National Yorkie Day 2026: When Is It & How to Celebrate

Yorkies are adorable dogs, but did you know they have a day dedicated to them each year? August 1st is always National Yorkie Day no matter which day of the week it falls on, and there are tons of great ways to celebrate this unique day.

Yorkies also have quite a few interesting facts for you to learn a bit more about, and we’ve highlighted some of them for you here!

What You Need to Know About National Yorkshire Terrier Day

National Yorkie Day falls on August 1st every year, and it’s a great opportunity to celebrate these adorable pups. National Yorkie Day falls on the same day as Yorkshire Day, which is the county in England where these dogs originated.

It’s no coincidence that these days are the same, and if you’re ever in Yorkshire, there are quite a few celebrations that you can take part in on August 1st. With that said, let’s look at some interesting Yorkie facts before you tell you how to celebrate them.

The 5 Little Known Facts About Yorkies

1. They Were Ratting Dogs

When you look at a Yorkie, you likely don’t see a dog with a rich hunting history, but that’s exactly what the British originally bred this dog for! They’re avid tunnellers, which can lead to problems in your backyard, although modern Yorkies aren’t really the rat-hunting type of pup.

2. Yorkies Are Hypoallergenic

If you suffer from pet allergies, a Yorkie might be just what you’re looking for. While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, a Yorkie is about as good as they come. They don’t shed much, and they produce very little dander.

3. They Only Have One Color Pattern

While many dog breeds come in tons of different colors and have different patterns, that’s not the case with the Yorkie. They come in one color pattern: a signature brown and black. This unique color pattern makes them instantly recognizable and completely adorable.

4. Yorkies Are the 13th Most Popular Dog in the United States

While the Yorkie isn’t the most common or popular dog in the United States, they are the 13th most popular. You’ll find these dogs all over the country, so if you want one, there are plenty of options to pick from.

5. They Often Develop Genetic Conditions

While the Yorkie is a common dog breed, they are prone to several genetic conditions. Some of these common health concerns include hypoglycemia, periodontal disease, luxating patella, and distichia.

How to Celebrate National Yorkie Day

Now that you know a little bit more about National Yorkie Day and the Yorkies themselves, all that’s left is for you to figure out how to celebrate.

Donate to an Animal Shelter

One of the best ways to celebrate National Yorkshire Terrier Day is to give some extra money to an animal shelter. Animal shelters always struggle to get all the supplies they need and to afford all the necessary medical expenses the pets have, and donations go a long way in helping them with this.

Volunteer at an Animal Shelter

If you don’t have any extra money to spend, that doesn’t mean you can’t help out local shelters. You can always choose to volunteer your time, just reach out before you show up so you can schedule a time that works for you and the shelter.

Go to a Dog Park

You don’t have to celebrate the day at an animal shelter, especially if you already have a Yorkie. Pets love having extra time to run around and burn some energy, and taking them to a dog park is almost always a good idea. It’s all about doing something for your Yorkie to make them happy on their day.

Final Thoughts

While National Yorkie Day is a ton of fun, it’s important not to make a long-term commitment to a dog at the last minute. The last thing you want is for you to get in over your head with something and have a new pup for 15 years because of a 15-minute decision.

Still, there are tons of great ways to celebrate the day without bringing home a new pup, and it’s certainly a day worth celebrating whether you have a Yorkie or you just like the breed!

Featured Image Credit: Imageman, Shutterstock