What is the oldest Yorkshire Terrier

Oldest Yorkshire Terrier On Record

Imagine discovering that the oldest Yorkshire Terrier on record holds the key to unlocking secrets about this beloved breeds longevity and resiliency. Get ready to embark on a fascinating journey into the world of these pint-sized pups as we delve into the remarkable life of the oldest Yorkshire Terrier ever documented. From their playful personalities to their loyalty and affection, these remarkable dogs have cemented their place in our hearts. Join us as we uncover the stories behind this exceptional canine and gain a deeper appreciation for the Yorkshire Terriers enduring allure.

Oldest Yorkshire Terrier On Record

Yorkshire Terriers are a small and beloved breed of dog known for their lively personality and luxurious coat. They have a rich history dating back to the 19th century in England, where they were originally bred for the purpose of catching rats in mines and mills. Over the years, they have become popular as companion animals and have gained recognition from various kennel clubs worldwide.

1. History of Yorkshire Terriers

1.1 Origin of the Breed

The Yorkshire Terrier, often referred to as the Yorkie, originated in the rugged region of Yorkshire, England. During the mid-19th century, Scottish weavers migrated to Yorkshire to work in the textile industry, bringing with them their small terrier breeds. These terriers were then crossbred with various local breeds, including the Skye Terrier and the Maltese, resulting in the development of the Yorkshire Terrier we know today.

1.2 Development and Purpose

Initially, Yorkshire Terriers were primarily bred for their rat-catching abilities. Their small size, agility, and brave nature made them excellent hunters to control the vermin population in mills and mines. However, as the Industrial Revolution progressed and the demand for textile work declined, these terriers found a new purpose as companion dogs due to their charming personalities and striking appearance.

1.3 Popularity and Recognition

Yorkshire Terriers gained popularity throughout the 20th century, becoming a sought-after breed thanks to their adorable looks and affectionate nature. In 1886, they were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), solidifying their place in the dog world. Today, they are among the top 10 most popular dog breeds globally, beloved for their loyalty, intelligence, and adaptability to various living environments.

2. Lifespan of Yorkshire Terriers

2.1 Typical Lifespan

On average, Yorkshire Terriers have a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years. However, its important to note that individual lifespans can vary based on several factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health care.

2.2 Factors Affecting Lifespan

Several factors can influence the lifespan of Yorkshire Terriers. Genetics plays a significant role, as certain hereditary conditions can affect their overall health and longevity. Proper nutrition and exercise are also crucial, as obesity and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to shorter lifespans. Regular veterinary care, vaccinations, and preventive measures against common diseases are essential in ensuring the well-being and longevity of these beloved pets.

2.3 Longevity Expectations

With advancements in veterinary care and improved knowledge of canine health, Yorkshire Terriers have the potential to live well into their late teens or even early twenties. By providing them with a healthy and balanced lifestyle, owners can contribute to their longevity and enjoy many happy years together.

3. Notable Yorkshire Terrier Longevity Cases

3.1 Oldest Recorded Yorkshire Terrier

The oldest Yorkshire Terrier on record is believed to be a female named Chanel, who lived an extraordinary life of 21 years and 114 days. Born on May 6, 1989, Chanel was a true testament to the love and care provided by her owner, Denice Shaughnessy, who ensured her well-being throughout her long life.

3.2 Factors Contributing to Longevity

Chanels remarkable lifespan can be attributed to various factors. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adherence to a diligent healthcare regimen were critical components of her long and healthy life. Additionally, Chanels owner emphasized mental stimulation, providing her with plenty of toys and engaging activities to keep her mind sharp and active. These factors, combined with the abundance of love and care she received, undoubtedly played a significant role in Chanels impressive longevity.

4. Care and Maintenance of Older Yorkshire Terriers

4.1 Health Concerns in Senior Yorkshire Terriers

As Yorkshire Terriers age, they may become more susceptible to certain health concerns. Common issues in older Yorkies include dental problems, joint stiffness, vision and hearing impairments, and age-related cognitive decline. It is crucial for owners to be aware of these potential issues and provide appropriate care and attention to ensure the best quality of life for their aging pets.

4.2 Diet and Exercise Recommendations

Proper nutrition is vital in maintaining the health and vitality of older Yorkshire Terriers. As they age, their dietary needs may change, requiring adjustments in portion sizes and the inclusion of nutrient-rich foods. Consultation with a veterinarian can help determine the best diet plan for an older Yorkie. Similarly, regular exercise tailored to their individual needs is essential to keep their muscles toned, joints mobile, and weight in check.

4.3 Regular Veterinary Check-ups

Regular veterinary check-ups become increasingly important as Yorkshire Terriers age. These visits allow the veterinarian to monitor their overall health, detect any potential issues early on, and provide appropriate treatments or interventions. Vaccinations, dental cleanings, and preventive medications against parasites also form an integral part of senior Yorkie care.

4.4 Grooming and Dental Care

Maintaining proper grooming and dental care is crucial for the well-being of older Yorkshire Terriers. Regular brushing helps prevent matting and promotes healthy skin and coat. Dental hygiene, such as regular brushing or the use of dental chews, can help prevent dental diseases that can affect both their comfort and overall health. Additionally, keeping their nails trimmed and their ears clean and free from infections are essential parts of their overall grooming routine.

5. Tips for Improving Yorkshire Terrier Longevity

5.1 Proper Nutrition and Supplements

Providing a well-balanced diet that meets the specific needs of older Yorkshire Terriers is crucial for their overall health and longevity. High-quality dog food with appropriate levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals, can support their aging bodies. Consultation with a veterinarian can help determine if any specific supplements may be beneficial for an individual Yorkies needs.

5.2 Regular Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Engaging in regular exercise not only helps to maintain a healthy weight but also promotes cardiovascular health and mental well-being. Daily walks, interactive playtime, and puzzle toys can provide the physical and mental stimulation that is crucial for older Yorkshire Terriers. It is important to tailor these activities to their age and physical limitations to prevent any unnecessary strain or injuries.

5.3 Disease Prevention Measures

Preventive measures are an integral part of promoting Yorkshire Terrier longevity. Keeping up with recommended vaccinations, maintaining a clean living environment, providing regular parasite control, and practicing good hygiene all contribute to their overall health and help prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can ensure that all necessary preventive measures are in place.

6. Conclusion

Yorkshire Terriers hold a special place in the hearts of many dog lovers, and their small size and big personalities make them wonderful companions. By understanding their history, caring for them in their golden years, and implementing measures to promote their longevity, you can enjoy the love and joy of a Yorkshire Terrier for many years to come. Remember to provide them with the necessary attention, proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care to ensure they live their best possible life.

Yorkie Age Equivalent

Lets explore some important milestones your Yorkie will go through from early life through their senior years.

3 Weeks

At 3 weeks, a newborn Yorkie will be beginning to open his eyes. If your Yorkies tail was docked after birth, it will be fully healed.

4 Weeks

By now, your Yorkie puppy will have fully learned to walk, so you can expect them to be out there exploring the world. Also, weaning them off of a liquid diet and onto a solid diet will begin.

8 Weeks

A Yorkie puppy will be legally allowed to be given to a new owner at the age of 8 weeks and separated from his mother. If training hasnt yet started, then now is the time. By now, your Yorkie pup should be on a fully solid diet of puppy food, and completely weaned from his mother.

At this stage and for the next several months, you will spend more hands-on time taking care of your puppy. That means its time to start buying appropriate soft puppy toys and youll be ready to get a puppy leash to help your Yorkie explore the world.

3 to 6 Months

Youll notice your Yorkies ears begin to pop up during the 3 to 6 month period. The time this will happen can differ from pup to pup.

4 to 7 Months

At any point within the 4 to 7 months of age bracket, your Yorkie will begin teething. Make sure you have appropriate teething toys at home!

5 Months

While you may have seen the perfect bite come along by now, its not uncommon to see it go again around the 5 month point. Owners should be very aware of a Yorkies bite going awry, as a good bite is crucial to proper chewing and digestion, and overlapping teeth can be an ideal place for bacteria to grow.

5 to 9 Months

Around about now a female Yorkie will tend to enter her first heat. Spaying your Yorkie is highly recommended if youre not looking to breed. Spaying will also greatly cut down any potential of developing mammary or ovarian cancer.

1 Year

At 1 year of age, your Yorkie has left puppydom and entered adulthood. You can now introduce your Yorkie to adult small-breed kibble.

8+ Years

Your Yorkie is now considered a senior. Care must be taken to change dog food to a senior variety, and lots of other changes should be made, such as increased visits to the vet and extra care around the house.

How Long Do Yorkies Live? Average Lifespan & Causes of Death

Yorkshire Terriers are one of the most famous dog breeds in the United States.

Thanks to their adorable looks and friendly temperament, these pooches rank 13th in the American Kennel Clubs round-up of the most popular dog breeds. But do Yorkies have long lives?

The average lifespan of a Yorkshire Terrier is between 12 and 15 years old. These pups have pretty long lives; however, Yorkies are predisposed to some common health issues. When well cared for, a healthy Yorkie can even reach 20 years old or more!

That said, what are the common causes of death in Yorkies? Is it true that the oldest Yorkie lived up to nearly three decades?

Indeed, theres a lot to talk about regarding Yorkie lifespan. So if you are interested in learning the answers to some of these exciting questions, read along!

Yorkie Life Expectancy: How Long Do Yorkies Live on Average?

On average, Yorkshire Terriers have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. However, members of the scientific community claim that the specific lifespan range for Yorkies is 12.6 to 14.5 years.

These figures are from two individual studies conducted in the UK and Japan. If you are interested in geeking out, you can read more about these studies in the National Library of Medicine and ResearchGate.

While some Yorkies will live far beyond this age range, some die years earlier. Of course, there are plenty of factors that affect the life of this dog breed. Interestingly, one of these factors is their size.

For starters, there are three sizes of the Yorkshire Terrier breed. These sizes are teacup, standard, and giant. The teacup Yorkie is also known as mini Yorkies, while the standard Yorkie is also known as the toy Yorkie.

Lets take a closer look at the lifespan of the different Yorkie sizes.

Teacup Yorkie Lifespan

The teacup Yorkie is the smallest variant of the Yorkshire Terrier breed. Typically, small dogs have longer lifespans than larger dogs. However, this is not the case for teacup Yorkies.

On average, the teacup Yorkie only lives between seven and nine years old. This is a few years shorter compared to standard Yorkies and giant Yorkies.

Standard Yorkie Lifespan

The standard Yorkie is the mid-sized Yorkshire Terrier. These dogs are the original Yorkies in terms of size. The life expectancy of standard Yorkies is between 12 and 15 years old.

For reference, standard Yorkies have the same lifespan as Poodles, Malteses, and Pomeranians. These dogs have one of the longest lifespans in the dog world!

Giant Yorkie Lifespan

Giant Yorkies are the largest variants of Yorkies. However, these giants are not at all that massive. These pooches are just a few pounds heavier and a few inches taller than the standard Yorkies.

The life expectancy of a giant Yorkie is slightly longer than a standard Yorkshire Terrier at around 13 to 16 years!

Another interesting fact about Yorkshire Terriers is that female Yorkies tend to outlive males.

On average, female Yorkies live an extra one to one-and-a-half years longer than male Yorkies. This also explains why Bonny, the oldest Yorkie, is a female!

The Oldest Living Yorkie: How Old Was the Oldest Yorkie That Ever Lived?

The oldest recorded age for a Yorkshire Terrier is a jaw-dropping 28 years! This wonder-dog is no other than Bonny, a Yorkie owned by Vic Aveyard and Kath Aveyard.

If youre not entirely impressed with that, lets put it into perspective. In human years, a 28-year-old dog is about 196 years old! Now thats quite impressive, isnt it?

Not only was Bonny the oldest recorded Yorkie ever, but she was also one of the oldest dogs during her time. In fact, a 2012 news report claimed that Bonny was the oldest living canine then!

Unfortunately, Bonny never became the talk of the town. Despite being one of the oldest dogs, Bonny had very limited coverage in popular media.

One possible reason for this is that Bonnys age was left unconfirmed by UK vet charity PDSA.

In the paper, Bonny never officially dethroned Lucy, the Yorkie from the Netherlands who lived up to 22 years old. However, many people still believe that Bonny was the oldest Yorkie to have ever lived.

Moreover, Bonny never made it to the Guinness Book of World Records either. This is an absolute bummer considering Bonny came extremely close to Bluey!

If youre unfamiliar with Bluey, he is the Australian Cattle Dog that holds the title of the worlds oldest dog at 29.5 years old.

READ NEXT: 10 Best Yorkshire Terrier Rescues for Adoption (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!

Factors That Determine the Lifespan of Your Yorkshire Terrier

There are a bunch of factors that affect the life span of a Yorkie. These factors include size, gender, genetics, and more. Lets take a closer look at each of these factors to understand how long do Yorkies live.

1. Size

As mentioned in the previous section, the size of this breed plays a significant role in determining its life expectancy.

Typically, teacup Yorkies have the shortest lifespan among the three sizes of Yorkshire Terriers. Meanwhile, standard Yorkies and giant Yorkies are roughly on par with each other.

The reason why teacup Yorkies live shorter lives is linked to their tiny stature. Teacup Yorkies are at a higher risk of dying from injury.

These dogs will suffer a great deal of damage if they are accidentally stepped on or attacked by larger animals.

Similarly, their small bodies tend to handle symptoms from diseases way worse. That said, it is crucial to keep your pet in check at all times, especially if you are planning to get a teacup Yorkie.

2. Gender

On average, female Yorkies live about one to one-and-a-half years longer than male Yorkies. While this is not always the case, this is a common trend in the Yorkshire Terrier breed.

In a 2018 study, it was scientifically proven that female dogs indeed live longer lives than male dogs.

However, these findings are not as easily observable on a day-to-day basis. So unless you are studying a large sample size of dogs, it is unlikely that you will observe male dogs having shorter lives than females.

In fact, gender is arguably one of the least significant factors in the lifespan of a Yorkshire Terrier. The only time gender plays an important role in lifespan is when a dog dies from reproductive organ disease.

But since these diseases are preventable through neutering or spaying, the cause of death of a dog is often not linked to its gender.

That said, this factor is still worth knowing about, especially if you are deciding between a male or female Yorkie.

RELATED: Male vs. Female Yorkshire Terrier: Which Is Better?

3. Spaying or Neutering

Still related to gender, spaying/neutering plays an essential role in a Yorkies lifespan. Having Yorkies spayed or neutered lowers their risk of developing sex-related health issues.

As a result, these pups tend to live significantly longer lives than intact dogs.

Some of the health issues prevented by spaying and neutering include pyometra, prostate cancers, bowel movement issues, and many more.

The only disadvantage of having your Yorkie spayed or neutered is that you can no longer breed it.

However, if you do not plan on breeding your Yorkie, it is recommended to have it spayed/neutered as soon as it reaches the appropriate age.

4. Genetics

Genetics is another factor affecting a Yorkies lifespan. Inherited diseases, predispositions, and overall health are largely dependent on genetics.

We can even go as far as to say that genetics is the most crucial factor when it comes to life expectancy.

Sadly, the truth is not all Yorkies have good genetics. Some Yorkies have worse genetics than others, which puts them at a higher risk of dying from health-related concerns.

The good news is that it is possible to improve the overall health genetics of a breed. This is possible thanks to the dedicated breeders who test their parent dogs before breeding them.

That said, it is imperative to buy a Yorkie only from a reputable breeder. This ensures that your pet came from a healthy lineage that is free from genetic defects.

Keep in mind that a Yorkie with good genes is more likely to live a full life!

READ NEXT: 10 Best Yorkshire Terrier Breeders (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!

5. Nutrition and Exercise

Unlike most of the factors mentioned here, nutrition and exercise are areas where owners have control over.

Many pet enthusiasts argue that Yorkies with average genetics can still live long lives if their nutrition and exercise are always in check.

Luckily, the nutritional needs and exercise requirements of Yorkies are nothing special! All you need to do is give your Yorkie the right kind of kibble for its age and activity level.

Moreover, you should refrain from the habit of giving too many treats to your pet as this may cause health problems.

Of course, you can still give them treats now and then; just be sure to pick healthy ones! You can also give them vegetables and fruits as an alternative to over-the-counter dog treats.

In terms of exercise, 30 minutes of walking every day are enough to keep your Yorkie in shape. Alternatively, you may also engage your pup in swimming, obstacle courses, or just a simple game of fetch!

How to Identify the Age of Your Yorkie in Human Years?

Theres a belief that the age of a Yorkie in human years is seven times its actual age. This belief has been around for quite a while, and many pet enthusiasts know this by heart.

However, according to a recent report from Science Magazine, this way of conversion may be overly simplified and inaccurate.

The good news is that there is a more accurate way to identify your Yorkies age in human years. The catch is that you will need a calculator for the conversion.

The formula is something like this:

[ ln (Your Yorkies Age) x 16 ] + 31 = Human Age

In your calculator, take the natural logarithm the ln function and enter your dogs age. Afterward, multiply the result to 16, then add 31 to get the answer. Its pretty simple, isnt it?

The formula is derived from studying the chemical changes in the DNA of canines. Researchers found out that biological aging is faster in puppies compared to adult dogs. This is comparable to aging in humans.

With a bit of math magic, scientists came up with this formula. However, this formula is very new, and unfortunately, it is not widely accepted in the Yorkshire Terrier community yet.

The traditional way of identifying the age of your Yorkie in human years is by using an age chart.

Heres the age chart for a Yorkshire Terrier:

From the table above, a two-year-old Yorkie is 24 years old in human years. As the Yorkie ages, four years is added to its human age equivalent. That said, we can come up with a simple formula for this.

The formula goes something like this:

[ Your Yorkies Age x 4 ] + 16 = Human Age

Take your Yorkies age and multiply it by four. Afterward, add 16 to the result. The final answer is the age of your Yorkie in human years based on the traditional age chart.

What Do Yorkies Usually Die From?

There are many causes of death in Yorkshire Terriers. While most Yorkies die from natural causes, many die from health problems and other reasons.

Lets check out the leading causes of death in both Yorkie puppies and Yorkie adults.

Common Causes of Death in Yorkie Puppies

Some health issues are more common in Yorkie puppies than in Yorkie adults. These issues are often those that require preventive medications such as vaccine shots.

Additionally, some causes of death are more pertinent in Yorkie puppies due to their weaker immune system and fragile physique.

• Parvovirus: Parvovirus is an infectious virus that targets a dogs immune system and gastrointestinal tract. A Yorkie with parvo will exhibit dehydration caused by diarrhea and vomiting. Fortunately, the risk of parvovirus can be eliminated through vaccinations.
• Canine Distemper: Canine distemper is another viral infection in dogs. Distemper targets a dogs gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, and respiratory system. It is highly contagious and affects dogs of all ages. Many Yorkie puppies without vaccines die from distemper.
• Leptospirosis: Canine leptospirosis is a health issue caused by the Leptospira bacteria. It is typically contracted through ingestion of contaminated urine, especially urine of skunks, rats, and raccoons. While leptospirosis in Yorkie puppies is preventable and treatable, it remains one of the most common causes of death.
• Physical Trauma: Yorkie puppies are one of the smallest dogs out there. One of the most unfortunate causes of their deaths is physical trauma due to accidents. Some of these accidents include being stepped on, getting hit by a car, being tripped over, getting knocked down the stairs, and many more.

The good news here is that all of these causes are preventable unless your Yorkie also suffers from a congenital disease.

If you keep your Yorkies vaccine shots in check, it is pretty much safe from parvovirus and distemper.

Similarly, providing a safe space for your Yorkie will keep it safe from contracting leptospirosis and meeting a fatal accident.

Common Causes of Death in Yorkie Adults

As Yorkies grow old, their bodies change and become a bit sturdier than when they are puppies. However, aging also makes Yorkies susceptible to other kinds of health issues.

Some of these health issues can be life-altering or, worse, fatal:

• Respiratory Diseases: Respiratory diseases are the number one cause of death in Yorkshire Terriers since a good population of them are toy breed dogs. In fact, among all breeds, Yorkies have the 3rd highest death rate caused by respiratory diseases. The three most common respiratory diseases in Yorkies are brachycephalic airway syndrome, pulmonary fibrosis, and collapsed trachea.
• Cancer: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Yorkshire Terriers. These include soft tissue sarcomas, mast cell tumors, lymphoma, mammary gland tumors, and bone cancer. Fortunately, 50% of cancers in Yorkies are treatable.
• Congenital Disease: About 10.5% of all Yorkie deaths account for congenital diseases. These are health disorders that are already present in a dog during its birth. The most common congenital disease that affects a Yorkies life is the portosystemic shunt, also known as liver shunts. This is very much evident in toy breeds.

Unfortunately, the common causes of death in Yorkie adults are linked to genetics. This means some Yorkies will have a higher chance of contracting these issues compared to other Yorkies.

A surefire way to minimize these issues is by getting a Yorkie from a reputable breeder. This way, you can be assured that your dog is free from any genetic faults.

3 Easy Tips to Help Your Yorkie Live Longer

It is in our best interest for our pets to live their fullest lives; however, for that to happen, we must keep them in check at all times.

So if you want to help your Yorkie live a longer life, here are a few handy tips to prevent their leading cause of death:

1. Visit the Vet Regularly

Regularly visiting the vet is one of the best ways to extend the life span of your Yorkie, even though you bought it from reputable breeders who breed dogs with care.

By doing so, you are keeping a close eye on the health condition of your Yorkie before problems even arise.

It is recommended to find a trusty vet clinic near your area to make regular trips more convenient.

Keep in mind, visiting the vet is not only for sick dogs. More often than not, healthy dogs are in the best shape because they see the vet regularly.

Whenever you visit the vet clinic, you should always notify your vet about any changes you see with your dog. Remember, the earliest symptoms of many health issues start with behavioral changes.

2. Keep Your Yorkie Indoors

An indoor dog is less exposed to the elements than a dog kept outdoors. By keeping your Yorkie indoors, you are lowering its risk of heatstroke or hypothermia during extreme weather.

Keeping a Yorkie indoors will also prevent them from ingesting toxic chemicals found in the garage or near the dumpster.

Moreover, indoor dogs are also safer from road accidents and dog fights compared to outdoor dogs.

Keep in mind that physical trauma due to accidents is one of the leading causes of death in Yorkshire Terriers.

If you have a fenced backyard, it is an excellent idea to let your Yorkie roam around freely on its own. However, you should check on it from time to time and make sure to keep it indoors during nighttime.

3. Take Note of Foods Toxic to Yorkies

Yorkies are incredibly adorable pooches. Sometimes, it can be tempting to share your food with your Yorkie, especially when its giving you those pleading eyes. However, keep in mind that some foods are toxic to Yorkies.

If you accidentally give your Yorkie a toxic food, chances are, it will end up in the emergency room.

On some occasions, accidentally feeding poisonous foods to dogs kills them right away. Luckily, the list of foods toxic to dogs is not long.

The foods included in this list are chocolate, caffeine, onion, grapes, corn on the cob, and others.

As a Yorkie owner, it is imperative to know these foods by heart. By avoiding giving these foods to your Yorkie, you are already helping it live a longer life.

Senior Yorkie Dog Care

A Yorkie reaches its senior years when it is around 8 to 10 years old. Around this time, expect some noticeable changes in your pet. Senior Yorkies typically exhibit slight changes in behavior as well as a few bodily changes.

You may also notice that your Yorkie is not as playful and alert as before. Likewise, some changes in its eating and sleeping habits are also possible.

That said, a senior Yorkie will require a special kind of care.

Luckily, there are many ways to keep your Yorkie healthy and happy throughout its senior years:

• Keep a close eye on health issues
• Visit the vet more often
• Consider giving food supplements to your Yorkie
• Keep exercise sessions brief
• Comb your Yorkies coat more often
• Always keep your Yorkie hydrated
• Spend more time with your Yorkie

Keep in mind that keeping a senior Yorkie healthy will require a little more patience and attention from you.

Just like us, these dogs also go through complex changes as they age. As their owner, you should ensure that you are there to care for them at all times.

If you are interested in learning more about senior dog care, watch this video:

Frequently Asked Questions

What Age Is Considered Old for a Yorkie?

A Yorkie puppy is considered old when it reaches 8 to 10 years old. In human years this is equivalent to 48 and 56 years old, respectively. However, this is only true for standard and giant Yorkshire Terriers.

If you have a teacup Yorkie, it can already be considered old when it reaches six years old. The reason behind this is that teacup Yorkies have shorter lives compared to standard and giant Yorkies.

What Age Do Most Yorkies Die?

On average, most Yorkshire Terriers die around the age of 13. This age is the median age of their average life expectancy.

However, the case is different for teacup Yorkies. Because of their shorter life span, teacup Yorkies usually die around the age of 8.

Their leading cause of death is said to be cancer and respiratory diseases like brachycephalic airway syndrome, collapsed trachea, and pulmonary fibrosis.

Can a Yorkie Live Up to 20 Years Old?

Yes, there are many reports from pet owners of Yorkies living to be 20 years old. In fact, some of the oldest recorded Yorkies are well above two decades old!

One of these is a Yorkie from the Netherlands named Lucy. Lucy is the officially recognized oldest Yorkie at 22 years old.

Another one is the much older Yorkie named Bonny. Bonny is believed to be the rightful owner of the title; however, Bonnys age was left unconfirmed.

How Do I Know if My Yorkie Is Dying?

Some telltale signs of a dying Yorkshire Terrier include loss of coordination, loss of appetite, lack of interest, vomiting, and muscle twitching.

If your Yorkie is in its senior years suffering from respiratory diseases and exhibits some of these signs, then, chances are, its near the end of its life.

Final Thoughts: How Long Do Yorkies Live?

Yorkshire Terriers are one of the dog breeds with the longest life expectancy. In general, Yorkies are healthy and easy to care for.

Simply put, a Yorkie should be on top of your choices for a pet if you want a four-legged companion for many years!

However, due to their miniature size, Yorkies are prone to accidents and physical trauma. Aside from that, respiratory disease is also one of the leading causes of death in Yorkshire Terriers.

That said, if you can provide a safe space and top-notch healthcare for your Yorkie, it will easily live its fullest life with you as its owner.