Full Grown Yorkshire Terrier: Size, Lifespan, Price & More

So you've brought home your cute little Yorkshire Terrier puppy and can't wait to see what he or she will be like fully grown. Yorkies make wonderful companions, but like all dogs, they do change and develop as they mature into adulthood.

Today, we'll cover everything you need to know about what to expect from your Yorkie at his or her full grown size, including physical traits, personality, care needs, costs, and more.

About the Yorkshire Terrier Breed

The Yorkshire Terrier, commonly known as the Yorkie, is a small breed of dog that was developed during the 19th century in the county of Yorkshire, England to catch rats in wool mills and mines.

Today, Yorkies are beloved as companion dogs all over the world for their small size, silky coat, and loyal nature.

Size at Full Growth

At maturity, a fully grown female Yorkshire Terrier will stand 7-8 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh approximately 4-7 pounds. A fully grown male Yorkie will be slightly larger, measuring 7-9 inches tall and weighing around 5-8 pounds.

Height

Most Yorkshire Terriers reach their full height between 12-18 months of age. Females tend to remain under 8 inches, while males typically max out around 9 inches tall. Very occasionally, you may find a Yorkie that exceeds 9 inches, but anything over that is considered quite large for the breed standard.

Length

In terms of length from nose to tail, a fully grown Yorkie will measure 9-10 inches on average. Some male Yorkies may stretch a bit longer at 10-11 inches but generally stay quite short and compact in stature.

Weight at Full Growth

As for weight, the typical range for a mature female Yorkie is 4-7 pounds, with most females settling right around 5 pounds fully grown. Males come in slightly heavier at 5-8 pounds at maturity.

Very occasionally you may find an exceptionally large male Yorkie tipping the scales at up to 9 pounds but anything over 8 pounds is quite rare for the breed.

Appearance at Full Maturity

Physically, a fully grown Yorkie will have gained more definition in features compared to their puppyish look. Here's a rundown of their mature appearance:

• Coat will be thicker and longer, flowing nicely from shoulders to floor with a soft, silky texture
• Face will lose puppy fat for a more chiseled look with prominent eyes and nose
• Ears will stand erect and tall with long fringes
• Tail will be carried in a curl over the back
• Muscles will be more toned from exercise and play
• Overall frame will appear sturdier and filled out

Personality at Full Maturity

In terms of temperament, a fully grown Yorkie will have developed a strong and distinct personality. Here are some traits to expect:

• Remains playful, energetic, and lively into adulthood
• Bonds very closely to one primary owner or family member
• Can be wary of strangers but protective of home and family
• Tends to be quite vocal - may bark, whine, or talk constantly
• Asserts independence and sassiness through stubborn behavior
• Thrives on attention, spoiled behavior is common
• Fearful or anxious traits may intensify without proper training and socialization

Price of a Full-Grown Yorkie

The average price range for a well-bred, fully grown Yorkshire Terrier from a reputable breeder is $1,000-$2,000. Top show quality Yorkies may fetch even higher prices upwards of $3,000+ at maturity.

Always research breeders extensively and request health certifications when purchasing an adult Yorkie to avoid potential genetic health issues down the road.

Food and Feeding a Full-Grown Yorkie

At maturity, an adult Yorkshire Terrier's daily feeding needs are significantly less than during his puppy months of rapid growth. Here are typical feeding guidelines for a fully grown Yorkie:

• Female: 1/3 - 1/2 cup of high-quality dry kibble per day, split into 2 meals
• Male: 1/2 - 2/3 cup of kibble per day, split into 2 meals
• Always have fresh water available
• Occasional protein-rich tidbits or cooked meat as training treats
• Senior Yorkies over 10 may need less food as metabolism slows

Lifespan of a Full-Grown Yorkie

When well-cared for, Yorkshire Terriers have a long average lifespan of 12-15 years.

With excellent preventative veterinary care including dental care, quality nutrition, regular exercise, and preventing obesity, it's not uncommon for the breed to live to 16, 17, or even 18 years of age as a senior.

Proper grooming of the Yorkie's long coat also plays a key role in health as they age.

Health Needs of a Full-Grown Yorkie

As an adult, your Yorkshire Terrier will have fully mature health needs that require ongoing attention and care. Here are a few things to watch out for:

• Dental health - Yorkies need regular tooth brushing and professional cleanings to prevent issues.
• Eye care - genetic eye conditions are common in the breed so annual checkups are important.
• Skin/coat health - prevent mats and check for infections, parasites.
• Joint health - quality food/supplements help prevent arthritis as they age.
• Heart health - some Yorkies are prone to mitral valve disease.
• Obesity prevention - easily put on weight as sedentary adults.

Care Needs of a Full-Grown Yorkie

Caring for an adult Yorkie is very similar to caring for a puppy, just on a smaller scale. The daily routine for a mature Yorkie typically includes:

• Brushing coat daily to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils
• Regular nail trims every 4-6 weeks by groomer
• Thorough brushing of teeth 2-3 times per week
• Fresh food and water available at all times
• Daily playtime and exercise such as walks
• Lots of positive reinforcement training
• Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks for long coat
• Yearly veterinary checkups and vaccines

Cost of Owning a Full-Grown Yorkie

While Yorkies themselves may be relatively inexpensive, properly caring for one as an adult can incur some costs on a regular basis:

• Annual veterinary exams and vaccines: $200-350 per year
• Pet insurance: $30-100 per month depending on coverage
• Monthly preventatives/supplements: $20-50 on heartworm, flea/tick meds
• Dental cleanings and visits: $300-500 every 1-2 years
• Professional grooming: $50-150 every 6-8 weeks
• Quality dog food: $30-60 per month depending on brand
• Toys, beds, leashes, etc: $100-300 per year

Behavior Changes at Full Maturity (cont'd)

While every dog's personality is unique, here are some potential behavioral shifts to watch for in a Yorkshire Terrier as they mature:

• May become more vocal in their communication, especially if separation anxiety arises
• Obedience and training commands start to slip without daily reinforcement
• Begging and demand barking for food/attention may increase if indulged
• Fearful tendencies toward new people or other pets can intensify without exposure
• Natural territorial tendencies come out more strongly within their home environment
• Develops very strong bond and attachment to owner which separation can distress
• Potty training regression is possible in stressful situations like moving homes

Notable Characteristics of a Fully Grown Yorkie

Some unique personality quirks and traits Yorkies are known for displaying fully grown include:

• Unwavering loyalty and devotion to their primary human companion
• Dramatic flair - love being held, dressed up in costumes or clothes, and having photos taken
• Endless supplies of energy, playfulness, and humor within their small size
• Strong-willed independence and stubborn streak that requires positive leadership
• Self-importance and princess/prince complex about their place in the family
• Expressive faces and sounds - eyebrows, grumbles, groans all have meaning
• Natural athleticism and agility despite short legs thanks to terrier tenacity

Suitability as a Pet

In general, the Yorkshire Terrier truly shines as a beloved family companion and lapdog. However, there are a few considerations for their suitability depending on lifestyle:

• Best for: Calm homes/apt, dog-experienced owners, daily interaction/playtime, long-term commitment
• Not ideal for: Large families with young children (can be too easily injured), outdoor farms/properties, first-time owners, high-energy households
• Thrives most with: Regular grooming, professional training, mental stimulation, affectionate handling everyday
• Needs: Daily human interaction/play, patient owners who provide structure and leadership

Final Thoughts

We hope this extensive guide has equipped you with valuable insights into properly caring for, understanding, and enjoying your Yorkshire Terrier buddy as he reaches full maturity. Their charming personalities and affectionate natures make them beloved family members for many. With ongoing training, health monitoring, and quality attention, your Yorkie is sure to bring you many fun-filled years together.