[Maximo]

Welcome to Yorkie Talk. You are awesome for researching breeds to find the right one for your family.

Most Yorkies are not what I would describe as lap dogs. Many are cuddly and love to snuggle, but they also tend to be energetic and require lots of activity, exercise and stimulation. Cuddling and lap sitting usually isn't on command.

Temperament: being terriers, Yorkies can be feisty and strong-willed. Some are great with kids, many are not. Exposure and experience is part of the equation. My Yorkies have not had much exposure to little kids, and they had some bad experiences, so mine are not good around little people.

Yorkies are notoriously difficult to potty train. They can be expensive and labor intensive in terms of grooming and vet bills -- dental cleanings under anesthesia! I didn't know about those. They can run between $300 - $1,500 depending on where you live.

The standard Yorkie weighs up to 7 pounds. My boys are 9 pounds, but still rather fragile. A drop, a fall, or a jump off a high bed could easily result in a broken leg or worse.

With any breed, research the breeder carefully. Yorkies and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to expensive, heartbreaking genetic disorders if bred poorly. I've read that there is a high rate of neurological problems in the Cavalier. Something to look into.

When my brothers and I were kids, I know a Yorkie would not have been right for us. We had a cockapoo who was pretty mellow, and who wasn't a risk for getting underfoot with fast moving kids. We still needed plenty of direction on how to behave and be careful with the dog.

Miniature poodles might be another good breed to look into.

Best wishes in your search.