Yorkshire Terrier Health Guide: Essential Care for Your Yorkie

Top 5 Health Concerns for Yorkshire Terriers

1. Dental Disease — Prevalence: ~70-85%

Dental disease is the most pervasive health issue in Yorkshire Terriers. Their tiny jaws create extreme dental overcrowding, retained deciduous (baby) teeth are very common, and the resulting tight spaces between teeth trap bacteria and accelerate periodontal disease. Studies suggest 70-85% of Yorkies develop significant dental disease by age 3, giving them one of the highest rates among all breeds.

The consequences in Yorkies are particularly severe. Their small jawbones are proportionally weaker, and advanced periodontal disease can weaken the mandible (lower jaw) to the point of pathologic fracture — the jaw breaks during normal activities like chewing or play. This is a well-documented complication in toy breeds and Yorkies are among the most commonly affected. Beyond structural damage, oral bacteria enter the bloodstream and contribute to heart valve disease, kidney damage, and liver problems.

Daily tooth brushing is essential and should begin in puppyhood. Use a finger brush or ultra-soft small brush with enzymatic dog toothpaste. Professional dental cleanings under anesthesia are typically needed every 6-12 months — more frequently than in larger breeds. Have retained baby teeth extracted at the time of spay/neuter or sooner if they are causing crowding. Dental chews sized for toy breeds and water additives provide supplemental benefit but cannot replace brushing.

2. Luxating Patella — Prevalence: ~25-30%

Patellar luxation is the second most common health concern in Yorkshire Terriers, with OFA data showing approximately 25-30% of evaluated Yorkies are affected. Like other toy breeds, medial luxation (the kneecap sliding inward) is the predominant form. The condition may be present at birth but often becomes clinically apparent between 4-6 months of age as the puppy grows and becomes more active.

The signature sign is the intermittent "skip hop" — your Yorkie suddenly lifts one hind leg during a walk, takes a few hops, then resumes normal walking as the kneecap pops back into place. In more advanced cases, the kneecap stays dislocated, causing persistent lameness, a bow-legged stance, and progressive arthritis. Because Yorkies are so small, even mild lameness can significantly affect their mobility and comfort.

Grade 1-2 luxations can often be managed conservatively with weight control, joint supplements, and avoiding excessive jumping. Grade 3-4 luxations typically require surgical correction. Maintaining a lean body weight is critical — at only 4-7 pounds, every fraction of a pound matters. Provide ramps to furniture and use non-slip mats on hard floors to reduce stress on the knees.

3. Tracheal Collapse — Prevalence: ~15-20%

Tracheal collapse is one of the most characteristic health problems of Yorkshire Terriers. The breed has one of the highest incidences of any breed, with studies suggesting 15-20% are affected. The tracheal cartilage rings that normally hold the windpipe open gradually weaken and flatten, causing the trachea to narrow during breathing. The condition is progressive and typically worsens with age.

The classic sign is a dry, honking cough that sounds distinctly different from other types of cough — owners often describe it as sounding like a goose honk or a seal bark. Coughing episodes are triggered by excitement, exercise, pulling against a leash, drinking water, temperature changes, and sometimes simply picking the dog up. In severe cases, dogs develop exercise intolerance, labored breathing, and cyanosis (blue-tinged gums).

Management starts with prevention: always use a harness instead of a collar, maintain ideal body weight, avoid irritants (smoke, strong perfumes, dusty environments), and use a humidifier in dry climates. Medical treatment includes cough suppressants (hydrocodone, butorphanol), bronchodilators (theophylline), and anti-inflammatory medications. For severe, medically refractory cases, intraluminal tracheal stenting can provide dramatic improvement, though it carries risks and requires lifelong monitoring.

4. Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt) — Prevalence: ~2-3%

Portosystemic shunt (PSS) is a condition where blood from the digestive tract bypasses the liver through an abnormal blood vessel, meaning the liver cannot filter toxins, metabolize nutrients, or produce proteins normally. Yorkshire Terriers have the highest breed predisposition for congenital portosystemic shunts — they are 35 times more likely to be affected than mixed-breed dogs. While the 2-3% prevalence may seem modest, this is extremely high for a liver condition.

Signs often appear in puppies and young dogs: stunted growth (smaller than littermates), poor muscle development, disorientation or seizures (hepatic encephalopathy) — particularly after eating protein-rich meals — excessive urination and thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, and bladder stones (ammonium urate crystals). Some dogs show intermittent neurological signs: staring at walls, pressing their head against objects, circling, or transient blindness. These signs may wax and wane and are often worse after meals.

Diagnosis involves bile acid testing (a simple blood test before and after feeding), followed by imaging (ultrasound, CT angiography, or nuclear scintigraphy) to identify the shunting vessel. Surgical correction — either complete ligation or gradual occlusion with an ameroid constrictor — is the preferred treatment and can be curative. Medical management (low-protein diet, lactulose, antibiotics) is used for dogs who are not surgical candidates. Early diagnosis dramatically improves outcomes.

5. Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease — Prevalence: ~5-10%

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (also called avascular necrosis of the femoral head) is a condition where blood supply to the head of the femur (thighbone) is disrupted, causing the bone to die, collapse, and degenerate. Yorkshire Terriers are one of the most commonly affected breeds, with the condition typically appearing between 4-12 months of age. The exact cause is unknown, but it has a strong genetic component in Yorkies.

The primary sign is progressive hind-limb lameness that worsens over several weeks. The affected leg becomes painful when the hip is manipulated, and the puppy may chew or lick at the hip area. As the femoral head collapses, muscle wasting (atrophy) becomes visible in the affected leg. Unlike hip dysplasia, Legg-Calve-Perthes usually affects only one hip (though bilateral involvement occurs in about 10-15% of cases).

Treatment is almost always surgical — femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO), where the damaged femoral head is removed and the body forms a "false joint" of scar tissue. In small breeds like Yorkies, FHO has excellent outcomes, with most dogs returning to full, pain-free activity within 6-8 weeks of surgery and rehabilitation. Physical therapy and rehabilitation after surgery are important for optimal recovery. Conservative management with pain medication and rest is rarely successful because the bone continues to deteriorate.

Recommended Health Screenings

The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America recommends these health evaluations:

• Patella evaluation — OFA patellar luxation exam at 12+ months
• Eye examination — Annual OFA eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist
• Bile acid test — Screening for portosystemic shunt, ideally before 6 months of age
• Legg-Calve-Perthes screening — Hip radiographs if lameness develops in a young Yorkie
• Dental assessment — Professional evaluation at least annually; retained teeth check in puppyhood
• Tracheal evaluation — Radiographs if honking cough or breathing difficulties develop

Diet and Exercise Guidelines

Yorkies have fast metabolisms and small stomachs, requiring nutrient-dense food in carefully measured portions. Feed a high-quality small-breed formula — typically 1/4 to 1/2 cup per day split into 2-3 meals. Puppies and very small Yorkies (under 4 pounds) should eat 3-4 times daily to prevent hypoglycemia. For Yorkies with suspected or confirmed liver shunts, a specially formulated low-protein, high-quality diet is essential — work closely with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist.

Yorkshire Terriers need 20-30 minutes of daily exercise, which can include short walks, indoor play, and training sessions. Despite their small size, Yorkies are true terriers with moderate energy and a desire to explore. Always use a harness to protect the trachea. Avoid letting Yorkies jump from heights — their small bones are fragile and prone to fracture. Provide ramps to furniture and carry them down stairs when possible. Mental stimulation through puzzle toys and training is excellent for this intelligent breed.

When to See the Vet

Beyond routine checkups, see your veterinarian promptly if your Yorkshire Terrier shows:

• Disorientation, seizures, or head pressing, especially after eating (possible liver shunt — urgent)
• A persistent honking or goose-honk cough (possible tracheal collapse)
• Progressive hind-limb lameness in a young Yorkie (possible Legg-Calve-Perthes)
• Skipping or hopping on a hind leg (possible patellar luxation)
• Bad breath, loose teeth, difficulty eating, or facial swelling (dental disease)
• Stunted growth, poor appetite, or excessive thirst/urination in a puppy
• Weakness, trembling, or lethargy (possible hypoglycemia — apply sugar to gums first)
• Labored breathing, blue-tinged gums, or worsening exercise intolerance

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