The Yorkshire Terrier: Everything You Need in the First 30 Days
Just brought home a Yorkie, or thinking about adding one to your family? This guide covers everything first-time Yorkie owners need to know, including the one gear mistake that can seriously injure your dog (and how to avoid it).
About the Yorkshire Terrier
At 4–7 lbs, Yorkies are one of America's most beloved small breeds — and one of the most misunderstood when it comes to gear. Their tiny frame, silky coat, and delicate trachea mean standard dog equipment doesn't always fit or protect them properly.
Quick Yorkie facts: - Typical weight: 4–7 lbs - Energy level: High — Yorkies love walks and playtime despite their small frame - Coat: Long, silky, and low-shedding, but offers very little insulation in cold weather - Temperament: Fearless, loyal, and surprisingly bold
The #1 Thing Every Yorkie Owner Needs to Know
**Never walk a Yorkie on a collar.**
Yorkshire Terriers are genetically predisposed to tracheal collapse, which is a condition where the cartilage rings of the windpipe weaken and cause the airway to flatten. A standard collar puts direct pressure on this vulnerable area every time your dog pulls, lunges, or strains.
A properly fitted step-in harness distributes pressure across the chest instead, completely bypassing the throat. This isn't a style preference; it's a health decision.
The chest plate on this harness sits low on the sternum, keeping all pressure away from your Yorkie's delicate trachea. The soft mesh construction is gentle on Yorkie skin, and the XXS size fits most Yorkies right out of the box (see size guide below). Available in a wide range of colors.
With no undercoat, Yorkies start feeling the chill at around 50°F. If your Yorkie is shivering on a walk, refusing to go outside, or burrowing under blankets more than usual, they're telling you something.
A sweater or coat isn't a fashion statement for this breed; it's a comfort necessity from October through April in most of the country.
Our Top Picks for Yorkie Warmth
For layering: Gold Paw Stretch Fleece - lightweight, stretchy, and easy to pull on. Great as a base layer under a coat or on its own for mild days. Thin enough to wear under a harness.
Once the essentials are covered, Yorkies are genuinely one of the best breeds for clothing. Their silky coat doesn't interfere with fit, and at 4–7 lbs, Yorkies look adorable in just about anything.
Pink Polka Dot Dress - a Yorkie classic and one of our most-gifted items. This adorable dress can be worn as a harness and includes a matching leash.
Sun Shield Tee - lightweight UV protection for summer walks. Thin enough to wear under a harness or lifejacket. Yorkies with shaved coats are especially prone to sun exposure. If your Yorkie hangs out by the pool or lake with you, we also have tiny Yorkie life jackets.
Supporting Your Yorkie's Health from the Inside Out
Yorkshire Terriers are known for sensitive stomachs and digestive issues. One of the easiest ways to support their long-term health is a daily supplement added to their food.
We recommend Native Pet "The Daily" 11-in-1 Supplement - a powdered multivitamin made with goat's milk and beef broth that most Yorkies eat happily as a food topper. It supports digestion, immune health, joint mobility, skin, and more. Made in the USA.
Yorkie Size Guide
Getting the right size is the most common challenge for Yorkie owners shopping online. Use this as your starting point — when in between sizes, size up.
Weight: 4–7 lbs
Neck: 6–8 inches
Chest Girth: 10–14 inches
Harness Size: XXS or XS
Apparel Size: XS
Pro Tip: Measure chest girth (the widest part of the ribcage) before ordering a harness — this is the most important measurement for fit.
*All gear on Dinky Dog Club is sized and selected specifically for dogs 3–25 lbs. Questions about fit? Email us at dj@dinkydogclub.com — we're happy to help.*
Quick-Reference: Yorkie Shopping List
Step-in harness - protects delicate trachea | Harnesses Sweater or fleece - no undercoat = gets cold fast | Sweaters | Lightweight coat | for walks under 45°F | Coats Sun shirt | UV protection for thin-coated dogs | SPF Shirts Daily supplement | supports Yorkie digestive health | Wellness Carrier or dog purse | for errands and travel | Carriers
