Unsure about getting a Yorkie

[Ellie May]

Welcome to YT.

All pups bark (except Basenji - lol), but how much depends on the individual dog. I would by no means call Yorkies are quiet breed and a lot of them are crazy, not docile. You certainly could find a Yorkie that meets that description (perhaps at a shelter?). If you are going for a pup though, I'd say this is definitely not the breed for your family.

[bradjo]

Originally Posted by disney2012

Hi,this is my first time in this forum. I have two children a boy 12 and a girl 8. We are planning on getting a puppy shortly. This will be our first family pet. My children are very calm so I am not worried about how they will handle the dog. My daughter especially loves them. My concern is whether I should get a Yorkie. I hear they can become yappy. That I would not like. We are looking for a small non-shedding dog that is kind of on the docile side. I also want to paper train. I am home during the day and my husband is home with the kids at night. So the puppy will never be alone unless we have to go shopping or something like that. As I have been researching it seems most small dogs can have that so called puppy syndrome of thinking they are the pack leader. I don't think I would let that happen. Any opinions. All are welcome. Thanks again.

So far you have been given great advice, this is one of the best forums of folks I've ever been in.

Finally you may know everything I'm going to say so take it with a grain of salt or just ignore me if I touch on stuff you already know. Further I do not have a Yorkie myself but have watched them for a long time during my years of my own dog showing etc..... so all the wonderful knowledgeable folks who have yorkies on here will be your best guide but here's what I'm thinking for what it's worth.

Have you ever owned a dog? Did you have one when you were growing up? Being home isn't enough you have to commit to taking the dog out for walks, playing and training the dog. Further Yorkies have these lovely long coats that require brushing, washing and grooming. I have not had a Yorkie yet. I had Afghan and Pharaoh Hounds and my Afghans had to be brushed daily. Any long silky coat needs a daily light brush and a weekly deep brush. Followed by a monthly (or more), shampoo and blow dry. Finally the dog needs groomed, hair cutting, nail trimming, and an occasional anal gland expressing. Unless you wish to learn to groom that's a roughly 6 week expense etc.....

Another financial variable is vet expenses. At the least there are all the vaccines and the spay/neuter along with all the little things that crop up. Finally some yorkies can suffer from liver shunt which requires thousands of dollars in surgery and can be life threatening so buying from a very reputable breeder is necessary.

When you buy a puppy there is a HUGE commitment in terms of time and energy to train and socialize them. That means committing to what not to feed them. Giving a dog an occasional table scrap can be a large problem for a small dog that wouldn't be a concern for a larger breed. These small dogs can suffer from pancreatitis etc.... What is nothing to worry about in an Afghan Hound is a major portion of the diet of a 5 lb doggie and can have important ramifications. At these little doggies size many things you don't think about can have an effect.

Terriers are not laid back dogs by nature either. They are worker dogs and most need to have attention and direction of that energy, without that they can develop bad habits that you then have to solve, ie yapping, digging, difficult house breaking etc.......

I grew up with my mom's cocker spaniel kennel. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything but I can't say that I really had any responsibility for the dogs until after I was an adult. I found the same with my children who are now in their 30's, I could not depend on them for any of the real care. So when I would go out to shovel dog excrement my kiddos would help a little but were never really dependable though they loved the doggies even as teenagers they just couldn't really grasp the degree of responsibility and more importantly consistency you need to apply to a dog. Dog's don't think like us LOL.

It isn't so much a dominance thing as it is a consistent routine type of thing. But frankly unless you plan to spend a LOT of time focusing on the doggie I would encourage you to get a little larger breed where small things don't make such a big difference.

I hope this helps in the decision. A doggie is a wonderful thing to have to grow up with and I would STRONGLY encourage you to consider going to the local animal shelter and looking at some of the wonderful hybrids they have that are a little older say 8 to 18 months in the 15 to 20 lb range. They are so incredibly thankful for a home and pay you back in grattitude many times over. There is also yorkie rescue and they often have the little larger Yorkies say 10 lb that are so much easier to handle. OH and for finding a Yorkie pup remember to check out the ytca.org breeders list. I found the most wonderful lady there and unless the rescue comes through for me (which is what I'm waiting for) I know she will.

Anyway whatever way you go I know you will do it thoughtfully and well as you are here doing the right research and that is a very good thing that so many folks do not do in advance so I am sure you will make the right decision!
hth and congratulations on the wonderful decision of adding a doggie to the family,
Jo

[Ahmzz]

Madison also loves daddy and loves when my cousin chris comes over and also loves atten from strangers.. But after a while if she's being held she'll always start to whimper until she's handed over to me lol and they way she greets daddy isn't the way she'll greet me when we both get home from work

[Taryn0405]

If you're looking for a dog that's docile then I wouldn't get a terrier in general. I've had terriers my whole life, and they're loving, energetic, stubborn, sweet, and will voice their opinions when they want.

So, I don't know if a Yorkie would be your best bet.

Good luck!

[mscat]

What I do know that is true , is that the toy breeds are yappy. Most little dogs besides the yorkie will bark a lot. barking is an issue then the best family dog that I know of is a Lab. I gew up with little POms , they are yappy, I have Suzi a yorkie who is very much a barker, but it is to protect the home, then anything else. I have a shih Tzu who is a sweetheart. More laid back then Suzi and calmer. But she does bark in the early morning hours. I really do not see how any toy breed would fit into your family. Sorry.

[elemtchr99]

From my experience, if you are looking for a small family dog as a pet, I would say get a Shih Tzu. They have the best temperament, are easy to train, and are sturdy enough that they won't get hurt if the kids decide to play a little rough. I LOVE my yorkie, but she is MINE! I would not have bought her for my 8 year old. My daughter doesn't really pay much attention to her....Sophie is attached to my hip, is very loving, and I did get lucky with her not being a yappy Yorkie. She's very quiet and calm.

When I got the Shih Tzu that I had, I had researched looking for non shedding dogs. Shih Tzu's aren't supposed to be, but they do shed some. Maybe stay away from getting one with a lot of white in the coat...I'd find white hair on lots of stuff. Darker doesn't seem to be as noticeable. Others I know who have had Shih Tzus say theirs don't shed.

Good luck.

[Justrunningthru]

Originally Posted by York4Ever

it seams that you would be better with a Shih tzu..

AT ALL.... But she's not all yorkies...lol. I have a yorkie/pom who can't stop barking...lol.

However, you have described more of a shih tzu personality.
They are non-shedding, very laid back and a sturdy breed.

With that said, ALL breeds can be disruptive without consistent training. Best of luck on your search. You can find shih tzu's quite commonly in your local small breed rescues. Also, spaying/neutering help curve a lot of bad behavior.

[MyTrixie143]

I myself have never considered my yorkies yappy. They only bark when someone is at the door and then they calm down. I think a lot of it has to do with training and personality comes into play as well.

However from your description I don't think a yorkie is right for you. Yorkies are not docile, they are terriers and they hold true to that personality.

Perhaps you might want to try a poodle, they are very intelligent, easy to train and they don't shed.

Or you could go with a maltese, they are very docile and prefer to be lap dogs but their coat is high maintenance however they don't shed.

[SWHouston]

I think by now that the OP probably has decided that a Yorkie
is not the dog for them.

And, if you have kept up with this thread from the beginning, there's
one thing you can clearly see.

Yorkies have personalities, just like humans do, AND just as varied.
Whatever makes us individuals, is not lost on them, and as you've
read, quiet to yappy, and calm to crazy.

They're one of the most intuitive breeds of any of the K9 Species.
I have two, and they are as different as day and night. One thing
I'll say for sure...

I'll never own another Breed besides the Yorkshire Terrier again.

OP: Don't take it that my support for this Breed has changed
my original recommendation for you. Don't get a Yorkie.

[Ringo1]

Only get a dog if YOU want a dog and YOU plan on walking, training, feeding, playing with, and taking out to potty.

Your kids are going to love it for a couple of weeks ~ then it's off to their friends! Believe me, I speak from experience here. But if you want all that and crave a little dog for yourself ~ you might also consider a Maltese. I had one on the little larger side, great with kids, and a little more laid back than my Lucy. A little more sturdy also. But, he, too, would bark when he saw someone walking by his house or in his yard!

If your family is very active, liking to hike and able to take the dog, I could recommend a Westie. They are very sturdy; playful; and mine also likes kids. But their exercise requirements are pretty big.

Bottom line, it is going to be your dog.

Good Luck!

[AlicetheYorkie]

Originally Posted by JesStang

Judging from your post, I wouldn't get any dog w/ the word "terrier" in it.

lol, I agree. Typically terrier = a good amount of barking and not very mellow. My Yorkie is very sweet and pretty submissive, so yes I'd say she's quite docile, but i agree, it doesn't sound like you're looking for a terrier type breed.

My personal recommendation to people who want a toy breed, non shedding that's more "chill" lol is a Shih Tzu. I may be a tad partial because i really want one but it is usually true they aren't as "yappy" as most other toy breeds in general.

[AlicetheYorkie]

Originally Posted by Ringo1

Only get a dog if YOU want a dog and YOU plan on walking, training, feeding, playing with, and taking out to potty.

Your kids are going to love it for a couple of weeks ~ then it's off to their friends! Believe me, I speak from experience here. But if you want all that and crave a little dog for yourself ~ you might also consider a Maltese. I had one on the little larger side, great with kids, and a little more laid back than my Lucy. A little more sturdy also. But, he, too, would bark when he saw someone walking by his house or in his yard!

If your family is very active, liking to hike and able to take the dog, I could recommend a Westie. They are very sturdy; playful; and mine also likes kids. But their exercise requirements are pretty big.

Bottom line, it is going to be your dog.

Good Luck!

Another good choice for a more active family. I love Westies too and they're really great with kids based on all the ones I've met Still a terrier though and will need LOTS of excersize.

[BlueBelle]

A Bichon Friese is a wonderful smaller sized, durable, non shedding pet for kids. That being said, regular grooming is a must. I had a few for over 15 years and I rarely sent them to the groomer as I was able to do it myself.
Once a week they got a bath and trim up. They are very lovable and loving. Good luck in your search.

[MochaBoyMom]

Mocha never barks. When he first discovered barking I thought the sound was the cutest thing. However, I was warned about encouraging him so I sternly told him not to bark. So he learned from the beginning that barking is not good. Now he does not bark at all. He finds other ways to communicate with me without barking.

Although Mocha is more attached to me (glued to my side), he does love Grandma. I do believe yorkies can be good family dog. Of course, your kids will have to be committed to taking care of him or her. I have to say that kids do tend to lose interest after a while. It is more important that you are committed to taking care of this new little one, not just feeding and grooming, but also exercising and playing. Yorkies are very attached to their owners and wants to do everything together. I take my baby out running/walking every day, plus going to places on weekends. They are not going to be happy if left in the house all day.

Good luck with your search!

[sganow]

I think one key to having a dog be good with kids is to get them as a puppy and be raised with the kids. That way they feel they are just one of the kids and they learn to tolerate and play together well. I also feel that females make better pets than males do. That has been our experience anyway. I know others will have different opinions.