Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a toy breed with the heart of a terrier, originally bred in 19th-century England to catch rats in clothing mills. Despite weighing under 7 pounds, Yorkies are bold, confident, and fiercely loyal. Their fine, silky coat resembles human hair and requires dedicated daily grooming. They rank among the most popular toy breeds worldwide.
12–16
years lifespan
4–7
lbs (male)
7–8
inches tall (male)
moderate
energy level
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 CalculatorCommon Health Conditions
Dental Disease
Toy breeds accumulate tartar at accelerated rates due to crowded teeth in a small jaw. Yorkies are among the worst affected — periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, jaw bone deterioration, and bacterial spread to heart valves.
Typical onset: 1–3 years
Patellar Luxation
Kneecap slides out of its femoral groove, causing intermittent lameness and skipping gait. Graded I-IV; grades III-IV often require surgical correction. Very common in toy breeds due to shallow patellar grooves.
Typical onset: 1–5 years
Collapsing Trachea
Tracheal cartilage rings weaken and flatten, narrowing the airway. Causes characteristic 'goose honk' cough, especially with excitement or leash pressure. Progressive condition managed with weight control, harnesses, and sometimes surgery.
Typical onset: 3–8 years
Portosystemic Shunt
Abnormal blood vessel bypassing liver. Yorkies have highest prevalence.
Typical onset: 0–2 years
Hypoglycemia
Dangerously low blood sugar, especially in puppies under 4 months. Toy breed puppies have minimal glycogen reserves and high metabolic rates. Signs include lethargy, trembling, and seizures. Frequent small meals prevent episodes.
Typical onset: 0–0.5 years
Lifespan Factors
The median lifespan for a Yorkshire Terrier is 14 years. Key factors that influence longevity:
- dental disease
- patellar luxation
- collapsing trachea
- liver shunt
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 →