Yorkie or Havanese

[lexi43]

Well if you ask this question on a yorkie forum you are going to get 90% in favor of yorkies. We have a number of dogs in our home from basset hounds down to our newest member who is a chichuahua/jack russel mix. We have a yorkie and shorkie a shihtzu. They all have bad habits and good things about them. My yorkie is a snuggle bug but he does yap at times and he's also a digger. I don't know too much about Havanese except that they're really cute.

[joyce evans]

I have both. My Havanese is the lap dog and is the quietest of the two. She is very sweet and wants to be with me 24-7 (Needy). She is about 6 yrs. old and weights about 20 lbs. My Yorkie pup (4 1/2 mos.) is loud and demanding and only wants to be with me as a last resort. Cute as a button but..she is a Yorkie.

My Havanese and Yorkie get along great but my pup is still too little to let them play unsupervised.

Both breeds require alot of attention. My advise..Make sure you have time to spend with your new dog regardless of the breed you select. Do a little more research a choose what best fits you and your lifestyle and then enjoy!

[SWHouston]

Originally Posted by navillusc

Originally Posted by lovespandp

There is just something about them.

IMHO It's more than just being special...

I've owned breeds out the gazoo over the years, PB's to Heinz 57's, big, small, and I haven't run across another Breed that's even close to a Yorkie, when it comes to personality.

Words that I can directly apply to those I've raised are...
Clairvoyant, Intuitive and Unique. It's well beyond just being smart. You can teach just about any Dog to do a trick. But, when they independently start thinking things through for themselves...

I feel SO exasperated realizing that Mother Nature has presented me with these exceptional beings, and I can't figure out a way to communicate with them, other than altering the tone of my voice.

I'm really glad they're so forgiving.

[lovespandp]

Originally Posted by SWHouston

IMHO It's more than just being special...

I've owned breeds out the gazoo over the years, PB's to Heinz 57's, big, small, and I haven't run across another Breed that's even close to a Yorkie, when it comes to personality.

Words that I can directly apply to those I've raised are...
Clairvoyant, Intuitive and Unique. It's well beyond just being smart. You can teach just about any Dog to do a trick. But, when they independently start thinking things through for themselves...

I feel SO exasperated realizing that Mother Nature has presented me with these exceptional beings, and I can't figure out a way to communicate with them, other than altering the tone of my voice.

I'm really glad they're so forgiving.

Very well said.. It really is true when you say “ thinking things through for themselves” because they really do. Peanut sometimes thinks like a human. He has this one bone that is his baby, he will run and go bury it somewhere and that little stinker will remember where he put it 2 days ago! He wanted in one of the bedrooms, I keep the door closed- well I hear him pacing back and forth and doing his little barks, then I went to see what he was getting into and he starts scratching the door- I said there’s nothing in there for you and he kept going at it, so I finally gave in and said fine and opened the door, he went right over to his bed and pulled out his bone!!

[chachi]

Yorkies can be yappy and needy. I love them but they are not for everyone

[MandiesMom]

Wow - I am late to the party here.

My first response when reading the OPs first post was, "If you want a lap dog, you don't want a Yorkie."

However, as I read all the replies and thought about it for 4 pages ( ), it is so true - you just don't know. You can find a breeder that can attest to the temperment of the parents and angle for a low key Yorkie. From what I've researched and learned on here, some are cuddlers and most are NOT yappers unless the right situation presents itself. I've never had ANY breed that didn't have a barking trigger, btw

They are terriers. That's just what they are so as a rule (and exceptions to rules exist in all of nature), they are independent (not lap dogs) and stubborn (man, is mine the hardest ever to potty train lol)...but they are smart and just have some quality that all of us are trying to put into words but is impossible.

I had a Pom. She had barking triggers but she was definitely a lap dog. I don't know anything about a havanese. I think from my researching for dogs over the years, you will be lucky to find everything you want on a checklist in one dog breed. Good lap dogs are pekignese and a king charles cavalier (although, definitely not a "purse" dog lol).

I originally wanted a Yorkie because I loved their beautiful show coats in the dog shows and I thought I could handle the size easier than my 70 lb boy (he's a handful lol). What I wasn't prepared for was that..."Quality". It's something that just grabs you by the heart when you aren't even looking. I've had so many dogs and one that I always refer to as "my heart dog." But until my Yorkie, even though I loved them all as if they were my kids (since I don't have kids), my world never revolved around my dog. It totally took me by surprise...and it's amazing!!!!

You'll be happy with your decision no matter what you choose because you are researching. Great job! Happy hunting!

[BrittanyVThomas]

I'm sure there are many great Shih zuhs but the one we had growing up was very mean and temperamental :-( she was very calm but def not a lap dog or a people dog at all. She bit us and other people all the time :-( maybe we just had a stubborn dog. I do think if my mom took the time to socialize her and train her she would of been a totally different dog. I personally think Yorkies are way cuter though :-)

[skittlz]

My mother's shih tzu rarely barks and sleeps most of the time and she is sooooo sweet.. If you do get a shih tzu make sure its healthy shih tzu are known for body odor and its hard to get rid of, hers is caused by yeast infection from what I read.. Im not saying all shih tzu's have body odor/problems. They are really sweet dogs rarely barks.

[SWHouston]

Originally Posted by lovespandp

I finally gave in and said fine and opened the door, he went right over to his bed and pulled out his bone!!

H HA, I really got a good laugh from that, given that it sorta works that way here, but...

My Female Becca is the most frugal of my guys, stashing any number of types of treats here and there, and, remembers where She put them as yours do.

However, She's not the only one who's interested in such resources, and My Males Sneakers and Ichabod are constantly re-locating those items, for their needs at a later date. NOW, here's the kicker...

When Becca realizes that one of Her stashes has been moved, She will go to each of the Males, smell of their Mouths, and identify which one is the Thief ! Then She's mad at whoever for the rest of the day. I've seen Sneakers actually run from Her, to keep Her from ID'ing Him as the culprit.

Seeing that happen is cute and laughable, but I am continuingly amazed at how their relationship emulates a Husband and Wife. Becca may be Second in Command, but DO NOT pi$$ her off.

[navillusc]

Originally Posted by SWHouston

H HA, I really got a good laugh from that, given that it sorta works that way here, but...

My Female Becca is the most frugal of my guys, stashing any number of types of treats here and there, and, remembers where She put them as yours do.

However, She's not the only one who's interested in such resources, and My Males Sneakers and Ichabod are constantly re-locating those items, for their needs at a later date. NOW, here's the kicker...

When Becca realizes that one of Her stashes has been moved, She will go to each of the Males, smell of their Mouths, and identify which one is the Thief ! Then She's mad at whoever for the rest of the day. I've seen Sneakers actually run from Her, to keep Her from ID'ing Him as the culprit.

Seeing that happen is cute and laughable, but I am continuingly amazed at how their relationship emulates a Husband and Wife. Becca may be Second in Command, but DO NOT pi$$ her off.

Laughing at both Peanut's adventure, and Becca's, Sneakers', Ichabod's. They are just so smart, cute and funny!

My Mia is the treat saver, hider, bury-er, and coverer-upper, but she also likes to 'torture' Brody with his toys, treats, and favorite spaces from time to time. She will sometimes grab a toy and start 'errrrrr-ing' like a 'mad girl' and shaking it in his face, and that makes him nuts, then she will 'defense' it from him for a while, then just let it go, sit back and watch him 'squirrel' it away to protect it himself and, I swear, you can see her pointing and laughing and at her 'practical joke' and poor Brody's anguish and the fact that she can 'get' him with the same 'joke' over and over and over....

She will also jump up and run to the edge of the bed or love seat when he has jumped down, and do the 'vicious errrr' thing over the edge...tail (stub) wagging like crazy. She knows what she is doing...she does it on purpose, and she does it JUST for the FUN of it!

Crazy kids...!

[navillusc]

Originally Posted by BrittanyVThomas

I'm sure there are many great Shih zuhs but the one we had growing up was very mean and temperamental :-( she was very calm but def not a lap dog or a people dog at all. She bit us and other people all the time :-( maybe we just had a stubborn dog. I do think if my mom took the time to socialize her and train her she would of been a totally different dog. I personally think Yorkies are way cuter though :-)

I have seen one Shih Tzu that was not properly socialized and is very stand-off-ish...not mean, just not friendly like all the other Shih Tzu I have seen. That is not to say there aren't some mean ones...just not in my experience.

They have finally realized their mistake and and are working toward better socialization for their girl. I am thinking they realized this when a second, well socialized pup was acquired by a grown daughter. She is very calm, though...you almost wonder if she feels well.

I agree that Yorkies are way cuter... I LOVE their standard coloring combo and changes (and Mia's golden hair is stunning, too), and that SILKY HAIR, and I absolutely LOVE their mischievousness and energy! It is like having a toddler (or two...LOL) in the 'terrible two's' sometimes, and JUST AS MUCH FUN!

[lovespandp]

Originally Posted by SWHouston

H HA, I really got a good laugh from that, given that it sorta works that way here, but...

My Female Becca is the most frugal of my guys, stashing any number of types of treats here and there, and, remembers where She put them as yours do.

However, She's not the only one who's interested in such resources, and My Males Sneakers and Ichabod are constantly re-locating those items, for their needs at a later date. NOW, here's the kicker...

When Becca realizes that one of Her stashes has been moved, She will go to each of the Males, smell of their Mouths, and identify which one is the Thief ! Then She's mad at whoever for the rest of the day. I've seen Sneakers actually run from Her, to keep Her from ID'ing Him as the culprit.

Seeing that happen is cute and laughable, but I am continuingly amazed at how their relationship emulates a Husband and Wife. Becca may be Second in Command, but DO NOT pi$$ her off.

OMG!! That is so hilarious, sweet and so to the T YORKIE! As I was reading your story I pictured Becca in there hiding her treats, then Sneakers and Ichabod running afte and grabbing it!! So adorable. It is really amazing watching them in their daily activities. They are so cute and SO smart!

What do the boys do when she goes up to them and sniffs their mouths? Do they have that look of panic in their eyes? Or do they try to pull it off?.. then what does she she *if* she smells the treat on their mouth?? Hahaha come on fill me in here!!

You can really turn this into a dramatic/suspense soap opera featured on YT, called the “Days of Yorkies” or “ Young and the Restless Yorkie” “Bold and the Beautiful Yorkie” “All my Yorkie Children” …. Etc etc HAHA

[lovespandp]

Originally Posted by navillusc

Laughing at both Peanut's adventure, and Becca's, Sneakers', Ichabod's. They are just so smart, cute and funny!

My Mia is the treat saver, hider, bury-er, and coverer-upper, but she also likes to 'torture' Brody with his toys, treats, and favorite spaces from time to time. She will sometimes grab a toy and start 'errrrrr-ing' like a 'mad girl' and shaking it in his face, and that makes him nuts, then she will 'defense' it from him for a while, then just let it go, sit back and watch him 'squirrel' it away to protect it himself and, I swear, you can see her pointing and laughing and at her 'practical joke' and poor Brody's anguish and the fact that she can 'get' him with the same 'joke' over and over and over....

She will also jump up and run to the edge of the bed or love seat when he has jumped down, and do the 'vicious errrr' thing over the edge...tail (stub) wagging like crazy. She knows what she is doing...she does it on purpose, and she does it JUST for the FUN of it!

Crazy kids...!

LOL!! Mia and Brody sound too cute! It is so funny seeing the Yorkie Girls be in charge and dominate the boys!! When I use to dog sit for my friends yorkie girl she would do the same kind of stuff with Peanut- she would take his favorite bone and play with it would bother him, but he was way to submissive to do anything about it! I would tell him “This is your house, you’re not going to do anything about it!!?? Haha he would just look at me like “ Sure not Momma she’s a meanie.. can you help me??!!”

They are so crazy, but give us so much entertainment!

[lovespandp]

Originally Posted by navillusc

I have seen one Shih Tzu that was not properly socialized and is very stand-off-ish...not mean, just not friendly like all the other Shih Tzu I have seen. That is not to say there aren't some mean ones...just not in my experience.

They have finally realized their mistake and and are working toward better socialization for their girl. I am thinking they realized this when a second, well socialized pup was acquired by a grown daughter. She is very calm, though...you almost wonder if she feels well.

I agree that Yorkies are way cuter... I LOVE their standard coloring combo and changes (and Mia's golden hair is stunning, too), and that SILKY HAIR, and I absolutely LOVE their mischievousness and energy! It is like having a toddler (or two...LOL) in the 'terrible two's' sometimes, and JUST AS MUCH FUN!

Yes! Yorkies are gorgeous, the hair, the cute little faces.. everything about them I love.

LOL I was just telling DH Peanut is like a human 2 year old, that is why I call him my little boy...

[navillusc]

Originally Posted by lovespandp

[/B]

Yes! Yorkies are gorgeous, the hair, the cute little faces.. everything about them I love.

LOL I was just telling DH Peanut is like a human 2 year old, that is why I call him my little boy...

They do seem that way, don't they? They seem to have a 'range' of human age...2...4.....6...maybe 8-10...but mine, at now 3 years old...have not seemed much older to me than that...although they do sometimes give off an 'impression' of 'knowledge and wisdom beyond their years'...lol

When my back was hurting, and I was laying in bed all day, Mia was right there with me. I recall my kids doing the same kind of thing at about 4, too...just sitting on the bed, playing next to me...waiting for me to get well. Brody hung with daddy but would come check on me at intervals...but...someone's got to keep an eye on DH, and he self-appointed himself!

The coloring just naturally appeals to me, too. Besides black and tuxedo colored cats, and Himalayan cats, my favorite coloring is dilute calico...cream, blue, and white!