If you're a fan of Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, but want something a little different, you're in luck! There are several dog breeds out there that bear a striking resemblance to Yorkies. These breeds not only share similar physical characteristics but also possess their own unique traits and personalities. In this article, we'll explore 16 dog breeds from around the world that look like Yorkies. So, if you're curious to discover these adorable lookalikes, keep reading!
HowPetCare will dig into this article to provide you with all the information you need to find a dog breed that has the Yorkie aesthetics you love while also suiting your lifestyle. Whether you're drawn to their black and gold color, their sturdy terrier stature, or their long wispy coat, there's a breed out there for you.
What Looks Like A Yorkie But Is Bigger?
Yorkies are known for being one of the smallest breeds in the world. However, if you're looking for a dog that resembles a Yorkie but is a bit sturdier, here are some breeds to consider:
1. Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier is known as the “King of Terriers” and is the largest dog in the terrier group. They have a strong and versatile working dog background, making them great companions for outdoor enthusiasts. With their beautiful two-toned color coat and stubborn attitude, they bear a resemblance to Yorkies.
2. Welsh Terrier
The Welsh Terrier shares a similar black and tan color with Yorkies and weighs around 20 pounds. While they were bred to battle otters and badgers, they are known for being calmer than other terrier breeds. Welsh Terriers are great companions and excel in activities like Barn Hunt or EarthDog sports.
3. Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier is a breed that hails from Ireland and boasts a stunning red coat. They are slightly bigger than Yorkies, weighing around 27 pounds. Irish Terriers are bold, hardworking, and energetic, making them an excellent choice for owners who want a larger, independent dog.
4. Lakeland Terrier
Weighing in at 17 pounds, the Lakeland Terrier is a zesty terrier with a loose curly coat. While they share the classic black and gold colors with Yorkies, they were bred to hunt foxes in England. Lakeland Terriers have a high-prey drive and independence, which makes them a more challenging breed than Yorkies.
5. Norwich Terrier
The Norwich Terrier closely resembles Yorkies in terms of size, weighing around 12 pounds. These British working terriers have wiry coats that require less grooming than Yorkies. Norwich Terriers are outgoing, intelligent, and love adventures, making them great companions for active individuals.
6. Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier, also known as the “Holy Dog of Tibet,” sports a long silky coat similar to Yorkies. Weighing around 20 pounds, they were originally bred as watchdogs in Tibetan monasteries. With their sweet and calm nature, Tibetan Terriers make excellent companions for those living in colder climates.
What Looks Like A Yorkie But is White?
If you're looking for a dog that resembles a Yorkie but comes in white or other colors, consider these breeds:
7. Maltese
The Maltese is an ancient lapdog from Malta that weighs around seven pounds. Their beautiful white coat resembles the long silky coat of Yorkies, making them look like close relatives. Maltese dogs are playful, charming, and share a feisty stubborn streak with Yorkies.
8. Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos have a luxurious coat that can come in various colors, including white. These Tibetan dogs were originally indoor sentinel dogs for Buddhist monasteries. While slightly bigger than Yorkies, Lhasa Apsos make great little guard dogs and love to be in your lap.
9. Havanese
The Havanese is the only dog native to Cuba and closely resembles Yorkies with their flat coats. They come in various colors, including white. Havanese dogs are hypoallergenic, relatively clean, and make great pets for city dwellers who enjoy daily walks and fun tricks.
10. Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers, also known as “wheatens,” come in white, black, and brindle colors. With their wiry coat, long beards, low-to-the-ground bodies, and prick ears, they bear a resemblance to Yorkies. Scottish Terriers are hardy, independent, and love digging.
11. West Highland Terrier
The West Highland Terrier, commonly known as the Westie, is a spunky white terrier that closely resembles a short-haired white Yorkie. Weighing around 15 pounds, Westies were originally bred to hunt and kill rats. They are extremely independent and make great companions for those interested in Barn Hunt or Earthdog sports.
12. Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terriers weigh around 13 pounds and were bred to hunt prey in rocky terrain. They share physical similarities with Yorkies, such as short stocky legs and a wiry coat. Cairn Terriers are known for their independence and enjoy being lapdogs.
What Breeds Are Cousins To Yorkies?
Many breeds that resemble Yorkies come from the same regions around the British Isles and share common ancestry. Here are a few breeds that are closely related to Yorkies:
13. Skye Terrier
Before Yorkshire Terriers were known as Yorkies, they were believed to have descended from Skye Terriers. These terriers, including the Scottish Terrier, share physical traits with Yorkies. Skye Terriers have a compact body, long silky hair, and distinctive ears that resemble wings when they move.
14. Australian Terrier
Australian Terriers were developed in Australia but have their roots in the British Isles. They were bred using various breeds, including Yorkies, Skye Terriers, Cairn Terriers, and Irish Terriers. These sturdy dogs weigh around 14 pounds and have a shaggy double coat.
15. Silky Terrier
Silky Terriers closely resemble Yorkies and can be traced back to a combination of Australian Terriers and Yorkshire Terriers. Bred primarily as pets and companions, Silky Terriers have a long flat coat that requires regular grooming.
16. Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier is one of the newest breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. They look almost identical to Yorkies but are tri-colored (black, brown, and white). Biewer Terriers were originally bred as tri-colored Yorkies and are also related to Havanese and Maltese breeds.
Key Points
- Several dog breeds closely resemble Yorkies in appearance.
- Some breeds are larger and sturdier than Yorkies, while others come in different colors like white.
- Breeds like Airedale Terriers, Welsh Terriers, and Irish Terriers are bigger than Yorkies but share similar physical traits.
- Dogs such as Maltese, Lhasa Apsos, and Havanese come in white and resemble Yorkies in size and coat texture.
- Other breeds like Skye Terriers, Australian Terriers, Silky Terriers, and Biewer Terriers are closely related to Yorkies.
If you're looking for a dog that looks like a Yorkie but has specific characteristics or color preferences, these breeds offer great alternatives. Whether you choose a larger, sturdier breed or one with a different coat color, spending time with your furry friend will undoubtedly create an amazing bond.
For more information on pet care and various dog breeds, visit HowPetCare, your trusted source for all things pet-related.