Yorkie Health

Like all breeds, Yorkshire Terriers are prone to certain health issues. The good news is, many can be managed or even prevented with proper breeding practices, early care, and regular vet checkups. Below is an overview of the most common conditions Yorkies may face:

Common Yorkie Health Concerns

👀 Eye Problems

Yorkies can be prone to cataracts, dry eye, and progressive retinal atrophy. Regular eye checks help catch problems early.

🦵 Patellar Luxation

This is when the kneecap slips out of place, causing lameness or skipping in their step. Mild cases may not need treatment, while severe ones may require surgery.

🩸 Liver Conditions (Liver Shunt & Microvascular Dysplasia – MVD)

Yorkies are one of the breeds most at risk. These conditions affect how blood flows through the liver and can cause stunted growth, odd behavior, or seizures. Some dogs require surgery, while others can be managed with diet and medication.

💩 Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE)

This condition causes the body to lose vital proteins through the intestines. It can lead to weight loss, diarrhea, and fluid buildup. Treatment usually involves special diets and medication.

🧠 Encephalitis

An inflammation of the brain that can cause seizures or sudden behavior changes. Though rare, it’s serious and needs immediate veterinary care.

🦴 Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

A progressive disease of the spinal cord seen in older dogs, leading to weakness and paralysis in the back legs.

🫁 Collapsing Trachea

A common Yorkie issue where the windpipe weakens, causing coughing, gagging, or noisy breathing. Weight management and sometimes medication can help.

💧 Kidney Disease

Yorkies may develop chronic kidney problems as they age. A kidney-friendly diet and regular bloodwork can extend quality of life.

🧬 Hyperuricosuria

A condition that can lead to bladder stones due to excess uric acid in the urine. Keeping your Yorkie hydrated and on the right diet helps prevent flare-ups.

Why Health Testing Matters

Because Yorkies are predisposed to certain issues, responsible breeders (like us!) do health testing to reduce risks. While no breeder can guarantee a perfectly healthy dog, testing parents before breeding helps ensure stronger, healthier puppies.

👉 If you ever have questions about Yorkie health, or want to know more about the tests I do before breeding, I’d love to chat. Transparency matters — and I want every family to feel confident they’re welcoming a healthy Yorkie into their lives.