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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Yorkshire Terrier need? Like all dogs, Yorkshire Terriers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Yorkshire Terrier vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Yorkshire Terrier booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Yorkshire Terrier need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
