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Originally Posted by lizbrad  Hello everyone. My name is Liz im a stay at home mom of 5 kids. But, when they are in school my daya are long so im looking to get me a yorkie baby. For you yorkie parents with experince i was wondering did u prefer boy or girl ? I want a girl to doll up. Are they easy to house train? Is there anything special i should do to prepare or anything to look for when buying my baby? I want one to stay the darker color is there a way to tell if chance is good it might? Also if the pup is one lb at 4 weeks do u know what it may weigh grown? Im excited , nervous and looking forward to gettin to know u all |
That is a whole lot of kids
I'm not sure about the ages, but as they are all in school, it sounds like none of the children are adults.
I'd like you to think (if you haven't already) about a few things.
Financial Cost: The least amount of the cost of the Yorkie is the purchase price. The first year is likely to cost you twice as much as healthy ongoing years. This is because of the spay/neutering, the immunizations and heartworm preventatives, perhaps (baby teeth extractions), the costs of the toys/clothes/carriers and play pen, you will purchase
Please consider if your family can afford at this point in time the additional expense of a Yorkie. I can't tell you the number of threads here, where the owner can't afford to pay for the medical treatment their Yorkie needs, and wonders what they can do now!
Health Issues: They have a fair amount of issues. Go to the Sick and Emergency forum to familiarize yourself with them.
Some problems are: LP Luxating Patellas if surgery is needed to repair $1500-$2000
LS or Liver Shunt see above for cost estimate and that is IF the shunt is extrahepatic and is repairable.
Digestive System Problems: Sensitive stomachs is fairly common, along with allergies and skin ailments.
Eyes: PRA - ulcers - cataracts.
Go to our library to read up on how to find a responsible breeder, Puppy Care for the New Owner, Immunization Protocols for the toy breeds.
At the minimum all breeding stock should be health tested to see if the parents are clear of the above problems. Plus of course the pre breeding tests.
Here are the top reasons on YT why folks have to rehome Yorkies!
1. Can't afford the care - poster is usually facing an operation for their Yorkie
2. Kids and Yorkies: either the Yorkie is nipping at the children; or another child is on the way, and the new parent knows that they won't have time to properly care for their Yorkie.
3. I'm moving and can't take my Yorkie with me.
So the first no 1 is easy. You know your financial wherewithall. Yorkies are an expensive breed to own
and to care for properly. So with a bit of planning - dog insurance for example, or set up a separate savings account for your Yorkie, etc you can provide for your Yorkie for the next 15 years.
2. Kids - five children is a lot of running feet around the house. Especially if they are all under 12 yrs old. Also doors frequently opening and closing to the outside.
How will you plan on insuring your Yorkie doesn't bolt out the front door, or the back door (especially if your yard is unfenced)?
Yorkies being stepped on - or picked up and dropped. Obviously some rules need to be put in place.
I don't know if your children grew up with animals at all, if not, then each child will need to be taught how to safely interact with this Yorkie.
3, Moving along with vacationing - What happens when you go on vacation where will your Yorkie stay?
If you have more questions about health/care/cost,I along with many folks here will be happy to give more info.