I understand the OP needs to know the risks, pros/cons, etc of owning a Yorkie, but it's almost like some of you are trying to 'scare' her away. I know when I first read this forum, after knowing which dog I was already getting, suddenly I became scared to death and almost chickened out on getting him. Boy, what a mistake that would have been. He's the best dog I could have asked for honestly. I think the information put out in this thread is great and totally needed to know for a new owner... but I think it's also important to put the HAPPY stories out there. Not all Yorkies are sick, yappers, nippers, etc. IMO, it's the human behind the animal and any dog CAN be trained and socialized however you want them to be. Yorkies are often babied, therefore leading to behavioral issues that become known as "breed traits." Yes, little dogs in general tend to bark more.... but that's not necessarily the breed to blame. I think as long as you know you could be having this dog for 15 or more years, that's all you need to understand. I am a college student and I'm no where near planning a family... but I know when/if the time comes and Jackson is still here - he will still be family to me still, like he always has been. Nothing could ever change that. Sure, I'm not rich and if he needed a $5000 operation tomorrow, I'd really be stressing out. But it's like when you have kids, you do what you have to do, and you figure it out. Sorry for the long ramble! |