Yorkshire Terrier vs Chihuahua
A side-by-side look at two breeds people often weigh against each other. Every line below comes from each breed's own care profile on this site, so both sides are described the same way.
Key differences at a glance
- The Chihuahua tends to live longer - about 14-16 years, against 11-15 years for the Yorkshire Terrier.
- Both are toy dogs, close in size (under 3.2 kg and under 3 kg).
 Yorkshire Terrier The Yorkshire Terrier - universally known as the "Yorkie" - is a tiny dog with an outsized personality. |  Chihuahua The Chihuahua is the smallest recognised dog breed in the world - a tiny, big-eared, big-eyed companion with an... | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Typical weight | under 3.2 kg | under 3 kg |
| Lifespan | 11-15 years | 14-16 years |
| Temperament | Bold, confident, and lively. | Bold, alert, and intensely devoted to one person. |
| Exercise needs | Modest but real. | Modest. |
| Grooming | The coat determines the workload. | Smooth Chihuahua: weekly brush with a rubber curry; very low maintenance. |
| Good with kids | Better with older, gentle children. | Generally not. |
| Best suited for | Singles, couples, retirees wanting a small lively companion. | Singles, couples, retirees wanting a constant companion. |
Which one suits you?
Both are small dogs with big opinions and, on breed-club figures, long lives. The real difference is social: the Yorkshire Terrier is bold and outgoing, the Chihuahua bonds intensely to one person and is wary of nearly everyone else. Decide whether you want a small dog that greets your friends or one that mostly tolerates them, then check you are willing to brush teeth daily either way.
Health, and what it costs you
AKC figures put the Chihuahua at 14-16 years and the Yorkie at 11-15; a 2024 UK study found 11.8 years for the Chihuahua and 13.3 for the Yorkie, so the very long lives are not the rule. Their risk lists overlap almost exactly: dental disease, tracheal collapse and patellar luxation head both. The Chihuahua adds an open fontanelle - a soft spot on the skull that does not always close - and both are small enough that a fall or a rough toddler is a genuine emergency. Dental care is not optional in either breed: both profiles call dental disease the most common health problem and ask for daily brushing.
What each one asks of a normal week
The Yorkie asks for a little more - 30 to 45 minutes and a real coat commitment, since the long hair needs daily attention or a short clip. The Chihuahua needs 20 to 30 minutes and, in the smooth coat, very little grooming; a long-coat Chihuahua wants brushing two or three times a week and a bath every four to six weeks. The Yorkie is the more athletic of the two and many enjoy agility and scent work. Both are vocal, both dislike being talked down to, and neither profile recommends a household with toddlers.
Choose the Yorkshire Terrier if
you want a confident, sociable small dog for an active adult household and do not mind grooming.
Choose the Chihuahua if
you want minimal coat work in the smooth variety and a dog that picks one person and means it.
Health figures above come from each breed's own profile on this site, and breed averages are exactly that - averages. An individual dog from screened parents can do far better than its breed's statistics, and one from an unscreened litter can do far worse. Ask any breeder which tests the parents have had, and walk away from anyone who finds the question rude.
Common questions
Does the Yorkshire Terrier or the Chihuahua live longer?
On published ranges the Chihuahua tends to live longer, roughly 14-16 years against 11-15 years for the Yorkshire Terrier. Any individual dog varies with genetics, weight and care.
Is the Yorkshire Terrier or the Chihuahua better with kids?
For the Yorkshire Terrier, our profile notes: Better with older, gentle children. For the Chihuahua: Generally not. With either breed, supervise young children and pick the individual dog's temperament over breed rules.
Which one fits depends on your home, your time and your experience with dogs. Read the full guides for Yorkshire Terrier and Chihuahua, or compare two other breeds.
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