Welcome to the (very small) Yorkshire Terrier world and on our website you will find plenty of facts, information and frequently asked questions about this special breed of dog.
Teacup Yorkie is a popular term but they are also known as miniature Yorkshire Terriers, Teacup Yorkshire Terriers, mini Yorkies, micro Yorkies and Toy Yorkies.
In short they are very SMALL Yorkshire Terrier dogs!
Whether you have lived with the breed before, or are simply looking for your first Yorkie, then there is no going back now!
In all honesty, and over so many years of working with the Yorkie, I have never known anyone who lived with a Yorkshire Terrier not to completely fall in love with the breed.
This opening page covers an overview of the breed but I have specific detailed pages on aspects such as training your Teacup Yorkie.
We do recommend if you are serious about learning how to look after your new Teacup Yorkie you consider buying the complete owner’s guide to the Teacup Yorkie. Expert breeders and owners have combined with a top dog trainer with all your frequently asked questions answered in one place. This one-stop ‘instruction manual’ is the essential companion to your lovable mini Yorkie.
This book is a must-have guide for any responsible owner of a Teacup Yorkie.
Available on paperbook or ebook…
Click here To Buy the Complete Owners Guide from Amazon.com…
Click Here To Buy the Complete Owners Guide from Amazon.co.uk…
The book is available in both paperback or ebook (Kindle) formats from every Amazon website worldwide so just search your local Amazon for it.
What is a Teacup Yorkie and how big do they get?
Official breed standards for showing an adult Yorkshire Terrier insist that a Yorkie must weigh between four pounds (1.81 kilograms) and seven pounds (3.17 kilograms).
The teacup is a phrase that is used to describe a Yorkie that at full adult size is less than four pounds in weight.
An average teacup Yorkie weighs between one and three pounds as an adult dog.
Famous for her small size is ‘Sylvia’, an English Yorkie who was the smallest dog in recorded history at 2.5 inches tall and weighing just 4 ounces!
The Kennel Club holds the monopoly of breed standards for all dog breeds in the country. They decide size, weight, colors and characteristic of every dog breed.
Although they only allow show dog status of a dog above four pounds, they do accept that a fully bred Yorkshire Terrier can be under this weight and they can be Kennel Club registered.
A teacup Yorkie, whether registered or not, will not require a dog license in the USA or the UK.
Do also consider costs when buying – insurance for a teacup Yorkie will naturally be higher than for a normal Yorkshire Terrier.
Also healthcare costs are an issue, in particular vets bills. Your Yorkie may be no different to a normal Yorkie but they can suffer from hypoglycemia and other health issues if poorly bred – always chose a good breeder to buy from.
Are Teacup Yorkies a Good Family Pet and Are Children Safe?
Teacup Yorkies have high energy levels, this makes them good dogs for children. They are active, sometimes to the point of being “hyper,” but since the breed needs a lot of exercise, it’s actually good for the dog to play with the kids until both sides of the equation drop from exhaustion. Yorkies love the activity, and they can have a fun and entertaining sense of humor chasing balls and engaging in games.
As is true for any dog, it is important that you supervise any interaction between your children and the dog. Very young children may not understand that a small dog like the Teacup Yorkies is fragile and they might unknowingly hurt the dog or treat it too roughly. You are unlikely to have any trouble with your puppy interacting with children, but all dogs have the capacity to become aggressive if they are frightened or mistreated. Teach your children how to properly handle a dog, especially when it is still a puppy, to prevent incidents.
Don’t tolerate rough or aggressive play from either, and explain to children that small Yorkies like “nice touches.” When puppies get too rough or mouth their fingers when teething, respond with a firm, “No!” Soon enough, all parties will get the point.
Even if you do not have children, it is advisable to expose your dog to children during puppyhood to prepare the animal to behave correctly during any future encounters. Being good around children is a critical part of any well-behaved dog’s repertoire of manners.
For prospective owners with young children, I’d encourage them to select a puppy from a breeder who has socialized their dogs with children of all ages. This helps to make sure the puppy is confident enough around children to tolerate their odd sounds and movements. Temperament is key — a shy, reserved, or anxious puppy should never be considered for a home with children. When a puppy lives in a home with children, it is important to have a crate or other safe space for the puppy to retreat to when the kids become too much!
History of the Teacup Yorkie
The teacup Yorkie of today is a far cry from the much bigger original breed.
The Yorkshire Terrier, commonly known as the nickname ‘Yorkie’, was initially bred and finely tuned as a bold working dog to catch rodents, such as rats and mice.
He was originally ten to fifteen pounds of solid terrier, much heavier than the fine-boned Yorkshire Terriers of today.
It is believed that in the eighteenth century, when the Scottish people began to move down into England to look for work, they brought their working terriers, such as the Clydesdale and Skye Terriers, with them into the Yorkshire area.
This Scottish and English Terrier combined, resulting in a black and tan terrier type. This dog is an ancestor of our own Yorkie.
It is believed that every single black and tan dog in the area, for a long time, was called a Yorkshire Terrier.
Eventually a landowner from Huddersfield in Yorkshire began to breed from one particular famous champion terrier, a dog named Bob, who was born in 1865 and was a highly skilled working dog.
It is said that all of today’s pedigree Yorkshire Terriers are, in some way, related to Huddersfield Bob.
In 1872, the Yorkshire Terrier was imported into America and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878, who have placed the breed in the toy group because of its size.
Today it is one of the most popular breeds of dogs in America – in 2006 it was second only to the Labrador Retriever in terms of number of registrations at the American Kennel Club.
Famous Yorkies include Audrey Hepburn’s ‘Mr. Famous’, who starred with her in the film ‘Funny Face’, and there has even been a Yorkie in the White House – President Nixon’s daughter had a dog named Pasha.
Although Toto in the film ‘The Wizard of Oz’ was played by a Cairn Terrier, it was originally illustrated as a Yorkshire Terrier in the book.
In the comedy film ‘Meet the Fockers’, the Focker family (Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand) have a female Yorkie cross called Moses.
In ‘High School Musical 2’, Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale) frequently carries a Yorkie named Boi.
To me it’s amazing that a dog who originates in a small English county is now one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.
Today’s Yorkie is very different from Bob, the great Grandfather of all; nowadays the most common Yorkie is lighter and often more interested in a squeaky toy than a rat.
Even in my lifetime the breed has got smaller. Toy and teacup Yorkshire Terriers are more regularly seen than the bigger dogs of a few decades previous.
Their hair is finer and they often need to wear jackets outdoors (and sometimes even indoors).
The Yorkshire Terrier is known for a long silky coat that is a golden-brown color at the head, chest, and legs, although puppies are born black and tan and slowly attain their natural color.
The typical Yorkshire Terrier has a flat head, a medium-sized muzzle, intelligent eyes and V-shaped ears standing erect.
This very cute look is often made cuter when owners tie the long hair up in a bow to keep it out of the eyes.
The nature of the breed varies. Some still carry the fearless heart and reactive nature of their original breeding.
This reactive nature can become a problem if not handled properly.
In particular, the badly socialized, or over-pampered Yorkie who ends up in rescue with this reactivity can be a difficult dog to house train.
Some Yorkshire Terriers, and particularly the smallest of the breed, are more biddable and are truly homely little dogs.
These little ones are more likely to love you to death than bite. I live with one of these – well, one and a half if you class our cross breed – and I couldn’t recommend or praise their genuine nature enough.
There is something special about a little Yorkie face looking up at you and the wagging of a tiny Yorkshire Terrier tail.
The charm of this breed is exactly why I know that if you bring one home today, you will have a Yorkshire Terrier in your heart, and probably your home, forever more.
The Yorkie is a breed easily recognized. He is a slight and silky terrier with a distinctive yap and an endearing face.
Since tail docking was made illegal in many countries, thankfully, he now has a tail which wags readily.
When you get to know a Yorkie, you will find that he is a thoughtful dog who will easily work out how to manipulate you.
He certainly, as a dog breed, knows how to get what he wants and is highly intelligent. With his sense of humor and tenacious determination, he will soon have you wrapped around his tiny paw.
The most common colors are black and tan or silver and tan.
I wanted to write this guide dedicated to the tiniest Yorkshire Terriers out there because they are a character all of their own.
Alan Kenworthy
PS – Want to know even more – take a look at my Teacup Yorkie book…
You can find other information on Teacup Yorkies/miniature Yorkshire Terriers/Teacup Yorkshire Terriers/mini Yorkies/micro Yorkies/Toy Yorkies on our other pages covering: adoption, accessories, clothes, care, cost, growth chart, names, health, information and facts, jewelry, lifespan, outfits, rescue, adoption, temperament, YouTube videos and weight chart.
Popular pages on this website:
Training your Teacup Yorkie Puppy
Grooming, Care and Handling your Teacup Yorkie
Bathing & Cleaning Your Miniature Yorkie
Teacup Yorkies For Sale – Buying Guide
Here is a video of two teacups playing:
Helpful External Resources for the Yorkshire Terrier:
yorkie says
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Gaylene Syrnyk says
Hi, I’ve just been given a Teacup Yorkie. I don’t know how old she is. I don’t know what to feed he. I have vey little knowledge on this type of dog. I know this dog has not had a great life up to now. But that will change, as of yesterday when I got her. I have had Goldens and Boxers. That’s it,
Is there a way I can tell how old she might be?
I see no scars, so I don’t think she is spayed, how often do they go into heat?
Any suggestions as to what I should feed her?
Is there anything else I should watch for. I notice she’s dragging her bum on the carpet, so I’m thinking anal sacs? And any other info would be much appreciated, Also, I live in Saskatchewan, where it gets cold in the winter.
Thank You
Mary says
Are you looking for that lifelong companion that will be a perfect partner? Your search is finally over. We have male and female healthy and well trained micro teacup yorkie puppies now ready for any lovely home.They are vet checked and potty trained, mom and dad are AKC registered and have all papers,email us ( marygilley40@gmail.com ) .Thanks
Roddy says
I am looking for a teacup Yorkie – male or female doesn’t matter. We already have a female which was sold to us for a teacup but she grew up to 2 kg. Anyway, we love her so much and we want her to have a little friend at home, preferably teacup this time.
Would appreciate if anyone can help. Thank you!
Lonni says
Hi.. We are looking for a teacup Yorker puppie somewhere near by Denmark, can someone help me..
Diann ahowers says
I just got a teacup yorkie for free. The previous owner went to jail and we had to get the pets. My daughter took the pit bull and I took the torkie. I can’t walk a large dog, so I have this one for hopefully ever. He’s 3 yrs old and very well trained
addisonuffe says
Text us via (443) 408-8610 If you cherish our 2 female 1 male Tiny,Yorkshires for an adoption fee
angie says
I have a boy tea cup how old does he have to be before I can let him breed?
Alexia says
I’m looking for a teacup Yorkie in Mississippi! If you know anyone please text me at 6623907511
Priscilla says
My sister in law just got herself a yorkshire terrier. I want to buy the dog a gift. i know nothing about yorkies. Any suggestions?
Mr Hans says
Hi Priscilla there is a male and a female available please contact asap (301) 485-9045 text anytime thanks God bless you .
Camela says
This is tiny Female 1. These 2 xtiny males &
1 female are now available! They are up to date on shots and worming and come with a health guaranteed! They are registered and are being housebroken. They are very small! These boys are going to stay Black and Tan!! Serious inquires only please! text for more details text (301) 485-9045
Amanda says
Both males and females Teacup Yorkie puppies Only letting go due to major life changes. All loved and very well cared for. Each one has microchip, recent rabies vaccine and has always been on heart worm preventative. Only contact me if you are serious and feel you can give the time and attention required to having them or 1 adjust to a new home. contact this ad for more pictures and details call (760) 515-9141 (Please Only Serious Inquiries ).
Manuela says
I have Biewer Yorkie babys males and Females that will be between 4-5 pounds as adult. Females $950 and males $850 with health warrantee, up to date on immunization and Registration . I also have one very micro mini girl that is only 2 ounces at age 7 weeks also Biewer Yorkie and comes with all the same things but can not go until age of 12 weeks $4000,- 4045572842
Haley says
I am actively looking for a teacup Yorkie in middle Tennessee.
Marie says
I just wanted to say that we are getting a free Teacup -Yorkie. Marie
Betty Lewis says
I have a question, we are looking at getting a “teacup” yorkie female puppy from a relative, they have the adult yorkies, and I was wondering about have the puppy spayed. Is it possible and is there a risk to the puppy?
Thanks,
Betty
lawana clark says
Hi my name lawana Clark I was wondering if I can have one of these puppy ihave experience with this breed me and my sister had had one before and I am dying to have one again I have fallen in love with this breed thank you
Jason says
I have 2 puppies about 9 weeks old if interested contact me at jasonaloi@yahoo.com for pics and info. One boy and one girl, the boy is smaller. I’m in the New York area.
Kayla Montanio says
i have one that is very small like it can literary fit in a teacup and it is 5months old and was $1,000.
Kathy says
Looking for a toy or mini yorkie for about 3 hundred. .Female, puppy, just off the Momma ..
Elizabeth Binder says
Hello, I’m looking for a puppy, but I’m not sure which breed to choose from. I really like Shih Tzus’ and Yorkies’, which do you think is better? I’ve heard that Yorkshire Terriers whimper and cry if they are alone, and my family is very busy with work and school. Is it true that they become sad when they are alone? If it is, is this the right dog for my family? Please help. Also, do you have any suggestions for a cute, small dog breed that doesn’t bark too much? Could you tell me some more information on Yorkies’? Anyway, thanks for the info that you already told me. Thanks, again.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
lola arroyo says
I really want a female and male. What are the price for those yorkie. I be trying to to find the right one. Do you sale them please email and let me know. Thanks lola
Toby says
I have a 1 yr. old teacup yorkie I paid 1800 for from a good breeder who told me her mother was 4lb.& her father was 3lbs & she should be between 3&4lbs my teacup is now 51/2lbs when I got her at 3months she was 21/2 lbs then so the breeder can’t really tell you always but I love her size now when they are small they have a lot of health problems they say under 4lbs ,check out the dog you want to get & know what to expect from your dog , than you & your puppy will be very happy together .
Claudettedenomme says
I alwase wanted to ave a.little yorke to hold in my arms ,I have a poodle that was suppose to be 18inc but mow she is about 35 inches height i,she like to play with oders dogs.very gentle
keyona burks says
Hey , I love these little dogs and i was winder if you got a young boy or girl . And I would like to know the price for one baby one. Please contact me as soon as possible. I am willing to pay any price to get one of your little vute puppies.
annie says
hi im wanting to buy a yorkshire terrier here in the u.k , can someone tell me what is the smaller a toy yorkshire terrier or minature yorkshire terrier, as breeders list teacups, toy, minature, i know teacup is very tiny, so help me if you can, it will be so much appreciated. many thanks annie x
Holly says
I offer stud services. I have an AKC registered Yorkshire Terrier. Weighing at approx 3.7 lbs at his last checkup he is considered Teacup. I’m located in Northwest Pennsylvania. 1 hr south of Erie and 1+ hour North of Pittsburgh in Greenville, Pa. 16125. Contact me if interested. I do NOT have puppies for sale as I only have a male yorkie that I offer stud services.
MC says
I have a teacup yorkie, who is about 4 lbs now. She’ll be 4 in January. She was about 4 oz at a few months old when I got her and fit in my palm. Adult teacup yorkies should weigh closer to 3.5 to 4 lbs when adult at least. You do not want them to be under 3 lbs. You definitely want to get them from a very respectable breeder. I’ll need to check the name of mine, but she is a “champion” breeder. very good genes, healthy breeding, etc. Her parents and siblings were all very cute and healthy. If you are wanting to have a very well-bred yorkie that is considered “teacup” you will be looking around $1800 to $2000. Anything less, I would worry about what exactly you are paying for and they may have lots of health problems.
Elizabeth Binder says
I do not have a teacup yorkie, or any dog at all, but i have went around breeder websites, and stores, and stuff like that, and surely the price of a teacup yorkie is in between the price range of $950 – $1300, and I’m sure many people may disagree with me, but, $2000 for a dog thats the size of a hand? Now thats overpriced.
Ed Simao says
I would like your breeders name. I’m in South Carolina if you know of a breeder around here or in North Carolina, Georga, or Florida, thanks.