As with all popular breeds these days, Yorkshire terriers can suffer from a variety of hereditary diseases. This makes screening adults essential and early health exams of puppies important. Patellar luxation and portosystemic shunt, for example, can often be identified early. Parents can be screened for retinal dysplasia, and their histories should reveal any epilepsy or collapsing trachea. Know as much as possible to avoid these disorders, but take heart that most can be corrected or managed.