Yorkshire Terriers are adorable little dogs. Despite their small size, they have big personalities – they’re curious, feisty, and high energy.
Originally bred to hunt mice and rats in mines and mills, the breed is bossy and brave.
The American Kennel Club states that they make good watch dogs.
Yorkies adore their owners and become very attached to their families.
Unfortunately, a common problem with the Yorkie breed is separation anxiety. They don’t cope well with being left alone for long periods!
As pet parents, we always want our furbabies to be healthy and happy.
So, you might consider getting a second dog to keep your Yorkshire Terrier company.
If you are thinking about bringing another dog into your home, it’s important you take your time to choose the right breed.
Yorkies can get on well with other dogs provided they are well-trained and experience early socialization.
Some breeds will make a better match for your Yorkie than others.
Both large and small dogs can be best friends with Yorkshire Terriers. The most important thing to keep in mind is their personality traits!
We’ll go over the top 13 dog breeds that get along with Yorkies so you can choose the best dog for your family.
What Are The Best Dog Breeds That Get Along With Yorkies?
1. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are playful and friendly dogs that bond well with other pets and young children. They make great dogs for families!
Although they’re fairly big dogs, they’re very gentle and do well around small animals, including smaller dogs.
However, a Golden Retriever puppy could be too playful and accidentally hurt your Yorkie. It’s a good idea to get an adult Retriever so they’re calmer.
Bred to work, Retrievers are intelligent dogs and respond well to obedience training. So you can teach them how you want them to behave around your Yorkie.
It’s worth bearing in mind that, unlike Yorkies, Retrievers have a double coat and shed a lot. But surprisingly, they need less brushing than a Yorkie!
Yorkie owners know their hair requires daily brushing. On the other hand, Retrievers only need to be brushed once or twice a week!
2. Labrador Retriever
Labradors are well known for being very friendly and sweet-natured.
Although they were bred as hunting dogs, they’re now very popular as family pets.
In fact, they’re the most popular dog breed in America!
They tend to get on well with other dogs, as well as with both young and older children.
Like Yorkies, Labradors are high-energy dogs and enjoy plenty of exercise. Although, Labradors will require a bit more exercise and mental stimulation than a Yorkie.
Both breeds love lots of attention from their humans and are very affectionate.
Similarly to Golden Retrievers, Labs are usually gentle even with a toy breed.
They respond well to positive reinforcement so you can train them fairly easily.
Since Labradors are much bigger than Yorkies, it’s best to get an adult Lab who will be calmer around your toy dog. A Labrador puppy might be too much for your little Yorkie!
3. Shih Tzu
If you prefer another small dog breed, a Shih Tzu is a good match for a Yorkie.
Shih Tzus have similar care needs to a Yorkie, which can make it easier to meet the needs of both dogs.
The breed is typically friendly and happy by nature.
They get on well with other dogs as well as small children, so they are a good choice for families.
Since both breeds are similar in size, they are unlikely to accidentally hurt one another during play.
Shih Tzus have similar exercise requirements to a Yorkie, although they’re less energetic. They’re happy to snooze on your lap a lot of the time!
If you prefer to bring a puppy into your home to live with your Yorkie, a breed of a similar size like the Shih Tzu could be the best choice for you.
4. Chihuahua
Just like Yorkies, Chihuahuas have the attitude of a big dog in a very small package!
Chihuahuas often get a bad reputation for barking a lot and being quite a handful. While this can be true, if they are well-trained they can be wonderful dogs to live with.
Although they may be wary of dogs they don’t know, when they’re properly introduced to other dogs they can bond well and become best friends.
I own a rescue Chihuahua and she adores my other two dogs. They follow each other around and are the best of friends because we socialized them carefully.
Since they’re both tiny dogs, there’s little risk of a Yorkie or Chihuahua causing the other harm when they’re playing.
Both breeds have similar needs except when it comes to exercise. Chihuahuas aren’t as high-energy as Yorkies, but are happy to be carried on longer walks!
Grooming needs vary depending on whether you get a long-haired or short-haired Chihuahua. Short-haired Chihuahuas are quite low maintenance.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If small breeds are your favorite, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel could be a fantastic companion for your Yorkie.
Both breeds are similar when it comes to grooming and exercise. They’re both high-energy and enjoy a good walk as well as enthusiastic play!
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known to be friendly with other dogs, animals, and children.
These little Spaniels are adaptable and eager to please, so they tend to fit in well with most lifestyles.
They’re affectionate, loving, and easy to train so they make a wonderful companion dog.
6. Miniature Schnauzer
The serious expression of the Miniature Schnauzer is adorable to look at and gives them a smart appearance.
Bred to be farm dogs, these little dogs are sturdy, friendly, and loyal. They do well with proper training and are eager to please.
They’re slightly bigger than a Yorkshire Terrier, but not by much! Their similar size makes them a good match.
Both breeds are full of energy and enjoy exercise, playtime, and spending time with their humans.
Just keep in mind that these little Schnauzers have a high prey drive, so they need to be kept on a leash unless they’re in an enclosed area!
7. Jack Russell Terrier
If the Terrier’s personality and energy are what you enjoy, a Jack Russell Terrier could be a good addition to your household.
Like Yorkies, Jack Russells are energetic and love to explore. They do best with active owners who can keep up with their energy levels.
The breed is slightly bigger than a Yorkie, weighing between nine and 15 pounds compared to the Yorkie’s seven pounds.
In some cases, two Terriers can be prone to clashing due to their similar personalities.
However, Jack Russells can be happy around other dogs as long as they are properly socialized and well-trained.
Since Terriers can be territorial, take your time and introduce them carefully so they can become best friends!
8. Great Dane
Truly gentle giants, Great Danes are friendly, highly affectionate dogs.
These dogs get on well with other pets. Despite their huge size, they’re gentle and careful around small dogs and children.
Although a giant dog and a toy breed might seem like a mismatch, they can get on wonderfully together. Plus, it’s comical and cute to look at!
Since Great Danes are much larger dogs than Yorkies, there is the risk of accidental harm. Getting an older Great Dane and training them well can help to reduce the risk.
Taking on a giant breed is a big responsibility so take your time to make sure it’s the right choice for you.
9. English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels are incredibly sweet and friendly by nature (although I am biased as I own a beautiful Springer girl).
The breed is kind, caring, and gentle with other dogs and children. They make amazing family members.
Since they’re bred to help hunt birds and have a high prey drive, they’re not suitable for homes with pet birds.
They tend to get along well with smaller dogs. My Springer is a lovely big sister to my Chihuahua and Pomeranian.
However, they can be quite excitable and often clumsy. This combined with being bigger than a Yorkie means there is the potential for accidental injury, so training is key.
10. Toy Poodle
Toy poodles are sweet little dogs who make good companions for Yorkies.
They’re similar in size and like the Yorkie, they have a big personality.
A Yorkie’s fur is similar to human hair. Their beautiful silky coats are even hypoallergenic, making them great companions for allergy sufferers.
Likewise, Poodles have curly, short hair that doesn’t shed much.
So, if you struggle with seasonal allergies, these breeds could be a match made in heaven for you!
Both dogs have similar grooming requirements and need to be brushed daily, especially if you keep your Yorkie’s hair long.
11. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are the same size as Yorkies, with both dogs weighing seven pounds or under. This makes them a great match!
The cheerful, charming Pomeranian is one of the world’s most popular dog breeds in the toy group.
They’re similar to Yorkies when it comes to exercise, grooming needs, playtime, and personality.
However, Pomeranians shed more than Yorkies.
Poms are generally friendly with new people. They get on well with other dogs as long as they’re properly introduced, but can be wary of new dogs at first.
I can confirm that the breed is a delight to live with. My Pom never fails to make me smile!
12. A Yorkie Mix
If you love Yorkies but want something a little bit different, a Yorkie mix could be the best dog companion for you and your Yorkshire Terrier!
There are endless combinations of dog breeds crossed with a Yorkie.
They’re commonly crossed with a Chihuahua, Poodle, Bichon Frise, Papillion, Maltese, Pug, Cocker Spaniel, and even a Golden Retriever! That’s just to name a few cross-breed options!
However, it’s important to keep in mind that you never know exactly which physical and personality traits will come from which breed in the mix. There are no guarantees.
If you do choose to go for a Yorkie mix, it’s crucial to choose a responsible breeder.
A good breeder will take into account the potential health problems of both breeds. They’ll also ensure the breeding is done ethically.
It can be tricky to find a responsible breeder who breeds Yorkie crosses, as many breeders of purebred dogs aren’t keen on crossbreeding.
Do plenty of research before you make your decision so you can find the best dog for you and your Yorkie!
13. Another Yorkie!
Finally, if you love the Yorkie breed, why not get another Yorkie? The benefit of getting the same breed is that you already know how to take care of them.
Since Yorkies can be territorial, it’s important you introduce your two dogs carefully.
Once they’re introduced, ensure that both dogs get equal attention at home, as they can be prone to jealousy.
A male and female dog often get along better than two of the same sex, although this varies.
Remember you’ll need to neuter and spay them to prevent unwanted pregnancies!
When they’re properly socialized, two Yorkshire Terriers can get on well together and become great friends.
Bear in mind that even within the same breed, all dogs have individual personalities and quirks.
So, your new pooch isn’t going to be exactly the same as your current dog, but that’s part of the fun!
Other Factors to Consider
Aside from your new dog’s breed, there are some other factors you’ll want to consider.
Care Needs
You need to be able to fulfill your new dog’s needs to make sure they stay happy and healthy.
Take their exercise needs, grooming requirements, and nutritional needs into consideration.
Consider potential health issues of the breed. Think about vet bills and insurance.
Dogs are a big responsibility and cost a lot of money. Taking on a second dog will cost more, so think about your financial resources.
Living Environment
Think about the new dog’s size – they’ll need enough room to live comfortably.
For example, if you live in an apartment another toy breed might be a better choice than a giant breed.
Some dogs require outdoor space, while others can live happily without a garden.
You’ll also want to think about your lifestyle. Some dogs do better with active owners, while others are more adaptable.
Age
If your Yorkie is a senior dog, it might get on better with another older dog. So, a rescue dog may be the best choice.
If your Yorkshire Terrier is younger, a puppy or young dog could be a good choice.
Training
Some breeds are easier to train than others. For example, Labradors are often easier to train than Spaniels because of their personalities.
Consider how much experience you have with training dogs and whether you are equipt to train your new pooch.
Your Yorkie’s Needs
Some dogs thrive in the company of other canines, while others are happy having their owner’s full attention.
Think about whether your Yorkie would really enjoy another dog living with them.
If your Yorkie seems quite happy on their own and isn’t a big fan of other dogs, it might be best for them to be the only pet. Dogs can live happily with just their humans.
However, if they tend to get lonely or show interest in other dogs while they’re out, they’re more likely to accept another dog into their space.
It’s not an exact science, but it’s important to consider your options carefully before welcoming another family member into your home.
What’s Most Important When Choosing a Dog Breed to Live With a Yorkie?
Getting a second dog can be fantastic for your human family as well as your Yorkie!
Dogs are pack animals and tend to love living together, as long as they’re introduced properly and are well-matched.
It’s a privilege and pleasure to own multiple dogs and watch them build a relationship together.
The most important thing when choosing a dog to live with your Yorkie is finding the right breed and personality.
You should also take age and the dog’s needs into account.
With careful consideration, you can find the right companion for your Yorkshire Terrier. They’ll be best friends in no time!
