"That's not a real dog!"
 

Okay, this is minor, but it does irk me a bit. Thor is only three pounds. Both he and I are aware that this puts him on the small end of the dog spectrum. He is, however, a dog. He enjoys barking, peeing, parks, and snacks. He does not live in a plastic cage with an exercise wheel.

Most people think he's a puppy, so he always gets comments on how cute he is. However, every so often, someone, generally a man, feels the need to inform me that Thor is not "real", and suggest that perhaps he is a hamster, gerbil, or a doggy hors d'oeuvre.

Today in the park, Thor and I approached an improptu play group with dogs of various sizes. A man well within earshot and clearly talking about Thor disapprovingly said, "what the heck do you do with a dog THAT size?" I turned around and said Thor was the perfect size, and the man just ignored me.

Then another woman came up to me and told me that I should be careful about hawks and went on and on about how my dog could easily be carried off. On one level, I appreciate the heads up, but on the other hand, no one else said anything to welcome us.

I know there are rude people everywhere... it just bums me out, because Thor IS a dog! I enjoy a lot of things about his size. Poop pickup is a breeze, I can take him with me anywhere, and he can't get on the furniture without my help. He is a healthy, adorable pet. I feel we get some flack because of the whole controversy surrounding "Teacups". But Thor doesn't need people taking their issues out on him. Come on, he's just a dog!

people just dont care or understand when it comes to small dogs until you have one! i always had large breed dogs until my yorkie and they are just as much dog if not more than large ones. everyone has an opinion but so what let them have it you have a yorkie!

tell it like it is!
 

THEy are DOGS! and what you do with them is your bizness!!! i cant stand people like that ... just ignorant and Jealous that they have to pick up HUGE poops and cant take themwith them like we can with our yorkies...ooo that makes me mad that someone said that 2 you... i dont take talk like that and you did just what i would have...

Oh Thor sounds like a little cutie, you have to learn to ignore the negative people and concentrate on the positive. By the way, I don't think there is any teacup controversy when it comes to the actual dogs, many of us think dogs in all sizes are wonderful, but we do suggest that you run from any breeder who breeds for tinies, and any breeder who uses the word, "teacup." I think in general you will find you get a lot more positive attention with a yorkie than negative. Think of what the owners of some breeds have to go through.

Well, We Could Show Him!
 

Not a real dog? If someone said that to my little Emma, I'd just tell her to sic 'em, then let her bite the guy on his nose!:p

About the "teacup contravercy" I think she means that most people think we want to be like Paris Hilton or Jessica Simpson with our little dogs. I get lots of nasty looks when I have my boys out, even in the petstore. I think it's because I am younger and wear high heels :p I always assume people think I am trying to make them an accessory. I would say 1 out of 10 people say something nice to me when I have my boys. Now if I have my golden, people stop me left and right saying how cute she is etc. So I don't think it's me :D

I am so glad you ended up with Thor and it turned out to be a happy ending!!

That's very annoying, but try not to let it upset you. I hate when people automatically assume that yorkies are "yappers" or "ankle biters", too.

Stupid people come in all shapes and sizes, why can't dogs?

I'm really shocked by that, I had no idea people would react like that. I get so many nice comments. Sometimes I hate to take him to the store because I know it will take 10 times longer, I can't imagine a couple of pounds makes the difference, maybe it's the heels!

haha I couldn't help but laugh when I read that.
But yeah, that would make me mad too. Maybe some men just feel insecure about their own wee wee size so they need to pick on those who are tiny compared to themselves, to make them feel better. :rolleyes: I get the same thing from men, including my own father, calling Lucie a rodent, rat..etc..

I get really hurt feelings, I won't lie. Maybe I'll try wearing sweats and flip flops and see if I get a different reaction!!

I think a lot of it has to do with the area I am in though. I got lots of sweet comments about Ranger last year in Scottsdale so maybe it's just where I live?

YES! The PERFECT response...."And ignorant PEOPLE come in all sizes!!!"

Thor...keep your chin up. My friend, good things come in small packages!

Lol, I would think they would love them in Scottsdale, especially the hot clubs!

Most of us here on Yorkietalk don't think of Yorkies as "dogs" anyway. :D

Awe, i m so sorry that you had to be subjected to such rudeness and negativity:hug:hugs to make u feel better. Just think of what those rude people are missing out on!

Omg. this happens to me to whenever im at the mall. Tippy is 2 pounds so she looks like a puppy to. yea ppl comment but this person at petsmart was like: is that a cat???

well obviously its not a cat. then this other lady rambled on how i should seriously be careful because there are large dogs around. I mean I am glad she cared, but I mean its MY dog. I think I knoe how to handle her.

I never understand when people "worry" about what others are doing. What is it any of their business what you do or own.

When I was getting ready to get Chanel someone said "oh you're getting one of those useless dogs" to which I replied "what exactly do you use your dog for? does he do your housework? grocery shopping? work? if by useless you mean beyond cute, loving companion then yes I guess my dog will be useless....":aimeeyork

why why why do people care so much what others do? i don't think i'll ever understand that.:confused:

I agree that people don't understand until you have one, my husband grew up in the country where you had "real dogs" his words not mine. I have always wanted a teacup yorkie and he has always been resistant to this idea. this summer I finally talked him into it and I swear he loves the dog more than I do (if that is even possible). people at his work always tell him our dog isn't a real dog and he defends Samson all the time. He loves our little one so much we are getting another one next month.

I've had a few people make comments when I'm out with Chloe. They seem to think because I have a small dog I must have a small brain as well . :rolleyes::mad:

I try not to let them bother me. I usually just let them think they have outsmarted me with their quick wit about my dog being the equivalent of a rat. :rolleyes:

But sometimes I give a little smile , shake my head and kind of giggle with a look on my face that lets them know I think they are nothing more than a complete and total idiot while I walk away.

I do have one comment that I have yet been brave enough to use...The next time someone says to me ..."That doesn't look like a real dog" I want to say ..."Well my dog doesn't think you look like much of man ( or woman) , and I happen to agree with my dog :D"

LOL!!:thumbup:

Well, I am sticking with my signature. LOL

Thanks, everyone. You're right, at the end of the day, *I'm* the one with the yorkie!

Thor did get a few compliments from other people in the park, so I know it shouldn't let it bother me. I was just somewhat taken aback by someone being so rude about my dog. I'm wondering if he was a bit deaf, and didn't realize he was shouting "well, I guess you could put him in your pocket" right in front of Thor's human. It was also kind of annoying because there were two other yorkies there, and of course I knelt down and told them how adorable they were. I'm really trying to help Thor get more confidence around other dogs, so it was a bummer to feel like we weren't welcome. :( I hope that's the exception at this park rather than the rule.

chloesMama, ha! You're right, maybe playing dumb is best. I should have asked what the minimum weight requirement is for real dogs.

I mean, there's no doubt, his size is comical sometimes. He went after a raven the other day that was easily four times bigger than him, and the raven was like, are you kidding me? But only his mama gets to make fun of him!

I'm with Dukesmommy.........I think they have issues with their wee wee ! lol.......I have never had a small dog like Roxy, smallest was my cocker's...my son comes to the house, says why don't you get a real dog, and Roxy's so excited from seeing him......she does the dribble pee all over him........now who's a real DOG ?........I love it and he loves her ! I wouldn't worry about that, I'm worried I can't wear high heels anymore ! LOL

Thor is lucky to have you for his mommy!

LOL, I had a similar experience at our local Petco, I had little Prada with me and this guy with a big Husky turned to his wife and said, Look hon, one of those make beleive dogs, she gave him the stare of his life..:p and I gave him the LOOK:mad:, and I said, Yes she is MY little fake girl dog.. and I LOVE HER... his wife smile and kept walking...LOL :D He can keep his BIG Husky, I don't need all that size and Hair, I am a pretty sure of my self Gal...LOL and my Little Prada is too..:) so pay no attention to those ignorant people... Thor is very lucky and you too..
hugs,
CArmen in nj

This is very funny you say this. Yesterday I took Roxie with me (as I often do) to pick my son up from school. He gets in the car and tells me I look like Paris Hilton with the dog and car. I just laugh and say I don't really like her much. He agrees with me and we dropped the subject. But the stereo type is crazy!

Thats a good comeback...and i may just have to use it next time. The way i see it....i always try to be polite to people and respect their feelings...if people cant be that way to me or my dog...then they deserve the same disrespect they have shown.

One time we were flying home from the fort myers airport and we were coming off the elevator with Pasquale. Some lady turned around and gasped "oh my i thought that was a rat"...i sorta just smiled at her and said "You should have heard what he said about you". My husband says i always have some sort of quicky witty comeback......and i always tell him its cause I've been married to him for 13 years LoL

hehehehe ignorant people do come in all sizes! I agree with that one:)