Would you recommend a Yorkie for me?
 

Hey everyone.

I've been a reader for quite sometime and decided to introduce myself with a question.

So I have a particular situation. I love dogs but I am terrified of them, have been for most of my life, especially the bigger breeds. However, I am well on my way on getting over that phobia. I would like to get a dog in my close future (maybe later this year) but not sure on which breed would be best for me. I'm 21 and about to graduate university. I will hopefully be going to grad school after and will be living in an apartment/small house so the dog should be able to thrive in that situation.

These are my dog needs
-small/medium
-GENTLE (very very little biting/aggressive tendency since that's my worst fear with dogs)
-good with children (I have none now and won't for 7ish years but I obviously want my dog to live longer than that)
-cute: sounds superficial but its psychological. It's hard to be afraid of something that's cute and sweet

I've researched a ton of breeds and I believe that a Yorkie would be a great candidate for me :) I've looked up the cons and I believe I can handle them. It's the only dog I have had a positive experience with. My boss has a great and very well-trained one I was able to interact with.

I realize this is an odd situation but I would appreciate your opinions on this matter as yorkie owners. Do you believe a Yorkie would be a good dog for someone who is "recovering" from a dog phobia?

I think a Yorkie could be a very good choice for you, but you have to realize that Yorkies are very attached to their humans so typically, they want to close to you at all times. If you are still fearful of dogs, you are going to have to allow this dog to be close to you and not be fearful of them. The dog will sense your fear, so I think it'd be wise to put yourself around other dogs before getting one of your own so you can get positive experiences with them and get yourself comfortable.

A young puppy is going to nibble and bite in a playful manner, so you have to prepare yourself for that. That your dog is not being aggressive, just playful. Getting a pup at the proper age of 12 weeks or older can help this though and getting from a good reputable breeder who socializes properly and trains, etc, so you have a better chance of getting a well balanced dog.

I really believe that you can (for the most part) make a dog what you want them to be, by proper training, socialization, etc. For example, I always allowed Jackson to experience many parts of life even as a young pup... we got our first snow storm when he was 15 weeks old or so... I let him go out and explore. His first summer, I allowed him to get into the pool water and discover it and learn to love it, etc. I never held him back from anything so I molded him into the dog I wanted him to be. There's no way to guarantee a dog will like children, etc, but you can work hard at making sure they do. Jackson still gets concerned about strange children running around, but he loves the children he's grown up with (young cousins, siblings, etc) and I know he'd be fine with a baby because he's been around them.

I am 20 years old and in college. Community college, but still. Jackson takes up most of my free time. I love it, but I know it's not for everyone. He's a TON of work. He requires daily exercise (minimum 30 minute walk, but I usually do more including fetch tennis balls, frisbee, dog parks, running, etc) and LOTS of attention (Yorkies in general are pretty high maintenance attention seeking dogs). After classes all day, I can't just go out with friends for a late dinner and not get home until 9pm... I have a living breathing mammal that needs interaction, pottying time, exercise, etc.

Do I believe a Yorkie would be a good dog for someone who is "recovering" from a dog phobia? Sure, so would a lot of other breeds... because, like I said, I think it's first about helping yourself get over the fear, moreso than a particular breed.

Very well said Brit....:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumb up::thumbup::thumbup:

I've owned several different breeds of dogs (Scottish Terriers, Boxers, Labs, etc.) and my Yorkie is by FAR the most high maintenance. He require LOTS of attention and is way more sensitive to my moods/attitude than any other breed I've been around. I wouldn't describe them as "easy".

Are they worth it? ABSOLUTELY :D

Edit: Forgot to add.....Beau is VERY protective of me. He barks and growls at strangers who approach us, I have to give him a firm "Quite". You have to be prepared to be the boss because if you aren't, your Yorkie will have no problem being the boss of you...LOL

Yorkies are a wonderful breed, but they aren't meant for everyone. I think you need to be pretty confident, and have some experience with dogs before you consider a yorkie. As others have said, they need lots of human time, and they really are very protective. While your dog might never bite you, he might act like he'll bite a visitor, if he's not trained properly. I think Maltese are more of a lap dog, and the Shih Tzu, seems more laid back. Have you considered checking out rescues? They have older dogs, and can often match up a dog's personality to its owner. The Yorkshire Terrier puppy year is difficult for even experienced pet owners. If you decide to buy a dog through a breeder, check out the breed club, most good breeders aren't trying to sell you a dog, they really want to see if that breed is right for you, if they turn you down, don't feel bad, it's not personal, it's just they decided at this time in your life, it's not your best choice.

Brittany :thumbup: Jackson you are a very lucky dog with a very smart and loving mom. I too have tried to experience Buster to many different situations and sounds. He is far less reactive to unknown experiences then most of my friends dogs. HPfanatic I hope you find a special dog who suits you. They are wonderful companions.

It's really hard to say whether a yorkie would be a good breed for you. It depends on the dog itself. As others have said, yorkies are a high maintenance breed and can be a bit rambunctious, so you have to be prepared to put in the work that it takes to own a yorkie. Also, there are some yorkies that are a bit temperamental. I happen to own one, but my other one is the sweetest thing in the world. I think if you do research, work with a reputable breeder, and are willing to put in the work it takes to own a yorkie, then it could be a good fit. Since you are working on getting over your phobia, I would also try to spend as much time with as many different dogs as possible so you can make sure that you can really handle living and taking care of a dog everyday for the rest of it's life.

And thumbs up to you for taking the steps to get over your dog phobia. They really are awesome creatures if you know how to work with them and take the time to help ensure that they are "well balanced" dogs. I can't imagine my life without my dogs!

Yorkies do need a confident owner and if they think you are weak or fearful, watch out! They are terriers!

I agree with the others. Kaji helped my mom get over her fear of dogs, and she is helping him get over his fear of people. :) But he has a very mellow personality. He is extremely needy though. He NEEDS to be right with me at all times. Other than being physically present, he's really easy to care for and doesn't need or want anything other than food or exercise.

Somtimes I think a terrier is not a great choice for everyone for their very first dogs. They are spunky; high energy; and will take over the house without a strong leader.

Since you are somewhat fearful, have you considered a slightly more laid-back dog? Like someone else mentioned, I'm thinking you might also consider a maltese.

They are small, some just as small as a yorkie (mine was larger) and a good deal more laid back.

That said, I love my Lucy and think she is perfect for me.

This is why an adult rescue might be more ideal. The OP will know what personality an adult doghas vs a puppy. There are mellow yorkies out there, like mine. However, mellow doesn't mean inactive either. Kaji enjoys hiking and romping in the grass.

my little beau is the sweetest thing , she would go to anybody and loves kids, BUT sonny-boy is totally different he thinks that his family should be the only living family in the world, he wont go to anyone, quite a nervous little man,

there is also the grooming side to owning a long coated dog, they all need groomed , which is very important to maintain a healthy coat and dog. my friend owns a maltese, what a beauty, and small,she is sure the lap dog far more than mine, all in all yorkies are the best good luck in whatever you decide :animal-pa

Wow thank you guys for your quick and very detailed responses.

From the very good points you guys brought up, it seems like maybe a yorkie may not be the best choice for a recovering phobic (not sure if that's even a word lol). That's kind of sad because I've gotten so into the breed.

I see that a couple of you suggested a Maltese as a better option. From what you guys have said they are generally more laid back and less high maintenance. That is another breed I was considering actually so I will look further into that. Any other suggestions?

Also, DvlshAngel985, you mentioned the puppy vs adult thing. I originally had intentions of getting an older dog through a rescue but as I talked to a couple dog owners who know of my fear, they suggested that a puppy may be a better option because I can basically mold it and be able to correct behaviors from the onset instead of battling to correct a behavior that the dog has been doing for years. Also, a dog from a rescue may come with baggage that a first time owner, particularly one who was afraid of dogs, may not be capable of handling.

Again, thank you guys for your very honest and helpful feedback.

You need to know that most yorkies have very strong personalities and can be very stubborn. I really think you need to have a very strong, loving, and confident manner, when training yorkie puppies. Most go through a phase, where they test you and without proper and correct training can become aggressive. They can be very stubborn throughout their lives. So, if you have a phobia, just be very thoughtful about whether or not you are up to training a yorkie that may have a very strong personality. Good luck!

:yeahthat: That's why I think an older, and I don't mean 5+ years, would be better for some. I know yorkie puppies or the idea of a puppy all together is exciting and really cute, but an older pup, 11+ months, might be a better choice.

Me, I am a first time dog owner. I think I've read on this thread that first time dog owners shouldn't get yorkies because of their strong will, oopsie! I had volunteered at the SPCA for a while. I bathed and "trained" dogs there but it doesn't compare to actually having a dog in my home. Kaji was exactly 12 months when he came to me. He was ready to be neutered (growth plates closed), potty trained, well mannered, no nipping, no teething, no testing. I knew what I was getting with him because he had grown into his mellow personality. He is a little love bug, and a little love bug he's always been. He is a scaredy cat, to the extreme! But, he's from a breeder, so that goes to show you even dogs from breeders can have issues. He was easy to train to my routine; and like with any dog whether baby, adult, or senior, I had to get to know him and his quirks.

Not all rescues have issues. Some are owner surrenders because of a new baby, because they are moving, they lost their home, etc., etc., etc.

A Maltese may be more laid back, but the grooming is the same as a yorkie, all long hair dogs have more grooming needs as opposed to the short hair breeds. It need not be more than a few minutes a day with the proper haircut, and this can be done every couple of months. Grooming can be one-to-one time. I have to disagree with your friends who think you can mold a puppy. I mean maybe if you are "The Dog Whispere, but the average owner doesn't know enough to outsmart the yorkie. Puppies have sharp teeth as opposed to adult dogs, and they do nip and chew on hands, this is annoying to someone who's been around dogs, but it could be terrifying to a phobic. You get scared; they get scared, and will react with more adrenaline.

Have you considered a pomeranian? They are adorable, very fluffy and not quite as high maintenance. We do take him to the groomer's but he only gets a shampoo and blow dry with sanitary cut. Seymour is fiesty but very lovable. He is not too big, but not extra tiny either. breed standards I believe are 4.2–7.7 lband standing 5.0–11 inches. If I get another pup it will be a pomeranian. (don't bash me, yorkies cost too much). Seymour loves to cuddle and bonded quickly to us. Like yorkies they do get attached. Let us know what you decide.

I wonder if there's something you can do to have more exposure to different breeds of dogs before you make such a big commitment. I would NOT suggest volunteering at a shelter because you could be exposed to some pretty scary dogs - at least in my local shelter about half the dogs were pit bulls and even though I'm not in the least afraid of any dogs, I couldn't wait to get out of the pens where the pits were kept because of all the aggressive behavior.

Do you have any friends who have dogs? Maybe you could do some visiting just to get used to being around them? Or find a local rescue group that could use your help while knowing your current situation?

I hope you really can conquer this fear -- having a dog to love can be so rewarding.

JMO, but I think a Yorkie is a rather tough breed for a first time dog owner. They are incredibly smart, which leads them to getting in to all kinds of trouble. They are also really difficult to house break.

You say you don't want an adult because you want to mould the personality. I would encourage you to revisit that idea. It's really easy for a young pup (of ANY breed) to go "to the dark side" so to speak, because their owner wasn't a very strong leader when they were a puppy. Nipping, growling and food aggression issues can occur, especially if you are afraid of dogs. They can also get over protective if they perceive you as the weaker member. A slightly older dog (a year or so) might be a better fit for you, especially if you work with a good rescue who can help match the personality of the dog to your specific needs. They are still young and playful, but hopefully some of the more challenging habits have been worked out of them.

What ever you decide, I highly recommend working with a trainer early on to help you gain confidence and have a positive bonding experience with your dog.

I see people have already said it because I was going to.... if you don't want a high-wired dog, Yorkies aren't for you! Don't get any dog w/ the name "terrier" in it actually. Terrier means "terror" lol. :p Not really but they are a handful.

You may be okay with a smaller like 5 or 6 lb yorkie. My 6 lb yorkie has never bit and she never would. She growls when she gets upset like she means business but thats the extent of it. We have said many times Jewels would be a good dog for a grandmother. Shes just a lap baby

Lol, to be honest, I've seen a lot more mean 4-6lb yorkies than bigger ones. The little ones seem to have more spunk and fiestiness. I don't think size really has anything to do with it. It's about finding a dog or a puppy that your personality meshes well with.

Agreed. My Mom's 6 pounder is a lot more nippy than either Rhett or Scarlett. It's all about individual temperament.

1. Before getting a Yorkie (or any dog) make sure you have the time and financial resources to care for him/her. Veterinary care is not cheap and dogs require A LOT of time (I spend about 4-5 hours per day doing various things for my dogs). I spend at least $100 per month on my 2 dogs, often way more if we have vet visits. I am not trying to discourage you; I got Vinnie when I was in grad school myself. Just something to think about.

2. I feel you on the dog phobia thing. All dogs bite, some more than others. I was attacked by a German shephard as a kid and remained relatively scared of dogs for years. What helped me get over it was getting bit as a teen and realizing it wasn't that bad. Vinnie, my oldest yorkie, bites me sometimes and I've lived to tell about it in each instance. Chances are, your dog will never bite you, but if it does, I can assure you the world will not end.

3. Make sure you have access to living accomodations that will accept dogs. Check around your area and make sure that most rental places accept dogs. Also be prepared to pay a bit more in rent.

4. If you travel a lot, DO NOT get a dog.

5. Make sure you are really committed to training and dealing with any health or behavioral problems that arise.

6. Consider your social life. If you like to stay out late, spend the night at a boyfriends/girlfriends house, or just not spend a lot of time at home or in a situation where a dog can be with you, don't get a dog.

7. Consider adopting a dog that is already potty trained. There are so many out there in need of good homes. And a dog that is over the age of 2 or so will likely be potty trained. I adopted Vinnie from a local shelter when he was about 2 and it was so nice to not have to do the potty training thing.

Basically, a dog is like having a kid, albeit one that you can leave at home alone for upwards of 8 hours without CPS arresting you. They are a commitment in terms of time, money, patience, and energy. However, if you love dogs (and I do!) they will pay you back a thousand times over. So, if you've read all this and still want to get one, start looking around at local rescue organizations.

As for breeds - yorkies and other small dogs are prone to being "nippy." And there is rarely a "breed temperament" standard that applies to all dogs of a specific breed uniformly. All dogs came from the same place! You really just need to evaluate each dog on his/her own. I would say that you should probably not limit yourself to a specific breed but rather to some general characteristics that seem important to you (i.e., you want something under 20 pounds with a calm demeanor). Most rescue organizations will then work with your general criteria to find a dog that is right for you.

oh, one more thing - mutts are generally the healthiest, as they are least likely to suffer from breed-specific conditions.

:thumbup:
Ellie has helped a friend get over her dislike of dogs as pets, but I wouldn't say she makes people less fearful. She can be really sweet sometimes and sometimes she will growl and even snap. I personally wouldn't recommend a terrier right now unless maybe you get an adult and know their personality.

My brother has a 72-lb Pit Bull/Great Dane rescue who is easy going and seems to be always in a good mood. My 4-lb Yorkie rescue is wound up tighter than a two dollar watch, overly bold, a little too smart and in need of constant attention,or so he thinks and he will let you know it! I love him to death and wouldn't trade him for the world, but he is lucky that he ended up with a me, because I am home during the day and don't have many other daily responsibilities besides him (and he is a LOT of work). As cute as he is, most people probably would not have the time he would prefer to demand. I have to watch him constantly so he doesn't do something silly and hurt himself. (He's probably 1.5 to 2-yrs old and very much a puppy still). I honestly don't think he would be a good dog for a first time dog owner because he is so demanding, smart and hyper-active. (Overly smart and overly active dogs can be a scary combination when they get bored...and mine almost always is).

I have a sister with a Pug and it's very friendly and very good with kids. I think they are a good family dog....if you can stand all the shedding!

I also agree that with whatever breed you choose, an older, adult dog sounds like a good idea for you.

I would honestly recommend a short hair breed, only for the reason that it can be difficult to get a yorkie/maltese used to being groomed. When Rizzo was a puppy I worked with him every day by placing the clippers next to him and giving him a treat. But the first time I ran them through his fur and they got caught on a small mat, he yelped and attacked the clippers, and I had to start all over again. Treats while standing near the clipper, treats when being touched by the back of the clipper. Now I can give him his sanitary trim, and trim his nails without an incident but it took a lot of work, and you can't freak out or get scared because the dogs can sense that and it will only make it worse. I'm starting all over again with a new dog that was not taken care of like he should have been so I had to shave him down completly, he bit me a couple of times (no marks left behind, he was doing it out of fear) and it is a lot of work, and I have to remember not to be fearful or upset when he does go into agression mode.
Have you considered a labrador? I know that is going quite a bit out of the range of what you want but my lab mix that I rescued when I was younger helped lots of people out of their dog fears. A friend of mine had two kids that were deathly afraid of dogs because his moms chi's were always growling and nipping at them. When I brought Max over they were stand offish, so he laid down rolled over and wagged his tail at them. They came over and started scratching his belly and laughing like crazy when his leg went a million miles an hour. After we left my friend told me that they wanted a puppy of their own, lol, but it had to be just like Max hahaha. And I lived in an apartment, which I think big dogs adapt just fine to as long as you're taking them out for walks and exercise daily. Just don't play fetch down the hallway if you have an angry downstairs neighbor, they don't like it, lol.
I'm with the other posters here, go to your local rescue organization, they'll be able to match you with the perfect dog even if it takes a while, and even if it isn't what you were initially expecting. Yorkies are not great dogs for the first timer if they aren't confident to be in control around them.

I am going to tell you right now that you have to have a full life commitment when having a yorkie & with you in grad school you wont be home that often during the day. I always was at home during the day with my baby since the day I got her. Yorkie's are I think most like having a child & the younger they are the more work it is, they arent the fastest house breakers, but let me also tell you that they will give you more love than anything or anyone else will ever give you. I wasnt trying to complain about the breed at all, because this is will the only breed of babies I ever have. I was born to be a Yorkie Mommy. I just want to inform you of some things before you purchase a Yorkie. Because I would hate to know that you bought one & then couldnt handle it & the poor baby ended up in a shelter. :( But, Bee is my baby & she always will be. But being a Yorkie parent is a full time job :) good luck. stay in touch. if you have any questions for me DONT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME ON HERE OR EMAIL ME AT beblankets@yahoo.com

Good point about the shelter dogs. I know that they aren't all there because of behavior problems. From your experience, how honest are shelters usually about disclosing the dogs' histories? I've searched on Petfinder before and some of the dogs had very detailed info on how they came to the shelters while others just had the price info.

I don't mind the grooming. That's not a major issue for me, it would be enjoyable bonding time. What I would mind though is shedding.

Mold was a weird word choice. What I meant was simply that they suggested that since puppies are more pliant, training would likely be easier.

The teething/nipping puppy does really worry me. I'll have to think about this a lot further.

I was against Pomeranians because I keep mixing up Pom Poms and Chow Chows. I know Chow Chows have a bad biting history.

Thanks for helping me add another dog breed to my list!