Pros and Cons of a Yorkie - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Ella Blue · 10-22-2009, 06:00 PM

Hello, I am new to the world of yorkies - I am seriously considering adopting one. Can any of you share any words of wisdom with me about he pros and cons of a yorkie.

I work from home, have a fenced in yard.

We have a 6 year old daugther who is very gentle and calm.

I have fallen in love with yorkies and I can't seem to shake it!

Thanks so much

Ella

yorkie_mama22 · 10-22-2009, 07:00 PM

I fell in love with yorkies and did some research on them. I loved how they were small, had "hair" and didn't shed. I wish I had done just a LITTLE bit more research about puppymills and where to find a good yorkie. I have learned so much on this site so I hope you take some time to read all our stories and soak up all the info!!

I think the pros are that they are small, smart and totally lovable. I have another dog which is the same age as my yorkie and she is not as smart as my yorkie.

Some cons are that they do require more attention and some may bark more then others. Super tiny ones are cute but now always the best idea since they can have more help issues.

Overall I love them and I couldn't imagine another dog! good luck and Welcome. Where in Canada are you?

AmyChristine · 10-22-2009, 07:17 PM

Welocome to YT!

I could go on and on all night, but here are the reasons that I choose a yorkie; they are a low shed breed, I love the long flowing coat but that you can also opt for the cute puppy cut. They are loyal and loving. There is alot of "dog" in a little package, I could watch their antics for hours. You can take them almost any where. They are a beautiful breed. I have a quiet home, and they tend like a fairly quiet lifestyle. I wanted a dog that would enjoy spending time with me and that was active but also like to curl up on a rainy day. I like dog clothes and they tend to get cold easy

I like to go on walks and hikes, not 5 mile runs they can keep up and do not drag me down the road... Like I said I can go on all night.

I have found that they are harder to potty train, can be stubborn, like to chase things, one of mine is a digger(but this is adorable IMO).

They are very fragile(especailly as puppies), I feel like I have to watch them alot and I take extra precautions to keep them safe. My smaller one especailly took more work and care. When they are sick I almost always go to the vet out of precaution.

Oh and they are addictive, you just may find yourself wanting another

I am sure that other yt'ers will think of alot more things that I forgot.

AmyChristine · 10-22-2009, 07:26 PM

I just wanted to add that I second what yorkie_mama22 said about taking time and researching good breeders. a yorkie is about a 15 year commitment and finding the right breeder can make all the difference on the attitude, health, and apearence of your future companion.

FlDebra · 10-22-2009, 07:32 PM

To me their only real con is the difficulty housetraining them. They are small and require a little more attention than the average pet, but they are so worth it. I have never seen a dog that is so loving! They are almost like having a human baby the way they like to cuddle and be fawned on. I suppose that could become a con instead of a pro, if you did not have the time to give them all the attention they demand. They are very manipulative. I admit that mine can get me to do almost anything they want. I'll be busy paying bills, cleaning house, whatever....and here they come with a toy they lay down in front of me. First time it is very civil, but if I ignore them, they can get a lot more aggressive with their demands of time.

I usually give in and get down on the floor to play for a while before they yelp or use their nose to give me the shin nudge.

Another con that some may not like dealing with is grooming. You can minimize this by keeping them cut short but one of the great things about a Yorkie is their beautiful coat so I still have mine long. I am thinking of going short so I can use belly bands though. I just hate to cut Ben. His hair is so long and pretty! But it takes a lot of time. If I skip a few days grooming, he looks terrible and I feel guilty.

They are very intelligent, have personality plus, and are great companions. Mine know when I do not feel well and seem to give me extra attention in a more gentle way than normal. One actually will curl up on my abdomen where I hurt.

They do tend to bark a lot when someone approaches our house. Although it is a bit annoying, I do not want to discourage that. I am often alone and feel like no one could ever sneak up on us here. Still, it happens so often, I worry that I might ignore them, much as the "Little Boy Who Cried Wolf" got no attention when he really needed it.

If you have plenty of time to spend on training, playing and loving on them -- I think Yorkies are a wonderful pet decision! Your daughter will probably love dressing one up and most love to be carried around a bit. You can even get a pet stroller to help. Read on here about finding your Yorkie. You want to find a good reputable breeder to make sure you are getting a quality pet that will have few health or behavior problems. Stick with AKC registered for better percentages. Good luck!

jmdt · 10-22-2009, 07:43 PM

They are really cute too.

How could you resist having 1, or 2, or 3

This was the best thing I've ever done. My babies are truly my babies. All they want is to be loved. Boy do they get plenty of that around here. Don't be a fool....get a yorkie. What's not to love???

joeyandtanksmom · 10-22-2009, 09:47 PM

Pros:
cute and cuddly, even when full grown
small size = small poops
don't need as much space as large dogs
easy to train to sit/lay down/stay/etc
very loyal/protective of owners
Cons:
difficult to potty train
very stubborn
you have to cut their hair, or get it done
you have to brush their hair every day
you have to bathe them when their hair is dirty, about once per week for me

I love how I can rave about my boys for hours and hours, but making the list just isn't easy...I love my two yorkie boys so much - and they're such good dogs! I got my first yorkie when I wasn't educated on them much at all, so Joey was probably from a puppy mill. Tank is from a breeder who was very nice, and that's definitely how I'll do it next time (trying to convince hubby we need a little girl in the mix!). I would say to definitely do research, and visit multiple litters/rescues to make sure you find the perfect one! My boys have blessed my life so much, I don't know what I would do without them. I'm not sure if it's just because these are the first dogs I've had as MINE (my last dog had been one I got when I was 3, and I had her for 15 years - so my mom was kinda the "alpha" with her. I got Joey when I was 20), but I am so incredibly close to my boys. Whenever I'm sad, they are too. When I was having a really rough day, Joey came up and cuddled me for a couple hours. Joey is not a cuddler, generally. They just know what you're feeling, and they seem to know just what you need. I am definitely pro yorkie!!!

YorkieLove77 · 10-22-2009, 09:50 PM

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!

livingdustmops · 10-23-2009, 12:53 AM

Pros: They are terriers

Cons: They are terriers

jacksonsmum · 10-23-2009, 02:49 AM

I love the yorkie because of so many reasons. They are sweet looking and very smart funny and spunky.They have such personality packed into a tiny little body. They are very loving and loyal.

I admire them for their being so brave when they are in fact so small. They sometimes think they are a pit bull or a german sheppard

On the practical side they do not shed and are easy to take anywhere and travel etc.They can be peepad trained or outside or both.

They love to be with you and so love lots of attention but are happy just to lay beside you or on your lap.

They sometimes bark a lot and can be difficult to house train but it is all worth it believe me

lil louis · 10-23-2009, 04:56 AM

I can only think of pros for having a yorkie. Mine is so lovable and cuddly. I love that he will curl up on my lap and go to sleep. He loves everyone he meets. Such a sweetie. I have been around many different breeds, and the yorkie is definetly the BEST!

I have read that yorkies were hard to house train, but it only took me a few weeks to house train Louis, and it was litteraly during a blizzard.

Mardelin · 10-23-2009, 05:03 AM

Pro

You can't have just one.

Con

You can't have just one.

Dental Care.

Grooming Requirements

rilysmom · 10-23-2009, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by livingdustmops

Pros: They are terriers

Cons: They are terriers

I guess my lists of pros must outweigh the cons because I'm picking up baby #2 tonight.

rilysmom · 10-23-2009, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mardelin

Pro

You can't have just one.

Con

You can't have just one.

Dental Care.

Grooming Requirements

TOO!

Lovetodream88 · 10-23-2009, 05:25 AM

I notice a lot of people saying you need to do daily grooming but you dont have to if you keep the in a puppy cut (short cut) that is what Callie has and although she loves to get combed she doesn't have to have it done everyday. I only have two cons one is they can be stubborn to potty train and they do require grooming done at least around every 6 weeks but it sorta depends on your dog and what you like.

10-22-2009, 06:00 PM	#1
Ella Blue Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Toronto Posts: 21	Pros and Cons of a Yorkie Hello, I am new to the world of yorkies - I am seriously considering adopting one. Can any of you share any words of wisdom with me about he pros and cons of a yorkie. I work from home, have a fenced in yard. We have a 6 year old daugther who is very gentle and calm. I have fallen in love with yorkies and I can't seem to shake it! Thanks so much Ella

10-22-2009, 07:17 PM	#3
AmyChristine YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Washington Posts: 1,184	Welocome to YT! I could go on and on all night, but here are the reasons that I choose a yorkie; they are a low shed breed, I love the long flowing coat but that you can also opt for the cute puppy cut. They are loyal and loving. There is alot of "dog" in a little package, I could watch their antics for hours. You can take them almost any where. They are a beautiful breed. I have a quiet home, and they tend like a fairly quiet lifestyle. I wanted a dog that would enjoy spending time with me and that was active but also like to curl up on a rainy day. I like dog clothes and they tend to get cold easy I like to go on walks and hikes, not 5 mile runs they can keep up and do not drag me down the road... Like I said I can go on all night. I have found that they are harder to potty train, can be stubborn, like to chase things, one of mine is a digger(but this is adorable IMO). They are very fragile(especailly as puppies), I feel like I have to watch them alot and I take extra precautions to keep them safe. My smaller one especailly took more work and care. When they are sick I almost always go to the vet out of precaution. Oh and they are addictive, you just may find yourself wanting another I am sure that other yt'ers will think of alot more things that I forgot. __________________ My belongs to Copper and Maddie Mae RIP Sweet Rocky Mommy misses you

10-22-2009, 07:26 PM	#4
AmyChristine YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Washington Posts: 1,184	I just wanted to add that I second what yorkie_mama22 said about taking time and researching good breeders. a yorkie is about a 15 year commitment and finding the right breeder can make all the difference on the attitude, health, and apearence of your future companion. __________________ My belongs to Copper and Maddie Mae RIP Sweet Rocky Mommy misses you

10-22-2009, 07:32 PM	#5
FlDebra Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: FL Posts: 7,651	To me their only real con is the difficulty housetraining them. They are small and require a little more attention than the average pet, but they are so worth it. I have never seen a dog that is so loving! They are almost like having a human baby the way they like to cuddle and be fawned on. I suppose that could become a con instead of a pro, if you did not have the time to give them all the attention they demand. They are very manipulative. I admit that mine can get me to do almost anything they want. I'll be busy paying bills, cleaning house, whatever....and here they come with a toy they lay down in front of me. First time it is very civil, but if I ignore them, they can get a lot more aggressive with their demands of time. I usually give in and get down on the floor to play for a while before they yelp or use their nose to give me the shin nudge. Another con that some may not like dealing with is grooming. You can minimize this by keeping them cut short but one of the great things about a Yorkie is their beautiful coat so I still have mine long. I am thinking of going short so I can use belly bands though. I just hate to cut Ben. His hair is so long and pretty! But it takes a lot of time. If I skip a few days grooming, he looks terrible and I feel guilty. They are very intelligent, have personality plus, and are great companions. Mine know when I do not feel well and seem to give me extra attention in a more gentle way than normal. One actually will curl up on my abdomen where I hurt. They do tend to bark a lot when someone approaches our house. Although it is a bit annoying, I do not want to discourage that. I am often alone and feel like no one could ever sneak up on us here. Still, it happens so often, I worry that I might ignore them, much as the "Little Boy Who Cried Wolf" got no attention when he really needed it. If you have plenty of time to spend on training, playing and loving on them -- I think Yorkies are a wonderful pet decision! Your daughter will probably love dressing one up and most love to be carried around a bit. You can even get a pet stroller to help. Read on here about finding your Yorkie. You want to find a good reputable breeder to make sure you are getting a quality pet that will have few health or behavior problems. Stick with AKC registered for better percentages. Good luck! __________________ FlDebra and her ABCs Annie, Ben, Candy Promoting Healthy Breeding to the AKC Yorkshire Terrier Standard Last edited by FlDebra; 10-22-2009 at 07:34 PM.

10-22-2009, 07:43 PM	#6
jmdt YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Long Island, NY USA Posts: 3,498	They are really cute too. How could you resist having 1, or 2, or 3 This was the best thing I've ever done. My babies are truly my babies. All they want is to be loved. Boy do they get plenty of that around here. Don't be a fool....get a yorkie. What's not to love??? __________________ Coco, Pebbles, Trixie, and Wally LOVE MY BABIES!!

10-22-2009, 07:00 PM	#2
yorkie_mama22 Currently Suspended! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 2,275	I fell in love with yorkies and did some research on them. I loved how they were small, had "hair" and didn't shed. I wish I had done just a LITTLE bit more research about puppymills and where to find a good yorkie. I have learned so much on this site so I hope you take some time to read all our stories and soak up all the info!! I think the pros are that they are small, smart and totally lovable. I have another dog which is the same age as my yorkie and she is not as smart as my yorkie. Some cons are that they do require more attention and some may bark more then others. Super tiny ones are cute but now always the best idea since they can have more help issues. Overall I love them and I couldn't imagine another dog! good luck and Welcome. Where in Canada are you?

10-22-2009, 09:47 PM	#7
joeyandtanksmom YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Kuna,ID,USA Posts: 557	Pros: cute and cuddly, even when full grown small size = small poops don't need as much space as large dogs easy to train to sit/lay down/stay/etc very loyal/protective of owners Cons: difficult to potty train very stubborn you have to cut their hair, or get it done you have to brush their hair every day you have to bathe them when their hair is dirty, about once per week for me I love how I can rave about my boys for hours and hours, but making the list just isn't easy...I love my two yorkie boys so much - and they're such good dogs! I got my first yorkie when I wasn't educated on them much at all, so Joey was probably from a puppy mill. Tank is from a breeder who was very nice, and that's definitely how I'll do it next time (trying to convince hubby we need a little girl in the mix!). I would say to definitely do research, and visit multiple litters/rescues to make sure you find the perfect one! My boys have blessed my life so much, I don't know what I would do without them. I'm not sure if it's just because these are the first dogs I've had as MINE (my last dog had been one I got when I was 3, and I had her for 15 years - so my mom was kinda the "alpha" with her. I got Joey when I was 20), but I am so incredibly close to my boys. Whenever I'm sad, they are too. When I was having a really rough day, Joey came up and cuddled me for a couple hours. Joey is not a cuddler, generally. They just know what you're feeling, and they seem to know just what you need. I am definitely pro yorkie!!! __________________ Sandy: Joey & Tank's Mom Jackson Ryan

10-22-2009, 09:50 PM	#8
YorkieLove77 YT Addict Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Shelby Twp, MI Posts: 278	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! __________________ Mommy to JoJo, my heart and soul!!!

10-23-2009, 12:53 AM	#9
livingdustmops Princess Poop A Lot Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 6,728	Pros: They are terriers Cons: They are terriers __________________ Cindy & The Rescued Gang Puppies Are Not Products!

10-23-2009, 02:49 AM	#10
jacksonsmum Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Ontario/Canada Posts: 248	I love the yorkie because of so many reasons. They are sweet looking and very smart funny and spunky.They have such personality packed into a tiny little body. They are very loving and loyal. I admire them for their being so brave when they are in fact so small. They sometimes think they are a pit bull or a german sheppard On the practical side they do not shed and are easy to take anywhere and travel etc.They can be peepad trained or outside or both. They love to be with you and so love lots of attention but are happy just to lay beside you or on your lap. They sometimes bark a lot and can be difficult to house train but it is all worth it believe me

10-23-2009, 04:56 AM	#11
lil louis ♥My Yorkie, My Shadow♥ Join Date: May 2009 Location: usa Posts: 1,337	I can only think of pros for having a yorkie. Mine is so lovable and cuddly. I love that he will curl up on my lap and go to sleep. He loves everyone he meets. Such a sweetie. I have been around many different breeds, and the yorkie is definetly the BEST! I have read that yorkies were hard to house train, but it only took me a few weeks to house train Louis, and it was litteraly during a blizzard.

10-23-2009, 05:03 AM	#12
Mardelin Mardelin Yorkshire Terriers Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: California Posts: 14,776	Pro You can't have just one. Con You can't have just one. Dental Care. Grooming Requirements __________________ Mardelin *Yorkshire* *Terriers*

10-23-2009, 05:25 AM	#15
Lovetodream88 Yorkie mom of 4 Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaPlata, Md Posts: 23,247	I notice a lot of people saying you need to do daily grooming but you dont have to if you keep the in a puppy cut (short cut) that is what Callie has and although she loves to get combed she doesn't have to have it done everyday. I only have two cons one is they can be stubborn to potty train and they do require grooming done at least around every 6 weeks but it sorta depends on your dog and what you like. __________________ Taylor My babies Joey, Penny ,Ollie & Dixie Callie Mae, you will forever be in my heart!