About the Yorkshire Terrier
The heart of a combative, old-time terrier beats beneath the dainty, glossy, floor-length coat of a Yorkshire Terrier. The Yorkshire Terrier is a little, toy-size terrier that weighs no more than seven pounds and has a floor-length, silky coat of steel blue with a deep golden tan as its crowning glory. The Yorkie is tenacious, feisty, bold, and bossy, with all the characteristics of a true terrier.
Many terriers were developed for hunting in the past, and many still maintain this trait. The Yorkie is frequently pampered unduly due to his size and popularity, yet he is better behaved and happier when handled as a dog. The Yorkie's long, silky coat necessitates meticulous grooming on a regular basis, therefore if you are unwilling to do so, the Yorkie is not for you.
Health problems that drive Yorkshire Terrier insurance claims
These are the conditions associated with the breed — the reason insuring a Yorkshire Terrier early, before anything is diagnosed and excluded as pre-existing, is the whole game.
Portosystemic shunt
It may decrease liver function and cause toxins to accumulate in the blood.
$2,000–$6,000
typical treatment
Tracheal collapse
$4,000
typical treatment
Digestive problems
Treatment ranges are estimates compiled from veterinary sources (linked below); actual costs vary by region and severity.
Renting with a Yorkshire Terrier
Most of our readers rent — and the pet policy decides more than the insurance does. From the apartment communities we track nationwide:
81%
of apartment communities with a stated pet policy allow dogs
~99%
of apartments that publish a dog weight limit would accept a 7 lb adult (median cap: 50 lb)
$30/mo
median pet rent — about $360/year before any vet bill
$300
median one-time pet fee (a similar refundable deposit is common too)
Source: SafeButler apartment community dataset, 23,533 communities with published pet terms, July 2026. Full numbers in our apartment pet fees report.
Two costs stack for apartment dog owners: the building's pet charges, and the vet bills the building's fees do nothing about. Pet insurance addresses the second — and for renters, the liability side of a dog (bites, damage) runs through your renters policy, not your pet policy.
Care and grooming
The coat of the Yorkshire Terrier is remarkably similar to human hair and should be handled as such. Brushing the coat on a daily basis is required if it is kept long. Hair on the top of the head should be clipped short or gathered up into a topknot to reduce eye irritation. Every week or so, the Yorkie will require a bath. Check your ears at least once a week for debris or signs of infection.
Common questions
How much does yorkshire terrier insurance cost?
There is no single price — pet insurance premiums depend on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the coverage you choose, and breed matters because it predicts claims. For the Yorkshire Terrier, the conditions to price against are real: portosystemic shunt treatment alone can run up to $6,000. Comparing quotes for your specific pet takes about a minute and is the only accurate answer.
What health problems do Yorkshire Terriers have?
The breed-associated conditions worth insuring against include Portosystemic shunt, Tracheal collapse, Digestive problems. Costs for these range from routine management to four-figure treatment bills, which is why insuring a Yorkshire Terrier young — before anything becomes a pre-existing condition — matters more than for a mixed breed.
Can I have a Yorkshire Terrier in an apartment?
Usually, but check the pet policy before you fall in love with a floor plan. In our apartment dataset, 81% of communities with a stated policy allow dogs, and among those that publish a weight limit, roughly 99% would accept a 7 lb adult Yorkshire Terrier (the median cap is 50 lb). Expect pet rent and a one-time fee on top of your own rent — and note some buildings apply breed restrictions regardless of size.
Does insurance cover my Yorkshire Terrier biting someone?
Not pet insurance — that covers your dog's own medical care. Liability for a bite falls to the liability portion of your renters or homeowners policy, and some carriers apply breed exclusions there, so it's worth checking both policies. Our guide to renters insurance and dog bites covers the details.
Before anything is pre-existing
See real prices for your yorkshire terrier
Quotes reflect your dog’s age and your ZIP code — compare top pet insurers in about a minute.
Other dog breeds
References
Our articles are intended for informational purposes and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Our articles are not written or reviewed by insurance agents. Consult your policies with your agent or a professional for details regarding terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products, services, and programs.
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