Question - considering one year old
 

Hello all. I'm brand new here and must say that I LOVE this site. I've already learned so much just from reading here. I am in Houston and looking for a sweet little yorkie to add to our home. We have been married for almost 20 years and had a beautiful Siberian Husky for most of our married life. We had our Sterling before we had our children! Anyway, we lost her almost 3 years ago and it's taken us this long to get decide that we're ready for another family member. She was an outdoor dog - her choice, not ours.

We've decided on a yorkie for lots of reasons - we "babysit" one when his family goes out of town and we love him. I also have a chronic illness and I want a baby to snuggle with when I'm not feeling so hot. My children both love dogs and will walk it and play with it constantly so it won't be a couch potato like mom. Anyway, we are all ready!

I found a one-year old dog which is more in my price range than the puppies - but wondered if you could tell me what questions I should ask. The ad just said "Yorkshire Terrier-AKC and Champ Sired Needs a New Home: For Sale $ 800.00" I've seen pictures and the dog is adorable. (What yorkie isn't?)

Anyway, can you please give me hints on what I should ask? Thanks so very much! Kristi

Where did you see the ad?

What sex is it?

Has it been spayed/neutered?

Why are they selling it?

How big is it? How much does it weigh?

I forgot to say welcome! :)

Where has the dog lived? In the house with people or in a crate?

Where is the dog used to pottying? (One that potties in a crate is VERY difficult to housebreak).

Has the dog been socialized to people? To children? To other dogs outside of the ones that live there? (If he isn't well-socialized he may be aggressive. If he isn't used to being around people, he may not be the snuggler that you are looking for)

Good luck! Let us know what you decide!

Hi and welcome to YT!!

Yorkies make wonderful service dogs and you sound like a good candidate for making your new pet a service dog to help you live a more normal life on a day to day basis. I know you need to find the dog first...lol...but i am very passionate about the benefits of service dogs, not just for the people involved, but for the dogs as well.

Anyway, I would ask to speak to the vet who has cared for the dog you are interested in as a reference. Was he used as a stud dog? I would spend time with the dog in his environment and away from his environment to get an idea of his temperament. One year is still fairly young obviously and I am sure he will be adaptable to you and yoiur family.

Good luck and congratulations on your decision to get a yorkie. You won't be sorry!

Welcome! Be sure and see him in his home environment - will tell you lots of things, like personality, friendliness, etc. We just adopted a 2 yr. old and are VERY happy! Good luck and keep us posted!!! :)