Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua: Size, Temperament, and Care

If you're considering bringing a new furry friend into your family, you may be torn between two popular breeds: the Yorkshire Terrier and the Chihuahua. Both are small, spunky, and full of personality.

The Yorkshire Terrier typically weighs between 7-15 pounds, while the Chihuahua can weigh as little as 2-8 pounds. This means that Yorkies are generally a bit larger than their Chihuahua counterparts.

Despite their small size, both breeds are known for being big dogs in a little package - they have big personalities and require regular exercise and attention to stay happy and healthy. With the right care, both Yorkies and Chihuahuas can make wonderful pets.

Intriguing read: English Bull Terrier Chihuahua Mix

The Yorkshire Terrier was first bred in England to hunt rats in apparel factories.

Their origins date back to the 19th century, a time when these small dogs were highly valued for their ability to catch rodents.

Yorkies were bred to be small, feisty, and fearless, making them perfect for ridding factories of unwanted pests.

Their legacy as ratters has left them with a strong prey drive and a lively personality.

Bred to be companions as well as working dogs, Yorkies have become beloved pets around the world.

Related reading: Are Yorkshire Terriers Good Pets

Both Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas are toy breeds, but they have distinct physical characteristics.

Yorkshire Terriers typically weigh between 4 to 7 pounds and stand about 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their coats are straight, fine, and glossy, parted on the dog's back, and their heads are small and flat on top with a short muzzle.

Chihuahuas, on the other hand, usually weigh between 2 to 6 pounds and stand about 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their distinctive feature is their apple-shaped head and expressive eyes, with a robust body structure and slightly rounded skull.

Here's a comparison of their weights and heights:

Their ears are large and held erect, adding to their unique appearance.

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their confident and fearless nature, often displaying a vivacious spirit that belies their small size. They form strong attachments to their families and are particularly loyal, showing a great deal of affection towards their owners.

Despite their small size, Yorkies are smart and spunky dogs who aren't aware of their diminutive stature. They're originally bred to hunt rodents and retain much of that tough terrier 'tude today.

Both Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas have big personalities in small packages. They're good with other dogs under the supervision of a responsible adult, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).

For more insights, see: Dogs like Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas both have big personalities in small packages.

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their spunky and affectionate nature, forming strong bonds with their owners and being lively and courageous. They often display a vivacious spirit that belies their small size.

Chihuahuas, on the other hand, can be quite confident and even a bit sassy, tending to be fiercely loyal to their owners but may be reserved around strangers.

These breeds are good with other dogs under the supervision of a responsible adult, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Yorkshire Terriers are smart and eager to please, making them a quick study when it comes to dog training, especially with early training and social interactions from a young age.

However, they can be independent and stubborn at times, requiring consistent and positive reinforcement to overcome this trait.

Take a look at this: Tiny Yorkshire Terrier Puppy

If you're a first-time dog owner, you might be wondering which breeds are best suited for you. Both Yorkies and Chihuahuas can be suitable for first-time dog owners.

Yorkies are often great with children and can be quite adaptable to new environments. They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.

Chihuahuas, on the other hand, may require extra patience in training due to their strong will and potential for stubbornness. They can be quite loyal and attached to their owners.

Consider reading: How to Draw a Yorkshire Terrier

When it comes to exercise, Yorkshire Terriers are a bit more high-maintenance than Chihuahuas. They need about 30 minutes of physical activity per day.

A balance of short walks and play sessions is perfect for this breed. This ensures they get the exercise they need while also receiving mental stimulation.

Their playfulness makes interactive games a great way to keep them entertained and active.

When it comes to grooming, Yorkies and Chihuahuas have distinct needs. Yorkies sport a luxurious coat that requires regular grooming and maintenance, but Chihuahuas are much lower maintenance in the grooming department.

Chihuahuas have a short coat, making them a great choice for owners who want a low-maintenance pet. Their grooming needs are minimal, but regular vet check-ups are still crucial to catch any potential health issues early on.

Both breeds can experience dental problems due to their small mouths and teeth overcrowding. Regular dental care is essential to prevent these issues from arising.

Here's a quick comparison of the grooming needs of Yorkies and Chihuahuas:

Yorkies have a luxurious coat that requires regular grooming and maintenance. This means owners need to brush their Yorkie's coat daily to prevent matting and tangling.

Chihuahuas, on the other hand, have short coats that are much lower maintenance in the grooming department. They require minimal brushing, usually just a quick once-over to keep them looking their best.

Yorkies need to be groomed regularly to keep their coat looking its best. This can include trimming, clipping, and other styling techniques to keep their coat in top condition.

Chihuahuas are generally easy to groom, but they do need occasional nail trimming and ear cleaning to stay healthy.

For another approach, see: How to Groom a Yorkshire Terrier

Both Chihuahuas and Yorkies can be prone to certain health issues, so it's essential to be aware of them.

Yorkies are particularly susceptible to collapsed trachea, a condition where the tracheal rings weaken, leading to coughing and difficulty breathing.

Dental issues are also common in Yorkies due to their small size, causing teeth overcrowding.

Chihuahuas, on the other hand, are prone to hydrocephalus, also known as water on the brain, where cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain.

Many Chihuahuas have a soft spot on the top of their skull, known as an open fontanel, which can remain and pose a risk of injury.

Heart murmurs and pulmonic stenosis can also affect Chihuahuas, impacting the heart's function and potentially leading to other health complications.

Here's a summary of the common health issues in both breeds:

Regular vet check-ups are crucial for both breeds to monitor their health and address any potential issues early on.

Yorkshire Terriers are known to be intelligent and eager to please, making them a joy to train. They respond well to rewards and praise, and consistency in training is key to ensure they understand expectations.

Training the Yorkie requires a confident and knowledgeable approach, as they can be stubborn at times. However, with positive reinforcement techniques and a calm atmosphere, they can learn to excel in various canine activities, such as rally, agility, and obedience.

Yorkies can participate in therapy work and other roles with their human partners, and they thrive on praise and treats for good behavior. Harsh corrections should be avoided, as they can be counterproductive and stressful for the dog.

Early socialization is essential for Yorkies to develop good manners around people and other animals. Take them into new situations slowly and in a calm atmosphere, making sure these experiences are positive.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends starting training from an early age, and Yorkies can quickly learn tricks with the right motivational tool - food! They are smart and can catch on quickly, making them a great breed to train with patience and consistency.

Here's an interesting read: Yorkshire Terrier Training

Both Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas adapt well to apartment living due to their small size. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

A Yorkshire Terrier prefers to be indoors and enjoys active play, making them suitable for urban living where space may be limited. They need daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.

Chihuahuas, on the other hand, need less physical exercise than Yorkshire Terriers but should have enough space for indoor activities. They thrive in warm environments and can be sensitive to cold, demanding a cozy indoor atmosphere.

Here's a comparison of the exercise needs of both breeds:

Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas are perfect for apartment living due to their small size, requiring minimal outdoor space.

They need regular exercise and mental stimulation, making active play a must indoors. A Yorkshire Terrier prefers to be indoors and enjoys active play, making them suitable for urban living.

Chihuahuas thrive in warm environments and can be sensitive to cold, demanding a cozy indoor atmosphere. They need less physical exercise than Yorkshire Terriers but should have enough space for indoor activities.

Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas are adaptable to apartment living, but they do require some space for indoor activities and play.

When considering bringing a new furry friend home, it's essential to think about the cost of ownership. Purchasing a Yorkshire Terrier can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $2,500.

The cost of owning a dog goes beyond the initial purchase price. For a Yorkshire Terrier, yearly costs can amount to $500 to $1,000 excluding unexpected health issues.

You'll also need to factor in the cost of food, vet visits, and grooming for your new pet. A Chihuahua, for example, requires similar expenditures, but costs might be slightly lower due to their smaller size.

Here's a rough breakdown of the estimated annual costs for these breeds:

The costs mentioned above are just estimates, and actual expenses may vary depending on your location, lifestyle, and the specific needs of your pet.

Living in a small space doesn't have to mean sacrificing the companionship of a furry friend. Both Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas are well-suited for apartment living due to their small size.

Their diminutive sizes make them perfect for cozy homes with limited space. They're also easier to manage when it comes to transportation.

The temperament of these breeds is just as impressive. Yorkshire Terriers are known for their lively and affectionate nature, often with a dash of fearlessness. Chihuahuas, on the other hand, exude a big personality defined by confidence and devotion.

Regular grooming is a must for Yorkshire Terriers, thanks to their long, silky coat. Chihuahuas, with their shorter hair, have less intensive grooming needs.

Both breeds are generally hearty, but they do have breed-specific health concerns that may influence an owner's decision.

Living with a Yorkie or Chihuahua can be a great experience for families, but it's essential to consider their compatibility with children.

These breeds can be good with older, well-behaved children, but their small size makes them delicate, and they may not tolerate rough play.

If you've got kids, or you're planning to, both breeds can be great with older children. Just remember, because of their size, it's best if the little ones aren't too little.

Socialization is key when introducing these dogs to children. Proper introduction and teaching children to be gentle with them can make a big difference.

Here are some key things to consider when deciding if a Yorkie or Chihuahua is right for your family: