What are the main health problems in Yorkshire Terriers?

Yorkshire Terriers are generally a fairly long-lived little breed (often living 12 to 16 years), but as a toy breed they have a number of characteristic health conditions owners should know about. The most important are: dental disease (small breeds, including Yorkies, are very prone to dental problems, so dental care is genuinely important, covered below); tracheal collapse (a weakening of the windpipe that toy breeds are prone to, causing a characteristic honking cough, which is why a harness rather than a neck collar is strongly recommended, covered below); luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps, common in small breeds); and portosystemic (liver) shunts (a congenital blood-vessel abnormality bypassing the liver, which the breed is notably prone to, covered below). Other conditions Yorkies can be prone to include: hypoglycemia (low blood sugar, a risk especially in very young or very tiny puppies); eye problems (such as progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and dry eye); collapsing trachea-related respiratory issues; and, in dangerously undersized "teacup" Yorkies (which should be avoided), a much higher risk of many serious health problems. That is a fair list, but many Yorkies are healthy and long-lived. For adopters, the practical priorities are: take dental care seriously (brushing and professional cleanings); use a harness, not a collar, to protect the windpipe; keep the dog lean and watch for signs of joint problems; be aware of hypoglycemia risk in very small or young dogs; be aware of the possibility of liver shunt (especially in a young dog with poor growth or neurological signs); and maintain good routine veterinary care. For an adopted Yorkie, ask the rescue what is known about the dog's health, and be aware that dental disease in particular is common. Overall, with good preventive care, especially dental care, harness use, and weight management, a Yorkshire Terrier can be a healthy, long-lived companion, and most of the key protective steps are within your control.

Why should Yorkshire Terriers wear a harness instead of a collar?

Yorkshire Terriers, 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, so the airway partially collapses, and this is one of the most important reasons a Yorkie should wear a harness rather than a neck collar for leash walking. A neck collar puts pressure directly on the delicate throat and windpipe, especially if the dog pulls, which can aggravate or contribute to tracheal collapse and irritate the airway, whereas a harness distributes pressure across the chest and shoulders, protecting the neck and windpipe. For this reason, using a well-fitted harness (not a neck collar) for walking is strongly recommended for Yorkshire Terriers and is a simple, important protective measure. The signs of tracheal collapse include a characteristic honking cough (often described as sounding like a goose honk), coughing (especially with excitement, exercise, pulling on a collar, or pressure on the neck), and, in more severe cases, exercise intolerance or breathing difficulty. Tracheal collapse can range from mild to severe; mild cases are often managed with weight control (excess weight worsens it), harness use, avoiding irritants (like smoke), and sometimes medication to control coughing, while severe cases may need more intervention. If your Yorkie develops a honking cough or breathing issues, see your vet. Beyond tracheal collapse, a harness is simply gentler and safer for any small, delicate dog. So the recommendation is clear and easy to follow: walk your Yorkshire Terrier on a harness, not a neck collar, to protect its windpipe, keep the dog at a healthy weight (which also protects the airway), and watch for the honking cough that signals tracheal issues. This is one of the simplest and most valuable things a Yorkie owner can do for the dog's health, and it is worth doing from day one.

Are Yorkshire Terriers prone to dental problems?

Yes, Yorkshire Terriers, like most small and toy breeds, are quite prone to dental disease, and dental care is one of the most important, and most often overlooked, parts of keeping a Yorkie healthy. The reason small breeds are prone to dental problems is that they have the same number of teeth as large dogs crowded into a very small mouth, which leads to crowding, plaque and tartar buildup, gum disease (periodontal disease), and, over time, tooth decay, infection, pain, and tooth loss if not managed. Yorkies in particular are considered one of the breeds most prone to dental issues. Dental disease is not just about the mouth: advanced periodontal disease can cause pain, affect eating, and even contribute to problems elsewhere in the body, so it genuinely matters for the dog's overall health and comfort. The good news is that dental care is very much within your control. The mainstays are: regular tooth brushing at home (ideally daily or several times a week, using dog-specific toothpaste, never human toothpaste), which is the single most effective thing you can do; dental chews and dental-supportive diets as helpful additions (though not a substitute for brushing); and, importantly, professional dental cleanings under anesthesia at the vet as needed over the dog's life (many small dogs need periodic professional cleanings, and your vet will advise on timing), which are a real but worthwhile recurring cost. Getting an adopted Yorkie used to having its teeth brushed, gently and positively, is worth the early effort, and starting young (or as soon as you adopt) helps. 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 checked by your vet. Because dental disease is so common in the breed, and professional cleanings and any extractions can be costly, dental care is both an important health priority and a real budget consideration for Yorkshire Terrier owners (and a reason pet insurance that covers dental, where available, can be worth looking into). In short: take your Yorkie's dental care seriously, it is one of the most valuable things you can do for the breed's long-term health.

What are luxating patellas, liver shunts, and hypoglycemia in Yorkshire Terriers?

These are three more conditions Yorkshire Terrier owners should be aware of. Luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps): this is a common condition in small breeds, including Yorkies, in which the kneecap slips out of its normal groove, which can cause a skipping or hopping gait, intermittent lameness, or holding up a back leg; it ranges from mild (occasional slipping, often needing no treatment) to more severe (which may require surgery). Keeping the dog lean helps reduce strain on the joints, and if you notice skipping or lameness, have your vet assess it. Portosystemic (liver) shunt: this is a congenital abnormality (present from birth) in which a blood vessel bypasses the liver, so blood is not properly filtered of toxins, and the Yorkshire Terrier is one of the breeds most prone to it. Signs, often seen in a young dog, can include poor growth or being the runt, failure to thrive, being small or underweight, neurological signs (disorientation, circling, staring, seizures, especially after meals), digestive issues, and excessive drinking/urination; it is diagnosed with blood tests and imaging, and treatment may involve special diet and medication and, in many cases, surgery to correct the shunt, which can be effective but is a significant procedure. If you adopt a young Yorkie showing poor growth or these signs, liver shunt is worth investigating with your vet; for an adult Yorkie that has grown normally and is healthy, it is much less of a concern. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): this is a risk especially in very young and very tiny toy-breed puppies (including Yorkies, and particularly dangerously undersized "teacup" dogs), whose small bodies can struggle to maintain blood sugar, especially if they miss meals, get chilled, or are stressed; signs include weakness, wobbliness, lethargy, trembling, and, in severe cases, collapse or seizures, and it can be an emergency. It is mainly a concern in puppies and tiny dogs; for an adult Yorkie of normal size, it is much less of an issue, but owners of very young or very small Yorkies should feed frequent meals and know the signs. Overall, these three conditions, joint (patellas), liver (shunt, mainly in young dogs), and blood sugar (hypoglycemia, mainly in the young/tiny), are worth knowing about, and for a normal-sized adult Yorkie, dental care and harness use (for the trachea) are usually the bigger day-to-day health priorities.

How long do Yorkshire Terriers live and is pet insurance worth it in Montreal?

Yorkshire Terriers are a fairly long-lived breed, typically living around 12 to 16 years, and many stay healthy and active well into their senior years with good care, small breeds generally live longer than large ones, and the Yorkie is among the longer-lived. Much of keeping one healthy is within your control: take dental care seriously (regular brushing and professional cleanings, the single most important recurring health task for the breed); use a harness, not a collar, to protect the windpipe; keep the dog lean (protecting the joints and airway); be aware of hypoglycemia risk in very young or tiny dogs (frequent meals); be alert to liver-shunt signs in a young dog; protect the dog from the cold in Montreal winters (they get cold easily); and maintain good routine veterinary care so any conditions are caught early. On pet insurance: it is worth considering for a Yorkshire Terrier, because while the breed is relatively hardy, it has a number of potential conditions that can be costly, dental disease (professional cleanings and any extractions add up over a long life), tracheal collapse (management can be ongoing), luxating patella surgery (if needed), liver shunt (surgery is expensive), and others, and Montreal veterinary care is not cheap. The breed's long lifespan also means many years over which conditions can arise. As always, take out insurance while the dog is young and healthy, before any condition is diagnosed and excluded as pre-existing. Compare providers, understand coverage (including whether dental, which is common in small breeds, is covered, as many policies exclude or limit it) and any limits, and read the fine print. If you self-insure instead, keep a solid vet fund in mind, with dental care in particular. Note that for an adopted adult or senior Yorkie, some conditions (especially dental disease) may already be present, so understand what a policy will cover, and factor in that a rescue Yorkie may need dental work. In short, with good preventive care, especially dental care and harness use, and financial preparedness for potential issues, a Yorkshire Terrier can be a healthy, delightful companion for many years.

Yorkshire Terrier Health Issues (Montreal Guide)

The short answer

Yorkies are fairly hardy and long-lived (~12 to 16 years), but as a toy breed they have characteristic issues. The biggest day-to-day ones: dental disease (Yorkies are among the most dental-prone breeds, brush and get cleanings) and tracheal collapse (a weak windpipe causing a honking cough, so use a harness, not a collar). Also luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps, keep the dog lean), liver shunts (a congenital condition the breed is notably prone to, mainly seen in young dogs), and hypoglycemia (mainly in the very young/tiny). Levers you control: take dental care seriously, use a harness, keep the dog lean, and maintain routine vet care. Insurance is worth considering, insure while young.

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A Yorkshire Terrier being examined at a Montreal veterinary clinic — Dental care, harness use, and weight management are a Yorkshire Terrier owner's most valuable health habits.

Yorkshire Terriers are hardy little dogs that often live well into their teens, but as a toy breed they carry a few characteristic considerations. The good news is that the most important ones, dental disease and windpipe protection, are largely within your control. Here's the health picture, condition by condition.

Dental disease: the top priority

Like most toy breeds, and more than most, Yorkies are very prone to dental disease (the same number of teeth crowded into a tiny mouth, leading to tartar, gum disease, and tooth loss), and dental care is one of the most important, and most overlooked, parts of keeping a Yorkie healthy. Advanced dental disease causes pain, affects eating, and can harm overall health.

It's very much within your control: regular tooth brushing (ideally daily or several times a week, with dog-specific toothpaste, never human) is the single most effective thing, supported by dental chews and diets, plus professional cleanings under anesthesia as your vet advises (a real but worthwhile recurring cost). Get an adopted Yorkie used to brushing gently and positively. Watch for bad breath, red or bleeding gums, tartar, or difficulty eating. Because dental disease is so common and cleanings can be costly, it's both a health priority and a budget consideration.

Tracheal collapse: harness, not collar

Yorkies are prone to tracheal collapse (weakening of the windpipe's cartilage rings, causing a characteristic honking cough), which is why they should walk on a harness, not a neck collar. A collar puts pressure on the delicate windpipe (worse if the dog pulls); a harness spreads pressure across the chest, protecting the neck. This is a simple, important protective measure, do it from day one.

Signs: a goose-honk cough, coughing with excitement, exercise, or neck pressure, and in severe cases exercise intolerance or breathing difficulty. Mild cases are managed with weight control (excess weight worsens it), harness use, avoiding irritants like smoke, and sometimes cough medication; severe cases may need more. If your Yorkie develops a honking cough or breathing issues, see your vet. Walking on a harness and keeping the dog lean are among the simplest, most valuable things a Yorkie owner can do.

Kneecaps, liver shunts, and blood sugar

Luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps): common in small breeds, causing a skipping gait or intermittent lameness, mild to severe (surgery for severe). Keep the dog lean and have any skipping assessed. Liver (portosystemic) shunts: a congenital blood-vessel abnormality bypassing the liver, which the Yorkie is notably prone to, usually seen in a young dog (poor growth, being the runt, neurological signs like disorientation or seizures, especially after meals). Diagnosed by blood tests and imaging; treated with diet, medication, and often surgery. Hypoglycemia: mainly a risk in very young/tiny puppies (feed frequent meals, know the signs), much less an issue in a normal adult.

If you adopt a young Yorkie with poor growth or these neurological signs, liver shunt is worth investigating; for a healthy adult that grew normally, it's much less of a concern. For a normal-sized adult Yorkie, dental care and harness use are usually the bigger day-to-day priorities. See our grooming guide for coat care.

Lifespan and the insurance case

Yorkies are fairly long-lived, typically ~12 to 16 years. Take dental care seriously, use a harness, keep the dog lean, mind hypoglycemia in the very young/tiny, be alert to liver-shunt signs in a young dog, protect from the cold in Montreal winters, and stay on routine vet care. On insurance: worth considering, the breed's potential conditions, dental (over a long life), tracheal collapse, luxating patella surgery, and liver shunt (expensive surgery), can be costly, and the long lifespan means many years for issues to arise.

Take out insurance while the dog is young and healthy, before any condition is excluded, and check whether dental (common in small breeds) is covered. If you self-insure, keep a solid vet fund with dental in mind. For an adopted adult or senior, some conditions (especially dental) may already be present. With good preventive care, especially dental and harness use, a Yorkshire Terrier can be a healthy, delightful companion for many years. See the adoption guide for the cost picture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main health problems?

Dental disease above all (Yorkies are among the most dental-prone breeds), plus tracheal collapse (use a harness), luxating patellas, and liver shunts (which the breed is notably prone to, mainly in young dogs), with hypoglycemia mainly a risk in the very young/tiny. Generally a hardy, long-lived breed (12 to 16 years).

Why a harness instead of a collar?

Yorkies are prone to tracheal collapse (a weak windpipe, causing a honking cough). A neck collar presses on the delicate windpipe, especially if the dog pulls; a harness spreads pressure across the chest, protecting the neck. Use a harness from day one, and keep the dog lean (excess weight worsens tracheal collapse).

Are they prone to dental problems?

Yes, very, more than most toy breeds (crowded teeth in a tiny mouth). Dental care is one of the most important and overlooked parts of Yorkie health. Brush regularly (dog toothpaste), use dental chews, and get professional cleanings as your vet advises. Watch for bad breath, red gums, or difficulty eating. It's a real budget consideration too.

What are luxating patellas, liver shunts, and hypoglycemia?

Luxating patellas are slipping kneecaps (keep the dog lean). Liver shunts are a congenital condition the Yorkie is notably prone to, usually seen in young dogs with poor growth or neurological signs (diagnosed by tests, often needing surgery). Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is mainly a risk in very young/tiny puppies, much less an issue in a normal adult.

How long do they live, and is insurance worth it?

Fairly long-lived, typically 12 to 16 years. Insurance is worth considering, dental, tracheal collapse, luxating patella surgery, and liver shunt surgery can be costly, and the long life means many years for issues to arise. Insure while young, check whether dental is covered, or keep a solid vet fund.

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Yorkshire Terrier Health Issues