards other dogs than Yorkies are

About the Dog

Aside from the Silky terrier, which is closely genetically related, the Maltese is perhaps the closest thing you can get to a Yorkshire. They weigh almost the same, they have the same haircut, their faces are similar, and both breeds love to be pampered. Maltese’s have the same grooming requirements as a Yorkie (although they may be slightly greater, due to their white fur.

However, Maltese tend to be a little bit more easy-going. They don’t have the same feisty streak as the Yorkshire, and they don’t get as possessive/jealous when attention is diverted away from them. This makes them ideal for households who already have dogs.

Maltese’s are very emotionally sensitive dog, and they thrive as therapy companions. This makes them a caring, understanding pet to have around the house, and they’ll always be there when you need them.

Poodle

Summary: Playful, bouncy, and super intelligent, this extremely popular dog comes in three different sized

Similarities:

• Both are hypoallergenic
• Just like the Yorkshire terrier, poodles are playful creatures who need a reasonable amount of exercise
• Both dogs are very trainable

Differences:

• Poodles are friendlier than Yorkshire’s and tend to do better in households with children or other dogs
• Poodles require more grooming than do Yorkies

About the Dog

I’ve mentioned this before in some of my other articles, but I firmly believe that a Poodle is the closest thing you can get to a terrier without actually buying a terrier. Energetic, intelligent dogs, with a wiry coat and a tendency for getting destructive when they’re bored, these animals share lots in common with the Yorkshire.

Poodles are similar to a Yorkie in that they apart well to apartments and are good for novice owners. Both dogs are quick learners, and they love spending time with their owners.

However, Poodles are friendlier than a Yorkshire terrier; they get along well with dogs and strangers alike, while Yorkies can become a little aggressive and territorial. On the flip side, though, Poodles require more exercise, and they can revert to digging or chewing when bored.

One major benefit of the poodle is that they come in three different sizes. If you want something larger than a toy dog (say, because you like playing rough, or you have children who you’re afraid would hurt your Yorkie), you can go for the miniature or standard breeds of the dog.

Skye Terrier

Summary: The first non-toy-size dog on this list, the Skye terrier is an old-fashioned hunting breed that’s gained popularity thanks to Queen Victoria

Similarities:

• Skye’s have the same long coat as the Yorkshire terrier
• They’re both terriers, so they share the same stubbornness and intelligence
• Both dogs believe they’re bigger than they are

Differences:

• Skye’s are about 3 times as large as the Yorkshire terrier is
• Skye’s shed more
• The Yorkshire terrier has more health problems than the Skye terrier does

About the Dog

A slightly larger dog with similar lineage, the Skye terrier is a rough-shod, rugged version of the Yorkie. The two dogs have similar coats, although the Skye is coloured in much more muted shades, and they often don’t have the same glossiness. Additionally, their faces are a bit different, giving the Skye a much more homely look.

When it comes to their personalities, though, these dogs have a lot in common. They’re both willful, spirited dogs, who aren’t afraid to stick up for themselves. Just like the Yorkshire, Skye’s can be a little difficult to train due to their stubborn streak, but they still make intelligent and sensitive companions. Neither breed is very friendly towards other dogs.

Pomeranian

Summary: Pocket-sized and feisty, the Pomeranian has gained lots of popularity in recent years.

Similarities:

• Both the Pomeranian and the Yorkie are pocket sized dogs
• Both of them have a case of ‘little dog syndrome’ that leads them to believe they’re bigger than they think they are
• Neither dog is good at being left alone

Differences:

• The two look very different
• Pomeranians shed more than Yorkshire terriers do

About the Dog

Another staple in the apartments and penthouses of wealthy individuals, Pomeranians have adapted well to life indoors. Originally introduced by Queen Victoria as a show dog, they’ve worked their way into the hearts of their owners with their loyalty, intelligence, and pride.

Like a Yorkie, the Pomeranian is interested in the world around them and they’re always keen to explore. This little dog loves to be involved in everything that’s going on around them, and they retain a good amount of independence. Additionally, their puffy coat requires a decent amount of grooming.

In terms of personality, these dogs and the Yorkies have a lot in common. Looks-wise, however, they’re fairly distinct; the long, smooth coat of the Yorkshire is very different from the fluffy, disorganized chaos that makes up a Pomeranian’s look.

Kerry Blue Terrier

Summary: This medium-sized dog, part of the terrier family, shares a few similarities with the Yorkie while maintaining a bit of a different personality

Similarities:

• Both are stubborn, intelligent terriers
• Neither of them like other dogs very much
• Kerry Blues are also hypoallergenic

Differences:

• The Kerry Blue weighs about 30 pounds, making them much larger than the Yorkie
• Kerry Blues are patient and reserved where the Yorkshire is bold

About the Dog

If you want the loyalty, devotion, and intelligence of the Yorkshire terrier, without having to put up with their feistiness, the Kerry Blue might be a good choice for you.

These strong-but-silent terriers, originally bred to hunt vermin, tend to what first and act later. They have a calm disposition and alert eyes, and noting gets by them (a trait that they share with the Yorkshire). However, while the Yorkie will move immediately to place themselves at the center of almost any situation, the Kerry Blue is more likely to hang back and weigh their options.

It may not seem it at first, but the two dogs do have lots in common. Kerry Blues are also highly intelligent companions who will stick by your side through thick and thin. They don’t get along well with dogs, and they can be slightly reserved towards strangers.

Shih Tzu

Summary: A small, silky dog of the terrier bloodline, these little guys have the heart of a lion

Similarities:

• The Shih Tzu weighs 9-11 pounds, making them only slightly heavier than the Yorkie
• Both dogs have long coats that require frequent grooming
• Both of them have personalities bigger than their toy-sized frames

Differences:

• Shih Tzu’s shed more than Yorkshire terriers do
• Yorkie’s are much more active dogs

About the Dog

Bred to be a lover, not a fighter, the Shih Tzu has never had to work for what they got in life. Since they first started gaining popularity in China, these dogs had one purpose: they were meant to provide companionship for their owners.

Because of that, there are few breeds who do better as lap dogs. Shih Tzu’s how low exercise requirements, so you don’t have to worry about the running around or barking when they’re bored. They’re loving, cheerful, and always eager to spend time with you. They get along well with everyone, including children and other dogs.

Essentially, if you want a dog like a Yorkie but don’t want to have to deal with the Yorkie’s worst tendencies, this is the dog for you.

That doesn’t mean, though, that there are no drawbacks to owning a Shih Tzu. If you live an active lifestyle, or you’re someone who likes playing with your dog, you’ll be disappointed by their lax demeanour. Additionally, they don’t do well in hot climates, and grooming them can be a chore and a half.

Japanese Chin

Summary: Soft spoken but with a massive heart, the Chin is another dog that was raised to provide companionship.

Similarities:

• Japanese Chin tip the scales at just over 10 pounds, making them about the same size as a Yorkie
• The two have similar appearances
• They both tend to bark when bored

Differences:

• Japanese chin shed a moderate amount
• The Chin is not as curious as the Yorkshire is
• The Chin requires less exercise than the poodle.

About the Dog

The Japanese Chin was their equivalent of the Shih-Tzu: a small, elegant looking dog that was bred for companionship amongst the country’s nobility. They’re perfectly content to spend their life lounging around with you, although they possess a certain amount of playfulness.

Unlike the Yorkshire, the Japanese Chin gets along well with other dogs, and they don’t mind when the attention is diverted away from them. They have lower exercise requirements, and they need to be groomed far less.

However, the Chin isn’t that different from the Yorkshire. Beneath their gentle exterior they have a certain spirit to them that mimics the Yorkie. These dogs get bored easily, and if you fail to keep them engaged, they’re going to wander off and do their own thing. They love to be around you at all times, and both breeds can be difficult to housetrain.

Australian Shepherd

Summary: Larger by far than the other dogs on this list, the Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, gentle companion

Similarities:

• Both dogs are hypoallergenic but have high grooming requirements
•  Just like the Yorkie, Australian Shepherds have a working history and are easy to train
• Both breeds have a high wanderlust and like to be involved

Differences:

• The Australian Shepherd is much larger and more playful than the Yorkshire terrier
• Yorkies tend to be more aggressive and territorial
• Australian Shepherd’s shed more

About the Dog

On the surface, these two breeds don’t share much, but if you look a little bit deeper you can see that they actually have a lot in common.

Despite their appearance and size, the Australian shepherd and the Yorkshire terrier share the same zest for life. These are intelligent, curious dogs, who love to discover the world around them. They both have playful attitudes, and they’re very loyal to their owners.

The Aussie is a little bit easier going than the Yorkshire terrier. They get along well with other dogs, and they can accept when they’re not the center of attention. However, they require your time in other ways: Aussies are a working breed who need their mind to be occupied so they don’t get bored.

If you want a lap dog, this isn’t the choice for you. If, however, you like the Yorkshire’s spirit, but want something bigger who you can play with, the Australian Shepherd is the dog for you.

Miniature Daschund Hound

Summary: Their adorable body and funny walk belays the speed and intelligence of this former hunting breed

Similarities:

• Both are good apartment dogs that are good for novice owners
• Neither breed gets along well with other dogs
• Both of them like to bark and wander when they’re bored

Differences:

• Daschund hounds are harder to train than Yorkshire’s are
• It’s easier to leave a Daschund alone
• Daschund shed more, but require less grooming

About the Dog

Another pocket-sized breed that shares a lot with the Yorkshire terrier, these adorable dogs have become a staple for people looking for a pocket-sized companion. The Daschund adjusts well to living in apartments, do their low exercise requirements and easy-going outlook on life.

A friendly, loving companion who likes to play but doesn’t take up too much of your time, the Daschund’s relaxed attitude belays their hunting past. Confident but not needy, the Daschund carries themselves with a self-assured air and a reservedness that different from the Yorkshire terrier.

These dogs have a similar size and energy level to the Yorkie. You only need to spend an hour or two with your Daschund every day before they’ll curl up contentedly in your lap. These dogs like being around their owners and they tolerate other dogs, but they’re not great with strangers.

Daschund’s have an independent, slightly mischievous nature that can make them a little bit difficult to train. Despite that, they’re still fairly easy going, and first-time owners find them fairly agreeable.

Yorkshire Terrier Traits

Now that we’ve talked about dogs similar to the Yorkshire terrier, I thought it would be good to go over some of the traits of the breed in greater detail so that you could decide if the Yorkie is right for you, or if you want to explore one of the other breeds that we went over.

Size and Appearance

As you probably already know, Yorkshire terriers are toy-sized dogs that stand 5-8 inches high and only weigh about 7 pounds. They have long, silky hair than often reaches down to the ground around their belly. In contrast, their face is kept cut short, so that you can see their appearance.

Yorkies are cute dogs who like attention and, therefore, can often stand to be pampered a little bit. It’s not uncommon to see them sporting ribbons, bows, or other accessories.

Hypoallergenic

For people who are normally sensitive to dogs, the Yorkshire terrier makes an excellent choice due to their hypoallergenic nature. This means that Yorkies cause lower levels of reactions in people who are allergic; it does not, however, mean that they are completely allergen free. You can still have a reaction from interacting with a Yorkie, but it will be less severe than with other dogs.

Yorkies are able to do this because they spread fewer allergens. Dogs release allergens inn three ways, all of which Yorkies naturally limit:

• Dander: Also known as dead skin cells. Yorkies are naturally healthy dogs, and the fact that they have hair instead of fur means they release fewer allergens.
• Drool: Yorkshire terriers are tidy, well put-together dogs. They don’t drool very often.
• Shedding: The long coat of the Yorkshire terrier doesn’t shed very often, especially when they’re properly groomed.

These three factors combine mean that Yorkies do not release many allergens and, therefore, do not cause severe reactions in people who may be allergic.

Energy Requirements

Yorkies are playful dogs that come from a long line of hunters, so they have a decent amount of energy to burn. Thankfully, their legs are about 4 inches long, so it doesn’t take much effort for them to burn it.

Yorkies need their daily exercise, or they can become antsy. Like many of the terrier breed, they get bored when not properly worked, and when they get bored they resort to barking or chewing as a way to burn energy.

Thankfully, it’s not a massive time commitment to tire them out. Because of their size, and Yorkshire terrier only requires about 1-1.5 hours of exercise each day in order to be satisfied. They’re also not massive, so you don’t have to leave your house in order to get them running.

One caveat to this is that you should try to be as engaged as possible in their daily activity. A Yorkie isn’t happy chasing a toy or simply playing fetch; they’re rather be chased around by you, or have you take them for a walk. This will make the experience more meaningful for them.

Grooming Requirements

What they lack in exercise requirements, Yorkies somewhat make up for in grooming needs. Their long, silky coat requires frequent attention, or they become matted and dirty.

This involves brushing them daily, a process that can take about twenty minutes. You may also need to sponge them off if they get dirty. Additionally, you should bathe them once every week and make sure to condition them so that their coat stays silky.

There’s also the grooming that you need to worry about. Yorkies should be clipped at least once a month, especially around the face and paws to make sure that their hair isn’t getting too long.

Personality

Aside from their energy and hair properties, what’s a Yorkshire terrier really like?

Feisty

This breed embodies the ‘big dog in a small body’ trope. Bold, brash, and slightly self-centered, Yorkshire terrier believe that they deserve the world, and they’re never afraid to take it. These dogs will always stick up for themselves, even against much larger opponents.

Many people find the Yorkshire terriers attitude endearing. There’s something hilarious about watching this tiny, preppy-looking dog go toe-to-toe with much larger breeds, refusing to back down. Despite their size, Yorkies are terriers to the core, and they’re not afraid to show it.

Possessive

Yorkshire terriers, partially because of how feisty they are and partially because they believe that they’re gods’ gift to mankind, don’t like to share the spotlight with anyone else. If they feel that affection is being diverted away from them by something, be it a stranger, another dog, or even a child, they can sometimes turn bitter.

This bitterness often manifests itself in traits like hostility and aggressiveness. Remember how I said that Yorkies are feisty? They’re growl and nip at whatever it is that they think is stealing their affection.

Because of this, Yorkshire terriers aren’t a great breed to be mixing with other dogs. They can become jealous and hostile, and it can lead to issues between the two animals.

This causes issues for some people, because Yorkies also don’t like being left alone. Obviously, between work and chores and living your life, you can’t be home all the time, but you also can’t get another dog to keep your Yorkie company. Some people try to side-step this issue by getting the two dogs when they’re puppies and raising them together. This sometimes make the Yorkshire less aggressive, but there’s no guarantee that it will work.

Sensitive

Despite their sometimes-prickly personality, Yorkies are highly attuned dogs, and they can sense when something is off with you. They bond strongly with their owners, and they’re not one to sit around when they think that you might be off; Yorkshire’s are always happy to provide affection and support, even if that just means curling up in your lap when you’re upset.

Part of the reason that these dogs have gained so much popularity as a household breed is for that reason: they can sense when something is wrong, and they care enough to be there for you. While they might not be crazy about strangers or other dogs, Yorkies love their owners a lot, and they’re always happy to provide support.  

Alert

This breed is too small to be an effective guard dog, but they’re territorial and intelligent enough to keep lookout. Yorkies are constantly alert, and they’re sure to let you know when anyone is approaching; this is due to their natural instincts and working background. While they can’t really defend you in a fight, they can certain warn you if anyone is near your house.