Why should I buy a yorkie

[red98vett]

I love my girls with all my heart - but if I EVER get another dog - it's going to be a shelter dog. Yorkies are great great dogs but high maintence - and there are far too many dogs in shelters needing love and a good home.

Besides the breeders these days are making me sick with what they're doing to this beautiful breed - I mean the GREEDY breeders - that's why you're seeind so many sick yorkies -

I don't mean the breeders who care but I DO mean the breeders in it for a fast buck .....Good breeders sell healthy yorkies that actually LOOK like yorkies

but I'm still rooting for shelter dogs. They need all the help they can get and the breeders in it for the $$ need to take a long look at what they're doing to the dog population.

Am I ranting a bit ?? sorry -

NOT not even a tiny bit

[Hooks_Yorkie]

I have always wanted three kinds of dogs (shih tzu, yorkie and a maltese later on a golden retriever.). Never wavered in my decision on either of the dogs, but as one fellow poster said if you doubt now then I wouldn't put myself into that position to try to raise one.

If you really wanted one nothing anyone said here about any problem would make you change your mind. I was on this site for months before I found my dog and read everything and nothing made me doubt getting my Hooks.

As far as housebreaking goes my shih tzu was impossible still is impossible and will always be impossible and will purposely pee if he is upset with me but he is my baby so I deal with it and I just try not to upset him and he is pretty good after a year of working with him. Hooks pees on the pad 90% and poops on it 45% so we are already working on better odds.

[QuickSilver]

It's good that you are considering whether the breed is appropriate for you. I agree with the other poster that said that people usually post to message boards because they have problems, not to talk about how everything is going normally.

Objective reasons to get a yorkie: they are the "hypoallergenic" dog; they are very smart; they adore their owners; they are very trainable; as a toy dog, they are easier to care for in that they need less exercise, can be carried around, eat less food, and poop smaller.

Why I personally have a yorkie. For most of my life, I considered myself a "cat person." Then I started to appreciate dogs, but I hated the small, yappy toy breeds. Then I met my guy. He was actually owned by a coworker who brought him in every day. He would roam around the office begging for food, and I decided to train him for little bits of turkey. I did that once or twice, and he decided I was the greatest human in the world. Then I started taking him for walks. At that, he began to flip out with excitement every time I came into the office - he can "hear" my stride, so even though there are tons of people going in and out of the office, he could immediately tell if I was around.

For the most part, he's great like all dogs are great. I love playing with him in the park and watching him run back to me at full speed. I love helping him get over his fear of shopping cats. I love how he sleeps in an itty bitty ball in my bad. He wakes up before me, and he always waits for me to wake up so he can get his tummy rubbed. But what really stole my heart was how quickly he gave me his, even though he had another owner at the time. I think that is a yorkie trait - they want to be with their beloved humans all the time.

[yorkieisme]

Well I haven't read the other YT members yet.......but it took me 15 years to get Chino...my husband being the hold up...now after two months with Chino..my darling husband wants another one with me being the hold up. Chino is awesome, loving, funny, and joy to have. Only problem is he barks at weird stuff...I have a hard time with this because I am use to being alone without noise, but I am getting use to it slowly...I would not trade him for the world...oh and no health issues, you just have to be selective of the breeders, but this includes every animal, not just yorkies.

[QuickSilver]

Oh, and: if you keep their hair short, they are very easy to groom.

As I said, I used to hate toy dogs. I called them "rats". But now I see that they are just like big dogs, except much easier to take care of, and not prone to as many joint problems. I don't know if I'll stick exclusively to yorkies in the future, but I will definitely want toys!

[AVERYxo]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

Any purebred dog is at risk for genetic health problems since the gene pool is small. The incidence of health problems in Yorkies has really gone up since they have become so popular. They have become a favorite of backyard breeders and puppy mills. Yorkies are now 36 times more likely to have a liver shunt than all other breeds combined.

The key to getting a healthy Yorkie or any purebred dog is to get a puppy from a reputable breeder who is very knowledgable about genetics and health tests all her breeding dogs. All the parents should have bile acid tests, thyroid panels, orthopedic exams/knee xrayed, heart and eyes cleared, etc. A reputable breeder knows the backgrounds of all the dogs she breeds for generations back and carefully selects her breedings to best compliment the strengths of each dog.

The best place to find a reputable breeder is through the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America:

Yorkshire Terrier Club of America About The Club

i agree!!

[Babz]

Mocha is my very 1st personal dog. Meaning this is the 1st time I have ever housebroken a dog, train her, get her used to grooming, etc etc.

I had no idea what I was doing with the housebreaking. I admit I did not do my homework as well as you. But I stuck with it, found informations online, tried a few things, and yes it took me a while but I got her trained at last. She's gonna be 9 months on the 8th and the last accident was 2 months ago. I got her when she was 4 months, so that's about.. 2/3 months on the training. Might be because we had a late start, I was figuring out what works best for her and my schedule. But I'm a beginner! So you might do even better.

So far, Mocha is healthy as a horse, seems to posses an iron stomach, never picky about food, and no problems like anxieties and all that. Only thing is she is carsick Just please make sure you get a yorkie from a reputable, responsible breeder

If you are not absolutely sure this is a breed for you, then maybe get another breed. As for me, I am already itching to get another Yorkie. I think Yorkies are very intelligent dogs, and makes a great companion. Everything else is worth it. Even my mom fell in love with her antics I will not suggest this breed to just anybody. But me, I love Yorkies to bits. My next dog is most definitely gonna be another Yorkie, or a Biewer.

Good Luck!

[jlafred]

Originally Posted by LilMissy

I think the housebreaking can be easy or hard with any breed of dog. Depends on the dog, and the owner. Yorkie's just have to pee more because they have smaller bladders. So you will have to get use to letting a Yorkie out more regularly. My Missy is only 10 weeks old and has been consistantly using her pee pad since I got her a 7.5 weeks old. She's only NOT used the pad twice.

Reasons to get a Yorkie are endless. They are happy, spunky, loving, and fully of personality. This is the first one that I've owned, and I can tell that I will forever own a Yorkie now. They really steal your heart with their charming ways.

I think the reason you hear of so many problems is because this is where people come when they need help. Not many people search the internet for a messageboard just to brag about how wonderful their pup is. (Well some do, but you know what I mean). You will always hear more negative than positive. I'm sure if you go to any other breed specific messageboards you will see the same.

Good Luck with your decision!

BTW...I actually do know of a website that you can just brag on your pet...LOL....at Petbrags.com

[manolos mom]

Originally Posted by red98vett

i love my girls with all my heart - but if i ever get another dog - it's going to be a shelter dog. Yorkies are great great dogs but high maintence - and there are far too many dogs in shelters needing love and a good home.

Besides the breeders these days are making me sick with what they're doing to this beautiful breed - i mean the greedy breeders - that's why you're seeind so many sick yorkies -

i don't mean the breeders who care but i do mean the breeders in it for a fast buck .....good breeders sell healthy yorkies that actually look like yorkies

but i'm still rooting for shelter dogs. They need all the help they can get and the breeders in it for the $$ need to take a long look at what they're doing to the dog population.

Am i ranting a bit ?? Sorry -

not :d not even a tiny bit

you go girl....i agree..

[Babz]

Oh, also, Mocha is very, very quiet. I think I may be one of the lucky ones

[manolos mom]

Originally Posted by quicksilver

oh, and: If you keep their hair short, they are very easy to groom.

As i said, i used to hate toy dogs. I called them "rats". But now i see that they are just like big dogs, except much easier to take care of, and not prone to as many joint problems. I don't know if i'll stick exclusively to yorkies in the future, but i will definitely want toys!

what kind of dogs do you have now...im really glad you are looking at the big picture before buying one..do your research well..

[lilliumstar]

I fell in love with a clients yorkie about three years ago. Everytime I was at her house her little Jackson would run up and jump into my arms. He was so trusting that he just flops on his back and the thought never crosses his mind that you might drop him. He just wants his belly rubbed. And if his 'dad' came around while I was rubbing him he would give this cute little growl like I was his! So I started doing research and talking my then fiance into buying me one. He thought they were little rats and yappy little dogs so he resisted for many years. 2 months ago we brought little Teddy home and now we both want a little girl! He is so funny, smart, and just so darned cute! The potty training hasn't really been any harder than any other dog I've ever had, just like with them I have to pay attention to his signs. He does have accidents but those are my fault, sometimes I get busy and don't pay as much attention as I should. He doesn't have any health problems and the vet says he is very healthy and came from good breeding. He doesn't shed which my husband loves, I had to get rid of my fat kitty when he moved in (allergies), and I have found not having fur on black slacks is a wonderful thing after having a white cat, lol! He isn't anymore trouble than our 45 lb. mutt Bailey that also loves little Teddy like the rest of my family does. These are wonderful little animals that have the biggest hearts I have ever seen and I can't get over how smart Teddy is. Training him commands is so easy! He does get into things but I have to say that when fat kitty (Mickey) was a kitten he was soooo much worse than Teddy has ever been!

[Ashley V]

I think it all depends on the dog when it comes to training... it took Chip a month to be potty trained and he knew all the basic commands plus tricks before we even took him to puppy class. Smokey is almost 2 and is still working on it. My two are spoiled with love, but aren't "pampered" if you know what I mean. They each have unique special time with us. Chip has allergies, but that's the only health problems we've had.

I think with health problems, you just have to research your breeder... when it comes to training, you just have to be consistent and find the way that works for your own individual dog.

I don't understand why people group breeds together and think that they are all a certain way. Each dog, no matter WHAT the breed is different and unique. They all have their different personalities and learning styles, just like human kids.

[cheryl19]

I think you have to ask yourself if you like "terriers" not just Yorkies? they are a lot different then other breeds Just take your time.

[SophieKatesMom]

I got my Yorkie by default, she was given to me when she was 3 months old. I wasn't looking to add a member to my family at the time but let me tell you she fits in so well it is like she has always been here.

As far as health problems, she hasn't had any yet and hopefully will not. She is now 6 months old (almost) has been through all her shots and we are waiting until December to get her spayed.

Potty training has not been easy but honestly it was all a matter of figuring her her schedule and her figuring out that someone will take her outside to do her business. I am not going to try to fool you and say we don't have accidents because we do. Honestly...the accidents are usually my fault, I break the schedule or, am not paying attention.

Why should you want a Yorkie, let me say this is my first but I can tell you some of the traits I love about my dog. She is loyal, funny, spunky, very sweet and thinks the world is hers and we are all visitors.

I wish I could add more animals to my house but not yet, I have a 10 year old rescue cat who deserves to have some peace and quiet (the little the Yorkie allows him). When I am ready I will get another dog and probably a rescue one.

I hope this answers some of you questions on why I have Yorkie.