Yorkshire Terriers: Small Dogs, Big Health Needs

Yorkies are one of South Africa's most popular small breeds — portable, devoted and full of terrier. They also have a specific set of health needs that catch first-time owners out.

The coat

Yorkie hair grows continuously like human hair and does not shed much, which makes them a good option for people with mild allergies but means constant maintenance. Options are a full coat brushed daily, or a short "puppy cut" every six to eight weeks. Most South African owners sensibly choose the clip — a long coat in Gauteng summer collects grass seeds, blackjacks and burrs.

Brush before bathing, always, and keep the hair around the eyes trimmed or tied up so it does not scratch the cornea.

Teeth are the big one

Small breeds have full-sized teeth crowded into small jaws, and Yorkies get severe dental disease early. Retained baby teeth are common and often need removing at sterilisation. Start brushing from the day you get them, and expect professional scaling every one to two years. Untreated dental disease is painful, causes tooth loss by middle age, and the bacteria affect the heart and kidneys.

Collapsing trachea

A goose-honk cough, worse with excitement or pulling. The windpipe cartilage weakens and flattens. It is common in Yorkies and management matters: never walk a Yorkie on a collar — use a harness. Keep weight down, avoid smoke, and see a vet for a persistent honking cough rather than assuming it is kennel cough.

Puppy hypoglycaemia

Tiny puppies can crash their blood sugar dangerously, especially when stressed, over-handled or not eating. Signs are wobbliness, glazed eyes, weakness and collapse. Feed small meals frequently — four times a day for a young Yorkie puppy — and keep a syrup or glucose gel in the house. Rub a small amount on the gums and go straight to a vet.

Other things to know

Patellar luxation is common — a skipping back leg is worth investigating. They feel the cold genuinely, so a jersey on a Highveld winter morning is practical rather than silly. They are terriers, so expect barking, opinions and more courage than sense around bigger dogs. Lifespan is long, often 13 to 16 years.