Pros and Cons of a Yorkie - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

OliversMom · 10-23-2009, 08:02 AM

We fell in love with a neighbor's Yorkie in 1994, and the next year our Oliver came to live with us. He'll be 15 in January -- every day a joy.

In answer to your question, here's what I wrote on the back cover of our book, HOW THE YORKIE RESCUED SANTA:

ABOUT THE YORKSHIRE TERRIER
Admittedly not every Yorkie is going to produce a rhyming Christmas adventure story. But if you've had a Yorkie in your life, you know that the breed shares certain desirable traits.
These spunky little dogs are soft, loving, loyal, playful, curious, protective, ridiculously brave...and shedless!
While terriers are not noted for a desire to please their human pack, the Yorkie is quite capable of learning manners in a good puppy kindergarten.
A Yorkie puppy fits in the palm of your hand. A full-grown Yorkie jumps into your lap and curls up as if he were made for just that spot.
And once in your heart, a Yorkie sits...stays. Always.
Thank you, Oliver.

AngieC · 10-23-2009, 08:14 AM

I too have loved Yorkies just about all my life!! I am now 37 and last year I FINALLY went after years of research had enough saved to get myself a yorkie!! I was also lucky that I knew someone who had a pup that was having babies. Made my day when she said she had 4. My Nicky was the biggest of the litter and he was the last one born.

I personaly think that the potty training thing goes with all terriers, several years ago we had a Miniture Schnauzer, he was hard to potty train too, but he finally got it lol.

I belive all little dogs thrive on the love and attention that they want and need. They are great little dogs. I love both my boys to death!!

You will love yorkies!!

Mardelin · 10-23-2009, 08:20 AM

I've noticed that most of you have stated that potty training has been an issue....

I've never had that problem. The pups that I've obtained from my breeder are potty trained within 48 hours. The pups that I send to their forever homes are piddle pad trained and have been from about 9 to 10 weeks of age.

Rall · 10-23-2009, 08:25 AM

Pros:
They're very smart little dogs. They learn tricks and commands quickly.
Very affectionate! Gordon doesn't care who you are, if you're there, you're getting loved on.
Hypoallergenic. They are single coated. And they have very soft fur.

Cons:
HARD TO POTTY TRAIN. It's about the only thing you can't teach them in a day or two.

I've been keeping his hair short, so grooming isn't a con for me. And as for being fragile, Gordon's a bigger Yorkie, so he's a little more hearty. I think the rest of the cons are just because he's a puppy. With luck, he'll grow out of them with age. I hope.

Britster · 10-23-2009, 09:53 AM

The pros:
I know from my dog (who is a sturdy 12.5lbs) he's very active and outdoorsy type dog. I like this in a dog because I know he would go walking with me for hours, he's a great "camping" dog.
His personality -- I've never in my life met a dog with sooo much personality.
His brains -- he's very smart. By 5 months old, he knew almost 10 tricks and learned most of them really quickly. He catches on really quick.
He's a wonderful companion dog, highly enjoys car rides, visits to other peoples homes.
He loves all other dogs he meets.

Cons:
Some of these "cons" could even be looked at as pros, really.

His grooming comes fairly easy to me because I keep him short but when it starts growing out, he does need brushing or he gets knots. He needs to be groomed every 6-8 weeks or so though with just touch ups or the hair grows in his eyes. I've learned to do some trimming myself but if you don't, the dog will require frequent visits to the groomer which can be $$costly$$.

He is pretty needy but I personally don't mind that side of him. Some people may not like it. But if I leave a room, and he's locked in another room and can see me, he will whine/bark to get to where I am. He just always likes to be by my side.

They're known to be difficult to housebreak. My personal experience has not been THAT bad really. He's trustworthy and it's not a huge issue but he does still have accidents on occasion, I would say once a month, sometimes less. He's 99% potty trained but the 1% when he does have an accident, it's usually MY fault. So it's just a matter of being consistent and patient.

Lady_756 · 10-23-2009, 09:56 AM

I've only had one Yorkie and I've only had him for a couple of months, but for me the pros are:

Very protective
Loyal
Full of energy, but at the same time loves to cuddle with me and my boyfriend
Great personality
Playful and loving

The cons are:
Stubborn
Barks as soon as you let him outside (even if he doesn't see anyone!)
Stubborn (did I already mention that)
Little troublemaker when it comes to bigger dogs. He acts like he weighs a 100 lbs.

The pros more then make up for the cons. He's added so much to our household and I can't imagine not having him there.

harleyyorkie · 10-23-2009, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mardelin

Pro

You can't have just one.

Con

You can't have just one.

Dental Care.

Grooming Requirements

Ditto!

JeanieK · 10-23-2009, 10:44 AM

I do not have problem with the grooming

I bathe and groom mine all once a week and I have 8 of them in full coat. I do not brush them daily. Brushing a dry coat is not good for it.

I don't feel that barking is an issue. Mine bark when someone comes, but once they are in the house, they stop barking.

The only con I can think of is the house training, and a big part of that is the trainer and not the trainee. LOL

They alslo tend towards bad teeth so you have to take extra care with their teeth.

puppymom · 10-23-2009, 11:20 AM

This is the first time I've had a Yorkie and she is 7 months old, so I've had her for 5 months. I researched extensively before I chose a Yorkie. We previously had a rat terrier and before that a tiny toy poodle and of the 3 breeds, I think I would choose a Yorkie again. Our rat terrier was so sweet and very dependable in the house, but the shedding was bad. I loved our poodle but my husband didn't (the feeling was mutual). When our daughter came along I had to get rid of the poodle because she was not good with our baby (the dog bit the baby).

Pros on Yorkies:
non-shedding (my #1 priority this time)
small size (although it varies a lot I've learned)
energetic and fun (mine is still a puppy, so I don't know about the adults)
loyal and loving
likes to please
friendly with people and other dogs (so far)
really beautiful dogs

Cons on Yorkies:
difficulty housetraining (I'm SO jealous of the ones who say they had no trouble)
expensive to buy and keep up
size is unpredictable (mine was supposed to be less than 5 lbs. she is almost 7 lbs. now and maybe will grow some more)
can be annoying when you want to be alone and they want to be with you 24/7 (they even want to go into the bathroom with you)

But overall, they are wonderful dogs. That is why they are the 2nd most popular breed in the AKC.

Lynn WDW · 10-23-2009, 12:55 PM

Baxter doesn't have to be groomed daily. Just once a week or so. He has medium long hair now. He didn't take too long to potty train and he can hold it a long time when he's alone. But at almost 2 years old, he rarely sleeps through the night without having to go out to potty. He chewed every thing he could for the first year. I mean the molding on the wall and the cabinets on the island in the kitchen! He does have a sensitive stomach and has to have one certain dog food or he poops all day. He is fiercely loyal to me and follows every step I take. The main con is that I worry about his size - he's just over 6 lbs and I worry that a big owl or hawk will get him so he stays on a leash outside at all times.

dianaww · 10-23-2009, 12:59 PM

Pro's

Loving and Loyal
Affectionate, Funny
adorable, intellegant

A HUGE dog in a small package
Just the best ....

Con's

They are addictive and you will want more of them ...
Any small con's are outweighed by the many pro's

ParrotLady · 10-23-2009, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mardelin

I've noticed that most of you have stated that potty training has been an issue....

I've never had that problem. The pups that I've obtained from my breeder are potty trained within 48 hours. The pups that I send to their forever homes are piddle pad trained and have been from about 9 to 10 weeks of age.

I only have one Silky and she is our first, so I can't state a trend. I have to say that potty training is tough with Penny. The breeder said she was pad trained, but later we found out they all stayed in one room with several pads everywhere. She really couldn't tell if they always went on the pad or not.

Penny is now a year old and most of the times goes on her pad. We still find puddles and piles in our bedroom sometimes and if we leave the carpet down in front of the tub she might go there too.

We have decided to never allow her in the back half of the house that is totally carpeted, because we would never be able to find all her "accidents" and that is sad to me.

We would not trade Penny for all the money in the world though.

My husband keeps saying we need to get another one, because they are so much fun, sweet and smart. It took me 28 years to talk him into a small indoor dog.

Now he wants two! I keep reminding him about the potty training, and since we plan on moving out of the country in a year, we decided one is enough for now.

Catie_and_Luna · 10-23-2009, 01:42 PM

Ohh where to start!
Pros:
I love the size, they really just don't get in the way at all you know? You can have 4 and its the same as 1 average dog =P

They are SO smart, I taught Luna sit, stay, No play, Quiet, and Patty Cake in a A matter of days.

I can not even express how much I love the no shedding part lol! That just speaks for itself.

They are the best lap dog kind of babies. I love how she is perfectly content just curled up on my lap while I read a book.

And they really are SO full of love

Cons:
Luna does have health problems, but that could just be a poor choosing of a breeder by my family who got her for me as a gift

The fact that they require A LOT of attention could be a con to people who work, I don't have any problems in that area because I'm home all the time

The grooming could also be a con.

Luna barks at ANY noise she hears outside or inside that she cant see trying to protect her Mama, that gets annoying.

The biggest con though is the potty training, she just doesn't get it.

All and all though I would love to get my second yorkie, I love the breed very very much

lysiane_souris · 10-23-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YorkieLove77

PROS:
- don't shed
- small
- very loyal and very smart
- will love you unconditionally!
- the perfect cuddler!
- easy to transport with you
- doesn't need a lot of space
- a face that'll make you melt every time!
- can play dress-up hehe
- long life expectancy (I wish it was 100 years!)

CONS:
- one of the hardest breeds to housetrain
- tendency to be yappy
- tendency to get verrrry attached to you and have separation anxiety
- shouldn't be left alone for long periods of time
- stubborn
- daily grooming requirements
- fragile

Now, keep in mind, I wouldn't care if the cons list was a mile long...I wouldn't trade my JoJo for the world! Regardless of any negatives, at the end of the day he always makes me smile and fills my heart with joy, so that's all that matters!

I could'nt of said this better, I agree 100% with you

Mardelin · 10-23-2009, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ParrotLady

I only have one Silky and she is our first, so I can't state a trend. I have to say that potty training is tough with Penny. The breeder said she was pad trained, but later we found out they all stayed in one room with several pads everywhere. She really couldn't tell if they always went on the pad or not.

Penny is now a year old and most of the times goes on her pad. We still find puddles and piles in our bedroom sometimes and if we leave the carpet down in front of the tub she might go there too.

We have decided to never allow her in the back half of the house that is totally carpeted, because we would never be able to find all her "accidents" and that is sad to me.

We would not trade Penny for all the money in the world though.

My husband keeps saying we need to get another one, because they are so much fun, sweet and smart. It took me 28 years to talk him into a small indoor dog.

Now he wants two! I keep reminding him about the potty training, and since we plan on moving out of the country in a year, we decided one is enough for now.

Not sure how you transitioned your pup when you brought it home. Yes, you do have to train the pup to go to an area that you want it to go to. Problems arise when new families bring a pup home and allow it too much freedom. A pup should have a specified area and gain the right to have access to the rest of the house. When my new families bring up the potty training issue, I explain what to do and then ask them; when you brought your baby home from the hospital, did you place it in the middle of the floor and tell here's your house. Same thing with a pup, it's a baby.

10-23-2009, 08:02 AM	#16
OliversMom Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: st. louis, mo Posts: 88	We fell in love with a neighbor's Yorkie in 1994, and the next year our Oliver came to live with us. He'll be 15 in January -- every day a joy. In answer to your question, here's what I wrote on the back cover of our book, HOW THE YORKIE RESCUED SANTA: ABOUT THE YORKSHIRE TERRIER Admittedly not every Yorkie is going to produce a rhyming Christmas adventure story. But if you've had a Yorkie in your life, you know that the breed shares certain desirable traits. These spunky little dogs are soft, loving, loyal, playful, curious, protective, ridiculously brave...and shedless! While terriers are not noted for a desire to please their human pack, the Yorkie is quite capable of learning manners in a good puppy kindergarten. A Yorkie puppy fits in the palm of your hand. A full-grown Yorkie jumps into your lap and curls up as if he were made for just that spot. And once in your heart, a Yorkie sits...stays. Always. Thank you, Oliver. __________________ Carol and Oliver, authors: *HOW THE YORKIE RESCUED SANTA--An Adventure in Doggerel*

10-23-2009, 08:14 AM	#17
AngieC YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Irvine, PA Posts: 278	I too have loved Yorkies just about all my life!! I am now 37 and last year I FINALLY went after years of research had enough saved to get myself a yorkie!! I was also lucky that I knew someone who had a pup that was having babies. Made my day when she said she had 4. My Nicky was the biggest of the litter and he was the last one born. I personaly think that the potty training thing goes with all terriers, several years ago we had a Miniture Schnauzer, he was hard to potty train too, but he finally got it lol. I belive all little dogs thrive on the love and attention that they want and need. They are great little dogs. I love both my boys to death!! You will love yorkies!! Attached Thumbnails __________________ Angie Nicky-12/7/08 ** Rocky-4/7/07

10-23-2009, 08:20 AM	#18
Mardelin Mardelin Yorkshire Terriers Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: California Posts: 14,776	I've noticed that most of you have stated that potty training has been an issue.... I've never had that problem. The pups that I've obtained from my breeder are potty trained within 48 hours. The pups that I send to their forever homes are piddle pad trained and have been from about 9 to 10 weeks of age. __________________ Mardelin *Yorkshire* *Terriers*

10-23-2009, 08:25 AM	#19
Rall Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Tennessee Posts: 38	Pros: They're very smart little dogs. They learn tricks and commands quickly. Very affectionate! Gordon doesn't care who you are, if you're there, you're getting loved on. Hypoallergenic. They are single coated. And they have very soft fur. Cons: HARD TO POTTY TRAIN. It's about the only thing you can't teach them in a day or two. I've been keeping his hair short, so grooming isn't a con for me. And as for being fragile, Gordon's a bigger Yorkie, so he's a little more hearty. I think the rest of the cons are just because he's a puppy. With luck, he'll grow out of them with age. I hope. __________________ Proud parent to Mr. Gordon Freedog. *R.I.P. Jason* 1994-2009**

10-23-2009, 09:53 AM	#20
Britster Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 17,815	The pros: I know from my dog (who is a sturdy 12.5lbs) he's very active and outdoorsy type dog. I like this in a dog because I know he would go walking with me for hours, he's a great "camping" dog. His personality -- I've never in my life met a dog with sooo much personality. His brains -- he's very smart. By 5 months old, he knew almost 10 tricks and learned most of them really quickly. He catches on really quick. He's a wonderful companion dog, highly enjoys car rides, visits to other peoples homes. He loves all other dogs he meets. Cons: Some of these "cons" could even be looked at as pros, really. His grooming comes fairly easy to me because I keep him short but when it starts growing out, he does need brushing or he gets knots. He needs to be groomed every 6-8 weeks or so though with just touch ups or the hair grows in his eyes. I've learned to do some trimming myself but if you don't, the dog will require frequent visits to the groomer which can be $$costly$$. He is pretty needy but I personally don't mind that side of him. Some people may not like it. But if I leave a room, and he's locked in another room and can see me, he will whine/bark to get to where I am. He just always likes to be by my side. They're known to be difficult to housebreak. My personal experience has not been THAT bad really. He's trustworthy and it's not a huge issue but he does still have accidents on occasion, I would say once a month, sometimes less. He's 99% potty trained but the 1% when he does have an accident, it's usually MY fault. So it's just a matter of being consistent and patient. __________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier

10-23-2009, 09:56 AM	#21
Lady_756 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 47	I've only had one Yorkie and I've only had him for a couple of months, but for me the pros are: Very protective Loyal Full of energy, but at the same time loves to cuddle with me and my boyfriend Great personality Playful and loving The cons are: Stubborn Barks as soon as you let him outside (even if he doesn't see anyone!) Stubborn (did I already mention that) Little troublemaker when it comes to bigger dogs. He acts like he weighs a 100 lbs. The pros more then make up for the cons. He's added so much to our household and I can't imagine not having him there.

10-23-2009, 10:44 AM	#23
JeanieK Donating YT 12K Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Council Bluffs Iowa Posts: 12,552	I do not have problem with the grooming I bathe and groom mine all once a week and I have 8 of them in full coat. I do not brush them daily. Brushing a dry coat is not good for it. I don't feel that barking is an issue. Mine bark when someone comes, but once they are in the house, they stop barking. The only con I can think of is the house training, and a big part of that is the trainer and not the trainee. LOL They alslo tend towards bad teeth so you have to take extra care with their teeth.

10-23-2009, 11:20 AM	#24
puppymom Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tennessee Posts: 79	This is the first time I've had a Yorkie and she is 7 months old, so I've had her for 5 months. I researched extensively before I chose a Yorkie. We previously had a rat terrier and before that a tiny toy poodle and of the 3 breeds, I think I would choose a Yorkie again. Our rat terrier was so sweet and very dependable in the house, but the shedding was bad. I loved our poodle but my husband didn't (the feeling was mutual). When our daughter came along I had to get rid of the poodle because she was not good with our baby (the dog bit the baby). Pros on Yorkies: non-shedding (my #1 priority this time) small size (although it varies a lot I've learned) energetic and fun (mine is still a puppy, so I don't know about the adults) loyal and loving likes to please friendly with people and other dogs (so far) really beautiful dogs Cons on Yorkies: difficulty housetraining (I'm SO jealous of the ones who say they had no trouble) expensive to buy and keep up size is unpredictable (mine was supposed to be less than 5 lbs. she is almost 7 lbs. now and maybe will grow some more) can be annoying when you want to be alone and they want to be with you 24/7 (they even want to go into the bathroom with you) But overall, they are wonderful dogs. That is why they are the 2nd most popular breed in the AKC.

10-23-2009, 12:55 PM	#25
Lynn WDW YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 397	Baxter doesn't have to be groomed daily. Just once a week or so. He has medium long hair now. He didn't take too long to potty train and he can hold it a long time when he's alone. But at almost 2 years old, he rarely sleeps through the night without having to go out to potty. He chewed every thing he could for the first year. I mean the molding on the wall and the cabinets on the island in the kitchen! He does have a sensitive stomach and has to have one certain dog food or he poops all day. He is fiercely loyal to me and follows every step I take. The main con is that I worry about his size - he's just over 6 lbs and I worry that a big owl or hawk will get him so he stays on a leash outside at all times.

10-23-2009, 12:59 PM	#26
dianaww YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: UK Posts: 483	Pro's Loving and Loyal Affectionate, Funny adorable, intellegant A HUGE dog in a small package Just the best .... Con's They are addictive and you will want more of them ... Any small con's are outweighed by the many pro's __________________ Teddy Born Aug 06 Max (Mar 95 - Sept 06) Levi (Mar 97 - Aug 09)

10-23-2009, 01:42 PM	#28
Catie_and_Luna YT Addict Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Arkansas Posts: 317	Ohh where to start! Pros: I love the size, they really just don't get in the way at all you know? You can have 4 and its the same as 1 average dog =P They are SO smart, I taught Luna sit, stay, No play, Quiet, and Patty Cake in a A matter of days. I can not even express how much I love the no shedding part lol! That just speaks for itself. They are the best lap dog kind of babies. I love how she is perfectly content just curled up on my lap while I read a book. And they really are SO full of love Cons: Luna does have health problems, but that could just be a poor choosing of a breeder by my family who got her for me as a gift The fact that they require A LOT of attention could be a con to people who work, I don't have any problems in that area because I'm home all the time The grooming could also be a con. Luna barks at ANY noise she hears outside or inside that she cant see trying to protect her Mama, that gets annoying. The biggest con though is the potty training, she just doesn't get it. All and all though I would love to get my second yorkie, I love the breed very very much __________________ Catie~Luna "My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am."