Yorkshire Terrier Age Calculator

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.

Prevention: There is no proven way to prevent congenital liver shunts, but purchasing from a reputable breeder who tracks liver shunt incidence in their lines reduces risk. If your Yorkie puppy is unusually small, slow to grow, or shows neurological symptoms (especially after eating protein-rich meals), seek veterinary evaluation immediately. Bile acid testing can screen for liver shunts and should be considered for all Yorkie puppies.

Symptoms: poor growth and small stature, disorientation or circling after meals, seizures, excessive drooling, urinary crystals or stones, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea

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.

Prevention: There is no proven prevention, as the condition is believed to have a genetic component. Early recognition and surgical intervention provide the best outcomes. If your young Yorkie develops progressive hind-leg lameness, seek veterinary evaluation promptly. Femoral head and neck excision surgery is curative in most small-breed dogs, with excellent recovery and return to full function.

Symptoms: progressive lameness in one hind leg, pain when moving the hip joint, muscle wasting in the affected leg, reluctance to bear weight on the leg, irritability when the hip area is touched

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.

Prevention: Source puppies from breeders who screen for patellar luxation. Maintain a lean body weight to reduce stress on the joints. Avoid jumping from excessive heights (furniture, stairs). Provide ramps or steps to access elevated surfaces. Low-grade luxation can often be managed conservatively; grades III-IV typically require surgical correction.

Symptoms: intermittent skipping or hopping on hind leg, sudden leg holding (carrying one leg), cracking or popping sound from knee, reluctance to jump, bowlegged stance, stiffness after rest

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.

Prevention: Daily brushing is essential — not optional — for Yorkshire Terriers. Begin dental care from puppyhood. Professional dental cleanings should be scheduled annually or more frequently as needed. Have retained deciduous teeth extracted promptly to prevent overcrowding. Dental chews and water additives supplement but do not replace brushing. Early and aggressive dental care can save teeth and prevent systemic health consequences.

Symptoms: bad breath, red or bleeding gums, visible tartar buildup, difficulty eating or dropping food, pawing at the mouth, facial swelling, loose or missing teeth, nasal discharge from tooth root abscess

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.

Prevention: Always use a harness instead of a collar to avoid pressure on the trachea. Maintain a healthy weight, as obesity significantly worsens tracheal collapse. Avoid exposure to respiratory irritants like cigarette smoke, dust, or strong fragrances. In hot weather, keep your Yorkie in air-conditioned environments. Mild cases are managed medically (cough suppressants, anti-inflammatories, weight loss); severe cases may benefit from tracheal stent placement.

Symptoms: harsh, honking cough, coughing worsened by excitement or exercise, gagging or retching, laboured breathing, exercise intolerance, blue-tinged gums in severe episodes, cough triggered by pulling on collar