That is sooo true :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

This was one of my first questions when I came to YorkieTalk. I had decided to get a Yorkie and was out shopping for supplies when several people asked me what breed of dog I was getting. When I told them a yorkie, they all make remarks about them being spoiled, yappy, mean dogs. Stories about how the got bitten, as children were frequent. I was so excited about finally deciding on a breed and hearing all this these stories made me depressed. The members of YT, on the other hand, never even heard these rumors, and assured me, that Yorkies are sweet. So what's up, I wondered, they do have a reputation, with people, but once you own one, I doubt if people are going to tell you what they really think.

There is probably truth to the rumors; I think training a small dog is every bit as important s training a large breed. I think people can get away with not being quite as strict with certain breeds, but because Yorkies are very strong willed, training is important, they must learn to respect your authority. By training, I don't mean just house breaking, I mean obeying your commands, and you have to take the time to teach them without making them aggressive or fearfull. However, many people think that because a dog is small, training isn't important, and they think loving means that the dog is the boss. You can pamper your pet, and still have rules.


One of the problems with children and yorkies is unless the Yorkie is around children frequently, I think he sees the child as a dog, and threat. Children tend to move in fast jerky motions and a Yorkie can see this as threatening. All it takes is one child to do something stupid and cause long lasting problems. To train a Yorkie, you also have to be smarter than them, and for many people this is a problem. :D I think Yorkies are best for people who really wish to have a family member, and are willing to take the time to produce a wonderfully well adjusted pet.

Oh yes, they will take off an ankle in less then a minute...LOL...Just kidding!

Are yorkies mean
 

Any dog can be mean. Chance will try to bite at me when she doesn't fill well. But I'm grouchy when I don't fill well.

My past Yorkie was extremely sweet and the new one is the same. I love Yorkies. They are adorable. All my friends yorkies are sweet,too.

Great answer. I couldn't agree more. In fact, lots of great replies on this thread.

The only thing I'd expand upon is that Yorkies have the potential to be mean if they are encouraged to and allowed to be mean. They were bred to chase and kill vermin. Their ancestors went toe to toe with rats that would scare the daylights out of you and me. They were very efficient killers.

That said, I've never met a Yorkie who was mean or bit people intentionally. And I've met a lot of Yorkies in the last four years. I think that if there is a reputation out there that Yorkies are mean, it's because it's possible. One Yorkie who bites people is going to be talked about. Just like one shark attack is going to make everybody afraid to go in the water.

Love them, train them, exercise them, socialize them, and you won't have any problems.

Good post :thumbup::thumbup:

Mine arent mean but they seem mean the way they bark at strangers when they come up to the house so I could see why someone could get that impression

I have never met a mean Yorkie. I have 5 dogs and none are mean nor have ever bitten anyone.....Its the way you raise your pac....

My baby is a little cuddle bug. Not mean at all. He loves everybody and gets excited when he sees people. His lil tail goes like a windshield wiper. :)

There are a reason why so many Yorkies are stolen, they just love people and will go to any one. I have not met a mean one yet.

Well said!!!
Prince's former vet said that the only time a muzzle is used is usually for a chihuahua or yorkie. (We have a new vet now!!) Prince is very sweet and very protective of me.

My vet has to use a muzzle on Buddy because he will bite him during an exam.
He's scared and does not like stranger's touching him in places that he's not
used to being touched. I do find that Yorkies don't like being touched by stranger's
unless it's on their terms. This breed is loving, smart and dedicated to it's owner.
Yes, they do need training, lot's of training but to make a good pet any breed
does. You get back what you put into your dog. You won't go wrong with
being the owner of a Yorkie but be prepared to work hard.

That is so true. All dogs can be mean if this isn't done! (I believe anyway!)