Longevity
Life expectancy
Well cared for, the Yorkshire Terrier can live many years and remain active for a long time. Dental prevention, maintaining a stable weight and early detection of locomotor or respiratory disorders play an important role in its longevity.
Build
A robust breed?
The Yorkshire Terrier shows decent robustness for a miniature dog, but its very small size must not make one forget a real mechanical fragility. Falls, rough handling and poorly adapted efforts can weigh on its locomotor system, notably at the level of the kneecaps and the cervical region. Well protected and well monitored, it nevertheless remains a dynamic and long-lasting companion.
Watch points
What to watch for
Like many very small dogs, the Yorkshire Terrier benefits from targeted preventive monitoring throughout its life. Attention paid to the mouth, gait, breathing and digestion makes it possible to act early in case of a problem.
Gingivitis : The buildup of plaque and tartar can promote inflammation of the gums, sometimes early in this breed.
Patellar luxation : A common condition in small dogs that can cause lameness, locomotor discomfort and progressive joint wear.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) : A degenerative eye disease likely to progressively impair vision.
Cataract : Clouding of the lens that can lead to a decrease in vision of variable intensity.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease : Damage to the femoral head observed in some small dogs, responsible for pain and lameness.
Congenital portosystemic shunt : A vascular abnormality that can disrupt liver function and require specialized veterinary care.
Dermatoses : Skin conditions may occur in sensitive individuals, especially if the skin is weakened by the environment or inappropriate care.
Entropion : Abnormal rolling of the eyelid inward, likely to irritate the cornea.
Hydrocephalus : A rarer neurological condition but described in very small sizes.
Hypoglycemia : Very young individuals or very low-weight dogs may be sensitive to drops in blood sugar in case of fasting or stress.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Yorkshire Terrier tolerates extreme temperatures rather poorly. The absence of an undercoat and the fineness of its coat expose it to cold, wind and humidity, while its small size also calls for limiting exertion in high heat. In practice, it lives better indoors, with regular outings but adapted to weather conditions.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Even if it is not the most predisposed to being overweight, the Yorkshire Terrier can gain weight quite quickly if its ration is too rich or if treats are poorly controlled. On such a small dog, a few excesses are enough to weigh down the joints and reduce mobility. A measured ration, few fatty foods and regular daily activity are the best guidelines.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Brush the teeth several times a week or use appropriate oral hygiene.
- Monitor any persistent dry cough or breathing discomfort.
- Avoid repeated jumps from sofas or arms to protect the joints.
- Maintain a stable weight throughout life.
Vaccination
Yorkshire Terrier vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Yorkshire Terrier? Like all cats, the Yorkshire Terrier receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Yorkshire Terrier is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Yorkshire Terrier vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Yorkshire Terrier?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Yorkshire Terrier
Particular attention must be paid to the liver, knees and eyes, which are among the most relevant checkpoints in the breed. Oral and dental monitoring must also be regular, as tartar and gum problems can appear early. Before adoption, it is useful to ask which examinations and lineage history have been checked.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
