Yorkie Information Center
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The Age of a Yorkie
Overview
That old saying that a dog ages 7 years for each human year was a simple method of estimate the aging process of a dog. However, the key word here is estimate.
There are over 300 different dog breeds and each ages differently.
Small breed dogs, such as the Yorkshire Terrier age differently than other types of dogs.
Let's discuss the true age of the Yorkie, the important milestone ages of your dog and how to care for a senior Yorkie dog.
That old saying that a dog ages 7 years for each human year was a simple method of estimate the aging process of a dog. However, the key word here is estimate.
There are over 300 different dog breeds and each ages differently.
Small breed dogs, such as the Yorkshire Terrier age differently than other types of dogs.
Let's discuss the true age of the Yorkie, the important milestone ages of your dog and how to care for a senior Yorkie dog.
How Old Is Your Yorkie?
Dogs age much differently, the largest factor being their size. Therefore, the Yorkie, being a small breed dog, will have their own timetable of aging. A good point to remember is that just like humans, as time goes on medical discoveries allows the canine to live longer. Back in the 1920's a dog generally lived 7 human years. Now, the Yorkie's life span is generally 12 to 15 years and many Yorkies live even longer.
The following is an age chart, showing the age equivalent of the Yorkshire Terrier in comparison to human years.
Dogs age much differently, the largest factor being their size. Therefore, the Yorkie, being a small breed dog, will have their own timetable of aging. A good point to remember is that just like humans, as time goes on medical discoveries allows the canine to live longer. Back in the 1920's a dog generally lived 7 human years. Now, the Yorkie's life span is generally 12 to 15 years and many Yorkies live even longer.
The following is an age chart, showing the age equivalent of the Yorkshire Terrier in comparison to human years.
| Yorkie Years |
Human Years |
Yorkie Years |
Human Years | Yorkie Years | Human Years | Yorkie Years |
Human Years |
| 4= | 20 | 5= | 30 | 6= | 40 | 7= | 44 |
| 8= | 48 | 9= | 52 | 10= | 56 | 11= | 60 |
| 12= | 64 | 13= | 68 | 14= | 72 | 15= | 76 |
| 16= | 80 | 17= | 84 | 18= | 88 | 19= | 92 |
Milestones
Age 3 to 4 weeks - At this age, the Yorkie newborn is beginning to open their eyes. They are given their first peak at the world! The tail is docked soon after birth, so a pup at this age is most likely already recovered.
Age 8 Weeks - At this age, in most countries it will be legal for a Yorkie puppy to be given to his or her new home. If training has not begun, the puppy is ready ! Also, the Yorkie puppy will should be on almost a full diet of regular puppy food and be will weaned from mama.
3 - 6 months - It is during this time frame that the Yorkie's ears will begin to stand up. As you can see, the age that a Yorkie's ears stand up varies greatly and there is usually no need to worry if your dog goes through this phase a bit later than average.
4 to 7 months - Any time during this time period, the Yorkie will begin teething.
5 months - It is not uncommon for a Yorkie to have a perfect bite and then at the age of 5 months, their bite can go off track, sometimes within just a matter of days. A good bite is crucial to properly chewing and digesting dog food. Overlapping teeth can be a perfect place for bacteria to hide and grow. Owners must be very aware of their Yorkie's bite during this age.
6 months to 1 year - It is during this time that a female Yorkie will generally enter her first heat. It is strongly recommended to have your female Yorkie spayed, if you will not be breeding her. Doing so will greatly cut down on her chances of developing ovarian and/or mammary cancer.
1 year old - This is now the age when your puppy is considered to be an adult. Puppy food can be switched over to adult dog food.
8 years to 12 years and on- The Yorkshire Terrier is now consider to be a senior dog and care must be taken to change dog food and increase veterinarian visits, among other changes.
The Senior Yorkshire Terrier
While 12 years is the official age that a Yorkie is considered to be a senior, one must evaluate each dog separately, as each dog will show signs of aging differently.
The most apparent sign that will tell you that your dog is aging, is when he or she slows down. You will notice that your dog does not run as fast as they once did, you will see that your Yorkie is slow to rise from a laying position, your dog may hesitate to jump down from the bed, etc.
How You Can Help
There are several things that you can do to ensure the safety and health of your senior Yorkie. How to you best care for an older Yorkshire Terrier?
Obtain steps or ramps for any furniture that your Yorkie used to jump up and down from. This is usually the sofa and your bed. Steps are such a great help and will help to protect your dog's hips and joints by eliminating impact.
Switch over from adult food to senior dog food. Each type of dog food is different for each phase of a dog's life. Your older Yorkie digests food differently and is in need of extra calcium and nutrients that are not available in their regular dog food. Obtain the highest quality possible.
Veterinarian visits should increase at this point. Early detection of medical issues is the best method for good recovery. Your older Yorkie should have regular checkups twice per year, in addition to any visits for unexpected health issues.
