Group 3 · Terriers
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a little dog with a long, silky coat and the heart of a true terrier: brave, alert and sometimes stubborn. It is affectionate and suits a flat, but deserves the same training as a big dog.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Yorkshire Terrier by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 3 examinations:
- 2 DNA tests
- 1 kneecap examination
The breeding programme also recommends 5 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (3)
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: XM_022422503.1:c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (5)
-
Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SLC37A2: c.1332C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal dominant condition with incomplete penetrance
-
Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 (CMR1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- BEST1: c.73C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Primary lens luxation (PLL)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ADAMTS17: c.1473+1G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RPGRIP1: c.142_143ins[A[29]; GGAAGCAACAGGATG
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- VWF: c.7437G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Yorkshire Terrier, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 14/08/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Patellar luxation (PT) and Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO), Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 (CMR1), Primary lens luxation (PLL), Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4) and Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1). A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Yorkshire Terrier is happy with short walks, but also loves sniffing and playing. A long coat needs brushing every day; many owners choose a short trim. Keep the hair around the eyes short or tied up.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
Under that lovely coat is a real terrier: brave, alert and quick to bark. Treat it as a proper dog with training and socialisation, not as an accessory. Children need to learn how to handle such a small dog gently. Ask the breeder for the results of the mandatory examinations of both parent dogs.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
