thinking of getting a yorkie - YorkieTalk.com Forums

aliciagee · 06-18-2011, 08:55 PM

hi im thinking of getting a yorkie im a stay at home wife and i do have tons of time on my hands. i do have a shih tzu who i love and adore but as soon as my husband gets home im not longer the center of his world lol i do however have some concerns people tell me that yorkies are yappy n are really hard to get groomed and u must brush their hair at least an hour a day but all that doesnt bug me its the yappyness that does lol i just hope i can hear from current yorkie owners to tell me what they think thanks

Ringo1 · 06-19-2011, 06:12 AM

Yorkie coats are not that hard to maintain if you keep them in a 'puppy cut'. If you love the long and flowing hair - then, yes, it's going to take daily brushing. We just got Lucy's hair cut for summer, but keep it somewhat longer for winter.

She can be yappy - not as 'yappy' as my Westie but yappy still. Every dog; every Yorkie is different.

She is much more subdued than my fiesty Westie; but not sure how Yorkies compare to a shih tzu.

aliciagee · 06-19-2011, 06:21 AM

Lol I guess it all depends on the dog the yappyness wouldn't bug me if my landlord wasnt so rude about barking dogs. ;(

Maximo · 06-19-2011, 06:25 AM

Yorkies are generally high energy dogs. Cute as what they are, they are not lap dogs. They are affectionate and will sit on your lap, but the second they see something interesting, they are off like a shot.

Most Yorkies need lots of activity, exercise, and attention. I would consider this carefully before committing to a Yorkie.

Perrella · 06-19-2011, 06:26 AM

I work from home and I'm on the phone 75% of my day, so I was praying Zhoie would not be a barker.

I read several books on yorkies while waiting for her to reach 12 wks and ready to come home. The one fact that stuck in my mind was...don't encourage them to speak because people create barking. I'm sure that's not true with all, but I can say it worked for me. Also, Zhoie is my only dog, so that may have helped too.

I had a little mini-pin (14yrs) prior to getting Zhoie and oh my gosh was Molly a barker. But looking back, it was our fault...we would say "who's that when someone was at the door" or "you want your food", and she would go nuts, so you get the idea. I have never ask Zhoie any questions that require her verbal response. Hope, this info will help for you too.

gidget529 · 06-19-2011, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perrella

I work from home and I'm on the phone 75% of my day, so I was praying Zhoie would not be a barker.

I read several books on yorkies while waiting for her to reach 12 wks and ready to come home. The one fact that stuck in my mind was...don't encourage them to speak because people create barking. I'm sure that's not true with all, but I can say it worked for me. Also, Zhoie is my only dog, so that may have helped too.

I had a little mini-pin (14yrs) prior to getting Zhoie and oh my gosh was Molly a barker. But looking back, it was our fault...we would say "who's that when someone was at the door" or "you want your food", and she would go nuts, so you get the idea. I have never ask Zhoie any questions that require her verbal response. Hope, this info will help for you too.

Welcome! I have had yorkie girls. Yorkies are a little difficult to housetrain. They are very loving. I also don't think their coats are that hard to maintain, but I keep mine in a modified puppy cut. I think Perella has a good point - if you don't encourage the barking they don't bark as much. I also have noticed sometimes they bark out of boredom, so if you can given them exercise during the day it also cuts down on the barking. You're a very smart pet owner to really think about it before adding a second one. I wish you well w your decision.

Teresa Ford · 06-19-2011, 06:41 AM

I suggest you do some research about Yorkies. I have 4 and one is yappy, but she came to us as an adult rescue. The others we raised from puppies and we taught them from a very young age to be Quiet. A good breeder can help you pick a more passive pup. Some people talk more than others and some dogs bark more than others.

Maximo · 06-19-2011, 06:57 AM

At 12 weeks of age, it would not be likely for any breeder to determine the personality of the pup. They have a general idea, but I wouldn't bank on it.

Many Yorkies don't bark at all or much up to 6 months to a year. Good training is key.

misslissa · 06-19-2011, 07:42 AM

Gatsby is not a barker he actually makes very little noise i don't know why he is just very quiet

most yorkies are not like this

good luck

My lil friend · 06-19-2011, 08:19 AM

Mina is 6months old and has just found her voice. She barks at me if she wants something,usually food that I have,but she stops when I tell her no. We will keep her in a puppy style cut,because I like the look and she wears dresses. After the puppy hair has grown out she hardly ever has a tangle. I also have poodles and I would MUCH rather groom a yorkie than the poodles,I do my own grooming. I kept reading that yorkies were really hard to potty train. We have 5 other dogs in the house and she does what they do. She has had 4 accidents in the house and they were all because I didnt pay attention to her trying to tell me she needed to go out. Part of that is just us learning to communicate with each other. She came to me weewee pad trained but wont have anything to do with them because the rest of the pack goes outside.
Mina is my first yorkie and has more personality than ANY dog I have ever had. She is more like having a little child in the house than any dog I have ever had. She LIKES her hairbows,dresses and will bark at me to brush her teeth. Mina has been the easiest dog that I have had to train in 14 years.
If you want a child in your life then a yorkie is the way to go. This forum is definately the place to find alot of knowledge about the breed and a great bunch of people.

WELCOME!

Baroness · 06-19-2011, 08:34 AM

Teddie was becoming yappy a bit, so we took the idea of several YT'ers here and put a few coins in a can and shake it when he does it. It quiets him down and he stops. I keep him in a puppy cut so I don't have to do a lot of brushing, just a few strokes here and there to make him sparkle. Otherwise he is a GREAT dog, gives me LOTS of love, and is by my side like right leg to left leg.

I like you have another little dog, a pom, and he is also my little love until dad gets home. Then I cease to exist for the most part. While Teddie adores my husband, I am his main human.

susan lynn · 06-19-2011, 09:49 AM

I have 4 and sometimes the barking is crazy but mostly when they hear a loud noise or someone rings the doorbell. They hate fireworks also. Usually we tell them quiet and they will calm down. They are so loving and great to have. I love my babies. Good Luck on your decision.

horsnaround · 06-19-2011, 11:08 AM

it really is on how you train them. I agree about not teaching the speak command. I have three yorkies and a cairn and the only time i have any problems is when they see something out of the ordinary or when someone just knocks on the door. But if I clap my hands i can usually get them to stop. Good luck in your decision no matter what dog you pick there is always training involved

IsabelleOllie · 06-19-2011, 11:20 AM

I have both a shih tzu and a yorkie. I honestly can say that it takes me 1/10th of the time to groom my yorkie as it takes to groom my shih tzu! I bathe both of them once a week, and brush both of them daily. Belle's coat has never even had a tangle, it takes less than five minutes to brush her. Oliver, on the other hand, always has mats starting to form in his coat and it takes at least half an hour to brush him thoroughly when he's been clipped for the summer - and MUCH longer when his coat is long!

They both bark a little, but neither one is yappy. They just bark at the cats or at each other when they are playing. Belle also barks to tell me that she's happy I'm home and that I should pick her up and give her some loving.

Oliver is my first experience owning a shih tzu (he's actually the first one I've ever known) and he's a real sweetie. I love him dearly! He was a gift from my fiance who thought that when I said I wanted a yorkie that I just wanted a small dog. (His breeder is a friend of ours)

I grew up with Yorkies and they are like no other dog - I finally got my Belle in February and now my family is complete

Good luck with your decision!

aliciagee · 06-19-2011, 03:09 PM

Thanks everyone on advice! I appreciate everyones stories and lessions on yorkies. I've always been a yorkie lover but I've always wanted to take time to research the breed and make sure that I can handle the breed before I actually get one. I see everyone has more then one does that mean that yorkies bond well with other dogs even if they are older? I have a shih tzu and he is almost a year old. I'm not looking to breed so ill make sure he gets fixed but would a female warm up to him and him to her? Yorkies seem so loving and Aww Ur pictures just warm my heart

06-18-2011, 08:55 PM	#1
aliciagee YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 474	thinking of getting a yorkie hi im thinking of getting a yorkie im a stay at home wife and i do have tons of time on my hands. i do have a shih tzu who i love and adore but as soon as my husband gets home im not longer the center of his world lol i do however have some concerns people tell me that yorkies are yappy n are really hard to get groomed and u must brush their hair at least an hour a day but all that doesnt bug me its the yappyness that does lol i just hope i can hear from current yorkie owners to tell me what they think thanks

06-19-2011, 06:12 AM	#2
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	Yorkie coats are not that hard to maintain if you keep them in a 'puppy cut'. If you love the long and flowing hair - then, yes, it's going to take daily brushing. We just got Lucy's hair cut for summer, but keep it somewhat longer for winter. She can be yappy - not as 'yappy' as my Westie but yappy still. Every dog; every Yorkie is different. She is much more subdued than my fiesty Westie; but not sure how Yorkies compare to a shih tzu. __________________ Mommy to Lucy, Ringo, and Matthew

06-19-2011, 06:25 AM	#4
Maximo ♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 25,041	Yorkies are generally high energy dogs. Cute as what they are, they are not lap dogs. They are affectionate and will sit on your lap, but the second they see something interesting, they are off like a shot. Most Yorkies need lots of activity, exercise, and attention. I would consider this carefully before committing to a Yorkie. __________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy

06-19-2011, 06:26 AM	#5
Perrella Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: VA Posts: 8,040	I work from home and I'm on the phone 75% of my day, so I was praying Zhoie would not be a barker. I read several books on yorkies while waiting for her to reach 12 wks and ready to come home. The one fact that stuck in my mind was...don't encourage them to speak because people create barking. I'm sure that's not true with all, but I can say it worked for me. Also, Zhoie is my only dog, so that may have helped too. I had a little mini-pin (14yrs) prior to getting Zhoie and oh my gosh was Molly a barker. But looking back, it was our fault...we would say "who's that when someone was at the door" or "you want your food", and she would go nuts, so you get the idea. I have never ask Zhoie any questions that require her verbal response. Hope, this info will help for you too. __________________ Tena & Zhoie Sweet Little Miracle

06-19-2011, 06:57 AM	#8
Maximo ♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 25,041	At 12 weeks of age, it would not be likely for any breeder to determine the personality of the pup. They have a general idea, but I wouldn't bank on it. Many Yorkies don't bark at all or much up to 6 months to a year. Good training is key. __________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy

06-19-2011, 06:21 AM	#3
aliciagee YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 474	Lol I guess it all depends on the dog the yappyness wouldn't bug me if my landlord wasnt so rude about barking dogs. ;(

06-19-2011, 06:41 AM	#7
Teresa Ford Therapy Yorkies Work Donating Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Central, Florida Posts: 3,863	I suggest you do some research about Yorkies. I have 4 and one is yappy, but she came to us as an adult rescue. The others we raised from puppies and we taught them from a very young age to be Quiet. A good breeder can help you pick a more passive pup. Some people talk more than others and some dogs bark more than others.

06-19-2011, 07:42 AM	#9
misslissa YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: canton ohio us Posts: 1,574	Gatsby is not a barker he actually makes very little noise i don't know why he is just very quiet most yorkies are not like this good luck __________________ Don't say I love you unless you mean it, but if you do say it a lot. People forget.

06-19-2011, 08:19 AM	#10
My lil friend Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: FtWorth,TX,USA Posts: 3,269	Mina is 6months old and has just found her voice. She barks at me if she wants something,usually food that I have,but she stops when I tell her no. We will keep her in a puppy style cut,because I like the look and she wears dresses. After the puppy hair has grown out she hardly ever has a tangle. I also have poodles and I would MUCH rather groom a yorkie than the poodles,I do my own grooming. I kept reading that yorkies were really hard to potty train. We have 5 other dogs in the house and she does what they do. She has had 4 accidents in the house and they were all because I didnt pay attention to her trying to tell me she needed to go out. Part of that is just us learning to communicate with each other. She came to me weewee pad trained but wont have anything to do with them because the rest of the pack goes outside. Mina is my first yorkie and has more personality than ANY dog I have ever had. She is more like having a little child in the house than any dog I have ever had. She LIKES her hairbows,dresses and will bark at me to brush her teeth. Mina has been the easiest dog that I have had to train in 14 years. If you want a child in your life then a yorkie is the way to go. This forum is definately the place to find alot of knowledge about the breed and a great bunch of people. WELCOME!

06-19-2011, 08:34 AM	#11
Baroness YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: San Antonio TX Posts: 350	Teddie was becoming yappy a bit, so we took the idea of several YT'ers here and put a few coins in a can and shake it when he does it. It quiets him down and he stops. I keep him in a puppy cut so I don't have to do a lot of brushing, just a few strokes here and there to make him sparkle. Otherwise he is a GREAT dog, gives me LOTS of love, and is by my side like right leg to left leg. I like you have another little dog, a pom, and he is also my little love until dad gets home. Then I cease to exist for the most part. While Teddie adores my husband, I am his main human. __________________ I 'ses my Teddie Monster

06-19-2011, 09:49 AM	#12
susan lynn Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Georgia Posts: 3,262	I have 4 and sometimes the barking is crazy but mostly when they hear a loud noise or someone rings the doorbell. They hate fireworks also. Usually we tell them quiet and they will calm down. They are so loving and great to have. I love my babies. Good Luck on your decision. __________________ SUSAN : TESSIE : HOBBES :CALVIN :SASSY There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face! ~ Ben Williams

06-19-2011, 11:08 AM	#13
horsnaround ♥Trained by my pups♥ Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: with my yorkies Posts: 11,721 Blog Entries: 1	it really is on how you train them. I agree about not teaching the speak command. I have three yorkies and a cairn and the only time i have any problems is when they see something out of the ordinary or when someone just knocks on the door. But if I clap my hands i can usually get them to stop. Good luck in your decision no matter what dog you pick there is always training involved __________________ loving life with my furry friends

06-19-2011, 11:20 AM	#14
IsabelleOllie YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Syracuse NY Posts: 1,590	I have both a shih tzu and a yorkie. I honestly can say that it takes me 1/10th of the time to groom my yorkie as it takes to groom my shih tzu! I bathe both of them once a week, and brush both of them daily. Belle's coat has never even had a tangle, it takes less than five minutes to brush her. Oliver, on the other hand, always has mats starting to form in his coat and it takes at least half an hour to brush him thoroughly when he's been clipped for the summer - and MUCH longer when his coat is long! They both bark a little, but neither one is yappy. They just bark at the cats or at each other when they are playing. Belle also barks to tell me that she's happy I'm home and that I should pick her up and give her some loving. Oliver is my first experience owning a shih tzu (he's actually the first one I've ever known) and he's a real sweetie. I love him dearly! He was a gift from my fiance who thought that when I said I wanted a yorkie that I just wanted a small dog. (His breeder is a friend of ours) I grew up with Yorkies and they are like no other dog - I finally got my Belle in February and now my family is complete Good luck with your decision! __________________ Melissa and Belle

06-19-2011, 03:09 PM	#15
aliciagee YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 474	Thanks everyone on advice! I appreciate everyones stories and lessions on yorkies. I've always been a yorkie lover but I've always wanted to take time to research the breed and make sure that I can handle the breed before I actually get one. I see everyone has more then one does that mean that yorkies bond well with other dogs even if they are older? I have a shih tzu and he is almost a year old. I'm not looking to breed so ill make sure he gets fixed but would a female warm up to him and him to her? Yorkies seem so loving and Aww Ur pictures just warm my heart