Interested in advice for a new puppy!
 

hi...i'm new to this website and I am looking to get a Yorkie shortly. But I am currently researching about them and wanted to know if you could tell me anything that I may need to know. I am allergic to dogs and wanted to know if they are hypoallergenic. Also, I am unsure whether to get a girl or a boy. I work full time and will be away from the puppy for about 9 hours. Can I leave the puppy for that long period of time? Do you have any training tips?

first. WELCOME!! as far as i know.. Yorkies are not 100% guaranteed hypoallerginic like a poodle is.. but that is just from the reading i've done.. that said.. they dont' shed and that is because they dont' have an undercoat.. which therefore makes them hypoallergenic! boy or girl... all preference! i have a girl :) and the 9 hour thing... well... not recommended at the begining... yorkie puppies are like having a newborn.. because their bladders are so small.. they need out every 1-2 hours... layla is 9 months and still goes a lot. are you able to get the puppy when you can take holidays? have a week or two off to pee pad train? in my opinion that would be best for you! good luck!

Hi,
here's a website that talks about allergies:

http://www.dogstory.net/reduce_the_effects.htm

I am allergic to dogs with undercoat. Shepherd's, spaniels, etc...
I am not allergic to Yorkies, Maltese..single coated breeds.
My daughter is allergic to dog saliva and dander. She is allergic to any dog.
It depends what your allergy is and how severe your reaction is.
No dog is hypoallergenic to someone with that type of allergy.
Do you know what type of dog allergy you have? Have you been allergy tested yet?
Good Luck, you're asking good questions before you spend alot of money on a puppy that you might not be able to live with.

Thank you so much for your information. I have just begun my research for Yorkies. I was never a dog owner. So I don't know much about the puppy thing. I was a rabbit owner and just lost my rabbit about a week and a half ago. My world is very lonely without my rabbit and I miss him very much. I have now thought about getting a puppy. I am at the very beginning stages so I am sure I will have many more questions. Thank again for all of your advice.

This is the place to ask questions. There are alot of kind and caring Yorkie lovers here. Good people who are willing to help. You can never ask too many questions and you can never talk too much about these wonderful babies.
I'm sorry for your loss of your rabbit. It hurts so much when we loose a pet that means so much to us. Hugs to you.

Welcome to YT.
Since you have never owned a dog before I wanted to tell you the smaller breeds are more work. I've had medium and large size dogs my entire life but still I was surprised at how much more the little ones require. More baths, more attention, more time potty training, more trips outside, more protection from harm and so on.

I'm not trying to discourage you from getting a yorkie. I do believe they are worth it all and they are my favorite breed but I wanted to mention it so you can consider everything when deciding what dog is best for you. :)

Oh, and boys are better! :p
J/K Like Marcerella said it is a matter of personal preference.

The Bichon is usually named to be the most hypoallergenic breed. Most people with allergies can tolerate this litte guy very well.

I have to correct some of you regarding an "undercoat" because the Bichon does have an undercoat. Nevertheless, he never sheds (never a hair) and his little coat grows like mad - so he definitely needs grooming and haircuts.

From the AKC description for a Bichon ---

The texture of the coat is of utmost importance. The undercoat is soft and dense, the outercoat of a coarser and curlier texture. The combination of the two gives a soft but substantial feel to the touch which is similar to plush or velvet and when patted springs back. When bathed and brushed, it stands off the body, creating an overall powder puff appearance.

******* I have read a lot of lists of hypoallergenic dogs - and I would have to call the little Yorkie a little questionable --- because he is on some of the lists, but not even mentioned on others.

AND - I took my little Yorkie pup to work about a year ago, and a girl that I work with did break out in a rash....the same as she does with other dogs.
She definitely had an allergic reaction to my Yorkie....no doubt about that!



Carol Jean