The Yorkshire Terrier is a small, loving, and sociable pup, and this breed is known for the strong bonds they form with their humans. This breed often has a distinct and strong personality, and they are very affectionate with their family members.
If you have a Yorkie, or if you are considering adopting a Yorkshire Terrier, you may be wondering how long this dog is expected to live. Our article tells you more about the average Yorkie lifespan and gives you tips on how to help your Yorkie live longer.
How Long Do Yorkies Live?
As a smaller dog, Yorkshire Terriers often have a longer lifespan. An average Yorkshire Terrier will live between 13 and 16 years.
However, the care your dog receives throughout their life, in addition to health conditions and genetics, determine your dog’s lifespan.
What Is the Teacup Yorkie Lifespan?
Teacup Yorkshire Terriers are a smaller version of the already small Yorkie. These dogs are chosen from the smallest among a litter of dogs, and they are occasionally bred with other small dogs to create the tiniest dogs possible.
Breeding teacup Yorkies is often a controversial practice, as these tiny dogs are prone to more health issues and genetic conditions than their full-sized counterparts.
On average, a teacup Yorkshire Terrier can be expected to live between 11 and 15 years.
Yorkshire Terrier Health Conditions
Yorkies, like many other dog breeds, may develop certain health conditions based on their genetics.
It’s important to understand which conditions your dog might be prone to so you know what to look out for and when to seek treatment. With proper care plans, you can help mitigate the most serious symptoms of your Yorkie’s health problems and encourage a longer lifespan.
Health conditions your Yorkshire Terrier may be prone to include:
- Hypoglycemia – Small dogs like Yorkies are prone to blood sugar issues, and you should split your dog’s food into several small meals to combat hypoglycemia.
- Dental diseases – Because they have small mouths, Yorkshire Terriers are prone to tooth pain, gum disease, and other dental problems. You should make sure you get regular dental exams for your dog.
- Patellar luxation – This is a knee issue where the joint does not function properly. Patellar luxation can cause pain, stiffness, and trouble walking.
- Tracheal collapse – Yorkshire Terriers are genetically predisposed to this condition, and it occurs when the windpipe of your dog flattens, making breathing difficult or causing coughing.
- Liver shunts – This is a birth defect commonly seen in Yorkshire Terriers, and it results in blood not being properly filtered by the liver.
- Allergies – Some Yorkies may be extra sensitive and prone to developing skin allergies and environmental allergies. These can generally be managed with the help of your vet.
If you have concerns about your dog developing any of these conditions, speak to your vet. They can help you understand how to properly care for your dog and test for or treat any specific health issue your Yorkie may develop.
Average Lifespan of a Yorkie: Tips to Encourage a Long, Happy Life
The following tips are key to helping your Yorkshire Terrier have a long and happy life. When you implement these tips in your dog’s daily care routine, you can make sure that they stay in good health, they are benefiting from proper care, and they are enjoying every day at your side.
Ethical Breeding
Ethical breeding is one of the most important things to keep in mind if you want your Yorkshire Terrier to have a long, happy life. With ethical breeding, adult dogs are happy and well cared for, and inbreeding is avoided. This results in puppies that are more likely to be healthy and happy, reducing the chances of certain genetic conditions and other health issues.
Most Yorkshire Terriers are purebred and not widely available in shelters, so if you plan on welcoming a Yorkshire Terrier into your family, you will need to make sure that the breeder you are purchasing from has applicable certifications and licenses in addition to upholding high-quality standards.
Signs of a backyard breeder or an unethical breeder include very small puppies, sickly puppies, and breeders who do not have much knowledge about the Yorkshire Terrier breed. You may not be allowed to see where the dogs are being kept or bred, or your puppy may show signs of having genetic health issues at an early age.
Proper Diet and Nutrition
Making sure your Yorkshire Terrier receives the proper diet and nutrition is key to keeping them healthy and reducing the chance of your dog becoming obese. Obesity in dogs has a severe impact on their health, and obesity can often lead to diseases that impact the longevity of your dog.
Obesity also can cause mental health issues like depression and reduce your dog’s ability to stay physically fit.
You should be feeding your Yorkshire Terrier a healthy diet of wet or dry food, or a combination of both types of food. How much food your Yorkie receives each day depends on their size, the caloric content of the food you are feeding, and their daily activity. You can speak to your vet if you have any questions or concerns about feeding your Yorkshire Terrier.
Mental and Physical Stimulation
Mental and physical stimulation are essential to your dog’s health, and you should make sure that your Yorkshire Terrier receives enough exercise every day.
Yorkshire Terriers are smaller, so they don’t need an extensive amount of exercise, but you should still be taking them on two to three moderate walks per day. You can take your Yorkshire Terrier to a small dog park and allow them to socialize and play with other dogs, and you can take your dog on outdoor adventures whenever they are feeling up to it.
Your dog will benefit from having a safe outdoor area to run around and play in, and you should make sure that they have plenty of toys and puzzles to keep them entertained. This is especially important if you leave your dog at home alone for more than a few hours at a time.
Incorporating training and a routine into your dog’s daily schedule can also help to keep them mentally stimulated, something that prevents destructive behaviors, boredom, and anxiety or depression. These conditions can affect your Yorkshire Terrier’s lifespan if they are not treated properly.
Dental Care
Dental care plays an incredibly important part in your dog’s health, and this is often overlooked. Your dog’s teeth and gums can impact the health of their body, and any infections or pain in your dog’s mouth can lead to behavioral changes, widespread infections, and refusal to eat.
Make sure that you follow your vet’s recommendations for dental care for your Yorkshire Terrier, and make an effort to feed your dog dental treats or brush their teeth regularly to ensure their dental health stays up to date.
Regular Grooming
Regular grooming for your Yorkshire Terrier is an important part of caring for your dog and making sure they stay healthy. Regular grooming and brushing will keep your dog’s coat stay free of knots and tangles, and it will give you a chance to look at your dog’s skin or detect any points of pain on your dog. With regular grooming, you can spot signs of skin allergies or infections, and you can conduct an overall examination of your dog’s body to make sure that they are in good health.
Many Yorkies will also need to visit a professional groomer on a routine basis to get their coat trimmed and kept in good shape.
Routine and Preventative Care
Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs, which makes them more prone to injuries as they are overall more fragile. Preventative care that takes into account your dog’s size and physical ability is key to keeping them in good health and ensuring that they are comfortable throughout their life.
Along with changing your dog’s diet to match their specific healthcare needs and age, you can make sure that you support your dog with things like stairs, plenty of cushions, and toys that keep them engaged. Routine veterinary care is also vital for your dog, and you should expect to take your Yorkshire Terrier once a year when they are younger and twice a year when they enter senior age.
With proper routine care and preventative care that takes your dog’s needs into account, you can keep your dog healthy and happy for as long as possible.
Encouraging a Long Life In Your Yorkie
Yorkshire Terriers are wonderful companions and playful little dogs that complete many people’s lives. If you own a Yorkie, or if you are planning to adopt one, you are likely wondering how you can best care for your dog and support them to live a long life.
Following the tips in our article can help you encourage a longer lifespan in your Yorkie and teach you what to look out for when it comes to spotting important health conditions that need swift and routine treatment. And remember, proper care, lots of love, and regular veterinary visits are key to giving your dog the happiest, healthiest life possible.
Sources:
Author Coates, Jennifer, DVM, “Liver Shunts in Dogs: What You Need to Know”, PetMD, 2018. https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/liver-shunts-dogs-what-you-need-know
Author Hunter, Tammy, DVM, “Luxating Patella in Dogs”, VCA Hospitals, 2023. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/luxating-patella-in-dogs
