Yorkshire Terrier Pet Insurance Guide
Lifespan
11–15 years
Weight
4–7 lbs
Avg. Vet Cost/Year
$300–$1,200
Avg. Insurance
$25–$50/mo
Overview
Yorkshire Terriers pack enormous personality into a tiny frame, but their small size creates unique health vulnerabilities. Dental disease is nearly universal in the breed, and conditions like portosystemic shunts (liver shunts) can require surgery costing over $10,000.
Common Health Conditions
Potential Expensive Conditions
Why Yorkshire Terriers Need Insurance
Despite their small size and relatively low premiums, Yorkies can face surprisingly expensive medical conditions. A liver shunt surgery alone can cost more than a decade of insurance premiums.
Breed-Specific Health Risks
Dental disease is the most common issue, with most Yorkies requiring professional dental cleanings and extractions throughout their lives. Luxating patella (slipping kneecap) affects many small breeds. Collapsed trachea is a progressive condition that may require surgical intervention. Portosystemic shunts are a serious congenital condition more common in Yorkies than most breeds.
Insurance Tips for Yorkshire Terrier Owners
For Yorkies, ensure your plan covers dental disease (many carriers exclude routine dental but cover dental disease). Also verify coverage for congenital conditions like portosystemic shunts, which may manifest after enrollment.
Our Recommendation
Why We Recommend Healthy Paws for Yorkshire Terriers
Healthy Paws covers congenital conditions like portosystemic shunts and dental disease related to accidents or illness. The relatively affordable premiums for small breeds make Healthy Paws an excellent value proposition for Yorkie owners.
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