Yorkshire Terriers (Yorkies) typically live between 12 and 15 years , with a median life expectancy around 13.5 years. Some sources extend this range slightly, citing up to 16 years or even longer for well-cared-for dogs
. Key details about Yorkie lifespan:
- Female Yorkies tend to live about 1 to 1.5 years longer than males on average
- The breed’s lifespan is generally longer than the average U.S. dog lifespan, which is about 12.5 years
- There are size variants of Yorkies, such as teacup, standard, and giant. The teacup Yorkie has a shorter lifespan (around 7-9 years), while standard and giant Yorkies live closer to the typical 12-16 year range
- With excellent care, some Yorkies can live up to 18 years or more , and there are reports of Yorkies reaching nearly 28 years, though this is exceptional
Factors that influence Yorkie lifespan include:
- Genetics and breeding quality
- Nutrition and diet
- Regular exercise
- Veterinary care and vaccinations
- Living environment and stress levels
Proper care can help maximize a Yorkie's lifespan and quality of life
. In summary, expect your Yorkie to live roughly 12 to 15 years , with females generally outliving males by a small margin, and the potential for some to live well beyond this range with good care.
