5 Most Common Yorkie Health Concerns

The Yorkshire Terrier, affectionately known as the Yorkie, is one of the smallest dog breeds, with an average weight of just 7 pounds. Despite their tiny size, Yorkies are bold, spirited, and fiercely loyal companions.

If you’re considering welcoming a Yorkie to your family, it’s important to understand the most common health problems in Yorkies. Like every breed, Yorkshire Terriers have certain inherited health conditions and lifestyle risks. Knowing what to watch for can help you become a proactive and prepared pet parent.

Below are the 5 most common Yorkie health concerns, causes, and what you can do to support your pup’s health.

Hypoglycemia in Yorkies

This condition happens when your dog’s blood sugar drops suddenly. It’s more common in toy breeds like Yorkies and is especially prevalent in Yorkie puppies under 5 months of age. However, any Yorkshire Terrier can experience this condition, and it may be more prevalent in dogs who are pregnant or have liver disease.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia in Yorkies include:

• Fast breathing or rapid heartbeat
• Vomiting
• Twitching or seizures
• Weakness, fatigue, or collapse

Your veterinarian may advise feeding your Yorkie small meals every few hours to keep blood sugar stable. Many Yorkie owners also keep glucose supplements on hand for emergencies. 

Legg-Perthes Disease in Yorkshire Terriers

Legg-Perthes is a disease of the hip joint where the top of the femur bone begins to die. It’s most common in toy breeds like Yorkies and usually appears between 4–12 months of age.

This condition is usually treated with the help of pain medication and surgery in some cases. Luckily, most affected dogs will recover without issue.

This genetic condition is passed down from one generation to the next, which is why it’s so important to get your Yorkie puppy from a reputable breeder. Check out our guide on how to find a reputable puppy breeder. 

Liver Shunt in Yorkies

Yorkshire Terriers are one of the breeds most prone to congenital liver shunts (also called portosystemic shunts). This birth defect prevents the liver from filtering toxins properly and can be deadly if left untreated. 

Signs of a liver shunt in Yorkies:

• Poor growth or weight loss
• Disorientation or circling
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Seizures in advanced cases

Liver shunts are among the most serious health conditions Yorkies face and should be ruled out early with veterinary screening.

Diagnosis & treatment:

• Bloodwork and imaging tests
• Surgery to correct the shunt

Your veterinarian will likely recommend a specialized diet as a part of your dog’s treatment plan.

Collapsed Trachea

Yorkshire Terriers are known to have a weak trachea, which is the windpipe within the throat. Symptoms include:

• Honking cough (especially when excited)
• Difficulty breathing
• Fainting spells in severe cases

Since they have more delicate structures that must be handled with care: 

• Use a harness instead of a collar to avoid pressure on the throat
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain
• In some cases, surgery may be needed

Pancreatitis in Yorkshire Terriers

Another common health problem in Yorkies is pancreatitis, which occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. This is often triggered by high-fat diets, although certain medications can also cause it.

Pancreatitis is diagnosed by a blood test, and you may see your Yorkie experience symptoms like vomiting, fever, lethargy, or decreased appetite.

To reduce risk, avoid giving your Yorkie fatty table scraps. A balanced diet is one of the best defenses against pancreatitis and many other Yorkie health issues. If you’re unsure about portion sizes or calorie needs, check out our guide on how much to feed your dog. 

At Gallant, we’re working on developing ready-to-use, off-the-shelf stem cell therapies. These therapies are being studied for their potential to support pets facing age-related conditions, chronic inflammation, or degenerative diseases. While more research is ongoing, regenerative medicine offers hope for new treatment options that may improve the quality of life for pets in the future.