Yorkshire Terrier Health Issues & Lifespan
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Yorkshire Terriers are long-lived toy dogs, but their small size brings dental disease, knee and windpipe problems, and a liver condition called a portosystemic shunt. Typical lifespan is a long 12 to 15 years. Dental care, dental checks, and watching for low-blood-sugar and collapsing-trachea signs matter most.
What health problems are Yorkies prone to?
Most Yorkie issues are typical of toy breeds, with a couple of breed-linked conditions:
- Dental disease: very common — crowded small mouths lead to tartar, gum disease, and early tooth loss.
- Patellar luxation: slipping kneecaps causing an intermittent skip or hop.
- Collapsing trachea: a weakened windpipe causing a honking cough, worse with excitement or collar pressure.
- Portosystemic (liver) shunt: an abnormal blood vessel bypassing the liver; more common in the breed and often seen in young dogs.
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): especially in puppies and very small adults.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: degeneration of the hip in young small-breed dogs.
- Eye issues and luxating lens also occur.
Early signs to watch for
- Bad breath, reluctance to chew, red gums, or loose teeth — dental disease.
- A skipping or hopping gait, or holding up a back leg briefly — luxating patella.
- A dry, honking cough, especially when excited or pulling on a collar — tracheal collapse.
- In puppies or tiny adults: weakness, wobbliness, tremors, or collapse — possible hypoglycemia; offer food and call your vet.
- Poor growth, confusion, circling, or drooling after meals — possible liver shunt.
How to keep a Yorkie healthy
Prioritize the teeth. Brush daily if you can, offer vet-approved dental chews, and schedule professional cleanings — dental disease is the most common and most preventable Yorkie problem.
Use a harness instead of a collar to protect the windpipe, keep your Yorkie lean, and feed small, regular meals (especially for puppies) to steady blood sugar. Provide gentle exercise and keep them warm — tiny dogs chill easily.
With such a small dog, small changes matter. Logging weight, dental cleanings, and any coughing or fainting episodes in Tavi gives your vet a clear history and helps breed issues show up as trends rather than surprises.
Yorkie lifespan & when to see the vet
Yorkshire Terriers commonly live 12 to 15 years, and some reach their late teens. Good dental care and weight control are strongly linked to healthy aging.
See a vet promptly for a persistent cough, a limp or skipping gait, signs of dental pain, or any episode of weakness or collapse (treat hypoglycemia in a small dog as urgent). Keep yearly wellness exams, moving to twice yearly for seniors, and include a dental assessment at each visit.
Frequently asked questions
How long do Yorkshire Terriers live?
Yorkies are long-lived toy dogs, typically reaching 12 to 15 years, with some living into their late teens. Their small size means dental disease, knee, and windpipe issues are more common than cancer. Consistent dental care, a healthy lean weight, and using a harness instead of a collar all support a long life.
Why do Yorkies have so many dental problems?
Toy breeds like Yorkies have full-size teeth crowded into a tiny mouth, which traps plaque and leads to tartar, gum disease, and early tooth loss. Dental disease is one of the most common Yorkie health issues. Daily brushing, vet-approved dental chews, and regular professional cleanings make a big difference over a lifetime.
What is a liver shunt in Yorkies?
A portosystemic (liver) shunt is an abnormal blood vessel that lets blood bypass the liver, so toxins aren't filtered properly. Yorkies are more prone to it, often showing signs young: poor growth, confusion, circling, or drooling after meals. It's diagnosed with blood tests and imaging, and many cases can be managed or surgically corrected.
Why does my Yorkie cough like a goose honk?
A dry, honking cough — especially when excited or pulling on a collar — often signals a collapsing trachea, where the windpipe weakens and narrows. It's common in toy breeds. Switch to a harness, keep your dog lean, and avoid smoke and irritants. See your vet, as there are medications and, in severe cases, procedures that help.
Tavi's guides are informational and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. When in doubt, call your veterinarian. Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC); Yorkshire Terrier Club of America; VCA Animal Hospitals; Merck Veterinary Manual; American Veterinary Dental College
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