Health Testing

After working in the veterinary field for over 20 years, I’ve seen more than my share of health-related problems in Yorkies. This is one of the main reasons I am so passionate about health testing the dogs I breed. Just recently, I saw a 7-month-old Yorkie with a degenerative hip disease that will cost the owners $4,000 in surgery to correct. This was a genetic condition that could have been prevented had the parents been properly health tested.

The only “required” health tests to obtain a CHIC number through the AKC Health Foundation for Yorkies are patellas and eyes. While those are important, I go far beyond the minimum. I believe a Yorkie should have, at minimum, the following health tests before ever being bred:

• DNA

• Hips

• Eyes

• Patellas

• Legg-Calve-Perthes

• Cardiac

• Thyroid

I hold my Yorkies to what I consider the gold standard of health testing. These tests are not cheap, and the cost of doing them properly is reflected in the price of my puppies. But for me, nothing is more important than protecting the health, longevity, and future of this breed.

Below is a quick overview of the conditions these tests help screen for:

HIP DYSPLASIA

A hereditary disease where the ball and socket of the hip don’t fit together properly, causing pain, arthritis, and mobility issues. Some dogs show no symptoms, while others struggle with lameness or back pain. Proper testing helps prevent this devastating disease from being passed on.

👉 Learn more: OFA Hip Dysplasia

LEGG-CALVE-PERTHES (LCP)

A disease affecting the hip joint, most common in toy breeds between 4 months and 1 year old. It causes pain and lameness, often requiring surgery. OFA hip testing screens for both dysplasia and LCP.

👉 Learn more: OFA Legg-Calve-Perthes

PATELLA LUXATION

A condition where the kneecap slips out of place, causing pain and lameness. It can appear as early as puppyhood or later in life. Severe cases often require surgery. Because it is commonly inherited, all breeding Yorkies should be cleared for this condition.

👉 Learn more: OFA Patellar Luxation

EYE DISEASES

Yorkies can suffer from several hereditary eye diseases, including Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Primary Lens Luxation. These conditions can cause blindness or require surgery. Annual eye exams through a certified veterinary ophthalmologist are essential.

👉 Learn more: OFA Eye Certification

THYROID DISEASE

Yorkies are prone to autoimmune thyroiditis, the most common cause of hypothyroidism. This condition is lifelong, requiring daily medication, and should not be passed on to future generations. Breeding dogs should be tested regularly to prevent producing affected puppies.

👉 Learn more: OFA Hypothyroidism

CARDIAC

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) and other hereditary heart conditions can shorten lifespan and impact quality of life. Cardiac screenings are an important step to ensure long-term heart health in Yorkies.

👉 Learn more: OFA Cardiac Disease

DNA TESTING

I use Embark for DNA testing, which screens for over 250 genetic health conditions as well as coat color and traits. This gives me a complete genetic profile of each Yorkie, ensuring that I only breed dogs free of serious hereditary conditions. DNA testing is a cornerstone of responsible breeding and part of my commitment to producing healthy, long-lived Yorkies.

💛 Final Note: Health testing is not optional—it is a responsibility. Every Yorkie I breed has been thoroughly tested to help protect the breed for generations to come.

📩 Questions? Feel free to reach out:

✉️ Email: setarehyorkies@gmail.com

📱 Text/Call/WhatsApp: 385-414-5938