Collar or Harness for Yorkshire Terrier – Which Is Best for Your Yorkie?

Choosing between a collar or harness for Yorkshire Terrier can be an uncomfortable process for Yorkie parents about picking a new breed. Yorkies are small dogs with delicate necks and sensitive windpipes. A lot of owners say they wonder if dog collars are a good choice to wear. It’s all down on veterinarians, but they generally agree on one thing. A harness is generally best for dogs, and particularly for Yorkie puppies. A harness rather than a collar protects your baby’s delicate throat and spine. 

Why Collars Can Be Risky for Yorkies

You probably think that it’s traditional to use dog collars for Yorkshire Terriers. After all, collars are common for most breeds. However, Yorkies are toy dogs, weighing only 4 to 7 pounds (1.8 to 3.2 kg) on average. 

Their small size means their neck and trachea (windpipe) are very delicate. If a Yorkie pulls on a leash attached to a collar, it can put a lot of pressure on their throat. Over time, this pressure can injure the trachea and even lead to a collapsed trachea. A collapsed trachea is a serious condition where the windpipe becomes weakened or flattened, causing coughing and breathing issues. Unfortunately, collars that tug on a Yorkie’s neck can trigger serious tracheal issues. In short, yorkie collar + leash tension = potential throat trauma.

Collars can strain vertebrae

Collars for terriers like Yorkies can also strain their neck vertebrae. Just imagine how a puppy that has not been trained yet will walk with a collar on its neck. Puppies tend to pull a lot, so attaching leash on the collar would not be a good choice.

Yorkie puppies love to trot energetically, so even a small tug can jolt their neck. Puppies are especially at risk because they haven’t learned leash manners yet and might dart or pull suddenly. Using collars for yorkie puppies during leash training can inadvertently hurt them. This is why many vets and breeders say to avoid attaching a leash to a young Yorkie’s collar.

Another concern is that collars for yorkies may contribute to spinal issues. Sudden jerks on the neck might affect the alignment of their delicate spine or cause neck injuries. 

While not all Yorkies will get hurt from wearing a collar, the risk is higher compared to larger breeds. Small dogs often have atlantoaxial instability (a neck vertebra issue) or other predispositions that make neck strain dangerous. It’s telling that experts outright advise against using collars on toy breeds. In fact, collars should not be used on toy breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier according to veterinary recommendations. Instead, a harness is the go-to for safety.

Can Yorkies Wear Collars At All?

You may ask, can yorkies wear collars at all? Yes, they can wear collars in certain situations. It’s perfectly fine (and often a good idea) for a Yorkie to wear a lightweight collar for holding ID tags and maybe a cute charm. 

A soft yorkshire terrier harness or collar with a quick-release buckle can even be a fashion statement for your pup. The key is that you don’t use the collar for leash attachment if your Yorkie tends to pull. Think of the collar more like an ID holder rather than a walking tool. Many Yorkie owners use a collar for tags but walk their dog using a harness – this way the collar isn’t under strain.

Can Yorkies Wear Flea Collars?

What about flea collars? Owners often wonder, can yorkies wear flea collars safely given their tiny size. Modern flea collars (like the Seresto collar) come in formulas designed for small dogs, and these teacup yorkie collars for flea prevention are generally safe when used as directed. 

Newer dog flea and tick collars are considered effective and safe for most dogs. So yes, a Yorkie can wear a flea collar to ward off pests – just ensure it’s sized for toy breeds and watch for any skin irritation. 

If your Yorkie has very sensitive skin or you’re worried about chemicals, you can always ask your vet for alternative flea treatments. And remember, a flea collar should be snug but not tight; you should be able to slip a couple of fingers under it comfortably.

Yorkies can wear collars for identification or flea control, but should yorkies wear collars when walking on a leash? Probably not. For walks and any situation where a leash is involved, a harness is the much safer choice. Next, we’ll look at the big benefits of harnesses for Yorkies.

Are Harnesses Better Choice For Yorkies?

Using a harness is highly recommended when it comes to collar or harness for Yorkshire Terrier puppies and adults alike. A well-fitted yorkshire terrier harness goes around your dog’s chest and shoulders, not their neck. This simple difference in design has huge benefits:

No pressure on the throat

Unlike a collar that tugs at the neck, a harness distributes the force across the Yorkie’s chest and shoulders. This prevents choking and protects their airway. Even if your Yorkie pulls hard, the neck is spared from direct stress. This makes a harness ideal for preventing yorkie harness collapsed trachea issues. By using a harness from puppyhood, you dramatically reduce the chance of throat injuries or collapsed trachea later on.

Better control and training 

Harnesses give you more leverage over your pup. If your Yorkie is a little powerhouse on walks, a no pull harness for yorkies can be a game-changer. No-pull harnesses have a front leash clip that gently redirects a pulling dog back toward you, teaching them not to tug. Your Yorkie can’t drag you down the street as easily with a harness – and you won’t feel like you’re choking them when you hold them back. This makes walks more pleasant for both of you.

Prevents neck and spine strain

Because the pulling force is spread out, there’s less risk of hurting your Yorkie’s neck or spine. Even energetic zoomies at the end of the leash won’t jar their neck. A harness is especially important for any Yorkie with existing throat or neck problems. Vets often say to switch to a harness for dogs with a history of collapsed trachea or neck injuries. In fact, one vet notes a harness can help prevent these issues from arising in the first place.

 Security and comfort 

A snug harness fits around the body, making it harder for a wiggly Yorkie to slip out and escape. Many Yorkie harnesses are padded or made of soft mesh, keeping your Yorkie comfortable. Quality harnesses are lightweight and allow free movement, so your pup can run and play without feeling constrained. 

Since harnesses don’t yank on the neck, many dogs seem more confident and calm wearing them. Overall, harnesses are designed with small dogs’ safety in mind, which is why many veterinarians recommend using a harness (not a collar) for Yorkshire Terriers.

What size collar for Yorkshire Terrier? 

Most Yorkies have necks between 6 to 10 inches (15–25 cm) around. So they fit XS or S collars typically. 

Always double-check by measuring around the base of your Yorkie’s neck and adding about 1 inch (2.5 cm) for comfort. You should be able to slip two fingers under the collar once it’s on – that’s a good test for proper fit. 

For a Yorkie puppy, the neck might be just 5 or 6 inches, so collars for yorkie puppies should be adjustable and very small. 

Because Yorkies don’t grow to be large, you won’t need anything bigger than a size Small collar even for an adult. It’s also wise to choose a breakaway collar (one that unsnaps if caught) or one with an elastic stretch, especially for a curious puppy. This prevents accidents if the collar snags on something during play.

Another scenario for collars could be special training or show purposes, but those are rare. Collars for yorkies in dog shows are often just thin show leads used briefly.

Some owners like to have a collar on their Yorkie at home with a bell. That’s perfectly fine as long as the collar is comfy and not tight. 

What are the best Yorkie collars?

Putting a collar on your Yorkie doesn’t need to be a stressful experience. Our shop offers you collars that are made of fabrics that are gentle to their delicate skin. They are also adjustable, so you can set the size as your pooch grows. 

The Personalized Yorkie Collar comes in many colors and sizes and it also comes with a personalized ID tag on the front. It’s a very useful feature in case your furry friend gets lost or runs away.

Another pick to check is the Teddy Dream Yorkie Collar. It’s soft, and comes in gorgeous pastel colors. Just like the previous one, this one also comes with a personalized ID tag. When ordering, make sure you write your dog’s name and your phone number and the collar will arrive with your Yorkie’s info.

Flowers Yorkshire Terrier Collar is the third pick that will perfectly suit gentle four-legged ladies. It comes in 16 color combos, and can also serve as a cute accessory when you want to show off your dog. The classic buckle is made of quality fabrics and will definitely last for years.

Choosing between a collar or harness for Yorkshire terrier: Wrapping up

We know that you want only the best for your pup. Therefore, the best advice we can give you is to buy both. During puppyhood, make sure you use a harness for Yorkshire terriers and when your dog starts to walk obediently, you can switch to a collar.  Keep in mind that dog collars must be used to carry an ID tag and to identify the dog’s owner.