Thinking about getting a Yorkie..anything specific to know?
 

I have been thinking about getting a Yorkshire Terrier as a family pet! I have researched TONS, believe I know how "big" they think they are ;) Anyways, I was wondering if there is one thing that has helped you most with your Yorkie, or anything that I REALLY need to know about them. I know how very very fragile they can be, and am willing to do whatever it takes to keep one safe, if I get one. So, is there anything you guys think I should know FOR SURE before getting one? Thanks!

Mine has had a VERY temperamental bowel since day 1. That dog has cost me more in cleaning products than anything else. He can't have treats and needs to change food very slowly. I don't know if this is the same for anyone else but it is especially true of my yorkie (which is very different from his Lab brother who can eat anything, including eggnog flavored powder mix he got into one day OMG--and be totally fine) lol

Best of luck!

And the biggest lesson I learned: RESEARCH YOUR BREEDER. Some breeders just breed to make money and will try to upsell you on "teacup" and "babydoll" yorkies. Research the breed and research your breeder before you make a decision.

There are a lot of great breeders here! I wish I had found this site before purchasing my yorkie 6 years ago. If I had known then what I know now...

I think it is very important to make sure you are getting your puppy from a good breeder. I knew nothing about brokers when I got Callie my yorkie and that is what I ended up getting Callie from and she came from a puppy mill.

One thing you need to know is that the dog is really the cheapest part of the equation. The normal vet costs add up quickly, as do things such as flea/tick medication, grooming and the fun stuff. Then there are the unexpected vet expenses that can force the unprepared person to either put the dog down or give it up.

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...vet-costs.html

:thumbup: Such good advice !

Well said! Good advice all above!

I am a new Yorkie Mom myself and am still learning a lot. Be prepared...the little guys will steal the hearts of anyone who is near! My Katie Scarlett has turned the hubby into a big 'ol softie! Tee hee! And they are sooo smart! We are currently in puppy kindergarten and I can't believe how fast she learns! Also, they are quite mischievous, but SO fun! I too think you should definitely do extensive research and buy from a reputable breeder. And make sure you have a good vet. I found our vet before I even brought our girl home. The vet bills do add up, but they are worth every penny! Oh and be prepared to stop buying yourself stuff...you will buy all for your little girl/boy! LOL. I have an addiction already. I buy Katie Scarlett some little something whether it be dresses, bows, toys, etc. almost everywhere we go. My hubby says I am developing an addiction! LOL. But it's all so fun! And know that Yorkie Mommyhood is the BEST THING EVER!!!! I can't imagine what our life was like before we got our girl! She has been such a blessing!

And you will love everyone here on YT! I have received so much help and everyone is so friendly! I love it here! Very knowledgeable people and eager to help!

Definitely set aside something monthly for vet bills or maybe even look into pet insurance. I just spent 1000.00 getting four of Brandi's teeth pulled. Also, find out where the emergency vet is located in your area. I've had to rush Brandi to the emergency vet at least three times at 11:00 at night.

These little guys are like toddlers that never grow up and move out. Think of it as always having a 3 yr old child around for 15 yrs :p.

Have you thought about a adopting a yorkie? There are plenty of yorkies that are waiting for there forever home. My little one was 7 yrs old when I adopted her from a backyard breeder. She is now 11 and the absolute best thing that has ever happened to me.:D

:thumbup: And yes, make sure he/she is insured from day one! :) Also, you say you want a family pet - how old are the youngest members? Tiny children + tiny Yorkies are not necessarily the best mix....Sally + Harry x

Buy your breeder first, then adopt a dog from them.




You can save tens of thousands this way.

I agree, do your research about a GOOD BREEDER. Do not buy from a puppymill. It may end up costing you a fortune in Vet Bills. Buy your Breeder first. I see you live in Penn. Your state is notorious for puppymills! Go to this website and find a GOOD breeder in your area! http://www.ytca.org/Breed%20Brochure...20graphics.pdf

You've gotten all the breeder advice so I'll skip it. The one thing I didn't know before I got my Cody? Was that everyone, and I do mean *everyone* will love your dog. People stop cars to talk to me about him. Nearly everyone who sees him wants to say hello, ask me a question, or something. I never realized how fascinated people are by toy breeds until Cody came to live with us. Of course, he's a charmer (says his biased mommy) but I bet we all have lots of stories like this. So be prepared for a lot of extra attention.

Oh, and everyone will know your baby's name... but no one will know yours. You're just the person at the end of your yorkie's leash! ;)

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: It's the same with us! Everyone is always stopping to ask about Katie Scarlett! She is quite the attention diva!

I agree with your post 100%. At halloween, Ozzy helped me greet kids at the door. It was almost like the kids wanted to pet him more than get candy!! :eek: And ya, everyone in the neighborhood knows his name, but nobody knows mine.

Regardless of where you end up getting your Yorkie, understand, they need your time and attention. Yes all the other comments can occur depending on the health of your puppy. At the end of the day, be prepared for constant love and affection. Bailey follows me everywhere, wants to be held, likes to sleep either on or near me during the day, and loves to go on walks. Make sure you are ready to change your life (for the better), because it is a life adjustment. It's worth it so long as you are well prepared!

Good luck!

You do not want to get the dog too young or you'll have to watch it for hypoglycemia.
Safe bet is 10-14 weeks. A good breeder won't let a pup go until it's ready.
Puppies are like babies, they sleep a lot, make sure they eat and drink regularly.

It will cost about $20 a month for food and treats, $600 a year for shots, heartworm meds and check ups.
You have to clean their teeth, Yorkies are prone to bad teeth.
Walk you dog, it's a dog and needs and enjoys exercise. Love your dog, Scold your dog, never yell, never hit, reward when something good happens.
Be consistent and persistent and above all patient.
We as adults are still learning, so remember it will take the pup time to learn and adapt.
Don't skimp out on foods. Dogs are carnivores, corn filler and chicken meal are crap, avoid anything with those.
Be careful when they are pups no jumping up or down, wee bones and joints are fragile.
Just because they are wee and cute doesn't mean they shouldn't be disciplined. They are a stubborn breed, show them who is in charge.
Yorkies are loyal and affectionate and need lots of toys to chew on and keep busy or they will eat your house hahahaha.
The only regret I have about my Teegy is that I didn't get him sooner

Yorkies have to be walked by harness not collar attacked to leash they are prone to CT.

It helps to read a lot about Yorkies but it also takes it to the next level when you can visit with them at a playdate or something of the like. Just be careful because you won't be able to resist afterwards. LOL :p You can also go to a dog show to see the Yorkies.


Here is a link to finding the best possible breeder. :thumbup:
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/bre...e-breeder.html

Good luck! :)

...and if they're like mine, they insist on at least one two plus mile walk a day and usually more, when I can.

Having a yorkie is like having a baby for 15+ years. The require and demand a lot of your time and a lot of attention.

You are so right. I developed allergies to dogs over the years. But not to yorkies. My friends have two and I loved that each had her own character and personality. That's when I fell in love and started two years of researching the breed before a year of researching breeders

Yorkies are not like short haired dogs, they are a major commitment as far as grooming is concerned. Even if you keep it in a short cut it requires regular maintenance. I have grown sons so even though I have two male Yorkies, I really enjoy dressing them up and the daily grooming involved. Mine are little rooters they eat anything they can get their mouths on...just like a baby, must be watched constantly or else in their playpen for safety. Yorkie talk is a great resource for info and advice. Good luck!

ps....nice name!

They are very stubborn, and if you don't train them... they'll train you! :P

I second the advice on a reputable breeder, I'm having some health troubles with mine, and at the very least my breeder calls every week to make sure he's ok. She has given me countless advice, and we do not believe his health issues are hereditary.

I also second the insurance... I've spent close to $2000 since July on vet bills. it adds up quickly.

Good luck. :)

do your homework !!
 

They're not cheap to keep up with everything they will need, beside love.
And they get into every thing !!!
I went to a Dog Show back in ILL 7 years ago and it took me a year to made up my mind , that it was time for me and my wonderful , Miley to meet and came home with me. I check out the breeder and did some back ground work with other buyer , before I got Miley.
I'm now a mom to furkids , Miley (6),Max (5),Regina Rei Rei (8 wks), and a foster mom to Rudy ( 8 wks ) until 2/12.
So once you get one, be careful because they add up fast, Lol !!!!!
bark@ulater!!!!!
manina,miley,max,reirei,rudy