I had 2 maltese before I decided to try the yorkie breed. Both of my maltese were very much lap dogs. They seemed a lot calmer than the yorkie, however, I have heard from others that their Maltese was more hyper. In my opinion, it is how you raise them. Copper, on the other hand is very active....I wouldn't say hyper....just active. He hardly ever barks....again, all are different. I don't know about the mixes....oh, Copper happens to be a chocolate yorkie, which means that he has a different coloring due to double recessive genes being passed down from the parents....he lacks the dark pigment. This is the reason for the brown coloring and liver colored nose and amber eyes with no black rim. I was hesitant as you are about health issues...especially since he turned out to be chocolate. I did all kinds of research and talked with vets, as well as some of the people here on YT...before I decided to buy him. He has been a litttle hard to potty train, however, at almost 8 months, seems to have it all under control. My trainer says that with small breeds it can sometimes be 2 years before they are totally housetrained...depends on the dog. I would highly recommend a trainer. Yorkies can be stubborn and want their on way, but they have a heart beyond all...I have had a terrible year....lost my father in January, mother in law 2 weeks later...2 uncles...put down my 16 year old maltese....my mother is now slowly dying of congestive heart failure among other illnesses...my son got a divorce and watching is suffering broke my heart...carpal tunnel surgery...Despite all this, Copper has adjusted to all these changes and has managed to learn sit, stay, place (where he stayes in his bed when commanded "place" until released) Back, when the front door is opened (we are still working on this) and come(this is a work in progress) He is not very got at coming yet. He is crate trained...sleeps there at night by my bedside. He has been my constant companion ( although he prefers my husband when he is home). He has been my THERAPY! I would have a hard time giving you many cons...Good luck on your decision...I think you will find that training is the key, and that your little furbaby will give back a thousand times what you give to him/her....I am looking at getting a second....female...not to breed...just a companion...and playmate for my little guy....My trainer said that it would be best to add a female instead of a male....just his opinion...How is this for a coffee break? Hope I haven't bored you to tears.
__________________ AnnAnnAnn  |