All of you with more than 1 yorkie!
 

My husband and I have been playing with the idea of getting a brother for our baby Millie. We are hesitant because 1) she is only 3 lbs, so worried about rough play with a bigger yorkie 2) it being too much work (I am in medical school and he is an accountant) 3) We don't want to lose her attention!!

I am OBSESSED with her (like I'm sure all of you are too with your little ones), and I know it sounds so childish, but I am scared if we get her a brother, she will be so into him, that there won't be any more of our quiet bonding times every night. We don't let her around a lot of dogs because she is so tiny, so anytime she is able to play with another small dog SHE GOES CRAZY from excitement. We were walking her two days ago and a little chihuahua came up to us and she was soooo happy...he walked with us the whole way and she was sad when it was time to go home. It made me realize how much she wanted one. Also, I forgot to mention that she is so small that she can't jump on the couch or the bed, so we have stairs for her. If we get another yorkie and he's bigger and can jump while she can't, I don't know if that will create more problems. Basically, I'm selfish and want her all to myself and want her to be the Queen Bee...but at the same time can't get this idea of another yorkie out of my head! :/ Any experiences you'd like to share?????:aimeeyork

Oh, Mill turns 2 on Easter Sunday!! So they wouldn't be too far different in age...

I have 2 yorkies, a senior dachshund, & a mix I got from the shelter. I can't explain the difference in the yorkies...they love each other, but love me as well. I like that they keep each other occupied while I am at work, & compete for kisses & hugs when I get home. All my dogs are small, cept for my mix...she's 13 lbs, but she's 4, and calm around the littler ones, until Yogi plays rough with her, but he's entirely faster & enjoys avoiding her tackles....lol.

I love the pack mentality they have.....they do everything together, but love me best:P

There are 5dogs in my house,used to be six but my tiny man passed away not long ago. They all play together and hang out,but each evening I still had my special time with him. He had his special spot to sit and we would watch tv together,he still only had eyes for mom,even though there were others in the house. He even had his own couch in my bedroom and the other dogs still wont get on it.
On a positive note for her,when you both are gone she wouldnt be alone. You might even find that you are totally wrapped up in both of them.
There are some great breeders on this site that might be able to help you find,,,just the right new sibling.

I was going through the same thoughts as you about another yorkie pup for my 2 yo sweetie. I thought it would be so nice for her to have someone to play with. Long story short, we now have two yorkies ... Tiki, who is almost 2 and weighs 8 pounds AND Niki who is now almost 5 months old ALSO weighs in today at 8 pounds ! I think she's going to top out at 12+ pounds.

Tiki also loved to play with my inlaws chiwawa when she came over to visit so I thought getting a second dog was a good idea. Needless to say, I'm learning it wasn't. Niki plays too rough with Tiki and is in her space/face a good part of every day. Tiki is overwelmed and isn't liking it at all. She's a very laid back easy going sweetie that enjoyed having me all to herself. I'm retired so I'm at home all day with the two of them. I've had to put the pup on time-outs in another room to get her to settle down around Tiki. Tiki gets upset when Niki pins her down and won't let her up. She nips at the pup and barks to no avail...her bottom lip quivers, her body shakes, she just gets so upset with the situation.

I've posted my situation here on YT and have gotten some good ideas as to how to handle the pups aggression, others have said it takes time for the girls to learn to get along. I just hope it doesn't take too much longer for the adjustment to take a positive direction...I'm worried about Tiki, I don't want her to change in any way and loose the closeness that her and I have learned to share together.

Dogs are such little pack animals, so I do think they love having another doggie around. That said, it can take some adjusting on the 1st dog when a 2nd one arrives. Sometimes the 1st dog will feel anxious, needy, and not really want to be around the 2nd dog - this was how Wylie felt (at first) when we got Marcel. When we got Pfeiffer, there was no hesitation at all for any of them.

Btw, Wylie is 7lbs, Marcel is about 3.4lbs, and Pfeiffer is about 3.6 pounds. They all play together so wonderfully! Granted, Wylie is the strongest - but it's never been a problem. Perhaps though, you could find a good breeder and tell them the weight of your kiddo and that you're hoping for a pup who turns out around the same weight? A good breeder can predict a fairly accurate ballpark adult weight.

I have Yorkies that range in weight from 4.8-23(ish) lbs. and also a 9lb. Pekingese. We have never had a problem with the size difference. I truly think that dogs need another animal to bond with....unless someone has one that really just doesn't enjoy other animals. My guys run and play with each other and then, when all tuckered out, they still want their snuggles from mommy and daddy. :) I don't think you have anything to worry about with that. You will be amazed at how much fun it is to have more than 1!! It is soooooo hilarious to watch them play and interact with their fur siblings. It might be an adjustment at first, but it's worth it!

Tammy

Thank you...you guys have actually made me feel a lot better! We were thinking about going back to the same breeder we got Millie from. Even though Millie wasn't supposed to be quite this small (breeder estimated 4-4.5), she is extremely healthy. BUT we still worry about her since she is so small. But we figured if we go back to the same woman, we are more likely to end up with a yorkie more of her size.

I guess I can throw something else in there- what about HUMAN KIDS?? Haha, it is something to think about for us. We have been married for a year, but don't plan on having children until I get out of medical school in a few years. Talk about a handful then! So much to think about, but I do agree with everything you are saying and it makes me breathe a little easier knowing it's worked well for you guys. I will keep everyone updated if we decide to bite the bullet! Definitely wouldn't be until I got out of school for the summer though! Thanks guys!

We just had our 2nd yorkie, Mac. He is 7 weeks old and My Yorkie, Bevo is a mommas baby...he will have ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with the baby. He actually runs from him...but when we are out say at Petsmart, he loves to greet other dogs! The babys momma is staying with us until he is 12 weeks old, and Bevo won't have anything to do with her either! I guess it just depends on the dog! If your little girl is very attatched to you, I doubt it will matter if you add another one...she will always still love you and want to snuggle with you!! And I agree, that it would be great to have her a playmate while you and your hubby are gone...That was my intentions with adding a new yorkie...hopefully Bevo will come around!!:)

Oh no! Please let me know how it goes! I am very interested to hear. How old is Bevo?

I have 2 and they love to play together and stuff but they are both very bonded to us also. They are 5 lbs different in weight and it hasnt caused any problems. Good luck with your decision

Now this is spiking my interest: the ones of you with a size difference: who is alpha? I do not want a bigger dog to come in and dominate over her. I know! I'm ridiculous!!!

He is 2 1/2....And rotten!!

With mine the bigger one the male is the dominant one but he is not dominant over her often. It doesnt create any problems and it just happens that Jewels is submissive personality. No matter what size yorkie you get one is going to be dominant and ones going to be submissive. Thats just their way of finding who they are in their pack

I have 4 and the smallest one, Pixie 4lbs is the alpha dog. She looks after the others to make sure they get fed before she eats, if one isn't listening she goes over there to keep them in line. Mine are all similar is size weight, 4- 5.5 lbs. They all want their special time with me but snuggle with each other all the time. Some mornings I wake up to one little kiss and within seconds I have a yorkie pile on top of me. I was fortunate that with all 3 of my girls they got along right away. When I brought Nikki (17 years old) in last year they welcomed him but he is very jealous of any attention they get from me. I have worked with him on that and he is better. The only one he has never gone after is Pixie the alpha dog.
Since Millie likes to play with other dogs I think she would accept a little brother. It is so nice for them to have company when we're not home. Keep us posted.

We have 3 dogs. The large Cane Corso is 135 and is npot the dominant one. That would be the almost 14 year old Yorkie Female. The newest is a almost 5 month old Yorkie Male who bothers both dogs equally! Go ahead, get another.

If I had a bf to pay half the bills I'd get a second one or if I magically became independantly wealthy, I'd become the crazy Yorkie lady

I have 2 young children and they've never known anything but having small dogs around. My kids have never hurt any of our pets....ever!

As for which one is the Alpha....hmmmm.....that's tough because I can't really even pinpoint one that I would consider alpha. I know that there probably is, since this is how dogs typically view each other, but my guys do not act like this. They each have their own moments of being grumpy, but I truly cannot say that one dominates over the other. I have a 23lb. Yorkie and he will growl at the others sometimes, but they know he's all talk and they will just lick him when he does this. My only one that has never had a moment of grumpiness is our Peke, but the Yorkies normally don't either. I probably was no help in answering yor question, but I haven't expereinced any sort of problems with this issue.

Just recently we added our second yorkie to the family. I think it was a very good thing. Bella is 4.5 pounds and Jett is a scant 2.4 pounds. They play FANTASTICALLY together!!! They are never alone.......it does help. I do know that dogs get lonely, it would definitely be something to consider!!!

Good luck!!!

I want another yorkie.. But at this point, I can only have one. :( Get one... twice the fun. :D

As others have said, size doesn't determine who will be the alpha dog. In our house, the 4 lb. yorkie thinks he's the boss. Despite a 25 lb Jack Russel terrier mix, a 12 lb Yorkie/Shih tzu mix and two Himalayan cats that are both bigger he is. And the other animals all have accommodated him without an incident. In fact, they play together quite well.

Now I'm going to make my pitch in behalf of rescue dogs. Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs in rescue have health and/or behavior problems. Being an animal lover that you obviously are, you can't imagine giving up a beloved pet, and assume that dogs that end up in shelters or rescues must have something "wrong" with them. But that isn't always the case. Most dogs end up in rescue because of a problem with the owner, not the dog. People underestimate how much time and money a pet requires and realize too late that they aren't up to the task. Other times, it's just unforeseeable changes in circumstances. We recently adopted a 2 year old, happy and healthy 4 lb Yorkie from a local rescue. His prior owner was diagnosed with cancer, and was tearfully surrendered because his owner didn't think she'd be able to take care of him while she herself was undergoing surgery and chemo.

So please at least consider checking into rescues before you buy a puppy from a breeder. With an adult dog, you know what you are getting in terms of personality and size. You will be able to take the new dog for a "test drive" in a controlled environment and can see how they get along. You can basically let your dog choose her OWN playmate and will be more confident that you are getting the right match.

I totally agree with you! My Pekingese is a rescue that we've only had for a few months. He is the sweetest, most loving, happy-go-lucky, bubbly, fun little guy that I have ever owned!!! :)

There so many precious furkids in shelters right now because of the economy and owners not financially able to keep them and/or loss of their home.