NEW here!!!!

[aanjsmom]

Hi! I am new here, and the reason I wanted to come on, is that we're in the process of deciding to become parents to a Yorkshire Terrier...... we do not take this lightly, so BEFORE making this lifetime commitment, I am wanting to learn and discuss everything with Yorkie lovers, the pros and cons to help make my decision easier, and to get helpful hints and share stories.
We have 3 children, 10, 8 and 3 and I am lucky to be a SAHM ( Stay at Home mom...) so I have the time and patience to give love and training and care to a puppy/dog. We do not have a HUGE yard, but a very nice one, and we feel that a smaller dog is better suited to our lifestyle. We love travelling, and would love to take our dog with us where ever we go in the future. We will not be a kennel type family..... so wherever we go, the doggie will come with us. : )
Thank-you for reading this, and I hope to learn lots!!!!

[shodanusmc]

Hi and welcome aboard. Many great and knowledgeable people here. You may want to start your research off by reading YTCA.ORG. A lot of great info on the dog, history, breeder, etc.

I know you realize that Small children and Yorkies may be a bad Mix. Then again, 50 year old Brother in laws are no better! Best of luck. I will just add, but the breeder first, and then the pup.

[Taryn0405]

Welcome to yorkietalk!! Be sure to browse around on here, there's alot of info regarding possible health problems, training problems, and how to find a reputable breeder.

With the Yorkshire Terrier being I believe 2nd in the most popular breeds of dogs, there can potentially be alot of health problems due to inbreeding, and issues from the dog coming from a puppymill or backyard breeder (BYB). So, like I said, do your research on breeders so you get a good puppy from a good upbringing!

Pro's: Adorable, smart, small, faithful, loyal, good guard dogs (despite their size) portable, have the terrier attitude (i.e. can't tell them they're small), and usually good with other dogs just as long as they're socialized.

Con's: Adorable, smart (it's hard to discipline that face), a common breed, can be difficult to train, stubborn, needs to be on a leash or fenced yard, can have some major health problems, can be very territorial.

Usually Yorkies are recommended with those with older children, so some breeders may have a problem with one of your skin babies being under 10. So, that may be a potential issue.

Anyway, I love my fur baby, he's the best thing that happened to my husband and I. He was alot of work, but that little face is so worth it in the end.

Good luck! Keep us updated.

[AlicetheYorkie]

Originally Posted by shodanusmc

Hi and welcome aboard. Many great and knowledgeable people here. You may want to start your research off by reading YTCA.ORG. A lot of great info on the dog, history, breeder, etc.

I know you realize that Small children and Yorkies may be a bad Mix. Then again, 50 year old Brother in laws are no better! Best of luck. I will just add, but the breeder first, and then the pup.

Still mad at that brother-in-law huh? LOL, I don't blame you



Anyway, hi, welcome to Yorkie Talk First off - major cudos to you for wanting to research and learn as much as you can before getting a dog! I've had quite a few breeds, and my first Yorkie has proved to be very differnt. There's TONS to learn here, so browse around and read as much as you can and you should start getting a good idea about what I mean.

The main thing I'll let you know - they are a breed of dog that gets VERY attached to their owner. I'm talking follow you into the bathroom and everything lol. They need lots of attention They also tend to be difficult to housebreak (just so you know).

Alot of people will say it's not good to have them in a home with a very young child, this definatly makes sense to me, but I also think it depends on the child's personality. If your 3 yr. old is a pretty mellow kid (if you can call a 3 yr. old mellow LOL) then you should be fine. The main reason is that these dogs can be a bit "fragile". I'm a SAHM too (one 6 yr. old boy), so I'd think you have the time to acclimate and teach the kids how to be gentle, just keep in mind a Yorkie typically isn't a breed that is too great to really play around with young kids. I know little kids like to hold and carry and play with little dogs, so you know your own kids best, if you want them to have a dog that they can really handle and hold alot, you may want to consider a more "sturdy" breed such as a Shih Tzu (still small and portable). That being said, explore here, learn, then think about what you're looking for besides the small size before you decide.