Is a yorkie right for me?

[FinnTheHuman]

Okay so I wanted to start off by saying that I really love dogs and I am trying to educate myself to make sure this breed is right for me.

I have a lot of free time almost everyday... and well... I like to lounge around, watch tv, sometimes go to the mall(rarely), hang out with friends weekly, but mostly I am either at the couch watching tv, or my bed using my laptop... and I wanted a dog that could be on my lap when I watch tv, and sit right next to me when I am in bed.

I wanted a dog that I could cuddle with for long periods of time.. and I still live with my mother.. who has a cockapoo(5 year old, female) and she insists that I get a small breed of dog(well I mean the type of dog-- I already wanted a dog) and medium at most...

I personally want a dog that I can
- cuddle
- travel with
-Go on car rides with
-Spend lots of time with
-Easy to train (the basics and some basic commands)
-go to the beach with me(very rarely-- and not a necessity)

Just a dog that overall loves to spend its time with its master.. A dog that is loyal through and through(I don't need a guard dog either but I don't mind if its alertive or whatever)... A dog that's highly affectionate. Obedient. Calm, but playful

I don't mind grooming and I like the long fur coat of a yorkie I think it's beautiful.

Do you think a yorkie is right for me? If not, what breed of dog would you recommend?

[Maximo]

Welcome to Yorkie Talk. Happy to see you are researching the breed before jumping into getting one.

Yorkies love being with their humans as much as possible. They can be cuddly. My boys love to snuggle, but like most Yorkies, they are also very active. Most need a lot of activity, stimulation and exercise.

Yorkie puppies are particularly energetic. The first year is like having a highly mobile toddler. Training can be challenging, particularly potty training.

Cuddly yes, but not completely lap dogs.

Vet bills: be sure to research the cost of basic care in your area and be prepared for the unexpected. Luxating patellas or a liver shunt can run into the thousands. Same with pancreatitis. Pet insurance is recommended. Edit to add: dental cleanings will be necessary along the way.

Research the breeder carefully for the best odds at having a healthy dog.

Best wishes in making your decision.

[Magnus]

I think it really depends on the dogs personality no matter which breed. Perhaps you should consider looking for a older dog instead of a puppy?

It's great you're doing your research. I'm sure you'll make a great pet parent. Good luck in your search!

[lovestiny]

you sound really well informed and I think it sounds like a good fit! I know someone here recommended yorkies for dummies for me and I loved it.

[yavenay]

Originally Posted by Magnus

I think it really depends on the dogs personality no matter which breed. Perhaps you should consider looking for a older dog instead of a puppy?

It's great you're doing your research. I'm sure you'll make a great pet parent. Good luck in your search!

Yup, I adopted an older yorkie ( 7 years) and she was just as laid back as could be. She did not believe in over exerting herself and preferred to be carried rather than walk but that was because I spoiled her so much. She did love to cuddle and was just as content with laying in my lap and watching TV.

Then I adopted a 4 yr old yorkie and she is hell on wheels. She only knows two speeds fast and faster. She doesn't walk anywhere.......she runs everywhere. She is hyper energetic. She could probably run to California and back....

How active they are depends of the personality of the dog. I've have both active and laid back dogs. Just keep in mind with energetic dogs, you have to find something to help keep them from getting bored or they will find all kinds of mischief. My hyper active yorkie has figured out how to get in a trashcan that is 3 times her height.

[Rachael1983]

Good for you in researching before you buy.

I would say you are a good fit for a being a pet parent. I think personality wise, yorkies are very energetic and some can be snugglers. My female yorkie is not however my yorkie boy (RIP) was very much a snuggler. That's the personlity of the dog I think.

You like a medium sized dog had you thought about maybe a cocker spaniel? That could be a fit as well since you didn't want something so tiny.

[Yorkiemom1]

Let me start by saying you are doing a GREAT job researching your breed!! Very good, my friend! That shows a maturity that a lot of middle aged adults do not possess!!

I will share truths with you....these truths are what is the most common expected outcome, rather than "OMG, you lucked out! kind of situation! Yorkies are notoriously considered "high dollar dogs". They will cost you more price wise than most "common" breeds.....they either cost more right up front, which is the better deal, because you are investing in a well bred dog, from reputable, caring, breeders.......buying a cheap yorkie from a questionable "outlet" or source, actually means you will probably have the issues back yard breeders or non reputable breeders are flooding the market with. These ill bred, cheap dogs have bad legs, bad temperaments, bad immune disorders, bad allergies, bad barking habits, and now, I am seeing more and more Yorkies that are displaying biting and "fearful" maladjustment temperament disorders. A lot of these ill bred dogs end up in the pounds and rescue centers, because people just get tired of fooling with a sick or a "mean" or a "mouthy, barking" dog that will not behave, will not learn "house rules", etc.....They went out, desperate for a yorkie, found a cheap, ill bred yorkie, and now they have a pup with horrific habits that they can not or just do not want to deal with....pup is "discarded" to a pound or rescue.....another sad story. Bottom line is find an authentic responsible, reputable breeder, more often that not, a show breeder....that baby may cost you more, but it will be well worth it in the long run.

Health.
If you buy from a reputable breeder, her dogs will be healthy and the breeder will stand behind her dogs. She knows her dogs, she knows they are healthy, and on the rare occasion where something goes wrong, your breeder will be right there with you, helping you choose the best course of action, suggestions on how best to handle the situation, referrals if needed to vets that best address the particular issue...and she uses this information to adjust her breeding program....some absolutely fabulous, gorgeous show dogs with "to die for" pedigrees, just do NOT mix with others that are just as fabulous....a great, informed, reputable breeder knows all these ins and outs....and she walks with you, guiding you thru a mine field, helping you avoid disasters.

When you buy from a fly-by-night, back yard "breeder", you are buying a puppy that is the unknown genetic time bomb that is produced by such connections....you will have a sick dog, with all kinds of intolerance's, multiple health challenges from allergies to organ failures.... Now, there are "breeders" that are brokers for imported yorkies, and they sell these dogs for multiple thousands of dollars....like the lady I think she is in Canada, Paris Hilton and other movie stars think they are getting a quality, healthy puppy JUST because they are spending $30,000.00-$60,000.00 for a dog....WRONG! That HUGE price tag does NOT guarantee you a healthy dog, so dont go there with that train of thought! There is a "breeder" in Florida that imports hundreds of tiny, little yorkies from China or Japan or some other place....it is such a travesty and I can not imagine how in the world these importers fly under the radar, and are able to continue to import and sell these tiny little pocket sized ill bred babies....they are pitiful.....unfortunately, the attention is not placed on THESE importers like it should be.
So, stick with show breeders, go to dog shows where yorkies are being shown, talk and get to know these breeders that show, you can learn TONS of information from these people.....

Buy a great little manual I always recommend to all my new parents..."Yorkies For Dummies"....read it cover to cover, it is chock a block full of great information and knowledge, hits and tips about owning a yorkie....

I do not know how old you are....but you must remember, a yorkie will become attached to you, and if you are young now, there will be a time several years from now, where socializing and getting out and going with friends, perhaps going off to college, will be YOUR normal....that baby will forever see you as "mommy" or "daddy".....his feelings will not change as YOU mature and start to do things with others in your age group. I think a breed like a cocker or even a Jack Russell (for a more active owner) or
Manchester or Fox terrier....these breeds are active, engaged, playful, but they enjoy time by themselves away from "mommy" .....any of these make wonderful, much less expensive pets....they have not been over bred and they are not hot ticket items, so you can get a well bred dog, healthy, for a reasonable price. I would still stick with show breeders, as they are concerned with their breed and where it is going, its health and its reputation....

Good luck with your research, do you "due diligence"....study small breeds to get the one that is a perfect fit for you and your lifestyle.....factor in initial cost, vet expenses to be expected, grooming expenses, dog food expenses (those long, silky coats dont do well with cheap, non specific dog food), time alloted to/for interaction with the pup, etc.

[yavenay]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

Let me start by saying you are doing a GREAT job researching your breed!! Very good, my friend! That shows a maturity that a lot of middle aged adults do not possess!!

I will share truths with you....these truths are what is the most common expected outcome, rather than "OMG, you lucked out! kind of situation! Yorkies are notoriously considered "high dollar dogs". They will cost you more price wise than most "common" breeds.....they either cost more right up front, which is the better deal, because you are investing in a well bred dog, from reputable, caring, breeders.......buying a cheap yorkie from a questionable "outlet" or source, actually means you will probably have the issues back yard breeders or non reputable breeders are flooding the market with. These ill bred, cheap dogs have bad legs, bad temperaments, bad immune disorders, bad allergies, bad barking habits, and now, I am seeing more and more Yorkies that are displaying biting and "fearful" maladjustment temperament disorders. A lot of these ill bred dogs end up in the pounds and rescue centers, because people just get tired of fooling with a sick or a "mean" or a "mouthy, barking" dog that will not behave, will not learn "house rules", etc.....They went out, desperate for a yorkie, found a cheap, ill bred yorkie, and now they have a pup with horrific habits that they can not or just do not want to deal with....pup is "discarded" to a pound or rescue.....another sad story. Bottom line is find an authentic responsible, reputable breeder, more often that not, a show breeder....that baby may cost you more, but it will be well worth it in the long run.

Health.
If you buy from a reputable breeder, her dogs will be healthy and the breeder will stand behind her dogs. She knows her dogs, she knows they are healthy, and on the rare occasion where something goes wrong, your breeder will be right there with you, helping you choose the best course of action, suggestions on how best to handle the situation, referrals if needed to vets that best address the particular issue...and she uses this information to adjust her breeding program....some absolutely fabulous, gorgeous show dogs with "to die for" pedigrees, just do NOT mix with others that are just as fabulous....a great, informed, reputable breeder knows all these ins and outs....and she walks with you, guiding you thru a mine field, helping you avoid disasters.

When you buy from a fly-by-night, back yard "breeder", you are buying a puppy that is the unknown genetic time bomb that is produced by such connections....you will have a sick dog, with all kinds of intolerance's, multiple health challenges from allergies to organ failures.... Now, there are "breeders" that are brokers for imported yorkies, and they sell these dogs for multiple thousands of dollars....like the lady I think she is in Canada, Paris Hilton and other movie stars think they are getting a quality, healthy puppy JUST because they are spending $30,000.00-$60,000.00 for a dog....WRONG! That HUGE price tag does NOT guarantee you a healthy dog, so dont go there with that train of thought! There is a "breeder" in Florida that imports hundreds of tiny, little yorkies from China or Japan or some other place....it is such a travesty and I can not imagine how in the world these importers fly under the radar, and are able to continue to import and sell these tiny little pocket sized ill bred babies....they are pitiful.....unfortunately, the attention is not placed on THESE importers like it should be.
So, stick with show breeders, go to dog shows where yorkies are being shown, talk and get to know these breeders that show, you can learn TONS of information from these people.....

Buy a great little manual I always recommend to all my new parents..."Yorkies For Dummies"....read it cover to cover, it is chock a block full of great information and knowledge, hits and tips about owning a yorkie....

I do not know how old you are....but you must remember, a yorkie will become attached to you, and if you are young now, there will be a time several years from now, where socializing and getting out and going with friends, perhaps going off to college, will be YOUR normal....that baby will forever see you as "mommy" or "daddy".....his feelings will not change as YOU mature and start to do things with others in your age group. I think a breed like a cocker or even a Jack Russell (for a more active owner) or
Manchester or Fox terrier....these breeds are active, engaged, playful, but they enjoy time by themselves away from "mommy" .....any of these make wonderful, much less expensive pets....they have not been over bred and they are not hot ticket items, so you can get a well bred dog, healthy, for a reasonable price. I would still stick with show breeders, as they are concerned with their breed and where it is going, its health and its reputation....

Good luck with your research, do you "due diligence"....study small breeds to get the one that is a perfect fit for you and your lifestyle.....factor in initial cost, vet expenses to be expected, grooming expenses, dog food expenses (those long, silky coats dont do well with cheap, non specific dog food), time alloted to/for interaction with the pup, etc.

I also like to add adopting an older pup as well. Have you visited your local animal shelter? With the exception of one pet, all of my pets have either been stray, rehomed or rescued from back yard breeders. One of my yorkies was a rescued and my current yorkie was rehomed. We bought a cat one time from the pet store and he actually turned out to be the biggest cat we ever had.....he looked just like a miniature black panther and lived about 16 years.

[CouversMom]

I love that you are doing the research to find out if a yorkie is right for you.

It sounds like you have a great lifestyle for a yorkie. My two are very different. One is very cuddly while the other is more independent. I think it depends on the particular dog. Both of them love to be with us and on the bed or couch where we are sitting. They are both very alert and are very active.

I would definitely recommend adopting an older dog. I found a yorkie for my mom at our local shelter. She is the perfect match for my mom and a great dog. I would definitely suggest checking petfinder.com. You will be able to find local dogs from shelters and rescues posted there. Good luck!

[KairaPup]

It's great that you are doing research.

I will add a short pro/con list for the breed for you as well. Just to give an additional opinion.

Pros- Intelligent
Fiesty
Affectionate
Beautiful
Sensitive

Cons-
Lots of grooming
Can be barky and some are not great with strangers
Stubborn
Can be very hard to housebreak

That said. I love my yorkie (mix) and she is my service dog, so training has gone very well (it's a LOT to learn, not an easy task). Once you can figure out how to motivate and train your dog in a way they like, they take to it very quickly and are very intelligent and willing. However, if you approach it wrong, yorkies will absolutely tell you to stuff it. She's an incredible little animal and is literally a life saver to me.

[Lola7133]

If you're planning on buying a Yorkie buy it from a reputable breeder. Especially one from a Champion breed, not Champion bloodline. It will cost you from a range of $2000 - $5000. If you buy it as a pet, they may charge you at the low end. You'll have to sign a contract to neuter/spay it. You're not a breeder so you shouldn't have to worry about it.

Bottom line, you pay for what you get. Make sure you meet the parents too. Don't buy from website, Continental CKC breeder, Any listing that post Babydoll face, Teacup, Micro Yorkie. These are all scammer that are selling you heartache and pain.

As far as pro's and con's from KairaPup. I have two different Yorkie that does two different personality. Coco, my male Yorkie is really intelligent. He doesn't Bark at all, not even to stranger. He just whimper and tap one of his paw on my leg when he wants something. He was doesn't poop or pee in the house, he'll usually tell me and i'll go walking with him.

Now my Lola, she's beautiful but pretty much a spoil little girl. She's protective, affectionate, and she barks when she wants something or trying to be playful. You can forget about free feeder her! She will pee and poop everywhere she wants. I've tried so hard to housebreak her, but I have to put her on a regular feeding schedule. Poor Coco has to go through it just because of her. Hehe! Lola loves to sit on my lap all the time. Coco hates cuddling. Lola loves water. Coco hates it. They're so opposite, but I love both of them.

[FinnTheHuman]

Originally Posted by Rachael1983

Good for you in researching before you buy.

I would say you are a good fit for a being a pet parent. I think personality wise, yorkies are very energetic and some can be snugglers. My female yorkie is not however my yorkie boy (RIP) was very much a snuggler. That's the personlity of the dog I think.

You like a medium sized dog had you thought about maybe a cocker spaniel? That could be a fit as well since you didn't want something so tiny.

Naw I don't mind the size as long as it's not over a medium size(my mom has a medium dog and she is afraid of large dogs-- but she's sort of frail so that's why).. I actually prefer small dogs because they travel better, and all the good stuff that comes with being small.

That being said, how can you find out if a puppy is a snuggler?

[FinnTheHuman]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

Let me start by saying you are doing a GREAT job researching your breed!! Very good, my friend! That shows a maturity that a lot of middle aged adults do not possess!!

I will share truths with you....these truths are what is the most common expected outcome, rather than "OMG, you lucked out! kind of situation! Yorkies are notoriously considered "high dollar dogs". They will cost you more price wise than most "common" breeds.....they either cost more right up front, which is the better deal, because you are investing in a well bred dog, from reputable, caring, breeders.......buying a cheap yorkie from a questionable "outlet" or source, actually means you will probably have the issues back yard breeders or non reputable breeders are flooding the market with. These ill bred, cheap dogs have bad legs, bad temperaments, bad immune disorders, bad allergies, bad barking habits, and now, I am seeing more and more Yorkies that are displaying biting and "fearful" maladjustment temperament disorders. A lot of these ill bred dogs end up in the pounds and rescue centers, because people just get tired of fooling with a sick or a "mean" or a "mouthy, barking" dog that will not behave, will not learn "house rules", etc.....They went out, desperate for a yorkie, found a cheap, ill bred yorkie, and now they have a pup with horrific habits that they can not or just do not want to deal with....pup is "discarded" to a pound or rescue.....another sad story. Bottom line is find an authentic responsible, reputable breeder, more often that not, a show breeder....that baby may cost you more, but it will be well worth it in the long run.

Health.
If you buy from a reputable breeder, her dogs will be healthy and the breeder will stand behind her dogs. She knows her dogs, she knows they are healthy, and on the rare occasion where something goes wrong, your breeder will be right there with you, helping you choose the best course of action, suggestions on how best to handle the situation, referrals if needed to vets that best address the particular issue...and she uses this information to adjust her breeding program....some absolutely fabulous, gorgeous show dogs with "to die for" pedigrees, just do NOT mix with others that are just as fabulous....a great, informed, reputable breeder knows all these ins and outs....and she walks with you, guiding you thru a mine field, helping you avoid disasters.

When you buy from a fly-by-night, back yard "breeder", you are buying a puppy that is the unknown genetic time bomb that is produced by such connections....you will have a sick dog, with all kinds of intolerance's, multiple health challenges from allergies to organ failures.... Now, there are "breeders" that are brokers for imported yorkies, and they sell these dogs for multiple thousands of dollars....like the lady I think she is in Canada, Paris Hilton and other movie stars think they are getting a quality, healthy puppy JUST because they are spending $30,000.00-$60,000.00 for a dog....WRONG! That HUGE price tag does NOT guarantee you a healthy dog, so dont go there with that train of thought! There is a "breeder" in Florida that imports hundreds of tiny, little yorkies from China or Japan or some other place....it is such a travesty and I can not imagine how in the world these importers fly under the radar, and are able to continue to import and sell these tiny little pocket sized ill bred babies....they are pitiful.....unfortunately, the attention is not placed on THESE importers like it should be.
So, stick with show breeders, go to dog shows where yorkies are being shown, talk and get to know these breeders that show, you can learn TONS of information from these people.....

Buy a great little manual I always recommend to all my new parents..."Yorkies For Dummies"....read it cover to cover, it is chock a block full of great information and knowledge, hits and tips about owning a yorkie....

I do not know how old you are....but you must remember, a yorkie will become attached to you, and if you are young now, there will be a time several years from now, where socializing and getting out and going with friends, perhaps going off to college, will be YOUR normal....that baby will forever see you as "mommy" or "daddy".....his feelings will not change as YOU mature and start to do things with others in your age group. I think a breed like a cocker or even a Jack Russell (for a more active owner) or
Manchester or Fox terrier....these breeds are active, engaged, playful, but they enjoy time by themselves away from "mommy" .....any of these make wonderful, much less expensive pets....they have not been over bred and they are not hot ticket items, so you can get a well bred dog, healthy, for a reasonable price. I would still stick with show breeders, as they are concerned with their breed and where it is going, its health and its reputation....

Good luck with your research, do you "due diligence"....study small breeds to get the one that is a perfect fit for you and your lifestyle.....factor in initial cost, vet expenses to be expected, grooming expenses, dog food expenses (those long, silky coats dont do well with cheap, non specific dog food), time alloted to/for interaction with the pup, etc.

Thanks for all the information, I really appreciate it. I actually don't mind a dog that becomes attached.. I think it's cute and adorable in my opinion. I love dogs that follow you everywhere like their life depends on it. It makes me happy and stuff.

Thing about me is, while I won't go into detail as to why... I am financially stable, I'm 24, my life isn't really going to go in any different direction-- especially in the next 15-20 years... I don't plan on going to college, I cannot work, I like to stay home for the most part, and while I do enjoy going out I wanted to be able to share my experiences with the dog. So the dog would go with me m ost of the time(unless we're going to a restaurant that obviously does not allow dogs) .

I wanted a dog that would love to be by my side 24/7. My mom actually has a cockapoo and that dog follows her EVERYWHERE and only follows me if she's not there. That being said, her dog barely obeys me(50/50) but obeys her like her life depends on it.. She doesn't mind being alone sometimes but she is mostly with my mother. She actually lays on the doggy bed my mother got her.

I know that this breed is expensive but I love them too. The only other dog breed that I think MIGHT be calmer and affectionate would be a maltese. Though I kind of prefer the looks of a yorkie(how can you resist that adorable face and feisty nature?) but if it ends up to it I would go with the maltese if I can't find a yorkie for me.

Also, I don't mind the grooming either I also love their long flowing coats.

[FinnTheHuman]

Originally Posted by KairaPup

It's great that you are doing research.

I will add a short pro/con list for the breed for you as well. Just to give an additional opinion.

Pros- Intelligent
Fiesty
Affectionate
Beautiful
Sensitive

Cons-
Lots of grooming
Can be barky and some are not great with strangers
Stubborn
Can be very hard to housebreak

That said. I love my yorkie (mix) and she is my service dog, so training has gone very well (it's a LOT to learn, not an easy task). Once you can figure out how to motivate and train your dog in a way they like, they take to it very quickly and are very intelligent and willing. However, if you approach it wrong, yorkies will absolutely tell you to stuff it. She's an incredible little animal and is literally a life saver to me.

The stubbornness might be annoying to deal with, but I guess every dog has it's cons. I guess the housebreaking part is going to suck a lot then.

Thank you

[FinnTheHuman]

Originally Posted by Lola7133

If you're planning on buying a Yorkie buy it from a reputable breeder. Especially one from a Champion breed, not Champion bloodline. It will cost you from a range of $2000 - $5000. If you buy it as a pet, they may charge you at the low end. You'll have to sign a contract to neuter/spay it. You're not a breeder so you shouldn't have to worry about it.

Bottom line, you pay for what you get. Make sure you meet the parents too. Don't buy from website, Continental CKC breeder, Any listing that post Babydoll face, Teacup, Micro Yorkie. These are all scammer that are selling you heartache and pain.

As far as pro's and con's from KairaPup. I have two different Yorkie that does two different personality. Coco, my male Yorkie is really intelligent. He doesn't Bark at all, not even to stranger. He just whimper and tap one of his paw on my leg when he wants something. He was doesn't poop or pee in the house, he'll usually tell me and i'll go walking with him.

Now my Lola, she's beautiful but pretty much a spoil little girl. She's protective, affectionate, and she barks when she wants something or trying to be playful. You can forget about free feeder her! She will pee and poop everywhere she wants. I've tried so hard to housebreak her, but I have to put her on a regular feeding schedule. Poor Coco has to go through it just because of her. Hehe! Lola loves to sit on my lap all the time. Coco hates cuddling. Lola loves water. Coco hates it. They're so opposite, but I love both of them.

Ouch 5,000 might be a lot. ;( 2,000 not too bad... I actually saw on a website someone claiming to be selling a 3 year old TEA CUP yorkie for 1,800 dollars and then said it was show quality... WHICH really peeved me off! I actually emailed her about it, she ended up insulting me. Lmao, but I got her post blocked from the site. So I guess I did some good.