Is a yorkie right for me?

[Yorkiemom1]

Originally Posted by FinnTheHuman

Thanks for all the information, I really appreciate it. I actually don't mind a dog that becomes attached.. I think it's cute and adorable in my opinion. I love dogs that follow you everywhere like their life depends on it. It makes me happy and stuff.

Thing about me is, while I won't go into detail as to why... I am financially stable, I'm 24, my life isn't really going to go in any different direction-- especially in the next 15-20 years... I don't plan on going to college, I cannot work, I like to stay home for the most part, and while I do enjoy going out I wanted to be able to share my experiences with the dog. So the dog would go with me m ost of the time(unless we're going to a restaurant that obviously does not allow dogs) .

I wanted a dog that would love to be by my side 24/7. My mom actually has a cockapoo and that dog follows her EVERYWHERE and only follows me if she's not there. That being said, her dog barely obeys me(50/50) but obeys her like her life depends on it.. She doesn't mind being alone sometimes but she is mostly with my mother. She actually lays on the doggy bed my mother got her.

I know that this breed is expensive but I love them too. The only other dog breed that I think MIGHT be calmer and affectionate would be a maltese. Though I kind of prefer the looks of a yorkie(how can you resist that adorable face and feisty nature?) but if it ends up to it I would go with the maltese if I can't find a yorkie for me.

Also, I don't mind the grooming either I also love their long flowing coats.

This additional info adds a whole lot to the mix....excellent! Sounds like you would do very well with a yorkie!!!

[FinnTheHuman]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

This additional info adds a whole lot to the mix....excellent! Sounds like you would do very well with a yorkie!!!

But how do I find a puppy that likes to be more attached, and affectionate and the perfect lap dog? Do you think breeders know by the time it's old enough to sell?

[lovestiny]

LOVE your details, you sound so sweet! I had a maltese for 17 years, my darling girl. What a sweet and calm doll. That being said, she was SO different then a yorkie, most yorkies just think they are people and I thought I had a wonderful bond with my maltese but my yorkie is such a different face licking, very involved with my life in a different way, little creature! Looking forward to seeing what you decide!

[FinnTheHuman]

Originally Posted by lovestiny

LOVE your details, you sound so sweet! I had a maltese for 17 years, my darling girl. What a sweet and calm doll. That being said, she was SO different then a yorkie, most yorkies just think they are people and I thought I had a wonderful bond with my maltese but my yorkie is such a different face licking, very involved with my life in a different way, little creature! Looking forward to seeing what you decide!

I saw so many videos on maltese. They were so calm when being groomed I LOVED that. But yorkies have this zest I can't seem to resist. I just don't know where to find a breeder( A GOOD ONE). I live in NJ, would travel to nj, pa, or NY

[canana]

Originally Posted by FinnTheHuman

But how do I find a puppy that likes to be more attached, and affectionate and the perfect lap dog? Do you think breeders know by the time it's old enough to sell?

I'm not sure any breeder would be able to guarantee the level of attachment and affection towards you. They could probably tell you bits about the puppy's personality in terms of curiosity, interactions with other puppies, leader/follower etc.

Having said that, if you get a Yorkie (or Maltese) puppy, even if they don't seem as attached as first, don't despair. Some Yorkies are more independent such as my Scottie. He didn't like to be held much at first. But now, he's a cuddle bug. When they are young they have a lot of energy and may not be mellow enough to be a lap dog yet. But it doesn't mean they won't grow into it.

In addition to researching the type of dog for you, I'd also look into how to train a puppy as well. After all, in addition to love and affection from you, it's good training on your part that will get you an attached and affectionate dog that respects and follows you.

Hope that helps

[FinnTheHuman]

Originally Posted by canana

I'm not sure any breeder would be able to guarantee the level of attachment and affection towards you. They could probably tell you bits about the puppy's personality in terms of curiosity, interactions with other puppies, leader/follower etc.

Having said that, if you get a Yorkie (or Maltese) puppy, even if they don't seem as attached as first, don't despair. Some Yorkies are more independent such as my Scottie. He didn't like to be held much at first. But now, he's a cuddle bug. When they are young they have a lot of energy and may not be mellow enough to be a lap dog yet. But it doesn't mean they won't grow into it.

In addition to researching the type of dog for you, I'd also look into how to train a puppy as well. After all, in addition to love and affection from you, it's good training on your part that will get you an attached and affectionate dog that respects and follows you.

Hope that helps

Thanks. So I can train a dog to be a lap dog?

[lovestiny]

I am from ny. Was not able to find a reputable breeder in my area under $2k that matched the criteria recommended here on YT...so both last time and this time, it involves a flight to pick up. I know there is a breeder on the board in New England with a waiting list, that's probably a good option if you want to drive there.

[FinnTheHuman]

Originally Posted by lovestiny

I am from ny. Was not able to find a reputable breeder in my area under $2k that matched the criteria recommended here on YT...so both last time and this time, it involves a flight to pick up. I know there is a breeder on the board in New England with a waiting list, that's probably a good option if you want to drive there.

Well I ended up finding a breeder in NJ but she seems a little "off" and is charging 2,500 for it... I don't mind the price but I don't know she just seems off to me... Even though she is in the yorkie club referral list.

[lovestiny]

I am a big believer in the gut feeling. I found a couple of breeders in ny- but didn't seem like the right fit to me. This time, wanted to go with a breeder who tested their champs for common Yorkie generuc issues so I wokd have a better chance at long term health.

By 12 weeks, a breeder should be able to tell you a bit about their personality. My family and I are totally affectionate and our dogs followed suit. Nature? Nurture!? I don't know! By ours have been mushballs !

[FinnTheHuman]

Originally Posted by lovestiny

I am a big believer in the gut feeling. I found a couple of breeders in ny- but didn't seem like the right fit to me. This time, wanted to go with a breeder who tested their champs for common Yorkie generuc issues so I wokd have a better chance at long term health.

By 12 weeks, a breeder should be able to tell you a bit about their personality. My family and I are totally affectionate and our dogs followed suit. Nature? Nurture!? I don't know! By ours have been mushballs !

yeah she said she does health tests her parents but wasn't very clear if it was done yearly or what... she also says she only has 1 litter a year-- but then said her next litter is in fall

[canana]

Originally Posted by FinnTheHuman

Thanks. So I can train a dog to be a lap dog?

I think dogs have a huge sense of whether you're their leader and how much you love and care for them. You could, but probably wouldn't want to force a dog to stay in your lap though. They should want to do that willingly. It's not like buying a gadget that serves specific functions. It's more of a relationship you develop with the dog. And if by some chance the dog you end up getting isn't a lap dog, even after a few years when she/he matures, it doesn't mean it's not a good dog. A dog is like our best friend and even best (human) friends sometimes have things you may not like and cannot control once you develop a relationship with them. Just keep that in mind...

Having said all that. I also believe that dogs can potentially be trained to do almost anything with enough determination, consistency, and patience on your part. Again, that goes back to training techniques. If you feed the puppy treats while he/she is in your lap, I'm sure most puppies would end up liking to be in your lap.

Originally Posted by lovestiny

I am a big believer in the gut feeling. I found a couple of breeders in ny- but didn't seem like the right fit to me. This time, wanted to go with a breeder who tested their champs for common Yorkie generuc issues so I wokd have a better chance at long term health...

Definitely go with your gut feeling. I too had weird gut feelings about other breeders during my search. I'm almost certain those ones are actually backyard breeders, which I'm not a fan of.

[FinnTheHuman]

Originally Posted by canana

I think dogs have a huge sense of whether you're their leader and how much you love and care for them. You could, but probably wouldn't want to force a dog to stay in your lap though. They should want to do that willingly. It's not like buying a gadget that serves specific functions. It's more of a relationship you develop with the dog. And if by some chance the dog you end up getting isn't a lap dog, even after a few years when she/he matures, it doesn't mean it's not a good dog. A dog is like our best friend and even best (human) friends sometimes have things you may not like and cannot control once you develop a relationship with them. Just keep that in mind...

Having said all that. I also believe that dogs can potentially be trained to do almost anything with enough determination, consistency, and patience on your part. Again, that goes back to training techniques. If you feed the puppy treats while he/she is in your lap, I'm sure most puppies would end up liking to be in your lap.



Definitely go with your gut feeling. I too had weird gut feelings about other breeders during my search. I'm almost certain those ones are actually backyard breeders, which I'm not a fan of.

Thanks. I also tried petfinder and I found no puppies(yorkies, chihuahuas, or maltese) that I liked. ;c They -must- be females.. first off I personally dont want to feel a dogs weiner on my pants, or legs... and my mother just doesnt want to see a dog lift its leg up to pee. xD But idk maybe we're both silly. If I could put pants on dogs I would.

Also, the way she acted like she didn't even have any other contract other than to spay/neuter them... and idk it just was iffy.

[lovestiny]

sorry for all my iPhone typos
I also love the you tube video- stassi the tzu on how to pick a breeder- it says many of the things stated here

It's def important to have a good fit so you can reach out to breeder for questions.

[FinnTheHuman]

Originally Posted by lovestiny

sorry for all my iPhone typos
I also love the you tube video- stassi the tzu on how to pick a breeder- it says many of the things stated here

It's def important to have a good fit so you can reach out to breeder for questions.

I actually watched that earlier today. I am going to "Try" petfinder again.. but i have tried for a long time.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by FinnTheHuman

Thanks. So I can train a dog to be a lap dog?

In a way, yes. I believe my boys are crazy affectionate and cuddly because we have encouraged it by being goofy and lovey with them. It's also because they butter us up to take them them walking, take them to the park, and on car rides to let them burn off their energy.

If you want a low energy Yorkie, I doubt a breeder would be able to see that in a puppy. I see a lot of posts here asking when puppies will 'calm down.' Terriers tend to be active their entire lives. The first year or two are the most challenging, but they don't turn into 'mops' as adults.