Yorkshire Terrier Guide Malaysia: Grooming, Health & Insurance

A 3 kg dog can live for 16 years, but those years come with a list of breed-specific health risks that every Yorkie owner should understand.

Yorkshire Terriers are popular Malaysian apartment dogs, but their tiny size makes them prone to patellar luxation and Legg-Calve-Perthes (both covered by Oyen), and portosystemic shunt and tracheal collapse (mostly not covered).

This guide covers quick facts, grooming demands, common health issues, vet costs, what Oyen pet insurance covers for Yorkies, and FAQ.

Yorkshire Terrier Quick Facts

Trait	Detail
Origin	Northern England (originally bred to catch vermin)
Size	Toy breed (2–3 kg)
Lifespan	13–16 years
Coat	Long, silky, continuously growing; low-shedding
Temperament	Bold, alert, affectionate, feisty, terrier attitude
Exercise needs	Low to moderate (20–40 minutes daily)
Apartment suitability	Excellent
Climate fit (Malaysia)	Good, single-layer coat, manages heat reasonably well
Price in Malaysia	RM2,500–6,000

Grooming a Yorkie in Malaysia

The Yorkie coat is the breed's defining feature and its biggest commitment. It's hair, not fur, which means it grows continuously like human hair and needs constant maintenance.

Task	Frequency	Estimated Cost (RM)
Daily brushing	Every day	At home
Professional grooming	Every 4–6 weeks	80–180 per session
Bath at home	Every 2–3 weeks	Shampoo cost only
Top knot / face trim	As needed	Free at home; included in pro grooming
Dental brushing	3–7 times weekly	RM40 toothpaste/year

Most Malaysian Yorkie owners keep their dogs in a "puppy cut" (short all over) rather than the long show coat. It's much easier to maintain in tropical humidity, and the dog stays cleaner. A long show coat needs daily care to avoid matting and tangles.

Common Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems

Sources: PDSA Yorkshire Terrier guide, peer-reviewed veterinary literature.

Condition	What It Is	Signs
Patellar luxation	Kneecap slips out of position; common in toy breeds	Skipping or hopping gait, intermittent limping
Legg-Calve-Perthes (LCP)	Femoral head deterioration; affects ~5% of young Yorkies	Hind limb lameness, pain, muscle wasting, usually 4–12 months old
Portosystemic shunt (PSS)	Congenital liver shunt; blood bypasses the liver	Stunted growth, vomiting, neurological signs after meals, seizures
Tracheal collapse	Weakening of windpipe cartilage; can be congenital or acquired	Honking cough, worse when excited or pulled by collar
Hypoglycemia (puppies)	Low blood sugar; especially in puppies under 5 months	Weakness, trembling, disorientation, seizures
Dental disease	Crowded teeth in tiny mouth = fast plaque buildup	Bad breath, red gums, tooth loss, reluctance to eat
Retained baby teeth	Adult teeth come in without baby teeth falling out	Double row of teeth; often needs extraction
Hydrocephalus (rare)	Fluid accumulation in brain; congenital	Seizures, abnormal eye movements, dome-shaped skull

Yorkshire Terrier Vet Costs in Malaysia

Treatment	Estimated Cost (RM)
Vet consultation	50–150
Annual vaccinations	80–200 per dose
Patellar luxation surgery (per knee)	2,500–5,000
FHO (LCP surgery)	3,000–6,000
PSS surgical correction	5,000–12,000
Tracheal collapse management	200–500/month meds
Dental scaling + extractions	800–3,000
Retained baby teeth extraction	400–1,500
Spay/neuter	300–800

What Oyen Insurance Covers for Yorkshire Terriers

Oyen Dog Insurance covers over 1,000 conditions, up to RM10,000 per year. Yorkies have one of the better coverage profiles for hereditary issues among toy breeds:

Condition	Status	Notes
Patellar luxation	✅ Covered	One of the 6 named hereditary conditions; 12-month wait for dogs under 6
Legg-Calve-Perthes (treated via FHNE)	✅ Covered	Conditions requiring femoral head and neck excision are in the 6; same 12-month wait
Hypoglycemia (puppies)	✅ Generally covered	Acute illness; 30-day illness waiting period
Portosystemic shunt (congenital)	❌ Not covered	Almost all PSS in Yorkies is congenital. Congenital conditions are never covered
Hydrocephalus	❌ Not covered	Congenital condition
Tracheal collapse	⚠️ Depends on diagnosis	Congenital form not covered. Acquired form not on the 6 hereditary list. Check with Oyen case-by-case
Dental disease (non-trauma)	❌ Not covered	Dental scaling, gingivitis, extractions for periodontal disease excluded
Retained baby teeth extraction	❌ Not covered	Considered dental work; not covered unless trauma-related
Skin allergies (non-parasite)	✅ Generally covered	Bacterial and fungal infections covered; parasite causes excluded
Accidents and injuries	✅ Covered	Immediate coverage
Vaccines, deworming, sterilisation	❌ Not covered	Preventive care excluded
Pre-existing conditions	❌ Not covered	Anything diagnosed before policy start

The 6 covered hereditary conditions: hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, glaucoma, cherry eye, IVDD, and conditions requiring femoral head and neck excision (FHNE). For the full exclusions list, see Oyen's exclusions list.

FAQ

How long do Yorkshire Terriers live?

13 to 16 years on average, with some living to 18. Key factors: dental care, weight management, avoiding pressure on the trachea (use a harness, not a collar), and annual vet check-ups.

Is a Yorkie suitable for Malaysia?

Yes. Their single-layer coat, small size, and indoor-friendly nature make them well-suited to Malaysian apartment living. AC is helpful but not strictly required. Outdoor time should be in cool hours only.

Are patellar luxation and LCP covered by Oyen?

Yes. Patellar luxation is one of the 6 named hereditary conditions. Legg-Calve-Perthes is also covered when treated via femoral head and neck excision (FHNE), which is the standard surgical treatment. Both have a 12-month waiting period for dogs under 6 years.

Is PSS (liver shunt) covered by Oyen?

No. Portosystemic shunt in Yorkies is almost always congenital (present at birth). Congenital conditions are never covered under Oyen's policy. The rare acquired form would require case-by-case review.

Why does my Yorkie cough?

The most common cause is tracheal collapse, a weakening of the windpipe cartilage that causes a honking cough, especially when excited or pulled by a collar. Always use a harness, not a collar, for Yorkies. See a vet if the cough is persistent.

Are Yorkies hypoallergenic?

No dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, but Yorkies have hair (not fur) and shed very little, which some allergy sufferers tolerate better. If you have allergies, spend time with a Yorkie before bringing one home.

How much does it cost to own a Yorkie per month in Malaysia?

About RM250–500 per month for food, parasite prevention, basic supplies, and routine vet visits. Add RM80–180 every 4–6 weeks for professional grooming. Insurance adds RM50–150/month depending on plan and dog's age.

Why should I use a harness instead of a collar?

Yorkies are highly prone to tracheal collapse, a condition where the windpipe cartilage weakens. Pressure on the throat from a collar can trigger or worsen this. Use a properly fitted harness for all walks.

Do Yorkies get along with cats and other dogs?

Generally yes, with early socialisation. They were originally bred to chase rats, so some have a strong prey drive that may include small animals. Supervise interactions until you know your dog's tendencies.

Protecting Your Pet Starts Here

The Yorkshire Terrier is one of Malaysia's best small companion dogs: small, low-shedding, alert, and adaptable. Patellar luxation and LCP are the two biggest covered health risks under Oyen. PSS and tracheal collapse are the main coverage gaps. Sign up early, before any symptoms appear.

For more reading, see Oyen's guides on popular dog breeds in Malaysia, puppy vaccination guide, and costs of owning a pet in Malaysia.

Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance on the Yorkshire Terrier breed in Malaysia. Vet costs vary by clinic, location, and case severity. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for your dog's specific needs. Insurance coverage is subject to policy terms and the full exclusions list. For the full exclusions list, visit oyen.my/exclusions.