Few who have known a Yorkshire Terrier will call them a calm or placid lap dog. Born as working dogs, it is a natural instinct for the Yorkie to tear off after anything that moves – whether that is a bug on the floor, the family cat, or even their shadows. Yorkshire Terriers love to give chase.

In addition to being the cat’s arch-nemesis, they are often considered to be very high-strung and nervous dogs. Perhaps this is due to inbreeding, or maybe it comes from being so tiny, the breed is generally hyper-sensitive to loud noises, fast movements, and very nervous of strangers. Due to this, they are often known as a very shy or timid dog, excitable, and can be prone to both yapping and nipping. Additionally, they also frequently suffer from Canine Separation Anxiety and can be very destructive if left alone for long periods of time or not properly crate-trained.