Honestly, I don't find Tatum to be any more "high maintenance" than my toy poodle was. I have been very, very lucky with Tatum..... no health issues at all, very sturdy 5 pounder, very laid back dog. That is definitely not the case with all Yorkies. Yes, they need to be brushed more than some breeds. Having a toy poodle previously, I knew of the trachea and hypoglycemia issues. I think in some cases, the "high maintenance" is what you CHOOSE to put into it. Not all Yorkies have owners who dress them and pamper them to the spoiled-rotten stage. I happen to think Tatum is a very well socialized laid-back dog and I think it has a lot to do with how we've treated her. Not by pampering and making huge exceptions for her..... maybe that's how you get that "way high-maintenance" thing. Everyone has different views on how they want to treat their animals and nobody is wrong in their views. You just have to decide if you're going to raise a "drama queen" or a "well-loved and well-behaved dog" (and hope their personality agrees with your desires)
. Hope that makes sense and doesn't ruffle any feathers. You go onto any breed's website and you will hear how that breed is "so more special than any other". That's how we here at YT feel about our Yorkies. Do your research but don't get blown away by some of the opinions.