I don't think that getting a dog should be based on appearance only. I did TONS of research before I got my male Yorkie, and searched for over a year to find the right breeder. It is alot of work, I am a college student that doesn't work and me and my boyfriend have an apt. I only have classes on Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9-12 and then 1-2, and when I come home after being gone for just that long both of mine are bouncing off the walls (we got a female about 6 months after the male). My boyfriend plays football at the University here, and they both go with me to his games. They are full of energy all the time, they LOVE attention, they LOVE to play, mine LOVE walks we take 2 a day to get rid of that energy, it we don't they are crazy. If it wasn't for my boyfriend who totally supported the idea of buying them in the beginning it would have been a disaster! Potty training, at least for me, took longer than any other breed of dog I've had. We train on puppy pads, they go totally on potty pads unless outside, but like any dog you still have your accidents every once in awhile. But I think that in order to effectively train a dog, I think that you are going to have to be home more than what you are at least for awhile. On the weekends we go home to our parents and they go with me to mine, I have another Yorkie/Mix that stays at my parents because she is a farm dog, but they are VERY Rarely left alone even on the weekends. I've went through the destructive stages from separation anxiety ripping 2 HUGE holes in the carpet, scratching the back of the door to get out, etc. Over all I wouldn't trade our kiddos for the world, but yes it is alot of work, but I LOVE animals I grew up on a farm. As far as just buying one to fill a void to take care of something, I wouldn't suggest a dog. I wouldn't say that I just bought my Yorkies for the way they look, I love their all around personalities. They are treated like kids, everyday. As far as how much monthly we spend, it just depends. I've groomed animals my whole life, so I groom myself. If I didn't it would cost me $25-$30 a month to have them groomed. My dog food last for months, shampoo and conditioner every so often, clothes for colder weather (they don't do cold very well!), treats, toys, leashes, collars, brushes/combs, vet bills (shots/operations/check ups/etc), registration... and on and on... It just depends, on everything. I really can't tell you a monthly price. But this is just my opinion from MY experiences, I know that it takes both me and my boyfriend in order for us having the kids to work. It took BOTH of us to train them to keep them consistent, it took both of us to clean up the messes when they did have accidents. I just wouldn't recommend getting a dog for the reasons that you say she wants one. I know that she/you will do what you want to do, I know I will. Honestly sometimes I'm like what have we gotten ourselves into?! You have to think about vacations/trips/not being home/wanting to go out/etc you have to have a plan for all those times when you have a responsibility like this.

Not everyone on YT ;) I agree with you....reality is MOST OF THE WORLD WORKS!

Ok everyone is talking about the right now aspect of it but these dogs are a life and they have to be nurtured and cared for.
1. I would consider getting a play mate for such a pet that had to be home all day by him or her self. My yorkie is hardly ever left alone as im a stay at home mom of one and one on the way so I go out maybe once a week were the whole family leaves and my dogs are actually alone. And my yorkie has a buddy my pom Oliver.
2. These dogs can live for years and years. you need to make sure this isnt somethign thats gonna lose its fun after a while and then get neglected. This could very well be a long commitment that you and g/f are making. and as dogs get older they need even more vet care etc.
Im with most people i love pets and i would never tell you or anyone not to get a dog im a firm beleiver that every one should have a pet weather a dog or a fish dogs are just more fun;) . And im like your g/f i to had to talk my hubby into my yorkie and im not gonna lie he does end up taking care of her and my otehr do plenty of times. he just shelled out 66 dollars for grooming just today. he wasnt so into the little dog thing until i talked him into it but youd be surprised how well that little girl loves the heck out of him more then me i thnk sometimes so unfair she sleeps on his side of the bed and would much rather sit in his lap then mine but thats why i got my boy. so just keep in mind your g/fs will most likely become your dog too.

I would advise your girlfriend to wait. My husband loves my little dogs (I have a larger Yorkie, a Golden and a Biewer (like a Yorkie). He does not do any of the "work" with the dogs, I clean up the poo in the yard, feed, bath, etc. If I need his help he will but otherwise they are my responsibility even though he gives em love! Yorkies do require a lot of your time. Everyone has provided valuable info. Perhaps print them off and have your G/F read them. We all love our Yorkies there is no doubt, but sometimes people get them for the wrong reason (awww, so cute, so small etc). Once the little dog is peeing and pooing all over the place suddenly they aren't so cute and often end up in Rescue (very unfair to the dog and sad). Perhaps she should wait until she really has the time to spend with a dog. I work FT as well, but I go home on my lunch hour. I walk my dogs at 6am before work, and also after work. I am home most nights so we have time together. Weekends I am generally around too. Having a dog(s) doesn't mean you can't do things, but as with children you have to plan ahead. Remind her, what happens if you want to leave town for the weekend, who is going to watch your dog, especially if he/she isn't fully housetrained. Not everyone can tolerate a dog going to the bathroom on a piddlepad in the house, and training a Yorkshire to go outside can be a challenge and requires full concentration. Lastly, DO NOT purchase from a pet store, you do not know anything about the parents of these dogs, health issues etc. plus it does nothing but further the abuse of puppy mill dogs (very sad). Good luck with whatever you both decide and I think it is great of you to be doing the checking and reality. You both should be onboard with having a pet, just like having a child.

Kathy

P.S. I will say, whether it is a Yorkie or a rescue, when you are ready for a dog, there is nothing better in the world then the love you receive, it is truly a stressfree reward, I would never trade my dogs for all the freedom in the world, they keep me sane in a crazy world.

Even people who work full time still have time to devote to their beloved Yorkie.
First they don't shed, second because of their small size they can even fly on the airline and are easly taken places like trips and such.

One thing I noticed about you is you seem to be the one in control. I thought any relationship is a 50 50 one. If she want's a dog, she should get herself a dog. People are not owned or are they posessions. She is an entirly different human being than you and should be treated as a companion, not an object.

take your time...and i agree that we are not owned by anyone other than ourselves...