What are the main health problems in Yorkies?

Yorkshire Terriers are generally long-lived but, as a toy breed, they have a number of characteristic health conditions owners should know about. The most important concerns are: tracheal collapse (a weakening of the windpipe, common in toy breeds and strongly associated with Yorkies, which is why a harness rather than a collar is essential, covered in its own question below); luxating patella (slipping kneecaps, very common in small breeds); dental disease (toy breeds including Yorkies are highly prone to dental problems due to crowded teeth in small mouths, making dental care critically important); portosystemic shunt (liver shunt, an inherited blood-vessel abnormality the breed is prone to, in which blood bypasses the liver, covered below); and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar, a risk especially in Yorkie puppies and very small individuals). Other conditions that can occur include Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (a hip condition affecting small breeds), collapsing trachea, eye conditions (such as cataracts, dry eye, and retinal problems), patent ductus arteriosus and other heart issues, and a sensitivity to anesthesia and some medications common to very small dogs. That is a fair list, but many individual Yorkies stay healthy, and the breed is generally long-lived (often 13 to 16 years). For adopters, the practical priorities are: use a harness (never a collar) to protect the trachea, take dental care very seriously, keep the dog at a healthy weight to protect the knees, and be aware of the other conditions, most of which are manageable with good routine veterinary care and prompt attention to symptoms.

Why do Yorkies need a harness instead of a collar?

Yorkies should always walk on a harness rather than a neck collar, and this is one of the single most important pieces of health advice for the breed, because Yorkies (like many toy breeds) are prone to tracheal collapse, a condition in which the cartilage rings that hold the windpipe (trachea) open weaken and flatten, causing coughing, breathing difficulty, and a characteristic honking cough, and it can worsen over time. A neck collar puts direct pressure on the trachea whenever the dog pulls, lunges, or is walked on lead, and in a small dog with a delicate windpipe this pressure can contribute to or worsen tracheal collapse and cause coughing or injury. A harness distributes the pressure across the chest and shoulders instead of the neck, protecting the trachea entirely, so a well-fitted harness is strongly recommended for every Yorkie, for walks and any lead work. Beyond using a harness, you can further protect the trachea by keeping the dog at a healthy weight (obesity worsens tracheal collapse and breathing), avoiding exposure to smoke and irritants, managing excitement and not letting the dog strain against the lead, and seeing a vet promptly if a honking cough develops. Tracheal collapse ranges from mild (managed with weight control, avoiding collars, and sometimes medication) to severe (which may need more intervention), and while it cannot always be prevented, using a harness from day one and keeping the dog lean are the two biggest things an owner can do. For any Yorkie owner, the rule is simple and important: harness, not collar, always.

Why is dental care so important for Yorkies?

Dental care is critically important for Yorkies because toy breeds are highly prone to dental disease, they have the same number of teeth as big dogs crammed into a tiny mouth, which leads to crowding, poor alignment, plaque and tartar buildup, gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss, and Yorkies are among the breeds most affected. Dental disease is not just a mouth problem: it is painful, it can cause tooth loss and difficulty eating, and the bacteria involved can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, kidneys, and other organs, so poor dental health genuinely affects a dog's overall health and quality of life and even lifespan. Because of this, diligent dental care is one of the most important things a Yorkie owner does. The key elements: regular tooth brushing at home (ideally daily, or as often as you can manage, using dog-specific toothpaste), dental chews and vet-approved dental products as a supplement (not a replacement for brushing), and, importantly, professional dental cleanings under anesthesia at the vet as recommended (many Yorkies need these periodically to remove tartar below the gumline and address problem teeth). Watch for signs of dental problems: bad breath, red or bleeding gums, tartar buildup, difficulty eating, pawing at the mouth, or loose teeth, and have any concerns addressed promptly. For a rescue Yorkie, which is often an older dog, dental disease may already be present, so a dental check should be part of the early veterinary care, and some rescue Yorkies need dental work (including extractions) soon after adoption. Budgeting for dental care (including the occasional professional cleaning, which is a real cost) is part of responsible Yorkie ownership, and it pays off in a healthier, more comfortable, longer-lived dog.

What are liver shunts and hypoglycemia in Yorkies?

These are two conditions the Yorkie breed is particularly associated with, both worth understanding. A portosystemic shunt (liver shunt) is a blood-vessel abnormality, usually congenital (present from birth), in which blood bypasses the liver instead of flowing through it to be filtered, so toxins are not properly cleared; Yorkies are one of the breeds most prone to congenital liver shunts. Signs can include stunted growth, poor weight gain, neurological signs (disorientation, circling, seizures, especially after eating), vomiting, excessive drinking and urination, and general failure to thrive, often appearing in young dogs. Liver shunts are diagnosed with blood tests and imaging, and treatment can involve dietary management and medication or, in many cases, surgery to close the shunt; outcomes vary, but many dogs do well with treatment. For an adopted adult Yorkie, a significant congenital shunt would usually have shown up already, but it is worth knowing about, especially for a young rescue. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a risk in Yorkies, particularly puppies and very small adults, because tiny dogs have limited energy reserves; it can be triggered by stress, missing meals, cold, or over-exertion, and signs include weakness, lethargy, wobbliness, trembling, disorientation, and in severe cases collapse or seizures. It is an emergency, but preventable and manageable, feed small, regular meals, avoid letting a small Yorkie go too long without food, and for a puppy or very small dog, some owners keep a high-calorie gel or rub a little corn syrup on the gums (not down the throat) if signs appear, then seek veterinary care. For most adult Yorkies of normal size, hypoglycemia is much less of a concern, but for puppies and very small individuals it is worth being aware of.

How long do Yorkies live and how do I keep mine healthy?

Yorkies are a long-lived breed, typically living around 13 to 16 years, and often reaching the higher end with good care, small dogs generally live longer than large ones, and Yorkies are among the longer-lived breeds. Much of keeping one healthy is within your control. The priorities: always use a harness rather than a collar to protect the delicate trachea (one of the most important things you do for the breed); take dental care very seriously with regular brushing and professional cleanings as needed (dental disease is one of the biggest health issues in the breed and affects overall health); keep the dog at a healthy weight (protecting the knees, trachea, and general health, obesity is hard on a tiny frame); feed appropriately (a good-quality diet, and small regular meals especially for very small individuals to avoid hypoglycemia); keep up the grooming (a healthy coat and skin, plus a chance to spot problems); protect the small dog from cold and injury (a Yorkie feels the cold and wet Vancouver weather, a coat helps, and its small size means care around larger dogs, stairs, and rough handling); and stay on top of routine veterinary care so conditions like luxating patella, dental disease, tracheal collapse, and others are caught and managed early. Feed appropriately, maintain parasite prevention and vaccinations, and be mindful of the breed's anesthesia sensitivity (use a vet experienced with toy breeds). A Yorkie that walks on a harness, gets diligent dental care, is kept lean, and receives routine veterinary care has an excellent chance at a long, healthy life, the breed's natural longevity is a real asset, and attentive ownership makes the most of it.

Is pet insurance worth it for a Yorkie in Vancouver?

Pet insurance is worth considering for a Yorkie, because while the breed is generally long-lived, it has a number of potential health conditions that can be costly to treat, luxating patella (which can require surgery), tracheal collapse (which can need ongoing management or, in severe cases, surgery), dental disease (professional cleanings and extractions add up over a long life), liver shunts (which can require expensive surgery), and eye and other conditions, and Vancouver veterinary care is not cheap. The breed's long lifespan also means many years over which conditions, including age-related ones, can arise, and toy breeds' dental and orthopedic issues in particular tend to generate recurring costs. As always, take out insurance while the dog is young and healthy, before any condition is diagnosed and excluded as pre-existing, which matters given the breed's predispositions. Compare providers, understand coverage (including whether dental disease, which is such a big issue for the breed, is covered, since many policies exclude or limit routine dental) and any limits, and read the fine print. For many owners, insurance provides good protection against the potentially significant cost of orthopedic surgery, tracheal or liver-shunt treatment, or major dental work. If you self-insure instead, keep a solid vet fund in mind, with dental care and the orthopedic possibilities specifically in mind, since dental is a near-certain recurring cost for the breed. Note that for an adopted adult or senior Yorkie, some conditions (especially dental disease) may already be present, so understand what a policy will and will not cover, and factor in that a rescue Yorkie may need dental work soon after adoption regardless.

Yorkie Health Issues: A Vancouver Owner's Guide

The short answer

Yorkies are long-lived (~13 to 16 years) but, as a toy breed, prone to: tracheal collapse (use a harness, never a collar, this is essential), luxating patella (slipping kneecaps), dental disease (toy breeds are highly prone, so diligent dental care is critical), portosystemic liver shunts (the breed is prone), and hypoglycemia (in puppies and very small dogs). The two biggest things you control: harness, not collar, and serious dental care. Keep the dog lean to protect the knees and trachea. Because dental and orthopedic costs recur over a long life, the insurance case is real, insure while young.

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A Yorkshire Terrier being examined at a Vancouver veterinary clinic — A harness (never a collar), diligent dental care, and keeping the dog lean are the Yorkie owner's most valuable health habits.

Yorkies are long-lived little dogs, but as a toy breed they come with a characteristic set of conditions. The good news is that the two most important, tracheal health and dental health, are largely in your hands. Here is the medical picture, condition by condition, starting with the one rule every Yorkie owner should follow.

Tracheal collapse: harness, never a collar

Yorkies are prone to tracheal collapse, a weakening of the cartilage rings that hold the windpipe open, causing coughing (a characteristic honking cough), breathing difficulty, and worsening over time. A neck collar puts direct pressure on the delicate trachea whenever the dog pulls, which can contribute to or worsen collapse. Always use a well-fitted harness, it distributes pressure across the chest and protects the trachea. This is one of the single most important pieces of health advice for the breed.

Beyond the harness, protect the trachea by keeping the dog lean (obesity worsens it), avoiding smoke and irritants, managing excitement, and seeing a vet promptly if a honking cough develops. Collapse ranges from mild (managed with weight control and avoiding collars) to severe (needing more intervention). Using a harness from day one and keeping the dog lean are the two biggest things you can do. The rule is simple: harness, not collar, always.

Dental disease: take it seriously

Toy breeds are highly prone to dental disease, the same number of teeth crammed into a tiny mouth, leading to crowding, tartar, gum disease, and tooth loss, and Yorkies are among the most affected. It is not just a mouth problem: it is painful, and the bacteria can affect the heart, kidneys, and other organs, so dental health genuinely affects overall health and lifespan.

Diligent dental care is one of the most important things a Yorkie owner does: regular tooth brushing at home (ideally daily, dog-specific toothpaste), dental chews as a supplement (not a replacement), and periodic professional cleanings under anesthesia as recommended. Watch for bad breath, red or bleeding gums, tartar, difficulty eating, or loose teeth. A rescue Yorkie is often older, so dental disease may already be present, a dental check should be part of early care, and some need dental work (including extractions) soon after adoption. Budget for it, it is a real recurring cost. The VCA dental disease guide is worth reading.

Luxating patella and other orthopedic issues

Luxating patella (slipping kneecaps) is very common in small breeds including Yorkies, the kneecap slips out of its groove, causing an intermittent skip or hop in the gait, or holding a leg up briefly. It ranges from mild (managed conservatively) to severe (which may need surgery). Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (a hip condition of small breeds) can also occur.

Keeping the dog lean reduces stress on the joints, and appropriate (not excessive) exercise helps. If you notice a skipping gait or leg-holding, have your vet assess the knees. Many mild cases never need surgery, but knowing the sign lets you monitor it.

Liver shunts and hypoglycemia

Portosystemic shunt (liver shunt) is a usually-congenital blood-vessel abnormality the breed is prone to, blood bypasses the liver so toxins are not cleared. Signs (stunted growth, neurological signs especially after eating, failure to thrive) usually appear in young dogs, so a significant shunt would typically have shown up before adulthood. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a risk in Yorkie puppies and very small adults, feed small, regular meals and avoid long gaps.

For an adopted adult Yorkie of normal size, both are much less of a concern than for a young or very tiny dog, but they are worth knowing about. Eye conditions (cataracts, dry eye, retinal issues) and a sensitivity to anesthesia (use a vet experienced with toy breeds) round out the breed's profile.

Lifespan and keeping a Yorkie healthy

Yorkies are long-lived, typically ~13 to 16 years. The priorities: always use a harness (not a collar), take dental care very seriously, keep the dog lean (protecting knees, trachea, and general health), feed appropriately (small regular meals for very small individuals), keep up grooming, protect the small dog from cold and injury, and stay on routine vet care so luxating patella, dental disease, and tracheal collapse are caught early.

A Yorkie feels the cold and wet Vancouver weather (a coat helps), and its small size means care around larger dogs, stairs, and rough handling. Maintain parasite prevention and vaccinations, and be mindful of the breed's anesthesia sensitivity. A Yorkie that walks on a harness, gets diligent dental care, is kept lean, and receives routine care has an excellent chance at a long, healthy life, the breed's natural longevity is a real asset. See our grooming guide.

Is pet insurance worth it?

Pet insurance is worth considering, because the breed's potential conditions, luxating patella (surgery), tracheal collapse (ongoing management or surgery), dental disease (cleanings and extractions add up over a long life), and liver shunts (expensive surgery), can be costly, and Vancouver vet care is not cheap. The long lifespan means many years for conditions to arise.

Take out insurance while the dog is young and healthy, before any condition is diagnosed and excluded. Compare providers, and check whether dental disease (such a big issue for the breed) is covered, since many policies exclude or limit routine dental. If you self-insure, keep a solid vet fund with dental care and orthopedic issues in mind, dental is a near-certain recurring cost. For an adopted adult or senior, some conditions (especially dental) may already be present, and a rescue Yorkie may need dental work soon after adoption regardless. See our Vancouver costs guide.

Browse adoptable Yorkies in Vancouver

A good rescue shares a dog's known health history, including any dental needs. Refreshed regularly across Lower Mainland rescues.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main health problems?

As a toy breed: tracheal collapse (use a harness), luxating patella, dental disease (they're highly prone), portosystemic liver shunts, and hypoglycemia (in puppies/tiny dogs), plus Legg-Calve-Perthes, eye conditions, and anesthesia sensitivity. Generally long-lived (13 to 16 years) despite the list.

Why a harness instead of a collar?

Yorkies are prone to tracheal collapse, and a neck collar puts direct pressure on the delicate windpipe when the dog pulls, which can worsen it. A harness distributes pressure across the chest and protects the trachea. Harness, not collar, always, one of the most important rules for the breed.

Why is dental care so important?

Toy breeds cram a full set of teeth into a tiny mouth, so Yorkies are highly prone to dental disease, which is painful and whose bacteria can affect the heart and kidneys. Brush regularly, use dental chews as a supplement, and get professional cleanings as needed. Rescue Yorkies often need dental work soon after adoption.

What are liver shunts and hypoglycemia?

A liver shunt is a usually-congenital blood-vessel abnormality (the breed is prone), with signs (stunted growth, neurological signs after eating) usually appearing in young dogs. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a risk in puppies and very small adults, feed small, regular meals. Both are less of a concern for a normal-size adult.

How long do they live?

A long-lived breed, typically 13 to 16 years. Use a harness, take dental care seriously, keep the dog lean, feed appropriately, protect it from cold and injury, and stay on routine vet care. The breed's natural longevity is a real asset with attentive ownership.

Is pet insurance worth it?

Worth considering, luxating patella, tracheal collapse, dental disease, and liver shunts can be costly, and the long lifespan means many years for conditions to arise. Take insurance out while the dog is young, and check whether dental (a big issue for the breed) is covered. Dental is a near-certain recurring cost.