Yorkshire Terrier Health Guide
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Health issues in Yorkies including dental disease, liver shunt, collapsed trachea, and luxating patella. Covers small dog care considerations.
Genetic Predispositions
Every feeding plan for a pet should end with a brief veterinary check, especially after weight, age, or health changes.
Orthopedic Issues
- Joint and bone conditions common to the breed's body structure
- Weight management is critical for reducing orthopedic stress
- Appropriate exercise levels help maintain joint health without overloading
- Screening tests available for many genetic orthopedic conditions
Cardiac Concerns
- Breed-specific heart conditions that may develop with age
- Annual cardiac screening recommended for at-risk breeds
- Early detection allows for medication that can slow progression
Skin and Coat Conditions
- Allergies and dermatitis common in many breeds
- Proper grooming and nutrition help prevent skin issues
- Environmental and food allergy testing available
Recommended Screenings
Breed-specific health screenings help identify genetic conditions early.
| Test | When | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hip/Elbow Evaluation | 12-24 months | Screen for dysplasia |
| Cardiac Exam | Annual | Detect heart conditions |
| Eye Exam (CERF) | Annual | Screen for eye diseases |
| DNA Testing | Any age | Identify genetic risk factors |
| Blood Panel | Annual (biannual 7+) | Monitor organ function |
Nutrition for Health
Proper nutrition is foundational to breed health: Owners who watch the animal in front of them closely — not an average of the breed — consistently report better outcomes.
- Choose food formulated for your breed's size category (small, medium, large, or giant)
- Consider breed-specific formulas that address common health concerns
- Joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3s) for breeds prone to orthopedic issues
- Appropriate calorie levels to maintain ideal body condition
- Fresh food diets can address specific health needs with veterinary guidance
Exercise Guidelines
- Exercise intensity and duration should match breed energy levels and physical capabilities
- Avoid high-impact exercise in puppies until growth plates close
- Swimming is excellent low-impact exercise for breeds prone to joint issues
- Mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise
- Senior pets benefit from gentle, consistent activity to maintain mobility
What is the best insurance for this breed?
Yorkshire terrier coverage should be in place before the bile-acid test and the knee grade. A portosystemic shunt already suspected, or patellar luxation already scored, is a pre-existing finding. Collapsing trachea noted on an exam can be excluded the same way. A progressive retinal atrophy report already in the folder records one hereditary finding. It does not replace the bile-acid test or the knee grade.
Should I do genetic testing?
Yorkshire terrier screening is mostly physical. Patellar luxation, a liver-shunt suspicion followed by bile acids, collapsing trachea, and an eye exam are the items that match the diseases veterinarians actually treat. A bile-acid test is a blood test, not a gene. Progressive retinal atrophy variants exist in some terriers and are worth running if the breeder names the laboratory and the mutation. They do not replace the knee exam. Portosystemic shunts are found with bile acids and imaging, not with a coat panel.