How long do Yorkies live? As you can see, that question has two parts to it: How long do Yorkies live in general, and how long do female Yorkies live compared to males? In this article, we’ll look at life expectancy by gender and also discuss the factors that affect your dog’s life span. So if you have a Yorkshire Terrier (or are planning to get one), here’s what you need to know about their average life expectancy.
How Long Do Yorkies Live?
The typical Yorkie lifespan is 12 to 15 years, with 13.5 being the median. Female Yorkshire Terriers live an average of 1.5 years longer than males. The Yorkie is slightly older than the typical dog in the United States, at 12.5 years old. While many factors can affect a dog’s lifespan, including diet and exercise, the Yorkshire Terrier’s long life is largely due to its small size. Small dogs typically live longer than their larger counterparts. So, if you’re wondering how long do Yorkies live, now you know!
Factors that Influence your Yorkie’s Lifespan
- Gender – Female Yorkshire Terriers live an average of 1.5 years longer than males.
- Size – Smaller dogs typically live longer than larger breeds.
- Diet – A healthy, balanced diet is important for any dog, but especially for those with a shorter lifespan.
- Exercise – Getting regular exercise helps keep your Yorkie healthy and can extend their life.
- Environment – Where you live can also play a role in how long your dog lives. For example, city dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than those in rural areas.
- Genetics – Some Yorkies are simply predisposed to a shorter lifespan due to genetics. However, these genes cannot be identified without genetic testing.
- Age – In general, the older the Yorkie gets, the more likely they are to develop health problems or pass away before their time.
- Breed Specificity – The American Kennel Club recognizes several different types of Yorkshire Terriers such as show-type (English), petite (teacup), toy size (toy) and standard size (miniature). All sizes will live 13-15 years on average depending on other factors like genetics and environment.
- Lifestyle – Yorkies may live slightly longer if they lead a less active lifestyle.
- Location – As mentioned earlier, where you live can affect your Yorkie’s lifespan; living in an urban area will shorten their life span because of higher levels of air pollution and traffic accidents that may result in injury or death.
- Medical Conditions – If your dog has medical conditions that are not being treated properly, it could affect their overall quality of life and potentially shorten their lifespan.
- Other Pets – If you own another pet besides a Yorkshire Terrier that has been known to attack small animals then this could contribute to the animal’s premature death from stress or from injuries sustained during the attack(s).
What are Average Lifespan Expectations for Male and Female Yorkshire Terriers?
Male Yorkshire Terriers have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, with 13.5 being the median. Female Yorkshire Terriers live an average of 1.5 years longer than males. The Yorkie is slightly older than the typical dog in the United States, at 12.5 years old. On average, Yorkies live a long and healthy life! If you have any questions about your Yorkie’s health or development, contact your veterinarian for more information.
How can I tell if my Yorkie is having health problems?
Because the Yorkie lifespan is on the shorter side, it’s important to be aware of health problems that may arise. Some common health problems for Yorkies include teeth and gum disease, kidney disease, luxating patellas, and tracheal collapse. Knowing the signs and symptoms of these conditions can help you get your furry friend the treatment they need as soon as possible. If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to take your Yorkie to the vet for a check-up.
Are there any Exceptions to this Pattern?
There are a few things that can influence your dog’s lifespan. For example, if your Yorkie is particularly small, he may have a higher risk of health problems and a shorter lifespan. Some breeds, like the toy poodle, live an average of 15 years, while giant breeds like the mastiff have an average lifespan of only 6 to 8 years. So, while the Yorkie lifespan is longer than average, there are exceptions.