Getting my first Yorkie

[Gizmo-n-Julia]

Hi!
I've been doing a lot of research on Yorkshires, but I can't seem to find any information on how to care for them. I find mostly what to look for in a show dog, and all I want is a little companion!

So does anyone have any little bits of information or tips for me?

Thanks!

[mojo]

Welcome to YT. There is tons of information on here, not just showdogs Pretty much anything and everything you need to know.
Do you have anything specific you need answered?

[RoxyLuv]

You've come to a great place to learn. Just start reading threads & you'll start learning more than you can imagine. Do some searches on this board also. Be sure to check out all the other sections on YT too. There are also books/magazines at pet stores & book stores. Dive in.

Welcome to YT!!!

[Rachael x]

Welcome to YT there is enough information here to make your mind boggle.

[JenaLiat]

I would search for specific things you are looking for, otherwise it gets overwhelming!!
Any questions, feel free to ask! I am new as well but I am having a lot of luck searching!

[deonk1]

Welcome!

I got my first Yorkie (and actually my first dog ever) in December. I did tonns of research on here and other forums. I found the stuff people told me really helpful.

Asking things like what to feed, how to potty train, what ways you can potty train... those are all things you should know before you get your yorkie.

Another place I went, was my local dog specialty shop. They sell high end stuff, and at first I didn't think I could afford to shop there, but I then realized they provided more than just stuff. I'd find myself stopping in once a week, to ask questions. after hours of conversation, they were so excited to meet Harley. Those people care dearly about dogs, and are very very knowledgable. They are not allowed to give biased opinions. They gave me a whole run down on dog foods, and showed me the best stuff to feed too.

Good luck... you found the right place to start your research.

[DamSweet]

Hi - Welcome to YT - everything you need to know you'll find here along with more helpful and caring people than you can imagine. When I decided to add a Yorkie into my life I thought the same as you.."I just want a companion - not a show dog". What I've found is the care is the same for either, (at least for me - although I've never owned a "show dog") other than you want to get your "companion" spayed/neutered as soon as it is safe to do so, and you may want to keep your "companion" in an easier to manage "hair-do". Their food should be the best you can give her/him - because you do want them to be and stay healthy for a long time. The things that are done for safety....ramps, stairs, crates,etc - the same for your "companion" because you want them to be and stay safe. Vet visits, shots, etc....same for both. Bridget is definately not a "show dog" - but I probably don't treat her any differently than if she were - because to me she IS "the best of show" at least in my world! Does any of this make any sense - it's just my opinion...for whatever it's worth.

[Vinniedoggy]

Originally Posted by Gizmo-n-Julia

Hi!
I've been doing a lot of research on Yorkshires, but I can't seem to find any information on how to care for them. I find mostly what to look for in a show dog, and all I want is a little companion!

So does anyone have any little bits of information or tips for me?

Thanks!

My BIGGEST Yorkie care recommendations are 1) to get your Yorkie on a raw (or at least grain-free diet) and 2) to bruse his/her teeth EACH NIGHT. Like all little dogs, Yorkies are prone to quick tooth decay. A grain-free diet plus nightly tooth-brushing will go a LONG WAY to saving you money and your little guy/girl pain and agony from tooth decay. It sounds like a lot of work, but I spend just one minute each night brusing each of my dogs' teeth. That's two minutes total out of my day. I spend about $8/month on toothpaste (I've spent more than that in a day on coffee!). My older yorkie, Vinnie, is over 8 years old and has spotless teeth. The vet is constantly amazed at the fact he has no tartar. I adopted another Yorkie this past weekend and already have him used to a night toothbrushing regimen.

Yorkies also require regular grooming. I sometimes groom at home, but mostly use a reputable groomer in my local area.

Yorkies are generally pretty tough little dogs, despite their demure appearance. They can be feisty, but I've known quite a few who are gentle and quiet. Like people, you really can't stereotype them, you just have to love whatever you get.

[DamSweet]

My apologies to the OP - I'm obviously having a hard time comprehending what I'm reading today (my mind is on the GE). My comment in no way answered the question, other than the part about YT being full of great people! Keep reading - you'll find out answers to questions you didn't even know you had. You will learn so much from everyones trials and errors and make some great friends along the way.
Spay/neuter to me is critical because it can take care of a lot of issues from behavior to unwanted/unplanned puppies - not to mention health reasons
Good food - you'll find a great thread on here with all the best foods listed and another thread with contacts and how to get free samples. This was the hardest for me, and I'm still not sure about it.
Teeth - as Vinniedog posted is also critical for obvious reasons
Grooming - can be as difficult or as easy as you want it to be. I'm trying to let Bridgets coat grow at least once which requires more to maintain than a puppy cut.
Harness - not a collar - their little trach's are pretty delicate and a harness will avoid injury.
Crate or ex-pen - especially when you're not with them to avoid injury - they sometimes don't realize they are small and get onto/into things they shouldn't.
Vet - find a vet you can trust and will listen to you - he/she will play a huge roll in your baby's life - everyone on here can give you opinions or tell you their experience - but your vet is the one who is right there. My vet told me that with all the new equipment that has come out to diagnose health issues the one big thing they have realized by using them is that the owners were right more times than not. They KNEW something was wrong before the vets. I found that interesting.
LOVE/Patience....right at the top of the list - if you love them half as much as he/she will love you - and have as much patience with him/her as she will with you (you will both be learning) the rest will come naturally - so much that we worry about is common sense - we sometimes think too hard.
and.....read and if you can't find it posted before.....ask - someone will gladly help you either find the post, answer the question, or point you in the direction of someone who can. (hopefully this is more of what you were looking for)

Congratulations on getting your new fur-baby!

[kdhawks]

Originally Posted by DamSweet

My apologies to the OP - I'm obviously having a hard time comprehending what I'm reading today (my mind is on the GE). My comment in no way answered the question, other than the part about YT being full of great people! Keep reading - you'll find out answers to questions you didn't even know you had. You will learn so much from everyones trials and errors and make some great friends along the way.
Spay/neuter to me is critical because it can take care of a lot of issues from behavior to unwanted/unplanned puppies - not to mention health reasons
Good food - you'll find a great thread on here with all the best foods listed and another thread with contacts and how to get free samples. This was the hardest for me, and I'm still not sure about it.
Teeth - as Vinniedog posted is also critical for obvious reasons
Grooming - can be as difficult or as easy as you want it to be. I'm trying to let Bridgets coat grow at least once which requires more to maintain than a puppy cut.
Harness - not a collar - their little trach's are pretty delicate and a harness will avoid injury.
Crate or ex-pen - especially when you're not with them to avoid injury - they sometimes don't realize they are small and get onto/into things they shouldn't.
Vet - find a vet you can trust and will listen to you - he/she will play a huge roll in your baby's life - everyone on here can give you opinions or tell you their experience - but your vet is the one who is right there. My vet told me that with all the new equipment that has come out to diagnose health issues the one big thing they have realized by using them is that the owners were right more times than not. They KNEW something was wrong before the vets. I found that interesting.
LOVE/Patience....right at the top of the list - if you love them half as much as he/she will love you - and have as much patience with him/her as she will with you (you will both be learning) the rest will come naturally - so much that we worry about is common sense - we sometimes think too hard.
and.....read and if you can't find it posted before.....ask - someone will gladly help you either find the post, answer the question, or point you in the direction of someone who can. (hopefully this is more of what you were looking for)

Congratulations on getting your new fur-baby!

To the OP: Welcome to YT!!

[DamSweet]

and one more thing.....If you haven't alread found your baby - if there is one thing that I've learned on YT.....
Choose your breeder FIRST!!! If you've found a good/reputable breeder to get your baby from - they will be with you the entire way because their main concern is the baby's health and well being (can't believe I didn't say that first)!!!
(ok - now I'm done)