Yorkshire Terrier Health Guide: Care & Common Issues

Yorkshire Terriers are proof that big personality fits in a very small package. At 4 to 7 pounds, Yorkies are one of the tiniest breeds around, but they carry themselves with the confidence of a dog three times their size (former rat-catchers don't have a lot of self-doubt). They're fiercely affectionate with their people, love being the center of attention, and have a silky coat that requires serious upkeep. Their small size is also the source of most of their health vulnerabilities, so knowing what to watch for makes a real difference.

Common Health Conditions

Dental Disease

This is the number one health issue in Yorkshire Terriers, and it's not close. Yorkies have a full set of adult teeth packed into a jaw that is genuinely tiny, which means crowding, plaque buildup, and early gum disease are almost inevitable without active prevention. Untreated dental disease doesn't stay in the mouth: bacteria from infected gums can travel to the kidneys, liver, and heart over time.

By age 3, most small dogs show some signs of dental disease. With Yorkies, that timeline can be even shorter.

What you can do: Start brushing your Yorkie's teeth as early as possible, ideally as a puppy so they get used to it. Use a finger brush or a small dog toothbrush with dog-safe toothpaste. Even three times a week is significantly better than nothing. Your vet will likely recommend professional dental cleanings under anesthesia at some point, and it's worth it. Dental chews and water additives can help, but they don't replace brushing.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar, and it's a serious risk for toy breeds, especially Yorkie puppies and very small adults. Their tiny bodies have limited glycogen reserves, which means they can crash quickly if they miss a meal, get stressed, or overexert themselves. A hypoglycemic episode can look like weakness, confusion, wobbly walking, or in severe cases, seizures and loss of consciousness.

Yorkie puppies under 3 months old are especially vulnerable and need to eat frequently throughout the day.

What you can do: Feed your Yorkie small meals consistently, two to three times a day, and don't skip meals. Keep a small amount of corn syrup or honey on hand for emergencies: a small dab on the gums can help stabilize blood sugar quickly while you get to a vet. If your adult Yorkie has recurring hypoglycemic episodes, talk to your vet about whether an underlying condition like a portosystemic shunt could be involved.

Luxating Patella

The patella (kneecap) sits in a groove and slides smoothly during normal movement. In small breeds like Yorkies, the groove is sometimes too shallow, and the kneecap slips to the side, a condition called patellar luxation. You'll often notice it as a sudden skip in the walk, where your dog holds up a back leg for a few strides and then goes back to normal.

It ranges from mild (occasional and not painful) to severe (constant lameness that affects quality of life). Yorkies are one of the breeds most commonly affected.

What you can do: Watch for that characteristic skip in your dog's gait. Your vet will grade the severity from 1 to 4. Grade 1 and 2 are often managed conservatively with weight control and monitoring. Grade 3 and 4 typically benefit from surgical correction, which has excellent outcomes. Catching it early and keeping your Yorkie at a healthy weight is the best prevention strategy.

Tracheal Collapse

The trachea (windpipe) is supported by rings of cartilage, and in some small breeds, those rings are weaker than they should be. When the trachea collapses, it partially closes during breathing, causing a distinctive honking cough that Yorkie owners often describe as sounding like a goose. It can be triggered by excitement, exercise, drinking water, or pressure on the neck from a collar.

It tends to develop or worsen in middle-aged to older Yorkies, though some show signs earlier.

What you can do: Switch your Yorkie from a collar to a harness immediately, since collar pressure on the neck is one of the most direct triggers for tracheal collapse episodes. Avoid exposing your dog to smoke, dust, or strong fragrances. If your Yorkie is overweight, weight loss can significantly reduce the frequency of episodes. Your vet can recommend medications to manage coughing and inflammation, and severe cases may be candidates for surgical treatment.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a condition where the blood supply to the femoral head (the ball part of the hip joint) is interrupted, causing the bone to break down. It typically affects young Yorkies between 4 months and 1 year old and causes progressive lameness in one rear leg. The exact cause isn't fully understood, but it's believed to have a genetic component in small breeds.

It can look like patellar luxation at first, which is why a proper diagnosis with X-rays matters.

What you can do: If your young Yorkie is limping on a rear leg, get it checked sooner rather than later. X-rays are needed to distinguish Legg-Calve-Perthes from other causes of lameness. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the damaged femoral head, which sounds dramatic but actually allows the body to form a "false joint" of scar tissue. Most Yorkies recover very well and regain near-normal function.

Preventive Care Schedule

Small dogs live long lives, and the investment in preventive care pays off over many years.

Puppyhood (8 weeks to 1 year): Core vaccinations, frequent small meals to prevent hypoglycemia, dental hygiene introduction, harness fitting (never collar-only), spay/neuter discussion with your vet
Young adult (1 to 3 years): Annual exams, dental cleaning assessment, gait monitoring for patellar luxation, booster vaccinations
Adult (3 to 8 years): Annual exams, regular dental cleanings, weight monitoring, watch for tracheal cough
Senior (8+ years): Twice-yearly exams, comprehensive blood panels, dental health, joint mobility, respiratory monitoring

Nutrition & Weight Management

Yorkies need a high-quality small-breed formula with appropriately sized kibble (large kibble is hard on their small mouths and teeth). Look for named protein sources as the primary ingredient and avoid formulas heavy in fillers and artificial additives.

Because hypoglycemia is a real risk, consistent meal timing matters more for Yorkies than for most breeds. Two to three meals a day is recommended over one large feeding. Avoid long gaps between meals, especially in young dogs or particularly small adults.

Keep treats small and calorie-conscious. Even a couple of extra treats a day can represent a meaningful percentage of a Yorkie's total daily calorie needs, which makes portion creep a real issue.

When to See Your Vet

Beyond your regular schedule, see your vet promptly if you notice:

Weakness, wobbly walking, or loss of consciousness, which could be hypoglycemia and requires immediate attention
A persistent skip in the gait or rear leg lameness, possible patellar luxation or Legg-Calve-Perthes
A honking cough or labored breathing, signs of tracheal collapse
Bad breath, pawing at the mouth, or reluctance to eat hard food, dental disease
Rear leg lameness in a puppy under 1 year old, warrants X-rays to check for Legg-Calve-Perthes

With hypoglycemia, time matters. If your Yorkie collapses or seems unresponsive, rub a small amount of honey or corn syrup on their gums and get to a vet right away.

This guide is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for medical advice specific to your pet's individual health needs.