Thinking about a Yorkie, But NO pervious experience with them

[1gldn1shep]

Hi Guys,
I'm new to this board and I was wondering If I could get some advice. I'm thinking about getting a Yorkshire Terrier, however, I have never owned one, and wanted to know if there is anything I should know prior to shopping around for a breeder.

I currently have a 2 1/2 year old Golden Retriever named Serra and a 9 month old German Shepherd named Harley. They are both extremely gentle and very well socalized, so there wouldn't be an issue bringing another dog into the house. My question is thou, I've always had big dogs, and I'm used to big dogs, is it much different with a small dog?

Anyways, any advice or comments would be great. I look forward to hearing from you!
Thanks,
Tracy

[spr377]

I had always had big dogs before I had yorkies, also. The difference that I see, is that they require more of your attention.....you also have to be much more careful of their surroundings.

[1gldn1shep]

Could you be more specific? More attention, how so? And what do you mean about their surroundings?

Have you had your yorkies while still owning large dogs? Are there any concerns I should be thinking about having the large dogs living with such a tiny dog?

[KathyinCali]

Just want to say hello and welcome. You will be getting lots of posts to your questions.

[MIZBROWN]

to YT

I would definately say to do your research So many people tend to want this breed because of the cute factor, but there is a lot that goes into having a Yorkie..imo.

1. They are small dogs and can be a lil needy of your attention.
2. Because they're small, you're always having to watch your step.
3. Not easy to potty train/train...
4. More possible health issues with smaller breeds... (from what Ive read)

and thats just a few... If one doesnt have a true love for this breed, I think you can easily get discouraged when they arent making the progress you might hope for... especially because you have bigger dogs, that are much easier... Good luck

Originally Posted by 1gldn1shep

Hi Guys,
I'm new to this board and I was wondering If I could get some advice. I'm thinking about getting a Yorkshire Terrier, however, I have never owned one, and wanted to know if there is anything I should know prior to shopping around for a breeder.

I currently have a 2 1/2 year old Golden Retriever named Serra and a 9 month old German Shepherd named Harley. They are both extremely gentle and very well socalized, so there wouldn't be an issue bringing another dog into the house. My question is thou, I've always had big dogs, and I'm used to big dogs, is it much different with a small dog?

Anyways, any advice or comments would be great. I look forward to hearing from you!
Thanks,
Tracy

[gutu28]

Little dogs to be are a lot more like people. If you like having a DOG dog..then they might not be for you. But if you want a dog that's very similar to a baby or a small child, then go for it! You'll have to puppy proof your house (wires, small objects they can swallow..like a baby), be very careful about where you step. Even if your bigger dogs are friendly, if they are rambuncious they could easily hurt a smaller dog in playing. You also have to worry more about them getting easily stressed cause their blood sugar level can drop or they can get dehydrated from diarrhea. They need a lot of attention, so if you have a very busy lifestyle, they might not be right for you! Good luck and I applaud you for doing your research instead of just giving in to that little yorkie face!

[spr377]

Originally Posted by 1gldn1shep

Could you be more specific? More attention, how so? And what do you mean about their surroundings?

Have you had your yorkies while still owning large dogs? Are there any concerns I should be thinking about having the large dogs living with such a tiny dog?

Don't EVER leave them alone unattended. Even though your big dogs are gentle, even the gentlest play from a big dog can be hurtful to a yorkie. I have a German Sheperd that loves the yorkies, however he gets a little rough with them and can only play with them for a few minutes (with me watching like a hawk!)

[Yorkiedaze]

I had wanted a Yorkie for a long time, but decided to join a couple of Yorkie Rescues before I made the commitment to get one of my own. After a few years fostering a lot of these guys, I was hooked and the rest is history.

[1gldn1shep]

Oh thats a good idea. Right now I volunteer with Canadian Golden Rescue, I don't do any fostering but I do attend shows and speak to people about adoption and proper pet ownership. I might have to look into local Yorkie Rescues and maybe look into fostering. It would also give me a good idea what its like to live with a small dog, as well as see how my girls are with the small dogs!

[xmasbaby75]

Welcome to YT! I have a Yorkie Care Sheet that I made up to give out along with my last litter of puppies. It contains some things that most people don't really think about (concerning small breeds). If anyone is interested in this sheet (it is way too big to post) then just PM me your email address, and I will send it over.

[Yorkiedaze]

Originally Posted by 1gldn1shep

Oh thats a good idea. Right now I volunteer with Canadian Golden Rescue, I don't do any fostering but I do attend shows and speak to people about adoption and proper pet ownership. I might have to look into local Yorkie Rescues and maybe look into fostering. It would also give me a good idea what its like to live with a small dog, as well as see how my girls are with the small dogs!

You may find it to be a lot of hard work with some of these Yorkies when you have to find a food that agrees with them, house train, socialize and help get them ready for their forever home, but let me till you something........it's the most rewarding job you can ever have. You take in a sickly, scared little soul with dull eyes and coat, and with the proper medical care, proper food and patience and love, you then see them blossom, like a rose bud opening up. It's wonderful.
I knew these guys pretty darn good before finally adopting.

[Gardeness]

Hi Tracy! Just wondering, did you get your Yorkie yet?

[katrn]

I've always had large dog also until Pepper. one good thing compared to lg breeds, they take up less space on the bed!!! good luck with your search

[xiju]

I had Chinese Shar-peis for years. Then I got Lhasa-poos; one chosen and one rescued. I now have one 11 yr old Lhasa-poo and two Yorkies, 15 1/2 & 10 1/2 months old. I must say that after having Yorkies, I could never be without one. The effort you apply to training and overall care is well rewarded.

Linda

[Deegan's mom]

I had always had larger breeds too before getting my yorkie. And I was surprised at how long it took to potty train him! I was begining to think that there was something wrong with him, but the more yorkie owners I talked to, the more I realized that they just take alot longer than larger breeds. So be prepared to clean up after them for a while... but once they get it - they're good to go! Good luck.