Yorkies became popular because of these unique silky coats. The upper class admired Yorkshire terriers and began showing them in exhibits. These showings led to an explosion in popularity.

Yorkies have silky fur, while Shih Tzu fur is more dense. Shih Tzus grow slightly larger than Yorkies on average. Let’s look at the most obvious distinctions between the two breeds.

The silky terrier lifespan is typical for their size. They live an average of 13 to 15 years. You should be prepared for well over a decade with one of these dogs before you bring a puppy home.