Should I get a Yorkie?
 

Hey guys,
I have always LOVED Yorkies and my husband I (married since June) are ready to get a dog. My only hesitation is that we're both school teachers so we are gone all day and I've read places that Yorkie's aren't good dogs for people who work all day. One article even said, "If you work all day, do everyone a favor and don't even consider this breed." I've tried looking at other breeds but my heart is definitely towards a Yorkie but I don't want to be unfair to our dog. What do you think? If we would get a puppy, we would probably wait until summer so we can be with it a lot until school starts up again. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated - thanks!

Welcome to YT.

Lots of Yorkie owners work during the day, & I don't think it's a breed specific issue.

I like the idea of leaving the pup in a child's playpen, but some think crates are the way to go.

It's a good idea to wait until summer, so you can get the pup adjusted.

Thanks bildio! :o)

I'm a stay at home mum but there are times when I'm out all day and Mika has to stay at home. I must say that I think Mika would really fret if left totally on her own (she does cry at the door when I leave, my other 2 dogs, a staff and an OESD aren't bothered in the slightest!) but she has two canine playmates to pester, 'er I mean play with!LOL! Having said that it might be a bit too much work to get 2 pups at once, maybe 2 older recue dogs that are already bonded? I know there are YT'ers out there that have one that is home all day and they are very happy, but it may be unfair to get the pup/dog used to you being there all the time and then go back to work. Maybe you could get him/her during a shorter vacation time so he/she doesn't get too used to your constant company? Its best to start out how you mean to go on and not confuse the issue.
Good luck in your decision, this is a fab breed and well worth the effort, they're not the easiest of breeds but they give you sooo much back in return.
Keep researching and find a good breeder/Rescue that will help you whenever you need it and of course stick around YT, there are much more experienced YT owners out there than me, so if you need help just ask!

I think that sounds like a great idea! If you got your Yorkie in the summer, it would give you time to take care of the initial potty training issues and such, and you could gradually start leaving him/her alone for increasing increments of time. That way, it wouldn't be such a shock...from no alone time to 8+ hours. Good luck!

First of all WELCOME TO YT!!!

Then... that's an easy question to answer: GET TWO!!! They can keep each other company and you'll have twice the fun.

Please consider rescuing. There are many adorable babies out there that are in desperate need of a good forever home. It's maybe also not a bad idea if you get some that are already potty trained and they are all up-to-date on the shots, spayed/neutured and have their teeth cleaned. You can also talk to the foster parents about their personality (and believe me, they DO have big ones!!!) and decide if you can deal with it. Some of the rescues have brothers or sisters and would love to stay together.

We have 3 rescues and never regretted one day!!!

Good luck! :aimeeyork

I know alot on here that leave their babies for long hours everyday with not too much of a problem..you just need to be organised..spend quality time with your pup before and after work..make sure the pup is in a safe enviroment..an Xpen so the pup has some room to play I think is best for one being left long periods..my Pixie is left around 5 hours per day when i'm working and she is in a crate that is lined with a puppypad..just in case..although she never has accidents anymore:thumbup:..she has room for her bowls and her bed..if I was leaving her longer than that I would put her in something bigger... Even better would be to get two yorkies for company, find someone to pop in to check on your baby or think about doggy day care;) Goodluck!:D

I agree with the research you've read, and think Yorkies more than other breeds need human companionship, not that some people don't leave them alone all day, but I think certain other breeds are known to be more cat-like and do very well left alone. Many people get around this by getting a "pet" for their yorkie. :D I do think you might be happier getting an older dog, the first year, yorkies seem especially dependent. Good luck in your search.

I don't know about FL but in NY not only do we have summers off we have a lot of other days off in winter too. I don't think working is the problem I would make sure you like terriers. ;) They are a lot different then other dogs. Take the time and see if you and your husband like this kind of dog. Maybe you could puppy sit one someplace.:D:D

I agree. I have 2 rescues, one is a yorkie---and I love them every bit as much as my 2 that I raised from puppyhood.
I think that getting a bonded pair is an excellent idea!
BTW, mine are fine when I'm gone all day, as long as I come home at lunch...they have each other to keep company

I am a teacher as well and my fiance is a police officer. Besides vacation days, I work Monday through Friday and get home at around 4pm. His schedule is different, so there are weeks when he is home 3 weekdays. Regardless our furbaby has been fine when we have left her alone when we are both at work. I free feed her so she always has food and water. I've been lucky too that she hasn't had many accidents. Overall, it is do-able. She gets plenty of attention anytime we are home.

Have you considered getting 2 babies??? Since you will be gone long hours during the day...your baby would never be lonely!!! Or maybe get your puppy..or older yorkie...and then rescue a small dog!

Its an idea....whether you can get two or not....

It's wonderful that you are taking your time and not running out and getting a baby and then worrying about how he/she will do while you are working!!!!

You'll obviously be a wonderful parent...Hope you are able to get that yorkie that you want so much....it will be lucky to have you!

I work 12 hours a day 3 days one week and 4 days the next. Pepper does just fine. I leave him in an xpen to keep him safe and so I don't worry about him. He and I have lots of time together when I am off work. He does real well.

Welcome! I think that would be the perfect thing for you and your hubby to do, wait until summer! I work 8 hours a day, and Fiona is left in her crate, and she is a wonderful dog! i really lucked out with her! I say go for it!!!!!!