Top 5 Health Concerns for Yorkies and Yorkie Mixes 

Yorkshire Terriers, and those mixed with Yorkies, may be small in size, but they carry big energy and even bigger hearts. Our team loves caring for these loyal, spunky pups and knows how deeply their families value their health and well-being. Like all breeds, Yorkies have some breed-specific health challenges of which every owner should be aware. Here are the top five concerns we frequently see in our practice and how we can help catch them early: 

1. Dental Disease 

Yorkies are especially prone to dental disease due to their small mouths and tightly packed teeth. Crowded teeth can trap food and bacteria, quickly leading to plaque buildup, gum inflammation, and tooth loss. In fact, dental problems are one of the most common health issues we see in this breed. 

The earliest warning sign is often bad breath, but more advanced disease can cause pain, difficulty eating, or even infections that affect the heart and kidneys. Preventive care is essential to keeping your Yorkie’s mouth, and overall health, in great shape. 

How we can help: 

• Oral exam – We check for plaque buildup, alignment issues, and signs of gum infection. We also evaluate for loose, broken, or crowded teeth. 
• Dental X-rays – These allow us to see below the gumline where serious issues can hide. X-rays help identify pockets of infection under the teeth, bone loss from the jaw, and damaged roots, which can all cause unrealized pain. This helps the veterinarian determine if any teeth need to be pulled or if infections need additional treatment. 
• Professional cleaning – Just like people, Yorkies need regular dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar. Dental cleanings under anesthesia performed by a veterinarian are the safest and most effective way to thoroughly clean your Yorkie’s teeth. This can help prevent the spread of bacteria while protecting their airway and allowing the vet to remove any teeth that may be causing problems. This also lets the vet identify issues that aren’t visible during a regular exam. 
• Home care guidance – We can recommend brushing routines, dental diets, or safe chews to help maintain your dog’s oral health between visits. 

2. Luxating Patella (Kneecap Dislocation) 

Yorkies are prone to a condition called a medial patellar luxation (MPL), where the kneecap slips in and out of place. This can cause your dog to suddenly hop, skip a step, or hold one leg up while walking. Some dogs may not show discomfort, but others may limp or seem reluctant to run or jump.

In mild cases, this condition may be managed with monitoring and lifestyle adjustments. More severe or painful cases can lead to long-term joint problems and may require surgery to correct. 

How we can help: 

• Physical exam – We carefully assess your dog’s knees, feeling for looseness or abnormal movement of the kneecap. 
• X-rays – Imaging helps us evaluate the severity of the condition and check for signs of secondary joint inflammation or arthritis. 
• Treatment planning – Depending on the grade of the luxation, we may recommend joint supplements, weight management, or surgical correction for long-term relief and mobility. 

3. Collapsed Trachea (Windpipe Weakness) 

Yorkies are especially prone to tracheal collapse, a condition where the windpipe becomes weakened and starts to flatten, making it harder for air to pass through. This can lead to a distinctive “honking” cough, especially when your dog is excited, pulling on the leash, or after activity. 

While it can be managed in many cases, untreated tracheal collapse can worsen over time and lead to breathing distress. Early diagnosis helps us reduce symptoms and keep your Yorkie more comfortable. 

How we can help: 

• Physical exam – We listen to your dog’s breathing and gently check for signs of coughing or throat sensitivity. 
• X-rays – These can help us identify signs of tracheal narrowing or collapse. ● Fluoroscopy – This real-time moving X-ray shows us how the trachea behaves during breathing, helping confirm the diagnosis. 
• Ongoing care – Depending on severity, we may recommend medications, weight management, cough suppressants, or lifestyle changes to reduce airway irritation. 

4. Eye Problems (Dryness, Injury & Pressure Issues) 

Yorkies have bright, expressive eyes that are especially vulnerable to injury, irritation, and dryness. Their small size and facial structure make their eyes more exposed, putting them at risk for scratches from rough play, rubbing, or even debris like dust or hair. Because of their long facial hair, it’s also common for stray hairs or matted fur to cause irritation. Signs of eye trouble in Yorkies often include squinting, pawing at the face, redness, discharge, or swelling. If left

untreated, eye conditions can lead to discomfort, vision loss, or permanent damage. Regular eye exams are key to catching problems early and keeping your Yorkie’s eyes healthy and pain-free. 

How we can help: 

• Tear test – This checks for dry eye, which can cause infection and discomfort if untreated. 
• Fluorescein dye test – We apply a gentle, eye-safe dye to reveal scratches or ulcers. ● Eye pressure test (Tonometry) – This screens for glaucoma, a serious condition that requires lifelong management or surgery. 

5. Liver Shunts (Portosystemic Shunt – PSS) 

Liver shunts are a serious, but manageable, condition to which Yorkies are genetically predisposed. A liver shunt occurs when blood bypasses the liver, preventing it from filtering toxins effectively. This can lead to a buildup of waste in the bloodstream, affecting your dog’s overall health, especially the brain. 

Signs of a liver shunt in Yorkies often appear early in life and can include poor growth, lethargy, confusion, staring into space, and even seizures. Fortunately, early detection and management can greatly improve your Yorkie’s quality of life. 

How we can help: 

• Physical exam & bloodwork – Routine wellness testing can help detect abnormalities in liver function that may signal a shunt. 
• Genetic testing – Because liver shunts in Yorkies often have a hereditary component, genetic screening can help identify predisposition early, allowing for proactive monitoring and early intervention if needed. 
• Bile acid testing – A specialized blood test we use to evaluate how well your dog’s liver is processing toxins. 
• Ultrasound or advanced imaging – Imaging helps confirm the presence and location of the shunt so we can determine if surgery or medical management is the best path forward. 
• Long-term care planning – If a shunt is diagnosed, we can guide you through dietary changes, medications, and surgical options to give your pup the best chance at a healthy life. 

We care for your Yorkie and Yorkie Mix as if they were part of our own family. These small dogs with big personalities deserve the highest quality care to keep them healthy, happy, and thriving. Give us a call at (954) 473-8090 or book an appointment here!