# Toy Poodle vs Yorkie: The Ultimate Comparison Guide for Dog Lovers - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/toy-poodle-vs-yorkie-the-ultimate-comparison-guide-for-dog-lovers/ - Published: 2024-04-26 - Author: Savanna Read - Categories: [Dog](https://33rdsquare.com/category/dog/) --- As a lifelong dog lover and veterinarian, I‘m always eager to help prospective owners find the perfect pooch for their lifestyle. Two of the most popular toy breeds I‘m asked about are the Toy Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier. While these pint-sized pups share some similarities, there are also some key differences that set them apart. In this ultimate guide, we‘ll do a deep dive into all aspects of the Toy Poodle vs Yorkie — from their history and physical characteristics to their temperament, grooming, and health. I‘ll share my own professional and personal insights as a vet who has cared for countless Poodles and Yorkies over the years. By the end, you‘ll have all the information you need to decide which of these darling dogs is your ideal match! ## Tale of the Tape: Toy Poodle vs Yorkie First, let‘s look at how Toy Poodles and Yorkies stack up in terms of size. Both breeds are members of the AKC Toy Group, but there are some slight differences in their proportions: | Breed | Height | Weight | | --- | --- | --- | | Toy Poodle | 10 inches or less | 4-6 pounds | | Yorkshire Terrier | 7-8 inches | 4-7 pounds | As you can see, Yorkies tend to be a couple inches shorter on average, although weight ranges are similar. Within the Toy Poodle breed, there are even smaller varieties like the "Teacup" Poodle that weigh as little as 2-3 pounds. ### Coat Types and Colors One of the most distinguishing features between Toy Poodles and Yorkies is their coat type: - **Toy Poodles** have a curly, dense coat that sheds minimally and is often tolerated well by allergy sufferers. Poodle coats can come in a kaleidoscope of solid or multi-colored patterns. The most common colors are: - Black (30%) - White (25%) - Apricot (15%) - Brown (12%) - Silver/gray (10%) - Red (3%) - Cream (3%) - **Yorkies** have a silky, fine, straight coat that grows continuously and also sheds minimally. The breed standard specifies Yorkies should be a rich tan with a glossy steel blue saddle. However, some other color variations like black and gold or blue and tan are possible. So while both breeds are light-shedding and can be good choices for allergy sufferers, Yorkies have a more limited range of coat colors and a distinctly silky rather than curly texture. ### Other Physical Traits Looking beyond size and coat, Toy Poodles and Yorkies have some other differing features: - **Toy Poodles** have long, floppy ears, dark oval eyes, a rounded skull, and a straight, lengthy muzzle. Their tails are often left long and carried high. - **Yorkies** have small, pointy ears that stand erect, dark button eyes, a flat or slightly rounded head, and a moderately short muzzle. Their tails are usually docked to medium length. Both breeds should have a compact, proportional build with a proud carriage and confident gait. ## Personality Profiles As a veterinarian, I can attest that Toy Poodles and Yorkies have some notable differences when it comes to temperament and personality. Here‘s how I would characterize each breed: ### Toy Poodle Temperament Toy Poodles are generally: - Extremely intelligent, sensitive, and attuned to their owners - Eager to please and highly responsive to training - Playful, agile, and athletic - Outgoing and friendly, especially with proper socialization - More emotionally sensitive and prone to shyness than Yorkies - Likely to bond closest to one family member - Less "yappy" and vocal than many toy breeds As you can see, Toy Poodles tend to be sensitive souls who thrive on close companionship. They are one of the smartest of all breeds and need regular mental stimulation to be happy. ### Yorkshire Terrier Temperament Yorkshire Terriers tend to be: - Feisty, brave, and tenacious, with boundless energy - Deeply loyal and devoted to their owner or family - Confident and self-assured, carrying a "big dog" attitude - Somewhat independent and strong-willed compared to Toy Poodles - More suspicious of strangers if not properly socialized - Prone to frequent barking if not curbed through training - Challenging to housebreak due to a stubborn streak I like to say that Yorkies are "big dogs in small bodies." They have a bold, adventurous spirit and don‘t let their small size hold them back! While both breeds make affectionate, loyal companions, Yorkies tend to be the more feisty and independent-minded of the two. Toy Poodles are usually eager-to-please Velcro dogs while Yorkies are more of the tenacious terrier type. Of course, it‘s important to remember that all dogs are individuals. These breed characteristics are general tendencies but won‘t apply to every Toy Poodle or Yorkie. Proper socialization and training also play a big role in a dog‘s temperament. ## Exercise and Training Tips Both Toy Poodles and Yorkies have moderate to high energy levels and need regular exercise and mental stimulation. Here are my tips for meeting their needs: ### Toy Poodle Training and Exercise Because of their supreme intelligence, I recommend that Toy Poodle owners: - Provide at least 30 minutes of daily exercise through walks, play sessions, or trips to the dog park - Engage in regular training sessions to teach advanced commands, tricks, and games - Consider canine sports like obedience and agility to keep them mentally stimulated - Be gentle and positive but consistent with training to avoid triggering sensitivity Trainer Tip: "Toy Poodles are often so focused on their owners that they can become nervous if left alone. Combatting separation anxiety from a young age is important through crate training and alone time." ### Yorkie Training and Exercise With Yorkshire Terriers, I suggest: - Ensuring 30-60 minutes of daily activity like walks, indoor games, or backyard play - Using positive reinforcement training to teach basic obedience commands - Keeping training sessions short and upbeat due to short attention spans - Working on curbing excessive barking and providing "quiet" commands - Being patient and persistent with housebreaking, which may take extra time Veterinarian Viewpoint: "Many of my Yorkie patients struggle with house soiling into adulthood. Belly bands can be helpful during the training process. The key is being consistent and celebrating successes." ## Grooming Requirements One area where Toy Poodles and Yorkies have very similar needs is grooming. Neither is a "wash and wear" dog – their coats require intensive upkeep to stay healthy and mat-free. ### Toy Poodle Grooming For Toy Poodles, I advise owners to: - Brush the curly coat thoroughly every 1-2 days - Schedule professional grooming including haircuts every 4-6 weeks - Bathe at home with gentle shampoo as needed between grooming appointments - Clean and check the ears weekly to prevent infections - Brush the teeth daily and schedule yearly dental cleanings ### Yorkie Grooming Yorkie owners should be prepared to: - Brush the silky coat daily to remove tangles - Schedule grooming appointments every 3-4 weeks for trimming and shaping - Bathe weekly or biweekly to keep the coat shiny and prevent oiliness - Clean around the eyes daily with a damp cloth to remove discharge - Regularly check and clean the ears to avoid buildup and infections - Brush the teeth daily or at minimum several times per week As you can see, neither Toy Poodles or Yorkies are low-maintenance in the grooming department! I always tell potential owners to be prepared for significant coat care if they decide to get one of these breeds. ## Health Concerns As with any purebred dogs, Toy Poodles and Yorkies are prone to some particular health issues. Here are the conditions I see most commonly in my veterinary practice: ### Toy Poodle Health Issues - **Addison‘s disease:** abnormal levels of adrenal hormones affecting up to 8.2% of Toy/Miniature Poodles - **Legg-Perthes disease:** degeneration of the hip joint affecting up to 1.9% - **Patellar luxation:** dislocation of the kneecap affecting up to 11% - **Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA):** hereditary degeneration of the retina affecting up to 5.5% - **Hypothyroidism:** underactive thyroid gland affecting up to 3.5% ### Yorkie Health Issues - **Collapsed trachea:** narrowing of the airway affects up to 16.5% of Yorkshire terriers - **Patellar luxation:** up to 2.6% experience kneecap dislocation - **Portosystemic shunt (PSS):** blood flow bypasses liver affecting 1-2% - **Retinal dysplasia:** 1.4% are affected by this congenital eye defect - **Legg-Perthes disease:** degeneration of the femoral head affecting 2% While some of these issues like patellar luxation and eye disorders overlap, others are more breed-specific like Addison‘s in Poodles and tracheal collapse in Yorkies. The good news is that the majority of Poodles and Yorkies will not experience these issues, especially if bred and cared for properly. ### Lifespan and Longevity Both Toy Poodles and Yorkies have above-average lifespans compared to dogs as a whole. Here is the data on their typical longevity: - **Toy Poodle** lifespan: 10-18 years, with an average of 14-15 years - **Yorkie** lifespan: 11-15 years, with an average of 13-14 years As you can see, it‘s not uncommon for these toy breeds to live well into their teens with proper care. The oldest recorded Yorkie, Jack, passed away at the incredible age of 26 in 2015! ## History and Fun Facts Finally, let‘s look at some trivia and tidbits about the history of the Toy Poodle vs Yorkie breeds: ### Toy Poodle History - Toy Poodles were bred down from their larger Standard Poodle cousins, which originated in Germany as duck hunting dogs in the 1400s. - In the 18th century, Toy Poodles became popular as companion dogs among European nobles and performers. - The "Poodle clip" of fluffy pompoms was originally designed by hunters to help the dogs move through water more efficiently. - Famous Toy Poodle owners have included Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe, and Walt Disney. - According to the AKC, Toy Poodles were the 7th most popular breed in the U.S. in 2021. ### Yorkshire Terrier History - In the mid-1800s, Yorkies were developed from various small terrier breeds in the Yorkshire region of England. They were used in factories and mines to catch rats. - Yorkies rapidly transitioned from working dogs to fashionable companions for English high society ladies in the Victorian era. - Smoky, a Yorkie who served in WWII, was credited with being the first therapy dog after comforting wounded soldiers in hospitals. - Celebrity Yorkie owners have included Audrey Hepburn, Joan Rivers, and Natalie Portman. - Yorkies ranked as the 13th most popular breed according to AKC registrations in 2021. ## Final Thoughts As we‘ve seen, while Toy Poodles and Yorkies share some common traits as toy companion dogs, they also have their fair share of differences. Yorkshire Terriers tend to have the typical terrier personality – feisty, brave, and energetic with an independent streak. On the flip side, Toy Poodles are extremely intelligent, sensitive, and eager-to-please dogs who thrive on human companionship. Both breeds require a significant commitment in terms of grooming, training, and veterinary care. But for owners who are willing to put in the work, Toy Poodles and Yorkies can be incredibly devoted and loving family members. As a veterinarian, I always advise prospective dog owners to do their research and make sure they choose a breed that fits their lifestyle. If you‘re looking for a portable but perky lapdog, either a Toy Poodle or Yorkie could be a great fit. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and which breed‘s personality resonates with you. I hope this guide has given you a comprehensive overview of the similarities, differences, and defining traits of Toy Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers. Both may be small in stature, but they have big hearts and even bigger personalities! **Resources** - American Kennel Club - Orthopedic Foundation for Animals - Poodle Club of America - Yorkshire Terrier Club of America - ASPCA --- Source: [Toy Poodle vs Yorkie: The Ultimate Comparison Guide for Dog Lovers](https://33rdsquare.com/toy-poodle-vs-yorkie-the-ultimate-comparison-guide-for-dog-lovers/)