Yorkshire Terrier Lifespan & Health Guide
The typical Yorkshire Terrier lives 11–15 years, with a median of 13 years.
The Yorkshire Terrier is a diminutive but feisty toy breed originally developed in 19th-century Yorkshire, England, to catch rats in textile mills and mines. Despite weighing under 7 pounds, Yorkies carry themselves with the confidence of a much larger dog, earning their reputation as a big personality in a tiny package. Their long, silky, hypoallergenic coat and bold temperament have made them one of the world's most popular companion dogs for over a century.
11–15
years lifespan
4–7
lbs (male)
7–8
inches tall (male)
moderate
energy level
How Long Do Yorkshire Terriers Live?
Yorkshire Terriers have a lifespan of 11–15 years, with a median of 13 years. The main health factors that affect how long a Yorkshire Terrier lives:
- portosystemic shunt (liver shunt)
- patellar luxation
- tracheal collapse
- dental disease
- hypoglycaemia (puppies)
Temperament
How Old Is Your Yorkshire Terrier in Human Years?
Use our breed-specific calculator to find out, plus get personalised health and care guidance for your dog’s exact age.
Open Yorkshire Terrier Age CalculatorYorkshire Terrier Size & Weight
4–7 lbs
Male weight
4–7 lbs
Female weight
7–8″
Male height
7–8″
Female height
Size category: small · Group: Toy
Common Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems
Patellar Luxation
A condition where the kneecap (patella) dislocates from its normal position in the groove of the femur, causing intermittent or persistent lameness. Yorkshire Terriers are one of the most commonly affected breeds. The condition is graded from I (mild, manually dislocatable but self-reducing) to IV (permanent dislocation). Bilateral involvement (both knees) is common. Chronic luxation leads to erosion of joint cartilage and progressive arthritis.
Typical onset: 1–4 years
Tracheal Collapse
A progressive weakening of the tracheal cartilage rings causing the airway to flatten during breathing, resulting in a characteristic honking cough. Yorkshire Terriers are one of the breeds most predisposed to this condition. It can range from mild, exercise-induced coughing to severe respiratory distress. Obesity, excitement, heat, and the use of collars instead of harnesses significantly worsen symptoms.
Typical onset: 4–8 years
Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt)
An abnormal blood vessel that bypasses the liver, allowing toxins that should be filtered by the liver to circulate through the body. Yorkshire Terriers have the highest incidence of congenital portosystemic shunts of any breed. Affected dogs may show poor growth, neurological signs (especially after eating), urinary problems, and failure to thrive. Early detection and surgical correction offer the best prognosis.
Typical onset: 0–2 years
Dental Disease (Early-Onset Periodontal Disease)
Yorkshire Terriers are among the breeds most severely affected by dental disease due to their tiny jaws, crowded teeth, and retained deciduous teeth. Periodontal disease in Yorkies progresses faster and more aggressively than in larger breeds, often leading to tooth loss, jawbone deterioration, and bacterial seeding of the heart and kidneys. Many Yorkies require multiple dental extractions during their lifetime.
Typical onset: 1–3 years
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) caused by disrupted blood supply to the developing bone. This condition almost exclusively affects small and toy breeds, with Yorkies being among the most commonly diagnosed. It typically appears in puppies and young adults, causing progressive hind-leg lameness and muscle wasting. Surgical treatment (femoral head and neck excision) has excellent outcomes in small breeds.
Typical onset: 0.5–1.5 years
Recommended Health Screenings
Breed-specific tests and evaluations recommended for Yorkshire Terriers:
- Patellar luxation evaluation
- Bile acid test (liver shunt screening)
- Dental examination
- Ophthalmologic examination
- Cardiac evaluation
Typical Veterinary Costs
Yorkshire Terriers are generally rated high on the annual veterinary cost scale, based on breed-specific health risks, known chronic conditions, and typical screening requirements. Budget for preventative screenings and treatment of common breed-specific issues.
When Is a Yorkshire Terrier Considered Senior?
Yorkshire Terriers are generally considered senior at around 10 years of age. At this point, you should increase vet visits to twice yearly and watch for age-related health changes.
Check your Yorkshire Terrier’s age in human years →Yorkshire Terrier Exercise Needs
Adult Yorkshire Terriers need 20–40 minutes of exercise per day. Adult Yorkies need regular moderate exercise to maintain health and prevent obesity, but their small size means their needs are easily met. Two short walks per day plus indoor play is typically sufficient. They enjoy and benefit from small-dog play groups where they can socialize safely with appropriately sized companions. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys is as important as physical exercise.
Cautions: always use a harness; avoid extreme temperatures; watch for signs of tracheal coughing after exertion; provide water frequently; protect from birds of prey in open areas
Yorkshire Terrier Diet & Nutrition
Adult Yorkshire Terriers typically eat 0.25–0.5 cups of high-quality small/toy breed adult formula per day, split into 2 meals. Adult Yorkies eat tiny portions, so every bite must be nutritionally dense. Choose a premium toy-breed food with appropriate kibble size. Avoid table scraps entirely — even small amounts of high-fat food can trigger pancreatitis in Yorkies. Measure food precisely, as even a few extra kibble per meal can lead to weight gain on such a tiny frame. Their long silky coat benefits from foods rich in omega fatty acids.
Key nutrients: lean animal protein, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for coat health, dental-supporting nutrients, adequate fibre, taurine for cardiac health
Yorkshire Terriers should weigh 4-7 lbs as adults. Because they are so small, even half a pound of excess weight represents a significant percentage of their body mass and puts strain on joints, the trachea, and the heart. You should be able to feel the ribs easily with light pressure. Treats must be tiny — break commercial treats into quarters or use single pieces of kibble as rewards. Never free-feed a Yorkie. If using a food bowl, measure precisely with a proper measuring tool rather than estimating.
Yorkshire Terrier Dental Care
Yorkshire Terriers have the worst dental health of virtually any breed. Their tiny jaws create severe overcrowding, and retained deciduous teeth compound the problem. The breed develops plaque and tartar at an accelerated rate, and periodontal disease progresses rapidly to bone loss and tooth loss. Many Yorkies will lose the majority of their teeth during their lifetime without aggressive dental care. Daily brushing is mandatory — not optional — and professional cleanings are needed more frequently than in most breeds. Owners should budget for dental care as a routine, significant expense of Yorkie ownership.
Yorkshire Terrier Coat & Grooming
Coat type
Long, silky, and fine (similar to human hair)
Shedding
minimal
Energy
moderate
Yorkshire Terrier Trainability
Yorkshire Terriers are rated moderate to train. They typically calm down around 24 months of age.