Yorkshire Terrier Health Issues & Care Guide

Comprehensive health guide covering common conditions, genetic testing, preventive care, and veterinary recommendations for Yorkshire Terriers.

Health Overview

Generally healthy with a long lifespan, but their tiny size predisposes them to dental issues, hypoglycemia, and tracheal collapse.. Awareness and proactive veterinary care are your best tools for managing breed-specific risks.

Start with a puppy from health-tested parents. Continue with regular preventive care, a healthy diet, and prompt attention to any changes in behavior or appetite. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes for most conditions.

Common Health Conditions

ConditionFrequencySeverityTreatable
Patellar Luxation Common Moderate Yes
Portosystemic Shunt Occasional Severe Yes
Tracheal Collapse Common Moderate Yes
Hypoglycemia Common Severe Yes
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease Occasional Severe Yes

Patellar Luxation

Kneecap dislocates from its normal position, causing intermittent lameness and an abnormal gait.

Portosystemic Shunt

Abnormal blood vessel bypasses the liver, allowing toxins to accumulate in the bloodstream.

Tracheal Collapse

Weakened cartilage rings in the trachea flatten, causing a honking cough and breathing difficulty.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar especially common in puppies and small adults, causing lethargy, tremors, and seizures.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Degeneration of the femoral head due to reduced blood supply, leading to hip pain and lameness.

Recommended Health Tests

Health clearances to look for in Yorkshire Terrier breeding stock:

  • OFA patellar luxation clearance
  • Annual CERF/OFA eye examination
  • Thyroid panel (OFA)
  • DNA testing covering Patellar Luxation and Portosystemic Shunt

Never purchase a Yorkshire Terrier puppy without seeing health clearance documentation for both parents. Given the breed's toy heritage and small size, thorough testing is the most reliable way to reduce genetic health risks.

Preventive Care Schedule

A preventive care schedule for your Yorkshire Terrier (lifespan 11–15 years) should include:

  • Puppies (0-12 months): Vaccinations at 8, 12, and 16 weeks; deworming; spay/neuter discussion; weight tracking
  • Adults (1-9 years): Annual wellness exam, vaccinations, heartworm test, dental cleaning, screening for Patellar Luxation
  • Seniors (9+ years): Twice-yearly exams, blood work, urinalysis, and monitoring for Patellar Luxation and Portosystemic Shunt

Life Stage Health Guide

Understanding your Yorkshire Terrier's life stages helps you provide appropriate care (lifespan 11–15 years):

  • Puppy (0-12 months): Rapid growth toward 4–7 lbs, socialization critical, high energy, frequent feeding
  • Adolescent (1-2 years): Testing boundaries, continued training important, reaching adult size of 7–8 inches
  • Adult (2-9 years): Peak health, 50+ minutes daily exercise, annual screening for Patellar Luxation
  • Senior (9+ years): Slower pace, may need dietary adjustments, biannual vet visits

Insurance Recommendation

Given the Yorkshire Terrier's predisposition to conditions like Patellar Luxation and Portosystemic Shunt, pet insurance is a worthwhile investment. Plans typically cost $38–$86 per month and can save thousands in unexpected veterinary bills. Compare plans from multiple providers and enroll early, before any pre-existing conditions develop.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Yorkshire Terrier is predisposed to Patellar Luxation, Portosystemic Shunt, Tracheal Collapse, and other conditions. Generally healthy with a long lifespan, but their tiny size predisposes them to dental issues, hypoglycemia, and tracheal collapse..
Annual exams for adult Yorkshire Terriers; biannual for dogs over 9. Puppies require visits at 8, 12, and 16 weeks. Given the breed's predisposition to Patellar Luxation (common prevalence), your vet may recommend specific periodic screening beyond the standard schedule. Their silky coat should also be checked for skin issues during visits.
Pet insurance is recommended for Yorkshire Terrier owners. With risks like Patellar Luxation and Portosystemic Shunt, unexpected vet bills can be substantial. Enroll early for the broadest coverage.
For the Yorkshire Terrier, essential breeder health tests include: patellar luxation evaluation, annual CERF/OFA eye certification, thyroid function panel, and DNA testing covering breed-relevant mutations. Generally healthy with a long lifespan, but their tiny size predisposes them to dental issues, hypoglycemia, and tracheal collapse.. Verify all results through OFA's public database before purchasing.
Generally healthy with a long lifespan, but their tiny size predisposes them to dental issues, hypoglycemia, and tracheal collapse.. Choosing a breeder who health-tests their dogs gives your puppy the best start. Regular vet care and a healthy lifestyle maintain that advantage throughout life.