Merry Christmas, Everyone!
I'm a new member and am contemplating a Yorkie rescue or going the puppy route (which I would rather not do).
I've never had a Yorkie, but I had a Maltese who died last year at 12 years of age and I miss him! Our house feels so empty without a little tail wagging!
Anyway, before I got my Maltese, I thought about getting a Yorkie but decided against it because of their temperament. I had the impression that Yorkie's were always yappy and snappy, high-strung little dogs.
However, a few years ago I saw my niece's Yorkie (who lives in another state), and he was the calmest little dog I had ever seen. I couldn't believe he was a Yorkie and I don't think I ever heard him bark!
In addition, my neighbor somehow acquired a mom and son Yorkie from a Missouri puppy mill. The son was a puppy when they got him, and he too has never barked (even though they frequently let him run loose and he comes in my yard). I've entertained the thought of reporting them, because I would NEVER let my dog out of the yard like they do theirs. In fact, the mom disappeared for 3 whole days last summer and somehow they miraculously found her down the road and she was starving!
Sorry...got sidetracked... getting to my point. I am SERIOUSLY wanting a Yorkie, but I want to know what to expect. My Maltese was too high maintenance, mostly because he was white and his eyes were always tearing and he had a lot of health problems throughout his life. Do Yorkies have eye problems? What health issues do Yorkies have?
How do I avoid getting a high-strung barker?
I prefer to adopt a rescue, but after searching online rescue groups, there is only one older female nearby and her foster mom says she is very vocal. So, if I can't find a rescue, I will probably opt for a puppy.
Any suggestions?
Thanks for any advice you can give!
Sandra