TL;DR
The typical Yorkshire Terrier lifespan is about 13 to 14 years, among the longest of any breed. In a 2024 UK study of 584,734 dogs, Yorkies had a median lifespan of 13.3 years, longer than the 12.0 years of mixed breeds, and in a 2025 UK study of 28,032 Yorkshire Terriers, those that died did so at a median of 13.56 years. UK life tables ranked the Yorkie second only to the Jack Russell for life expectancy at birth. The breed's biggest everyday problem is teeth: gum disease was recorded in 21.1% of Yorkies in a single year, and retained baby teeth in 3.57%. The most common causes of death were brain disorders (9.79%) and kidney disease (8.73%). A Yorkie is a senior from about 10 years.
How long do Yorkshire Terriers live?
| Measure | Yorkshire Terrier | Mixed breed |
|---|---|---|
| Median lifespan, 2024 UK study (9,509 deaths) | 13.3 years | 12.0 years |
| Median age at death, 2025 UK Yorkie study | 13.56 years | |
| Life expectancy at birth, UK life tables | 12.54 years | 11.82 years |
| Senior from about (last 25% of lifespan) | 10 years | 9 years |
In the 2025 study, the middle half of Yorkies that died did so between 11.3 and 15.15 years, and the oldest reached 19. The authors concluded that the Yorkie's high longevity suggests robust overall health.
Yorkshire Terrier age in human years
| Dog's age | Life stage | Roughly like a person aged |
|---|---|---|
| 4 years | Mature adult | 24 |
| 5 years | Mature adult | 30 |
| 6 years | Mature adult | 36 |
| 7 years | Mature adult | 42 |
| 8 years | Mature adult | 48 |
| 9 years | Mature adult | 53 |
| 10 years | Senior | 59 |
| 11 years | Senior | 65 |
| 12 years | Senior | 71 |
| 13 years | Senior | 77 |
| 14 years | Senior, past the median | 83 |
| 15 years | Senior, past the median | 89 |
| 16 years | Senior, past the median | 95 |
This uses the share of the breed's typical lifespan a dog has lived, compared with US human life expectancy of 79 years. For puppies and young dogs, the DNA-based method in the calculator below is more accurate. Try any age:
Dog age calculator
Enter your dog's age and breed. Choose "Mixed breed" if you are not sure.
Human age (DNA method)
64
From age-related DNA changes in Labradors compared with people (Wang 2020). Least reliable for puppies under a few months.
Same point in a human life
53
Your dog has lived about 67% of the typical 12.0-year lifespan for this group. The same share of a 79.0-year US life expectancy is age 53.
Life stage
Mature adult
AAHA: from maturity until the last 25% of expected lifespan, about 9.0 years for this group.
Mixed breed (crossbreed): median lifespan 12.0 years (95% CI 12.0 to 12.1), senior from about 9.0 years.
Lifespans: UK study of 584,734 dogs (McMillan 2024). Life stages: AAHA. Every dog ages differently; health, weight and lifestyle all matter.
What Yorkies die of
Among 464 Yorkshire Terriers that died in the 2025 UK study:
| Cause of death | Share of deaths |
|---|---|
| Brain disorders | 9.79% |
| Kidney disorders | 8.73% |
Kidney disease is common in older small dogs and often shows first as drinking and urinating more. Ask your vet about blood and urine tests at senior checks.
Common Yorkshire Terrier health problems
The most common problems recorded in UK Yorkies in a year:
| Problem | Share of Yorkies |
|---|---|
| Periodontal (gum) disease | 21.10% |
| Overgrown nails | 6.47% |
| Anal sac impaction | 3.99% |
| Overweight or obesity | 3.72% |
| Retained baby teeth | 3.57% |
The study also identified slipping kneecaps (patellar luxation) as a predisposed problem.
Teeth start early
Dental disease in Yorkies is not just an old-dog problem. In a study of 49 Yorkshire Terriers examined under anesthesia, 98% already had early periodontitis on at least one tooth by about 9 months of age (37 weeks), and the odds rose 2.74 times by 18 months. A median adult weight of just 5.06 kg means 42 teeth crowded into a very small mouth. See how many teeth does a dog have.
How to help a Yorkie live longer
- Start dental care in puppyhood. Have retained baby teeth checked at 6 to 7 months, brush daily if you can, and book cleanings when your vet advises. If brushing is hard, daily help in food can slow plaque: in a randomized trial of 60 small dogs, daily treats containing the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum led to significantly less plaque and tartar over 90 days. Our Daily Dental Cleaning Powder contains 700 mg of Ascophyllum nodosum per 4 g serving and is now available to pre-order.
- Trim the nails regularly. Overgrown nails were the second most common problem. See senior dog grooming.
- Keep it lean, which also protects kneecaps and joints.
- Watch for drinking more, weight loss or changes in behavior, and get senior blood and urine tests.
- Twice-yearly vet checks from about 10 years.
FAQ
How long do Yorkshire Terriers live?
Most Yorkies live about 13 to 14 years. A 2024 UK study of 584,734 dogs found a median lifespan of 13.3 years, and a 2025 UK Yorkie study found a median age at death of 13.56 years.
Is 13 old for a Yorkie?
A Yorkie is a senior from about 10 years. At 13 it has lived about 98% of the breed's median lifespan, roughly like a person aged 77.
What do Yorkies usually die from?
In a 2025 UK study, the most common causes of death were brain disorders (9.79%) and kidney disorders (8.73%).
What health problems do Yorkies have?
Gum disease is by far the most common, recorded in 21.1% of UK Yorkies in a single year, followed by overgrown nails, anal sac impaction, obesity and retained baby teeth. Slipping kneecaps are also a breed predisposition.
Are Yorkies a long-lived breed?
Yes. In UK life tables, the Yorkshire Terrier had the second-highest life expectancy at birth of 18 common breeds, at 12.54 years.
References
- McMillan KM, et al. Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death. Scientific Reports. 2024. PMID: 38302530
- O'Neill DG, et al. Yorkshire Terriers under primary veterinary care in the UK: demography and disorders. Companion Animal Health and Genetics. 2025. PMID: 42135803
- Teng KT, et al. Life tables of annual life expectancy and mortality for companion dogs in the United Kingdom. Scientific Reports. 2022. PMID: 35484374
- Wallis C, et al. A longitudinal assessment of periodontal disease in Yorkshire terriers. BMC Veterinary Research. 2019. PMID: 31226991
- Gawor J, et al. Effects of edible treats containing Ascophyllum nodosum on the oral health of dogs: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled single-center study. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2018. PMID: 30109236
For individual health questions, your veterinarian remains the best partner.
