Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems: Common Issues Every Yorkie Owner Should Know

Yorkshire Terriers are one of the most beloved small breeds in the world — charming, feisty, and surprisingly bold for their size. But behind those silky coats and big personalities, Yorkies carry a set of breed-specific health vulnerabilities that every owner should understand. In 2026, knowing what to watch for in your Yorkie can mean the difference between catching a problem early and facing a crisis.

Dental Disease — The Yorkies' Biggest Health Challenge

Ask any veterinarian about Yorkshire Terriers and dental disease comes up immediately. Yorkies have tiny mouths packed with the same number of teeth as larger breeds — 42 adult teeth — leading to severe crowding. The result is one of the highest rates of dental disease of any breed.

Signs your Yorkie has dental disease include:

• Bad breath (often the first clue — see our guide on dog bad breath causes)
• Difficulty chewing or dropping food
• Pawing at the mouth
• Visible tartar (brownish buildup on teeth)
• Swollen gums or bleeding when chewing

Prevention is essential: daily tooth brushing with dog-safe toothpaste, regular dental chews, and professional cleanings under anesthesia as recommended by your vet. Many Yorkies need professional dental cleanings every 1–2 years.

Collapsed Trachea

One of the most common respiratory conditions in small breeds, tracheal collapse occurs when the rings of cartilage supporting the windpipe weaken and flatten during breathing. In Yorkies, this is often genetic and may not appear until middle age.

The hallmark sign is a distinctive "goose honk" cough — a harsh, dry, honking sound that worsens with excitement, exercise, or pressure on the neck (like from a collar). If your Yorkie coughs frequently, especially with a honking quality, mention tracheal collapse to your vet. Using a harness instead of a collar is an important preventive measure for all small breeds.

Luxating Patella (Slipping Kneecap)

The luxating patella — a kneecap that slips out of its groove — is extremely common in Yorkshire Terriers. Many Yorkies with mild cases (grade 1–2) live comfortably without treatment, but higher grades cause lameness and pain. You may notice your Yorkie occasionally hopping on three legs, then suddenly using all four again — this is the kneecap slipping out and back into position.

Severe cases (grades 3–4) may require surgical correction to restore normal movement and prevent arthritis.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Toy breed puppies, including Yorkie puppies and very small adults, are prone to hypoglycemia — dangerously low blood sugar. Triggers include stress, skipping meals, prolonged activity, and illness.

Signs of hypoglycemia in Yorkies:

• Weakness, shakiness, or wobbling
• Disorientation or staring blankly
• Muscle tremors
• Pale or white gums
• Seizures in severe cases
• Collapse

If you suspect hypoglycemia, rub a small amount of Karo syrup or honey on your Yorkie's gums and get to a vet immediately. Hypoglycemia can become fatal rapidly.

Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt)

A portosystemic shunt (PSS) is a blood vessel abnormality where blood bypasses the liver, allowing toxins to circulate. This congenital condition is more common in Yorkies than most other breeds. Signs usually appear in puppyhood or young adulthood:

• Poor growth and small stature despite eating well
• Neurological signs after meals — disorientation, head pressing, circling, seizures
• Excessive thirst and urination
• Drooling

Surgical correction offers the best long-term outcome and, when performed early, many dogs go on to live normal lives.

Eye Conditions

Yorkies are prone to dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which causes gradual vision loss. Signs of eye problems include squinting, redness, discharge, and bumping into objects. Annual eye checks by your vet are recommended.

When to See the Vet Urgently

• Your Yorkie collapses, seizes, or is unresponsive
• Gums turn pale, white, or blue
• Breathing is labored or extremely labored with a honking cough
• Neurological signs after eating

How Voyage Can Help

Yorkie owners know the anxiety that comes with a small, fragile dog showing worrying signs. Voyage AI Vet can assess your Yorkie's symptoms and tell you whether it's an emergency, a scheduled vet visit, or something you can monitor at home — starting at $4.99/month. It's breed-aware and available 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often do Yorkies need dental cleanings? A: Many Yorkies need a professional cleaning every 1–2 years due to their severe dental crowding. Daily brushing and dental chews between cleanings help slow tartar buildup.

Q: Can a Yorkie live a normal life with tracheal collapse? A: Yes, many do. Mild to moderate cases are managed with weight control, harness use (not a collar), avoiding triggers, and sometimes medication. Severe cases may require surgery or stenting.

Q: My Yorkie sometimes hops on three legs while walking — is this serious? A: This is a classic sign of luxating patella. It's worth a vet evaluation to grade the severity — mild cases are managed conservatively, while severe grades benefit from surgery.

Q: What should I feed my Yorkie to prevent hypoglycemia? A: Feed small, frequent meals — 3–4 times daily for puppies and very small adults. High-quality protein and fat help stabilize blood sugar. Your vet can give breed-specific guidance.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Consult your veterinarian for breed-specific health guidance.