How Long Do Yorkies Live?

Yorkies live about 13.5 years on average, longer than most dogs. Here’s what affects their lifespan, the health problems to watch for, and how to help.

Good question. Yorkies live about 13.5 years on average, and plenty make it to 15 and older. So, that puts them among the longest-lived dog breeds out there. 

But a long life doesn't automatically mean it's a comfortable one. The issues that usually slow Yorkies down are well known, and many of them start in places dog parents can actually see: the mouth, the knees, the skin.

Here's everything you need to know about Yorkie lifespan, what to watch for as your dog ages, and the everyday habits that help.

How Long Do Yorkies Live?

Yorkies live 13.56 years on average, according to a 2025 Royal Veterinary College study of more than 28,000 Yorkshire Terriers. The average dog across all breeds lives 12 years, so Yorkies get about a year and a half more. Most live somewhere between 11 and 15 years.

Why do they live so long? Small dogs generally outlive big ones. The most common reason why, is that people tend to think larger bodies simply wear out faster. The study's authors also read the Yorkie's long lifespan as a sign the breed has robust health overall.

So the number is good news. What matters next is how comfortable those years are.

Do Teacup Yorkies Live As Long?

There's no solid lifespan data on "teacup" Yorkies specifically. Teacup isn't an official size. It's actually more of a marketing label for dogs bred to be unusually tiny. 

If you're choosing a puppy, a standard-size Yorkie is usually the safer bet.

How old is my Yorkie in human years?

Forget the old "multiply by 7" rule. Following the American Kennel Club's guidelines, a dog's first year equals about 15 human years and the second adds about 9. After that, small dogs like Yorkies age about 4 human years per calendar year.

What do Yorkies usually die from?

Brain disorders and kidney disease are usually the most common recorded causes of death in Yorkies. 

The bigger takeaway: no single cause dominates. Even the top two together explain fewer than 1 in 5 deaths. Yorkies don't have one breed-defining cause of death. Most reach old age and decline the way many senior dogs do, from a mix of age-related conditions.

Two things help most here, and neither is complicated:

• Regular senior bloodwork. Kidney changes often show up in lab results before you'd notice anything at home. Catching them early gives your vet more options.
• Knowing your dog's normal. Changes in thirst, appetite, balance or behavior are worth a call, not a wait-and-see.

If you're reading this because your Yorkie is getting older, that worry is a good sign. It means you're paying attention.

Common Yorkie Health Problems

The most common Yorkie health problems are dental disease, slipping kneecaps, collapsed trachea, skin issues and weight gain. Most of these affect quality of life more than length of life. That's exactly why they're worth getting ahead of.

1. Dental Disease

Dental disease is the single most common issue vets diagnose in Yorkies. 

The reason is simple: we're dealing with a full set of adult teeth squeezed into a very small mouth. Because these teeth are so overcrowded, it traps food and plaque. When this plaque is left alone, it becomes gum disease, pain and tooth loss.

Watch for bad breath, red gums, dropping food or chewing on one side. Daily brushing is the gold standard. A dental powder added to food, like Wuffes Dental Powder, can support fresher breath and cleaner teeth between brushings.

2. Slipping kneecaps (patellar luxation)

Patellar luxation means the kneecap slides out of its groove. 

The classic sign is a skip: your dog hops on three legs for a few steps, then carries on like nothing happened. Mild cases may never need treatment. Others can lead to arthritis over time, so mention any skipping to your vet.

Keeping your Yorkie lean and supporting their joints as they age, for example with Wuffes Advanced Hip & Joint Chews, helps take pressure off those small knees.

3. Collapsed trachea

Yorkies are the breed most often affected by tracheal collapse, a gradual weakening of the windpipe's cartilage rings. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons describes the hallmark sign as a harsh, dry cough that sounds like a goose honking. It usually shows up in middle age or later.

There's no known way to prevent it. But you can lower the strain by:

• Using a harness, not a collar. Pressure on the neck can often make it worse. 
• Keeping weight in check. Extra pounds raise the risk of symptoms.
• Avoid smoke and airway irritants. Minimize the exposure is a great foundation.

If your Yorkie's gums look blue, they faint, or they struggle to breathe, that's an emergency. Go to a vet right away.

4. Skin problems and allergies

Itching, licking, red patches and a dull or thinning coat are common complaints in Yorkies. Their fine, silky hair is more like human hair than fur, so skin issues show quickly.

The causes vary: allergies, parasites, grooming products and diet can all play a part. Get persistent itching checked so you know what you're dealing with. Day to day, regular grooming and nutrients that support skin and coat health, like those in Wuffes Omega-3 Fish Oil, help keep that famous coat looking its best.

5. Weight gain

Obesity is one of the most common disorders recorded in Yorkies. On a 7-pound dog, one extra pound is a big deal. It loads their knees, makes breathing harder for dogs with airway issues, and adds up over time.

Go easy on table scraps and treats, measure meals, and ask your vet what your dog's ideal weight is.

How To Help Your Yorkie Live A Longer, Healthier Life

You can't control your Yorkie's genes. You can control their daily routine. These habits target the problems Yorkies actually get:

1. Brush their teeth daily. It's the single highest-impact habit for this breed. Start slow, with a finger brush and dog toothpaste.
2. Book professional dental cleanings when your vet recommends them. Small mouths need them more often.
3. Keep them lean. You should be able to feel their ribs easily. Measure food and count treats.
4. Switch to a harness. Protect that windpipe on every walk.
5. Keep them moving. Short daily walks and play keep muscles strong around those small knees.
6. See the vet once a year, then twice a year after age 8. Small breeds typically reach senior age between 8 and 11. Ask about senior bloodwork.
7. Support the body systems that age first. As Yorkies get older, teeth, joints, and skin and coat are where daily support pays off.

Signs Your Senior Yorkie Needs a Vet Visit

Call your vet if you notice any of these in an older Yorkie. Most are easier to manage when caught early.

• Drinking or peeing a lot more than usual.
• Bad breath, bleeding gums or trouble chewing.
• A honking cough, or coughing that gets worse with excitement.
• Skipping, limping or reluctance to jump or climb stairs.
• Weight loss or gain you can't explain.
• Confusion, wobbliness, getting stuck in corners or new night-time restlessness.
• Constant scratching, licking or patchy hair loss.

Blue gums, fainting or labored breathing need emergency care, not an appointment.

FAQs

Is 15 old for a Yorkie?

Yes. At 15, a Yorkie is past the breed's 13.56-year average and roughly 76 in human years. But it isn't unusual. Yorkies are one of the longest-lived breeds, and plenty reach their mid-teens. What matters more than the number is how your dog is doing.

A 15-year-old with healthy teeth, a steady weight and good mobility can still have quality time ahead. At this age, twice-yearly vet visits and senior bloodwork help catch kidney changes and other issues early. Keep walks short and gentle, watch for changes in thirst or appetite, and make their space easy to get around.

At what age is a Yorkie considered a senior?

Most vets consider small breeds like Yorkies senior somewhere between 8 and 11 years old. Because Yorkies live longer than most dogs, their senior stage can last five years or more. Around age 8 is a sensible point to change their care. Move to twice-yearly checkups and ask your vet about senior bloodwork, which can flag kidney changes before symptoms appear.

Pay closer attention to their teeth, since dental disease is the breed's most common problem. Watch their weight, as slower metabolisms make extra pounds easier to gain. Gentle daily exercise and joint support keep small knees moving comfortably as they age.

Are Yorkies healthy dogs?

Generally, yes. They tend to live happy, healthy lives. But Yorkies aren't problem-free. They're especially prone to dental disease and retained baby teeth, and they're predisposed to slipping kneecaps.

They're also the breed most often affected by collapsed trachea. The good news is that many of these issues are manageable. Daily tooth brushing, a healthy weight, a harness instead of a collar and regular checkups go a long way.

Can Yorkies live to 20?

It's possible but rare. Ultimately, genes play a big part in how long any dog lives, and you can't change those.

But, you can stack the odds in your dog's favor. Keep their teeth clean, keep them lean, use a harness to protect their windpipe, and see the vet regularly, especially after age 8. Those habits won't guarantee a record, but they help.

How long do teacup Yorkies live?

There's no reliable lifespan data for teacup Yorkies. "Teacup" isn't an official size or breed standard. It's a marketing label for dogs bred to be unusually small, often well under the roughly 11-pound average for pet Yorkies. Extreme miniaturization can bring more health problems.

Their tiny frames leave little margin for injury or illness. If you're choosing a puppy, a standard-size Yorkie from a responsible breeder is the safer choice. If you already have a tiny Yorkie, regular vet checkups matter even more.

To Sum Up

Yorkies live about 13.5 years on average, longer than most dogs, and many reach 15 and older. That long lifespan is a sign of a robust breed. The issues that most often affect their comfort are predictable: dental disease, slipping kneecaps, a weakening windpipe, skin trouble and extra weight.

Most of them start in places you can see and influence. So it's important to build those small habits and keep them up.