Yorkshire Terriers may reign supreme as pint-sized powerhouses, but these 13 small breeds rival their intelligence, loyalty, and bold personalities. From the silky-coated Silky Terrier to the tenacious Cairn Terrier, each breed offers a unique twist on the Yorkie’s charm.
Whether you prefer a sporty companion like the Toy Fox Terrier or a snuggly shadow like the Brussels Griffon, these tiny dogs prove that big character comes in small packages.
1. Silky Terrier
Originally developed using Yorkshire Terriers, the Silky Terrier shares many traits with its cousin but stands slightly larger at 9-10 inches. These Australian natives possess the same confident demeanor and luxurious coats as Yorkies, making them excellent companions for those seeking more substance.
Their athletic build and keen hunting instincts make them more active than Yorkies, yet they maintain that perfect apartment-sized package.Despite their small stature, they exhibit remarkable courage and adaptability in various living situations.
2. Maltese
These ancient companion dogs bring the same devotion as Yorkies but with an even more refined appearance. Weighing just 4-7 pounds, Maltese dogs share the Yorkie’s minimal shedding coat and affectionate nature.
Like Yorkies, they excel as watchdogs despite their tiny size and demonstrate remarkable intelligence in training. Their gentle disposition makes them particularly well-suited for seniors and apartment dwellers.
3. Toy Poodle
Standing 10 inches or less at the shoulder, Toy Poodles match Yorkies in size and brainpower. These highly intelligent dogs bring the same level of sass but with even greater trainability and a hypoallergenic coat.
Their athletic nature and quick minds make them perfect for owners who want a small dog capable of participating in dog sports.
Like Yorkies, they form strong bonds with their families and require regular mental stimulation.
4. Affenpinscher
Often called “monkey dogs” for their expressive faces, Affenpinschers share the Yorkie’s terrier-like temperament and fearless attitude. These 9-11.5-inch-tall dogs bring similar watchdog capabilities and independent spirit.
Their sturdy build and confident nature make them excellent city dwellers who aren’t afraid to stand up to larger dogs. Like Yorkies, they combine lap dog affection with terrier tenacity.
5. Havanese
While slightly larger than Yorkies at 8.5-11.5 inches tall, Havanese dogs offer the same adaptability and intelligence in a similarly portable package. Their playful nature and minimal exercise needs mirror the Yorkie’s apartment-friendly qualities.
These clever companions share the Yorkie’s ability to learn tricks quickly and desire to be the center of attention. Their social nature and moderate exercise requirements make them perfect for active families seeking a small but engaging pet.
6. Brussels Griffon
These charming dogs with almost human-like expressions share the Yorkie’s bold personality while weighing just 8-10 pounds. Brussels Griffons possess remarkable intelligence and form incredibly strong bonds with their owners, earning them the nickname “Velcro dogs” for their tendency to stay close to their humans.
Their adaptable nature and moderate exercise needs make them perfect apartment companions. They require about 30 minutes of daily activity.
While they share the Yorkie’s watchdog tendencies, Griffons are notably sensitive and respond best to gentle, positive training methods.
7. Toy Fox Terrier
Standing 8.5-11.5 inches tall, Toy Fox Terriers combine the Yorkie’s terrier spirit with an athletic build. These clever companions excel at agility and other dog sports, making them perfect for active owners who want a small but sporty partner.
Their short, easy-care coat offers a lower-maintenance alternative to the Yorkie’s silky tresses. Like Yorkies, they maintain their playful nature well into adulthood and form strong bonds with their families.
8. Russian Toy
Often mistaken for a Chihuahua, the Russian Toy brings similar devotion as a Yorkie in an equally diminutive package. These elegant dogs typically weigh between 3-6 pounds and share the Yorkie’s alert nature and protective instincts.
In both smooth and long-coated varieties, Russian Toys offer versatility in grooming needs while maintaining the same spirited personality. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them excellent candidates for various dog sports and training activities.
9. Italian Greyhound
Though slightly larger than Yorkies, Italian Greyhounds offer the same apartment-friendly size with an elegant twist. These refined athletes combine a gentle, affectionate nature with surprising athleticism, making them perfect for owners who want a more graceful small companion.
Their short coat requires minimal grooming, while their sensitive nature mirrors the Yorkie’s emotional intelligence. Despite their delicate appearance, they share the Yorkie’s courage and adaptability to various living situations.
10. Cairn Terrier
Made famous as Toto in “The Wizard of Oz,” Cairn Terriers pack the same terrier tenacity as Yorkies into a slightly more robust frame. These hardy little dogs bring similar intelligence and adaptability to apartment or house living.
Their weather-resistant double coat requires less maintenance than a Yorkie’s silky tresses, while their playful nature and strong personality make them equally engaging companions. Like Yorkies, they excel at both companionship and small vermin control.
11. Miniature Schnauzer
Sharing the Yorkie’s terrier heritage, Miniature Schnauzers bring similar intelligence and alertness in a slightly larger package. These bearded companions combine the Yorkie’s watchdog abilities with a more robust build, making them excellent family guardians.
Their adaptable nature and moderate exercise needs make them perfect for city and suburban living.
Like Yorkies, they form strong bonds with their families and demonstrate remarkable intelligence in training sessions.
12. West Highland White Terrier
Affectionately known as Westies, these bright white terriers share the Yorkie’s bold personality and fearless nature. Their sturdy build and confident demeanor make them excellent alternatives for those seeking a slightly more robust companion.
These Scottish natives bring intelligence and adaptability to apartment living, similar to Yorkies. Their weather-resistant double coat requires less intensive grooming than a Yorkie’s silky tresses while maintaining the same charm.
13. Australian Terrier
Australian Terriers are closely related to Yorkies through their shared ancestry. They offer similar traits in a slightly more weatherproof package. These hardy little dogs were developed from the same foundation stock as Yorkies, explaining their similar temperaments and intelligence.
Their distinctive rough coat and upright ears set them apart visually, while their adaptable nature mirrors the Yorkie’s versatility. Like their Yorkshire cousins, they excel at both companionship and vermin control.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.