If you’re looking to bring a Yorkshire Terrier into your home, you might be wondering whether to choose a male or female. Both genders make excellent pets, but there are some differences between them that might influence your decision.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 key differences between male and female Yorkshire Terriers to help you decide which is right for you.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that male and female Yorkies have some slightly different physical characteristics. Males are generally a little larger than females, both in terms of height and weight. They also tend to have a slightly more muscular build.
However, these differences are relatively small, and unless you’re planning to show your dog, they probably won’t be a major factor in your decision-making process.
That said, there are other differences between male and female Yorkies that might be more significant to you. For example, it’s believed that males are often more outgoing and social than females, while females can be more independent and reserved.
Although personally, I have had both male and female Yorkies and I haven’t noticed a difference in their temperament.
I have noticed that male Yorkies are more prone to marking their territory. That sometimes will lessen after a male Yorkie has been neutered but not always. One of my males has never marked but the other one, and my male Chorkie both continued to mark after neutering.
Size
Regarding Yorkshire Terriers, size may be one of the more noticeable differences between males and females. Here are some things to consider:
Height
On average, male Yorkies are slightly taller than females. Males are usually about 1 to 2 inches taller than females.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard for Yorkshire Terriers states that the ideal height for both males and females is 8 to 9 inches at the shoulder. However, it’s not uncommon to see Yorkies that are smaller or larger than this range.
Weight
Male Yorkies are also typically a little heavier than females. Males usually weigh between 4 and 8 pounds, while females weigh between 4 and 7 pounds on average. However, the AKC breed standard does not specify a weight range for Yorkshire Terriers. It simply states that the dog should not exceed 7 pounds.
It’s important to note that size can vary widely among Yorkies, regardless of gender. Some Yorkies may be much larger or smaller than the average for their gender.
If you’re considering getting a Yorkshire Terrier, choosing a dog that fits your lifestyle and living situation is important, rather than focusing solely on gender or size.
Temperament
When choosing between a male and female Yorkshire Terrier, temperament is an important factor to consider. Both sexes have unique personalities and energy levels that can affect their behavior and compatibility with their owners.
Let’s take a closer look at the temperament differences between male and female Yorkies.
Personality
Male and female Yorkies have distinct personalities that can influence their behavior and interactions with their owners.
In my experience as a former Yorkie breeder, males are more affectionate and eager to please. At the same time, they have a strong desire to protect their family and can be aggressive to what they feel is a threat. They also have a stronger prey drive so keep them away from small animals.
Female Yorkies are often more nurturing but can be very moody during their heat cycle (if they have not been spayed, of course). Females usually become the alpha dog and aren’t as clingy as males. They are often more independent and can be stubborn but at the same time are usually easier to housetrain.
Grooming
When it comes to grooming, male and female Yorkshire Terriers have slightly different needs. Both males and females have long, silky coats (although some Yorkies have more of a cotton coat) that require daily brushing to prevent tangling and matting.
Male Yorkies may need to be groomed more frequently as they may get urine in their coat more easily than females.
Overall, whether you choose a male or female Yorkie, grooming is an important part of keeping your pet healthy and happy. With proper care and attention, your Yorkie’s coat will stay silky and beautiful for years to come.
Training
When it comes to training, there are some differences between male and female Yorkshire Terriers. While both genders are intelligent and eager to please, there are some variations in their trainability.
Female Yorkies are generally easier to train than males. They tend to be more focused and have a longer attention span, which makes them more receptive to training. Additionally, they are less stubborn (with proper motivation) than males, which makes them easier to work with during training sessions.
Male Yorkies, on the other hand, can be a bit more challenging to train. They do want to please you so with patience and consistency, male Yorkies can be trained just as effectively as females.
Regardless of gender, it’s important to start training your Yorkie as early as possible. Early socialization is key to preventing behavioral issues, and basic obedience training can help establish a strong foundation for more advanced training later on.
Some training tips for Yorkies include:
- Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to reward good behavior.
- Be patient and consistent with your training. Yorkies respond best to a calm and confident trainer.
- Keep training sessions short and frequent. Yorkies have short attention spans and can become easily bored or distracted.
- Be firm but gentle with your Yorkie. Avoid using harsh punishments or physical force, as this can damage the trust between you and your dog.
By following these tips and tailoring your training approach to your Yorkie’s individual personality and needs, you can help your fur baby become a well-behaved and obedient companion.
Health
When choosing between a male and female Yorkshire Terrier, health is an important factor to consider. Here are some differences to keep in mind:
Life Span
On average, Yorkshire Terriers have a lifespan of 11-15 years. However, there are some differences between males and females:
| Gender | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Male | 11-14 years |
| Female | 11-15 years |
Common Health Issues
Yorkshire Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but there are some health issues that are more common in one gender than the other:
- Males: Male Yorkshire Terriers are more prone to bladder stones and testicular cancer (a good reason for neutering).
- Females: Female Yorkshire Terriers are more likely to develop mammary tumors and urinary tract infections. They may also experience reproductive health issues, such as pyometra (infection of the uterus). Spaying will greatly reduce the likelihood of mammary tumors and eliminate pyometra.
Cost
When it comes to choosing a Yorkshire Terrier, cost is an important factor to consider. Here are the main differences in cost between male and female Yorkies:
Price
The average cost of a male Yorkshire Terrier is around $1,200 to $2,000, while the average cost of a female Yorkie is around $1,500 to $2,500. This difference in price is mainly due to the fact that female Yorkies are in higher demand for breeding purposes.
And in general, females are easier to house train and usually don’t mark in the house like males so many people will prefer a female for that reason.
However, it’s important to note that the cost of a Yorkie can vary greatly depending on factors such as the breeder, location, and pedigree.
Maintenance
Another cost to consider is the maintenance of your Yorkie. Both male and female Yorkies require regular grooming, including brushing, bathing, and trimming their hair.
Overall, the cost difference between male and female Yorkies may not be significant, but it’s good to consider all factors when making your decision.
Lifestyle
When considering whether to get a male or female Yorkshire Terrier, think about your lifestyle and how a dog will fit into it. Here are some factors to consider:
Suitability for Families
Both male and female Yorkies can make great family pets. They are small, affectionate, and love to be around people.
It’s important to note that with the Yorkies’ small size, they should be placed with families that have older children. Very young children sometimes accidentally injure these tiny dogs.
Suitability for Apartment Living
Yorkshire Terriers are a popular choice for apartment dwellers because of their small size and low exercise requirements. Both male and female Yorkies can adapt well to apartment living as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Some say that female Yorkies bark more than male Yorkies but in my experience, the males bark just as much as females.
Final Thoughts
After exploring the differences between male and female Yorkshire Terriers, we hope that you have a better understanding of which gender may be the best fit for you and your family. While there are some slight physical and personality differences between the genders, it is important to remember that each dog is an individual and may not fit into these generalizations.
Ultimately, the most important factor is finding a dog that fits into your lifestyle and personality.
If you are still unsure about which gender to choose, consider spending time with both male and female Yorkies to see which one you connect with the most.
Remember, regardless of gender, Yorkies are loyal, and affectionate, and make wonderful companions. I have been a Yorkie owner since I was 19 and I’m in my 60’s now. I have had Yorkies of both genders and have found they are both wonderful, loving companions.
How about you? If you have had Yorkies before, which gender did you prefer?
Cathy Bendzunas
Dog Blogger, Former Dog Groomer
I have adored Yorkies for well over 50 years. As a young adult, I began to show and breed them. Now, I just write about them and have several in my little pack of small dogs.
I have had dogs all my life and have trained as a dog groomer. I also have been a kennel worker, worked in a pet hotel through PetSmart, and still am a pet sitter.
Check out my bio for more information about me.