Thinking about getting a Yorkie..anything specific to know?

[YorkiesAre2Cute]

I have been thinking about getting a Yorkshire Terrier as a family pet! I have researched TONS, believe I know how "big" they think they are Anyways, I was wondering if there is one thing that has helped you most with your Yorkie, or anything that I REALLY need to know about them. I know how very very fragile they can be, and am willing to do whatever it takes to keep one safe, if I get one. So, is there anything you guys think I should know FOR SURE before getting one? Thanks!

[bizzbeth]

Mine has had a VERY temperamental bowel since day 1. That dog has cost me more in cleaning products than anything else. He can't have treats and needs to change food very slowly. I don't know if this is the same for anyone else but it is especially true of my yorkie (which is very different from his Lab brother who can eat anything, including eggnog flavored powder mix he got into one day OMG--and be totally fine) lol

Best of luck!

[bizzbeth]

And the biggest lesson I learned: RESEARCH YOUR BREEDER. Some breeders just breed to make money and will try to upsell you on "teacup" and "babydoll" yorkies. Research the breed and research your breeder before you make a decision.

There are a lot of great breeders here! I wish I had found this site before purchasing my yorkie 6 years ago. If I had known then what I know now...

[Lovetodream88]

I think it is very important to make sure you are getting your puppy from a good breeder. I knew nothing about brokers when I got Callie my yorkie and that is what I ended up getting Callie from and she came from a puppy mill.

[Rhetts_mama]

One thing you need to know is that the dog is really the cheapest part of the equation. The normal vet costs add up quickly, as do things such as flea/tick medication, grooming and the fun stuff. Then there are the unexpected vet expenses that can force the unprepared person to either put the dog down or give it up.

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...vet-costs.html

[Teresa Ford]

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama

One thing you need to know is that the dog is really the cheapest part of the equation. The normal vet costs add up quickly, as do things such as flea/tick medication, grooming and the fun stuff. Then there are the unexpected vet expenses that can force the unprepared person to either put the dog down or give it up.

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...vet-costs.html

Such good advice !

[southernbelle04]

Well said! Good advice all above!

I am a new Yorkie Mom myself and am still learning a lot. Be prepared...the little guys will steal the hearts of anyone who is near! My Katie Scarlett has turned the hubby into a big 'ol softie! Tee hee! And they are sooo smart! We are currently in puppy kindergarten and I can't believe how fast she learns! Also, they are quite mischievous, but SO fun! I too think you should definitely do extensive research and buy from a reputable breeder. And make sure you have a good vet. I found our vet before I even brought our girl home. The vet bills do add up, but they are worth every penny! Oh and be prepared to stop buying yourself stuff...you will buy all for your little girl/boy! LOL. I have an addiction already. I buy Katie Scarlett some little something whether it be dresses, bows, toys, etc. almost everywhere we go. My hubby says I am developing an addiction! LOL. But it's all so fun! And know that Yorkie Mommyhood is the BEST THING EVER!!!! I can't imagine what our life was like before we got our girl! She has been such a blessing!

And you will love everyone here on YT! I have received so much help and everyone is so friendly! I love it here! Very knowledgeable people and eager to help!

[yavenay]

Definitely set aside something monthly for vet bills or maybe even look into pet insurance. I just spent 1000.00 getting four of Brandi's teeth pulled. Also, find out where the emergency vet is located in your area. I've had to rush Brandi to the emergency vet at least three times at 11:00 at night.

These little guys are like toddlers that never grow up and move out. Think of it as always having a 3 yr old child around for 15 yrs .

Have you thought about a adopting a yorkie? There are plenty of yorkies that are waiting for there forever home. My little one was 7 yrs old when I adopted her from a backyard breeder. She is now 11 and the absolute best thing that has ever happened to me.

[Harrysmum]

Originally Posted by yavenay

Definitely set aside something monthly for vet bills or maybe even look into pet insurance. I just spent 1000.00 getting four of Brandi's teeth pulled. Also, find out where the emergency vet is located in your area. I've had to rush Brandi to the emergency vet at least three times at 11:00 at night.

These little guys are like toddlers that never grow up and move out. Think of it as always having a 3 yr old child around for 15 yrs .

Have you thought about a adopting a yorkie? There are plenty of yorkies that are waiting for there forever home. My little one was 7 yrs old when I adopted her from a backyard breeder. She is now 11 and the absolute best thing that has ever happened to me.

And yes, make sure he/she is insured from day one! Also, you say you want a family pet - how old are the youngest members? Tiny children + tiny Yorkies are not necessarily the best mix....Sally + Harry x

[concretegurl]

Buy your breeder first, then adopt a dog from them.




You can save tens of thousands this way.

[manolos mom]

I agree, do your research about a GOOD BREEDER. Do not buy from a puppymill. It may end up costing you a fortune in Vet Bills. Buy your Breeder first. I see you live in Penn. Your state is notorious for puppymills! Go to this website and find a GOOD breeder in your area! http://www.ytca.org/Breed%20Brochure...20graphics.pdf

[Donnainohio63]

Please take the advice of everyone here and do your research on a good breeder. You do not want to end up with a puppy mill dog. Not only will you , more than likely have more vet bills and socialization problems, you will also be supporting puppy mills. Good luck with you yorkie

[SweetLifetime]

You've gotten all the breeder advice so I'll skip it. The one thing I didn't know before I got my Cody? Was that everyone, and I do mean *everyone* will love your dog. People stop cars to talk to me about him. Nearly everyone who sees him wants to say hello, ask me a question, or something. I never realized how fascinated people are by toy breeds until Cody came to live with us. Of course, he's a charmer (says his biased mommy) but I bet we all have lots of stories like this. So be prepared for a lot of extra attention.

Oh, and everyone will know your baby's name... but no one will know yours. You're just the person at the end of your yorkie's leash!

[southernbelle04]

Originally Posted by SweetLifetime

You've gotten all the breeder advice so I'll skip it. The one thing I didn't know before I got my Cody? Was that everyone, and I do mean *everyone* will love your dog. People stop cars to talk to me about him. Nearly everyone who sees him wants to say hello, ask me a question, or something. I never realized how fascinated people are by toy breeds until Cody came to live with us. Of course, he's a charmer (says his biased mommy) but I bet we all have lots of stories like this. So be prepared for a lot of extra attention.

Oh, and everyone will know your baby's name... but no one will know yours. You're just the person at the end of your yorkie's leash!

It's the same with us! Everyone is always stopping to ask about Katie Scarlett! She is quite the attention diva!

[DJDB]

Originally Posted by SweetLifetime

You've gotten all the breeder advice so I'll skip it. The one thing I didn't know before I got my Cody? Was that everyone, and I do mean *everyone* will love your dog. People stop cars to talk to me about him. Nearly everyone who sees him wants to say hello, ask me a question, or something. I never realized how fascinated people are by toy breeds until Cody came to live with us. Of course, he's a charmer (says his biased mommy) but I bet we all have lots of stories like this. So be prepared for a lot of extra attention.

Oh, and everyone will know your baby's name... but no one will know yours. You're just the person at the end of your yorkie's leash!

I agree with your post 100%. At halloween, Ozzy helped me greet kids at the door. It was almost like the kids wanted to pet him more than get candy!! And ya, everyone in the neighborhood knows his name, but nobody knows mine.