Yorkies and Children; Thinking of a Yorkie

[tkking17]

Hi all,

I'm new to this site, so sorry if this has been asked/answered before. I am considering getting a Yorkshire Terrier, but have a couple concerns.

First, I would someday like to have children, and I have heard that Yorkies are not the best breed with children. I understand their size, and the importance of teaching children to be respectful. I'm a bit scared, because I once saw a Yorkie lunge at a kid in a stroller as his parents waited to cross the street. However, has anyone had problems with Yorkies adjusting to new babies/toddlers, if done in a proper way?

Second, I have read a lot about Yorkies and their terrier personality (i.e. independent, curious, energetic). I never had a terrier, so I was wondering about their affection level (i.e. will they cuddle with you while watching TV? etc). In addition, how energetic do they get? (i.e. never stop moving, never cuddle, exercise requirements).

I also do not have another dog, how do you think a yorkie would do staying in an apartment while I am working?

And, if you could just tell me what draws you to this breed (besides their adorableness ), I would really appreciate it!

[jackson25]

Yorkies are the best breed ever! As for children, I think as you stated, children can be taught how to respect a pet. I would not consider getting a puppy if you already had small children, not that it can't work. You are doing the right thing by getting one now, so the puppy has time to mature. They can be terrors, but they are also so full of love! Mine will pile on me in the chaise and watch tv. Taking them for a walk is a good means of exercise and a way for them to burn some energy. Good Luck!

[br1ttan1h]

I have 3 children, age 12, 7, & 4. They are really good with the pups, I have a Yorkie and Chi/Yorkie mix. One is 6 lbs the other is 4 lbs. I just made a rule of no kids holding a pup without sitting on the floor. Our dogs are not on our couch unless on our lap, never left to jump down alone. Our kids are not aloud to hold them on the couch. So far the rules have been followed very well. I never had an animal before having my children though.

[DvlshAngel985]

Welcome to YT!!
First off, I want to bring up that although yorkies as a breed have certain characteristics, you have to understand that they are individuals and have individual personalities. If you want a real cuddle bug, it seems boys are true momma boys especially if they're neutered. There are girl cuddle bugs but from what I've read on the threads on here they tend to be more independent.
If there are certain things you are looking for, like a certain personality, you might want to consider an adult. With an adult, you know pretty much who they are. My boy was one when I got him and was described to be a shy boy with lots of love to give. It was right on the money! He's a momma's boy through and through, a non-barker because he's so very mellow, but, when it's play time he plays and roughhouses like a puppy!
I have no advice on the kids issue. I don't have any and don't plan on any in the near, or distant future (at least that's where I stand right now ). Yorkies are great and you'll just fall in love with this breed!

[jackson25]

Originally Posted by DvlshAngel985

Welcome to YT!!
First off, I want to bring up that although yorkies as a breed have certain characteristics, you have to understand that they are individuals and have individual personalities. If you want a real cuddle bug, it seems boys are true momma boys especially if they're neutered. There are girl cuddle bugs but from what I've read on the threads on here they tend to be more independent.
If there are certain things you are looking for, like a certain personality, you might want to consider an adult. With an adult, you know pretty much who they are. My boy was one when I got him and was described to be a shy boy with lots of love to give. It was right on the money! He's a momma's boy through and through, a non-barker because he's so very mellow, but, when it's play time he plays and roughhouses like a puppy!
I have no advice on the kids issue. I don't have any and don't plan on any in the near, or distant future (at least that's where I stand right now ). Yorkies are great and you'll just fall in love with this breed!

Two of my three girls are cuddlers and one of my three boys are cuddlers.

I forgot to ask the op, how long would you need to crate the yorkie during the day?

[BellaBlue82]

I just got my first Yorkie a couple of weeks ago and I have three small children, ages seven, five, and 14 months. They all love her and she loves them. I do have to watch them around her (at least the 5 year old and my baby girl) just to make sure, but overall the whole experience has been great. You just have to make sure that you can have time to devote to the pup, and that he's not home alone all day every day, unless you're gonna get two yorkies(!) so that they can play together! I do agree with others on here that different yorkies have different personalities. My breeder made sure to expose my Sasha to children from the start so that she would be used to them by the time I got her. But just so you know... yorkies are the best! And, welcome to YT!

[DvlshAngel985]

Originally Posted by jackson25

Two of my three girls are cuddlers and one of my three boys are cuddlers.

I forgot to ask the op, how long would you need to crate the yorkie during the day?

There's always exceptions to the rules aren't there. Like my boy being a 100% non-marker. CRAZY!! But I'm lucky!

[tkking17]

Thanks for all the input! I am a student right now, so I am planning on getting a dog after I start working and get settled. I think a lot will depend on my job, location, time committments. I am hoping to have a 9-5 type of situtation, but have heard this still isn't great for new puppies. Ideally, I would love to bring my dog to work, but not sure if this will be realistic.

[DvlshAngel985]

Originally Posted by tkking17

Thanks for all the input! I am a student right now, so I am planning on getting a dog after I start working and get settled. I think a lot will depend on my job, location, time committments. I am hoping to have a 9-5 type of situtation, but have heard this still isn't great for new puppies. Ideally, I would love to bring my dog to work, but not sure if this will be realistic.

My advice to you is GET HIM/HER NOW! (if financially possible) I was a student not to long ago and depending on the University, some are super pet friendly. UCI was! They can adapt to your schedule real easily and are a great distraction when you just can't write another 10 pages. A quick 20 min walk outside your mood will improve and your mind refreshed. Once some energy is burned they are the best study buddies. Give them a chew or a toy and they're by your side while you continue working. I found it extremely comforting. Kaji loved being a college boy. (for a little while anyway) I got him right before graduation.

[PenniesMom]

My mother and I run an inhome daycare we have 12 children oldest is 5 youngest is 4 months. My yorkie Penny is 3 months old and is still under 3 lbs she LOVES them and they her. I have them all sit down before I let her lose and she goes to each one and " squiggles " them wiggles kiss etc. she will even go to the babys car seat and put her two front paws up and look over the edge saying hi baby she never tries to get in. She is an EXTREAME cuddle bug her favorite "saying" is Hey mommy can you make that lap thing for me!

[ladyjane]

I wish people could see the surrender forms that we get almost daily. I just got one yesterday from a young lady who received a yorkie puppy as a HS graduation gift. This was ten years ago and now she is married and has a one year old child. She wants to surrender her yorkie. She cried on the phone, but clearly has made a choice that her family comes first. She is one of many. Then, there are the yorkies who are dropped by children and end up severely injured....many of them end up in rescues.

I commend the OP for looking for information. Yorkies are terriers and even though they do sometimes work out well with children, they are not known for being good with them.

I am not saying that it never works because it does; but, I will say that a very large percentage do not work.

Not many people are going to openly admit that their yorkie is stressed out by their children....or that they gave them up because the yorkie was nipping at the children (a very common occurence), the child was allergic (no, I don't think so either, but it is a common excuse), or the yorkie was dropped and was injured.

And...welcome to YT! Yorkies are a great breed...you will find lots of information about them on this site!

[jencar98]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I wish people could see the surrender forms that we get almost daily. I just got one yesterday from a young lady who received a yorkie puppy as a HS graduation gift. This was ten years ago and now she is married and has a one year old child. She wants to surrender her yorkie. She cried on the phone, but clearly has made a choice that her family comes first. She is one of many. Then, there are the yorkies who are dropped by children and end up severely injured....many of them end up in rescues.

I commend the OP for looking for information. Yorkies are terriers and even though they do sometimes work out well with children, they are not known for being good with them.

I am not saying that it never works because it does; but, I will say that a very large percentage do not work.

Not many people are going to openly admit that their yorkie is stressed out by their children....or that they gave them up because the yorkie was nipping at the children (a very common occurence), the child was allergic (no, I don't think so either, but it is a common excuse), or the yorkie was dropped and was injured.

And...welcome to YT! Yorkies are a great breed...you will find lots of information about them on this site!

I've seen it happen numerous times....young single girl gets yorkie, gets married, has baby, doesn't want yorkie any longer (for whatever reason). I'm not saying it happens in all cases, of course not - but it is a common enough occurrence that could/should be avoided if all people took pet ownership responsibly and as a lifelong commitment.

[gemy]

Originally Posted by tkking17

Hi all,

I'm new to this site, so sorry if this has been asked/answered before. I am considering getting a Yorkshire Terrier, but have a couple concerns.

First, I would someday like to have children, and I have heard that Yorkies are not the best breed with children. I understand their size, and the importance of teaching children to be respectful. I'm a bit scared, because I once saw a Yorkie lunge at a kid in a stroller as his parents waited to cross the street. However, has anyone had problems with Yorkies adjusting to new babies/toddlers, if done in a proper way?

Second, I have read a lot about Yorkies and their terrier personality (i.e. independent, curious, energetic). I never had a terrier, so I was wondering about their affection level (i.e. will they cuddle with you while watching TV? etc). In addition, how energetic do they get? (i.e. never stop moving, never cuddle, exercise requirements).

I also do not have another dog, how do you think a yorkie would do staying in an apartment while I am working?

And, if you could just tell me what draws you to this breed (besides their adorableness ), I would really appreciate it!

First off, yorkies in good health can live 15 years or more. So understand that you are making a 15 year commitment. That is a sobering thought.

I have no idea how old you are, but obviously you are thinking of marriage and children in your future.
If you truly want to committ to loving, caring, and being financially responsible to a four legged friend, then go for it. Knowing that you want children, and marriage, then make sure you socialize your pup a lot. And continue to do so. With foreign places, children, etc.

Children in prams, strollers etc, are different to a dog's eyes. Foreign, so try to socialize your pup to this. Introduce them to a wagon, or stroller in your home. With good intentions, and effort on your part you can successfully integrate your dog into your life and your life to be.

[Lorraine]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I wish people could see the surrender forms that we get almost daily. I just got one yesterday from a young lady who received a yorkie puppy as a HS graduation gift. This was ten years ago and now she is married and has a one year old child. She wants to surrender her yorkie. She cried on the phone, but clearly has made a choice that her family comes first. She is one of many. Then, there are the yorkies who are dropped by children and end up severely injured....many of them end up in rescues.

I commend the OP for looking for information. Yorkies are terriers and even though they do sometimes work out well with children, they are not known for being good with them.

I am not saying that it never works because it does; but, I will say that a very large percentage do not work.

Not many people are going to openly admit that their yorkie is stressed out by their children....or that they gave them up because the yorkie was nipping at the children (a very common occurence), the child was allergic (no, I don't think so either, but it is a common excuse), or the yorkie was dropped and was injured.

And...welcome to YT! Yorkies are a great breed...you will find lots of information about them on this site!

Thank you for your incite and in my experience you are absolutely correct. The number that don't work out are far greater than those that do. And then there is a heartbreak of some sort or another and the dog gets the short end of the stick.
I have made the choice to not sell to people with small children or planning on starting a family. To me a new pet home requires a lot of stability in the adoptive parent or family wanting the pup or older dog.

[BellaBlue82]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I wish people could see the surrender forms that we get almost daily. I just got one yesterday from a young lady who received a yorkie puppy as a HS graduation gift. This was ten years ago and now she is married and has a one year old child. She wants to surrender her yorkie. She cried on the phone, but clearly has made a choice that her family comes first. She is one of many. Then, there are the yorkies who are dropped by children and end up severely injured....many of them end up in rescues.

I commend the OP for looking for information. Yorkies are terriers and even though they do sometimes work out well with children, they are not known for being good with them.

I am not saying that it never works because it does; but, I will say that a very large percentage do not work.

Not many people are going to openly admit that their yorkie is stressed out by their children....or that they gave them up because the yorkie was nipping at the children (a very common occurence), the child was allergic (no, I don't think so either, but it is a common excuse), or the yorkie was dropped and was injured.

And...welcome to YT! Yorkies are a great breed...you will find lots of information about them on this site!

I totally agree. Getting a new pet is a serious commitment. I know what you mean about small children, too. My pup is NEVER around my kids without me in the same room to supervise. If I go upstairs to shower, so does Sasha. But, to the OP, you have to be able to commit to this type of discipline or something bad could happen (to the pup or the child). A dog is not something you can just throw away. It has feelings and knows where home is. I did months of research before I decided on this breed, and I swear (even though all dogs have different personalities) Sasha was sent from Heaven!