Yorkshire Terrier
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Yorkshire Terrier. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Dental disease | high | Yorkies retain baby teeth and build tartar fast; professional cleanings start young. |
| Patellar luxation | high | Slipping kneecaps are a leading orthopedic issue in the breed. |
| Tracheal collapse | moderate | Honking cough worsened by collars; walk on a harness. |
| Portosystemic (liver) shunt | moderate | Congenital vessel bypasses the liver; small, stunted puppies should be screened. |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes disease | moderate | Degeneration of the hip joint in young toy dogs, usually corrected surgically. |
Pet insurance for a Yorkshire Terrier
Insurers price a Yorkshire Terrier from the breed's documented claims profile — here, 2 high-risk conditions, led by Dental disease and Patellar luxation. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Yorkshire Terrier is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 4–7 lbs and a grooming score of 5/5, the Yorkshire Terrier sits well above the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier was developed by Yorkshire mill workers to catch rats, and the terrier attitude survived the transition to laps. Yorkies are brave, vocal, and devoted to their person, with a hair-like coat that sheds very little but mats quickly — plan on either a short clip or near-daily brushing. Their tiny size makes them fragile around rough children and large dogs, and their appetite for barking makes training a quiet cue worthwhile. A strong fit for city dwellers wanting portable, long-lived company.
Origin: England (Yorkshire)
Temperament
Related reading for Yorkshire Terrier owners
Yorkshire Terrier FAQ
How long do Yorkshire Terriers live?
The typical Yorkshire Terrier lifespan is 11–15 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Yorkshire Terrier?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Yorkshire Terrier carries 2 documented high-risk conditions, which is the main reason a Yorkshire Terrier policy prices above the national average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Yorkshire Terrier a good apartment dog?
Yes. With an energy level of 3/5 and a small build, the Yorkshire Terrier adapts well to apartment living provided it gets daily walks.
What health problems are Yorkshire Terriers prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Dental disease, Patellar luxation, Tracheal collapse. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.