Yorkshire Terrier vs. Toy Poodle: Small Dog Breed Comparison

Patrick MacFarland Patrick MacFarland · Updated January 18, 2025

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Two small dogs, a Toy Poodle with floppy ears and curly fur and a Yorkshire Terrier with pointy ears and straight fur, stand on a walkway outdoors. Trees are blurred in the background, beautifully highlighting this small dog breed comparison.

The Yorkshire Terrier and Toy Poodle have fascinating backgrounds. These tiny dogs come from different parts of Europe and were bred for distinct purposes. Let’s take a look at the differences and similarities between these two breeds.

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Physical Characteristics and Appearance

Toy Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers have distinct looks that set them apart. Their sizes and coats differ in key ways that can impact your choice of pet.

Size Difference

  • Toy Poodles typically stand 9-10 inches tall at the shoulder. They weigh between 6-9 pounds on average. Yorkies are a bit smaller, usually 7-8 inches tall. Their weight ranges from 4-7 pounds.
  • Both breeds are compact and can fit in small living spaces. You’ll find Toy Poodles slightly larger and sturdier. Yorkies have a more delicate build.
  • Keep in mind that individual dogs may vary slightly from these averages.

Coat Variations

  • Toy Poodles have curly, dense coats that grow continuously. Their fur is often described as wool-like. It comes in many colors, including black, white, brown, and apricot.
  • Yorkies sport straight, silky hair that feels more like human hair. Their coats are typically a mix of steel blue and tan.
  • Poodle coats are hypoallergenic, shedding less than Yorkies. This makes them a good choice if you have allergies. Both breeds need regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and tangle-free.
  • Poodles often get fancy haircuts, while Yorkies are usually kept in a simpler style. Your grooming preferences may influence your choice between these breeds.

Two small dogs face each other playfully on a patio. One is a Yorkshire Terrier with a long coat, while the other, with its curly hair and blue collar, seems like a Toy Poodle. Greenery is blurred in the background, highlighting this delightful small dog breed comparison.

Temperament and Personality Traits

Yorkies and Toy Poodles have unique personalities that set them apart. Both breeds make great companions, but their temperaments differ in key ways.

Yorkie Temperament

  • Yorkies are affectionate and playful. They love being close to their owners and often seek attention. These tiny dogs have big personalities and can be quite feisty.
  • Yorkies are confident and brave. They may try to take on much larger dogs, not realizing their small size. This boldness makes them excellent watchdogs.
  • Despite their small stature, Yorkies have a strong prey drive. They may chase after small animals if not trained properly.
  • Yorkies can be stubborn at times. They need consistent training from an early age. With patience, you can shape their behavior positively.

Toy Poodle Personality

  • Toy Poodles are known for being intelligent and affectionate. They form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy being part of family activities.
  • These dogs are highly trainable. They excel in obedience and can learn a wide range of tricks. Their smarts make them quick learners, but also mean they need mental stimulation.
  • Toy Poodles are generally calm and well-behaved. They adapt well to different living situations, from apartments to houses with yards.
  • Like Yorkies, Toy Poodles can be good watchdogs. They’re alert and will bark to warn you of strangers. However, they’re usually not aggressive.
  • Poodles are playful and enjoy interactive games. They have less prey drive than Yorkies, making them easier to manage around small pets.

Two small dogs, a Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy Poodle, joyfully run on a grassy field with trees in the background.

Exercise and Activity Levels

Yorkies and Toy Poodles have different exercise needs. Both breeds are energetic but require different types and amounts of activity to stay healthy and happy.

Exercise Needs of a Yorkie

Yorkies are small but lively dogs. You should aim for about 30 minutes of exercise daily for your Yorkie. This can include:

  • Short walks
  • Playtime in the yard
  • Indoor games

Yorkies are adaptable to different living situations, making them great for apartments. They don’t need a lot of space to burn energy. Mental stimulation is key for Yorkies. Try puzzle toys or training sessions to keep their minds active. Be careful not to overexert your Yorkie. Their small size means they can tire quickly. Watch for signs of fatigue during exercise.

Keeping Toy Poodles Active

Toy Poodles are more athletic than Yorkies. They need about 30-60 minutes of exercise daily. Good activities for Toy Poodles include:

  • Longer walks
  • Fetch games
  • Agility training

Toy Poodles excel at dog sports. Their intelligence makes them quick learners. Consider enrolling your Toy Poodle in agility or obedience classes. Swimming is another great exercise for Toy Poodles. They often enjoy water activities. Always supervise your Poodle near water and use a doggy life jacket. Remember to adjust exercise based on your dog’s age and health. Older dogs may need less intense activities.

A Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy Poodle, both charming representatives of the small dog breed category, stand on a concrete surface with a blurred grassy background.

Grooming and Maintenance

Yorkies and Toy Poodles have different grooming needs. Both breeds require regular care to keep their coats healthy and looking their best.

Yorkie Grooming Needs

  • Yorkshire Terriers need a lot of grooming to maintain their long, silky coats. You’ll need to brush your Yorkie’s fur daily to prevent tangles and mats. Use a metal comb and a soft bristle brush to gently work through the coat.
  • Bathe your Yorkie every 2-4 weeks using a gentle dog shampoo. Trim the hair around their eyes, ears, and paws regularly. You may want to keep their coat shorter for easier maintenance.
  • Yorkies need their teeth brushed 2-3 times a week. Trim their nails every 2-3 weeks. Check and clean their ears weekly to prevent infections.

Toy Poodle Grooming Requirements

  • Toy Poodles require frequent grooming to keep their curly coats in good condition. Brush your Toy Poodle’s fur daily with a slicker brush to prevent matting. You’ll need to have their coat clipped every 4-8 weeks.
  • Bathe your Toy Poodle every 3-4 weeks using a dog shampoo for curly coats. Pay special attention to cleaning between their paw pads.
  • Brush your Toy Poodle’s teeth 2-3 times a week. Trim their nails every 2-3 weeks. Clean their ears weekly to prevent wax buildup and infections.
  • Both breeds may benefit from professional grooming every 6-8 weeks to maintain their coats and overall appearance.

A Yorkshire Terrier with straight fur and a Toy Poodle with curly fur sit on a gray couch in the cozy living room, showcasing a charming small dog breed comparison.

Health and Longevity

Yorkshire Terriers and Toy Poodles are generally healthy breeds, but they can face some health issues. Regular vet check-ups and proper care are key to keeping these tiny companions in top shape.

Common Yorkie Health Issues

  • Yorkies may deal with tracheal collapse, which affects their breathing. This happens when the windpipe weakens and flattens. Signs include coughing and wheezing.
  • Dental problems are common in Yorkies. Their small mouths can lead to overcrowding and tooth decay. Brush your Yorkie’s teeth often and get regular dental cleanings.
  • Yorkies can also have luxating patellas. This is when the kneecap slips out of place. You might notice your dog skipping or limping. Surgery can help in severe cases.

Toy Poodle Health Concerns

  • Toy Poodles can face hip dysplasia, where the hip joint doesn’t fit right. This can cause pain and limping. Weight control and exercise can help manage it.
  • Progressive retinal atrophy is an eye problem that can lead to blindness in Toy Poodles. Regular eye checks can catch it early.
  • Epilepsy, causing seizures, can affect Toy Poodles. If you notice strange behavior or twitching, talk to your vet. Medication can often control seizures.
  • Both breeds can live long lives with good care. Toy Poodles typically live 12-15 years, while Yorkies often reach 13-16 years.

Training and Intelligence

Both Yorkshire Terriers and Toy Poodles are smart breeds that can learn quickly. Their small size and eagerness to please make them good candidates for training. Let’s look at how each breed handles training and their intelligence levels.

Yorkie Trainability

  • Yorkies are smart and eager to learn. You’ll find they pick up commands quickly. Their small size makes them easy to manage during training sessions.
  • Yorkies respond well to positive reinforcement. Use treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Keep training sessions short and fun to hold their attention.
  • Be patient with housetraining. Yorkies can be stubborn about this. Consistency is key. Set a routine and stick to it.
  • Socialization is important for Yorkies. Expose them to different people, pets, and situations early on. This helps prevent them from becoming overly protective or yappy.

Intelligence of Toy Poodles

  • Toy Poodles are highly intelligent dogs. They excel in obedience training and can learn complex tricks. Their sharp minds need regular mental stimulation to stay happy.
  • You’ll find Toy Poodles easy to train. They catch on quickly to new commands and enjoy pleasing their owners. Use positive reinforcement methods for best results.
  • Puzzle toys and training games are great for Toy Poodles. These activities keep their minds engaged and prevent boredom. Consider agility training or other dog sports to challenge them.
  • Toy Poodles are sensitive. Harsh corrections can upset them. Always use gentle, consistent training methods. With patience and positive reinforcement, you’ll have a well-behaved and clever companion.

A Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy Poodle stand proudly on the grassy field, framed by trees and a clear blue sky, showcasing the charm of small dog breed comparison in nature's serene backdrop.

Lifestyle and Living Environment

Both Yorkies and Toy Poodles are small dogs that can thrive in various living situations. They adapt well to different environments, making them great choices for city dwellers and suburbanites alike.

Yorkies in Apartment Living

  • Yorkshire Terriers are excellent apartment dogs. Their tiny size means they don’t need much space to be happy. You can easily exercise your Yorkie indoors with short play sessions and toys.
  • Yorkies don’t bark excessively if properly trained, which is good news for your neighbors. Their small bladders mean frequent potty breaks, but you can train them to use pee pads for convenience.
  • These dogs are sensitive to cold, so keep your apartment warm. Provide a cozy bed or blanket for your Yorkie to snuggle in. Remember, Yorkies need mental stimulation too. Puzzle toys and training sessions can keep them engaged in small spaces.

Toy Poodles in Home Settings

  • Toy Poodles adapt very well to different living environments. They’re slightly larger than Yorkies but still compact enough for apartment life. Toy Poodles are active indoors and don’t require a yard to be happy.
  • These smart dogs need mental challenges. Set up indoor agility courses or teach them new tricks to keep them stimulated. Toy Poodles are quiet, making them good neighbors in close-quarters living.
  • Their low-shedding coat is great for keeping your home clean. Regular grooming sessions can be a bonding activity in your living room. Provide a comfy bed and some chew toys, and your Toy Poodle will feel right at home in any setting.

Nutrition and Diet

Feeding your Yorkshire Terrier or Toy Poodle the right diet is key to their health. Both breeds are small and have fast metabolisms. This means they need high-quality dog food made for toy breeds. Yorkies and Toy Poodles should eat multiple small meals a day. This helps prevent low blood sugar. Aim for 3-4 meals spread out over the day.

Calorie needs:

These amounts can vary based on age, activity level, and health. Ask your vet for exact amounts. Watch out for obesity in both breeds. It can lead to joint problems and other health issues. Toy Poodles may be more prone to weight gain than Yorkies.

Key nutrients for both breeds:

  • Protein: For muscle health
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: For coat and skin
  • Calcium: For strong bones and teeth

Avoid giving human food as treats. Many foods safe for humans can harm dogs. Stick to dog-specific treats and keep them to less than 10% of daily calories. Always provide fresh, clean water. This helps prevent urinary tract issues, which both breeds can be prone to.