How Long Do Yorkies Live? Their Life Expectancy by Gender and More

How Long Do Yorkies Live? Their Life Expectancy by Gender and More

Yorkies, or Yorkshire Terriers, are a popular breed of small dog that originated in Yorkshire, England, they are known for their silky, long coats and spunky personalities which make them a beloved companion for many pet owners. When it comes to their life expectancy, Yorkies can live for a long time with proper care and nutrition.

In this article, let us discuss how long Yorkies live, what factors can impact their life expectancy, and how their life expectancy can vary based on gender and other factors. Aside from that, let us also discuss ways to help ensure that your Yorkie lives a long and healthy life.

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How Long Do Yorkies Live?

Yorkies typically have a lifespan of 13 to 16 years, with some living as long as 17 years or more. This is a relatively long lifespan for a small dog breed which makes Yorkies a great choice for pet owners looking for a companion for many years.

Many factors can impact a Yorkie’s lifespan like genetics, nutrition, exercise, and overall health. Be aware that Yorkies that receive regular veterinary care, a nutritious diet, and plenty of exercise are more likely to live a long and healthier life.

What are Average Lifespan Expectations for Male and Female Yorkshire Terriers?

Male and female Yorkies typically have similar life expectancies, ranging from 13 to 16 years. However, some research has suggested that female Yorkies may have a slightly longer average lifespan than male Yorkies, by a year or two. This is because female dogs of all breeds tend to have a longer average lifespan than male dogs. After all, they are less prone to certain health problems and injuries.

It is important to remember that the lifespan of a Yorkie can vary greatly depending on the individual dog, genetics, environment, and overall health as all these can play a role in determining how long a Yorkie will live.

What Age Do Yorkies Go Blind?

Yorkies are prone to a condition called progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which is an inherited disease that causes the retina to degenerate over time. This can eventually lead to blindness in Yorkies, usually between the ages of 6 to 8 years old. The exact age at which a Yorkie will go blind can vary depending on the individual dog and the specific type of PRA they are affected by.

PRA is a genetic condition, so Yorkies who come from parents who have PRA are more likely to develop the condition themselves.

Factors that Influence Your Yorkie’s Lifespan

Several factors can influence your Yorkie’s lifespan. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Genetics: Genetics can play a big role in determining your Yorkie’s lifespan. Yorkies that come from parents with a long lifespan are more likely to live longer themselves.
• Nutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for Yorkies to maintain their health and live long lives. Feeding your Yorkie a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs can help to ensure that they stay healthy and strong.
• Exercise: Regular exercise is important for Yorkies to maintain their health and fitness.
• Environment: The environment in which your Yorkie lives can also have an impact on their lifespan. Yorkies that live in clean, safe environments are more likely to live longer than those that live in dirty or dangerous environments.
• Veterinary Care: Regular veterinary care can help to catch health problems early and ensure that your Yorkie receives the best possible care.
• Lifestyle: The lifestyle of your Yorkie can also affect their lifespan. Yorkies that live active, engaged lives tend to live longer than those who are bored or lonely.
• Grooming: Regular grooming is important for Yorkies to keep their coats healthy and free of mats and tangles. A well-groomed Yorkie is also less likely to suffer from skin problems and other health issues.
• Weight: Yorkies that are overweight are at increased risk for health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems.
• Age: Older Yorkies are more likely to suffer from age-related health problems, such as arthritis and vision loss.
• Breeding: Yorkies that have been bred for specific traits, such as size or coat color, may be more prone to certain health problems.
• Dental Health: Poor dental health can lead to infections and other health problems in Yorkies. It’s important to brush your Yorkie’s teeth regularly and take them to the vet for regular dental check-ups.
• Mental Stimulation: Yorkies who receive mental stimulation through play, training, and socialization are less likely to suffer from boredom and depression, which can shorten their lifespan.

What Do Yorkies Usually Die From?

Although Yorkies can die from a variety of causes, some health problems are more common than others. Here are the two most common health problems that Yorkies die from:

1. Congestive Heart Failure: Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other organs. It is a common cause of death in Yorkies.
2. Tracheal Collapse: Tracheal collapse is a condition in which the trachea becomes weak and collapses, making it difficult for the dog to breathe.

Health Problems of Yorkies

Yorkies are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health problems. Here are some of the most common health problems of Yorkies:

1. Tracheal Collapse: This condition can cause difficulty breathing and a hacking cough.
2. Hypoglycemia: Yorkies are prone to low blood sugar, which can cause weakness, shaking, and seizures.
3. Dental Problems: Yorkies have small mouths and can be prone to dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
4. Eye Problems: Yorkies are prone to several eye problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy.
5. Allergies: Yorkies can be allergic to a variety of things, such as pollen, dust, and certain foods.
6. Skin Problems: Yorkies can suffer from several skin problems, including allergies, hot spots, and skin infections.
7. Joint Problems: Yorkies can suffer from joint problems, such as patellar luxation and arthritis, which can cause pain and lameness.
8. Liver Shunt: This is a condition in which the liver is unable to properly filter toxins from the blood, causing a buildup of toxins in the body.
9. Low Blood Platelet Count: This condition can lead to bleeding problems and is often caused by a reaction to certain medications or toxins.
10. Epilepsy: Yorkies can suffer from epilepsy, a condition that causes seizures.

How Can I Tell If My Yorkie Is Having Health Problems?

Several signs can indicate that your Yorkie is having health problems. Here are some of the most common signs to look for:

1. Changes in appetite: If your Yorkie is eating less or more than usual, it could be a sign of a health problem.
2. Weight loss or gain: If your Yorkie is losing or gaining weight, it could be a sign of a health problem.
3. Changes in behavior: If your Yorkie is acting differently than usual, such as being lethargic or more irritable, it could be a sign of a health problem.
4. Changes in coat or skin: If your Yorkie’s coat is dull, dry, or matted, or if their skin is red, scaly, or itchy, it could be a sign of a health problem.
5. Difficulty breathing: If your Yorkie is having difficulty breathing, such as panting or wheezing, it could be a sign of a respiratory problem.
6. Lethargy: If your Yorkie is lethargic and seems to have no energy, it could be a sign of a health problem.
7. Vomiting or diarrhea: If your Yorkie is vomiting or has diarrhea, it could be a sign of a gastrointestinal problem.
8. Changes in stool: If your Yorkie’s stool is dark, tarry, or bloody, it could be a sign of a health problem.
9. Lameness or limping: If your Yorkie is limping or showing signs of pain, it could be a sign of a joint problem.
10. Seizures: If your Yorkie has seizures, it could be a sign of epilepsy or another health problem.

Are there any Exceptions to these Health Problems?

There are some exceptions to the health problems that Yorkies are typically prone to. For example, some Yorkies may not develop any of these health problems, or may only develop them in mild forms as this can depend on several factors, such as genetics, environment, and overall health.

Aside from that, some Yorkies may develop health problems that are not typically associated with their breed like heart murmurs, hypothyroidism, or diabetes and these conditions can be difficult to predict and may require specialized veterinary care.

How To Ensure Your Yorkie Lives A Long And Healthy Life

There are several steps you can take to ensure that your Yorkie lives a long and healthy life and here are some of the most important ones:

• Regular Vet Check-Ups: Take your Yorkie to the vet for regular check-ups to ensure that they are healthy and to catch any potential health problems early on.
• Proper Nutrition: Feed your Yorkie a high-quality, balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. So, look for foods that are specifically formulated for small breeds and contain high-quality proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
• Regular Exercise: Regular exercise is important for Yorkies to maintain their health and fitness. Take your Yorkie for daily walks, play fetch with them, or enroll them in a dog agility class to keep them active.
• Grooming: Regular grooming is important for Yorkies to keep their coats healthy and free of mats and tangles. Brush your Yorkie regularly and take them to a professional groomer every 4-8 weeks.
• Training: Regular training is important for Yorkies to keep them mentally stimulated and prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
• Socialization: Regular socialization is important for Yorkies to help them develop into well-rounded dogs. Introduce your Yorkie to a variety of people, places, and situations to help them develop into confident, happy dogs.
• Avoid Stressful Situations: Avoid exposing your Yorkie to stressful situations, such as loud noises, harsh handling, or excessive punishment as this can cause them stress and anxiety, which can lead to health problems.

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FAQs:

Q. Can a Yorkie live 20 years?

Yes, a Yorkie can live for 20 years or even more with proper care. Remember the average lifespan for a Yorkie is 13 to 16 years, with some living up to 17 years or more.

Q. What’s the longest-living Yorkie?

The longest-living Yorkie recognized as the oldest dog in the world by the Guinness World Records is reportedly Billy, the Yorkshire Terrier, is the grand old age of 22.

Q. How old is a 14-year-old Yorkie in human years?

A 14-year-old Yorkie is equivalent to a human who is roughly 73 years old. The exact conversion can vary depending on the dog’s breed and size, but this is a rough estimate of how old a 14-year-old Yorkie would be in human years.

Q. How long do miniature Yorkies live?

Miniature Yorkies, also known as Teacup Yorkies, typically live for around 10 to 12 years. This is slightly shorter than the average lifespan of a standard Yorkie, which is 13 to 16 years.