Yorkshire Terrier Lifespan
Every measure agrees unusually well for this breed. In a 2025 UK study, half of the Yorkies that died were between 11.3 and 15.2 years old, and UK life tables give 12.5 years at birth.
Yorkshire Terriers are one of the longest-lived breeds, usually reaching 13 to 15 years. The AKC lists 11–15 years, and two UK studies found medians of 13.3 and 13.6. Teeth are the big issue: about one in five Yorkies was diagnosed with dental disease in a single year.
Yorkshire Terrier life stages
Life stages follow the 2019 AAHA guidelines. The senior stage is the last 25% of expected life, so with a median lifespan of 13.3 years, a Yorkshire Terrier becomes a senior at about 10.
| Stage | Age | What to focus on |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 0–6 months | Check that baby teeth fall out as adult teeth come in; Yorkies often keep some. |
| Young adult | to 3 years | Start daily tooth brushing and keep the topknot tied up so hair stays out of the eyes. |
| Mature adult | 3–10 years | Book dental checks at every visit and keep an eye on weight; small gains matter on a 7-pound dog. |
| Senior | 10+ years | From about 10, twice-yearly checkups; many Yorkies have years ahead of them at this age. |
Yorkshire Terrier age in human years
| Yorkshire Terrier age | Human years |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 15 |
| 2 years | 24 |
| 3 years | 28 |
| 4 years | 32 |
| 5 years | 36 |
| 6 years | 40 |
| 7 years | 44 |
| 8 years | 48 |
| 9 years | 52 |
| 10 years | 56 |
| 11 years | 60 |
| 12 years | 64 |
| 13 years | 68 |
| 14 years | 72 |
| 15 years | 76 |
| 16 years | 80 |
Yorkshire Terrier puppy growth (estimate)
| Age | Weight (lb) |
|---|---|
| 2 months | up to 2.8 |
| 3 months | up to 4.1 |
| 4 months | up to 5.2 |
| 6 months | up to 6.4 |
| 9 months | up to 6.9 |
| 12 months | up to 7.0 |
| 18 months | up to 7.0 |
Common Yorkshire Terrier health problems
Dental disease
Periodontal disease was by far the most common problem in UK Yorkies, diagnosed in 21.1% in a single year.
Watch for: Bad breath, tartar, red gums, loose teeth, chewing on one side.
Retained baby teeth
Baby teeth that don’t fall out when the adult teeth arrive were recorded in 3.6% of Yorkies in a year, and the study authors list them among the breed’s predispositions.
Watch for: Two teeth in the same spot, especially the canines, after about six months of age.
Patellar luxation
A kneecap that slips out of place. The AKC lists it, and the 2025 UK study also identified it as a predisposed problem in Yorkies.
Watch for: Skipping a step, holding up a back leg, then walking normally.
Eye problems
Responsible breeders screen for eye anomalies, according to the AKC, which also advises keeping head hair trimmed or tied up to avoid eye irritation.
Watch for: Redness, discharge, squinting, rubbing the eyes.
Brain and kidney disease in older dogs
Among Yorkies that died in the UK study, the most common causes were brain disorders (9.8%) and kidney disorders (8.7%).
Watch for: Seizures, confusion, drinking and urinating more, weight loss.
Why Yorkies are among the longest-lived breeds
Yorkshire Terriers have the highest median lifespan of the 12 popular breeds we cover: 13.3 years in the 2024 study of 14,579 UK Yorkies. A separate 2025 study of Yorkies in UK vet practices found a median age at death of 13.56 years, and half of the dogs that died were between 11.3 and 15.2. Some lived past 19.
The different measures line up unusually well. The AKC range is 11 to 15 years, UK life tables give 12.5 years at birth, and both medians sit around 13.5. Compare the Chihuahua, another toy breed, where the AKC says 14 to 16 years but the UK median is 11.8.
Small size helps: across dog breeds, smaller dogs tend to live longer. And the Yorkie’s most common problems, especially dental disease, rarely shorten life when they are managed well. Interest in the breed has fallen in the UK, from 3.5% of dogs born in 2005 to 2.2% in 2016, so unlike breeds that boomed recently, its records aren’t dominated by young dogs, which may make its figures more representative.
How to help your Yorkshire Terrier live longer
Brush teeth daily
With one in five Yorkies diagnosed with periodontal disease in a year, daily brushing and a dental check at every visit are the most valuable things you can do. Ask your vet when a professional cleaning is needed.
Watch the baby teeth
Check your puppy’s mouth as adult teeth come in. If baby teeth stay put next to adult ones, ask your vet whether they should be removed.
Trim nails and check anal glands
Overgrown nails (6.5%) and anal sac impaction (4.0%) were among the most common problems in UK Yorkies. Regular trims and attention to scooting keep both under control.
Keep weight in check
Overweight was recorded in 3.7% of Yorkies. Treats add up fast for a 7-pound dog, so count them in the daily food.
Dental disease: the number-one Yorkie problem
About one in five Yorkies in UK vet practices was diagnosed with periodontal disease in a single year, far more than any other problem in the breed. Retained baby teeth, which crowd the mouth, were also common, and the study authors list both as conditions Yorkies are predisposed to.
Daily brushing with a dog toothpaste, checking for retained baby teeth during puppyhood and asking for a dental exam at every vet visit go a long way toward keeping a Yorkie comfortable into old age.
Frequently asked questions
How long do Yorkies live?
Usually 13 to 15 years. The AKC lists 11–15 years, and UK studies found medians of 13.3 and 13.56 years.
Why do Yorkies have bad teeth?
Periodontal disease affected 21.1% of UK Yorkies in a year, and retained baby teeth were common too. Daily brushing and regular dental checks are the best defense.
What are retained baby teeth?
Puppy teeth that don’t fall out when the adult teeth come in. They were recorded in 3.6% of Yorkies in a year. Your vet can advise whether they need removing.
Do Yorkies live longer than Chihuahuas?
In UK data, yes: the 2024 study found a median of 13.3 years for Yorkies and 11.8 for Chihuahuas, although the AKC lists a higher range for Chihuahuas (14–16 years).
What do Yorkies usually die from?
In a 2025 UK study, the most common causes of death were brain disorders (9.8%) and kidney disorders (8.7%).
Is 12 old for a Yorkie?
It’s senior age, but many Yorkies have years ahead. With a median of 13.3 years, the senior stage by AAHA’s definition begins at about 10. On the AKC chart for small dogs, a 12-year-old is about 64 in human years.
Compare similar breeds
Sources
- American Kennel Club. Yorkshire Terrier breed information.
- McMillan K.M. et al. Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death. Scientific Reports, 2024.
- O'Neill D.G. et al. Yorkshire Terriers under primary veterinary care in the UK – demography and disorders. Companion Animal Health and Genetics, 2025.
- Teng K.T. et al. Life tables of annual life expectancy and mortality for companion dogs in the United Kingdom. Scientific Reports, 2022.
- Creevy K.E. et al. 2019 AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines. JAAHA, 2019.
Estimates only — not a substitute for veterinary advice. Read our disclaimer.