A side-by-side comparison of the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier across size, temperament, grooming, family fit, and more.
Chihuahua
Yorkshire Terrier
Overall, Yorkshire Terrier wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.
Yorkshire Terrier
1 win
Chihuahua
0 wins
More family-friendly
These breeds score equally well with families.
Lower maintenance
These breeds require similar grooming effort.
Longer-lived
Yorkshire Terrier typically lives longer on average.
Calmer
These breeds have similar energy levels.
Quieter
These breeds bark about as much as each other.
More trainable
These breeds are equally trainable.
| Breed | Size | Weight | Height | Lifespan | Energy | Shedding | Grooming | Trainable | Affection | Barking | Kids | Dogs | Cats | Apartment | First-timers | Low-allergen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 5–7 lb | 6–9 in | 12 yr | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | |||||||
| Small | 7 lb | 8–9 in | 12–15 yr | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Dog Cost Calculator
What a dog really costs — upfront, monthly, and lifetime — adjusted for your country and dog size.
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How much to feed your dog per day, from daily calorie needs (RER/MER) and your food’s calories.
Dog Age Calculator
Convert your dog’s age to human years using the modern, size-adjusted formula.
The Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier are both popular breeds, but they differ meaningfully in day-to-day life. The verdict above scores them on six key dimensions — use it as a starting point, then factor in your specific home, activity level, and family situation.
Overall, Yorkshire Terrier wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.