How long do Yorkies live? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Trinket · 01-07-2005, 06:14 AM

Trinket is a yorkie mix. I'm wondering how long Yorkies live? I'm considering getting a 'real' yorkie but I don't know much about them. Some people tell me if they're too small, they're always sick and don't live more than 10 years or so. I find that hard to believe. My grandmother's dog is 14 and she weighs in at about 5lbs.
Trinket is a yorkie/jack russell, weighs about 7lbs and is a frisky thing. Would a yorkie be a good match or should I look for something else? People down the road have 2 yorkies and they're timid little things - I find that so unattractive. What is the breed standard - in your personal opnion?

Nicole

spydergurl · 01-07-2005, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trinket

Trinket is a yorkie mix. I'm wondering how long Yorkies live? I'm considering getting a 'real' yorkie but I don't know much about them. Some people tell me if they're too small, they're always sick and don't live more than 10 years or so. I find that hard to believe. My grandmother's dog is 14 and she weighs in at about 5lbs.
Trinket is a yorkie/jack russell, weighs about 7lbs and is a frisky thing. Would a yorkie be a good match or should I look for something else? People down the road have 2 yorkies and they're timid little things - I find that so unattractive. What is the breed standard - in your personal opnion?

Nicole

I heard they live about 15-20 years.I think a yorkie would be a good match for your terrier mix. And a dog is only as timid as you make them...if you expose them to a lot of different people or other dogs, and encourage them to be friendly, they will be. Mine are very outgoing and love everybody. Yorkies rule!

orinskye · 01-07-2005, 10:45 AM

I agree..... my toby isnt timid at all!!!! (only towards people he doesnt like, but he likes ALMOST everyone), so it really depends on teh socialization they get growing up, since you have another dog i dont think timidness would be a problem if you and a lot of other people interact with teh new puppy a lot

Bentley'sMom · 01-07-2005, 03:51 PM

I've read that the average life of a yorkie is 12.6 years. As far as being timid, that is not in the yorkie standard. My little guy is very curious, outgoing, and loves everyone. They shouldn't be timid unless you raise them to be that way as it is usually not in their nature.

Maddie-Rudy-Mom · 01-07-2005, 04:06 PM

My first yorkie "Max live to be 17 years old, he had a great life and gave me a lot of love and joy. As far as personalities I think it depends on how they are raised. With a buddy to play with like Trinket he should be a yorkie terrorist in know time.lol With my three sometime I miss the show I am watching because they are running around the house barking and playing and it is so darn cute................Cindy

Vinnyluver109 · 06-26-2010, 09:54 PM

I think yorkies live about 13-17 years but im not sure. Vinny is 13 and he is still active and playful and loves to run around, so I have a feeling he will live a long time!

Loving owner of Vinny

anniernc · 06-30-2010, 08:34 AM

My Kady lived to be 16 1/2 yrs old. She had one eye removed when she was younger due to retinal cancer and the other removed several yrs later due to glacoma. About 10 months before I lost her she started turning around in circles and standing in the corners alot - the vet thought she had "doggie altzheimers" but the night we lost her she had started having seizures and we choose to end her suffering. The vet now thinks she had a brain tumor. I just wonder if the retinal cancer spread to her head. Other than that her little heart and other organs were healthy. My little Heidi would have been 18 yrs old if she had lived another 11 days. She had been in kidney failure and congestive heart failure for 3 1/2 yrs before I lost her but with treatment she gave me 3 1/2 more wonderful years to love her. I had to make the choice for her when the only way to get food in her was to force it but more than that she started acting like she was in pain. I think that both of my babies lived a longer than normal life for yorkies. I've read that the life span is about 15 yrs. I am just so thankful for the years that I had with both of them.

kdhawks · 06-30-2010, 11:20 AM

Oh my goodness, my little man is not timid AT ALL. He is so social and loves everyone and everything from my sweet, shy grandmother to my college roommate's cat. He's lively and brave and outgoing and I know I am biased, but I think he is PERFECT

DvlshAngel985 · 06-30-2010, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spydergurl

I heard they live about 15-20 years.I think a yorkie would be a good match for your terrier mix. And a dog is only as timid as you make them...if you expose them to a lot of different people or other dogs, and encourage them to be friendly, they will be. Mine are very outgoing and love everybody. Yorkies rule!

It really depends. Some dogs are innately shy, mine is. But, that doesn't mean he's anti social. He's shy around people, but he loves hanging out with other dogs. I've been working with him to build up his confidence and he's warming up to some people.
My ex-bf's family has 5 dogs. A maltese, two morkies, and two maltese mixes. The maltese is the mom of all the others, and I believe she belonged to someone else before they got her. She was a social butterfly when they first got her. Now, 4 yrs later, she's a paranoid scared little dog. So are all her pups. They aren't walked, they aren't socialized, and they're paranoid little things. It's really sad.

Britster · 06-30-2010, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DvlshAngel985

It really depends. Some dogs are innately shy, mine is. But, that doesn't mean he's anti social. He's shy around people, but he loves hanging out with other dogs. I've been working with him to build up his confidence and he's warming up to some people.
My ex-bf's family has 5 dogs. A maltese, two morkies, and two maltese mixes. The maltese is the mom of all the others, and I believe she belonged to someone else before they got her. She was a social butterfly when they first got her. Now, 4 yrs later, she's a paranoid scared little dog. So are all her pups. They aren't walked, they aren't socialized, and they're paranoid little things. It's really sad.

Yep! Jackson is pretty shy with people. He's not really 'fearful'... like we can walk through any store, any shopping center, anything and he's fine. But when a strange person reaches down to pet him, he kinda shys away and acts scared. So I've been working with him (I always carry treats) and he's gotten sooo much better so it's def. something you can teach even if they are naturally shy. It just takes time. Jackson also is in his element around other dogs and would prefer them over people! I got him at 9 weeks old and have been socializing him since then so you'd think he wouldn't care... but I think it's just his personality.

That's sad about the maltese!

Like you said, they can also learn to BE shy because of their owners.

That's why I'm ALL for having Jackson experience new things, new people, new places and new dogs!

DvlshAngel985 · 06-30-2010, 04:23 PM

I think I must be doing something right! My bff asked me to join her and her mother tomorrow. She wants me to bring Kaji to show her mom what a socialized dog acts like. She says her mom's dog is super fearful and doesn't know how to be a dog.

katy-yorkie · 07-01-2010, 09:34 AM

Sometimes Buster is shy around people, when they try to pet him, he will try to run away and let out a horrible yelp. People think they have hurt him. Maggie loves people, she will let almost anyone pet her. Not sure what the issue is with Buster, he doesn't do this with me, just strangers.

Stranger Danger?

andrean · 12-03-2010, 07:58 AM

Hi, I'm new to the site and have a Yorkie, Dora, up here in Alaska and she will take on moose or any larger dog. I kind of thought they were all fearless. She and our border collie make quite a pair- 2 females (both spayed), but neither wants the other to be dominant. They're like two siblings who squabble sometimes, but I think underneath do love each other. Dora is about 7 now and a year ago recovered from a serious brain injury. She's a touch little dog.

Sweet Apple · 12-03-2010, 08:56 AM

I take care of a 3 1/2 lb. yorkie, named Harley...He's 13, just had his dental, and is fine shape...A little mild LP in his back legs...He's a pistol!

As far as temperments, I keep 3 yorkies, that will bombard you w/attention and kisses, when you go in their house...My two, are the same...In fact, if you're not ready for a love attack, from my two yorkies, and one chorkie, best not to ring the doorbell lolol....

joann1166 · 12-03-2010, 09:05 AM

Neither of mine are shy. When you pull up in the yard and get out you will think some big dogs are going to eat you alive with all the barking but once you step inside the door, your being bombarded with two yorkies jumping on your legs for attention and petting. If you sit down, get ready for both of them to be in your lap giving you kisses.... I warn everybody that comes to the house....lol

01-07-2005, 06:14 AM	#1
Trinket Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 10	How long do Yorkies live? Trinket is a yorkie mix. I'm wondering how long Yorkies live? I'm considering getting a 'real' yorkie but I don't know much about them. Some people tell me if they're too small, they're always sick and don't live more than 10 years or so. I find that hard to believe. My grandmother's dog is 14 and she weighs in at about 5lbs. Trinket is a yorkie/jack russell, weighs about 7lbs and is a frisky thing. Would a yorkie be a good match or should I look for something else? People down the road have 2 yorkies and they're timid little things - I find that so unattractive. What is the breed standard - in your personal opnion? Nicole

06-30-2010, 11:20 AM	#8
kdhawks Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 2,359	Oh my goodness, my little man is not timid AT ALL. He is so social and loves everyone and everything from my sweet, shy grandmother to my college roommate's cat. He's lively and brave and outgoing and I know I am biased, but I think he is PERFECT __________________ katy&levi

06-30-2010, 04:23 PM	#11
DvlshAngel985 Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Los Angeles, California, USA Posts: 12,693	I think I must be doing something right! My bff asked me to join her and her mother tomorrow. She wants me to bring Kaji to show her mom what a socialized dog acts like. She says her mom's dog is super fearful and doesn't know how to be a dog. __________________ Littlest JakJak We miss you Kaji

07-01-2010, 09:34 AM	#12
katy-yorkie Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Katy, Texas USA Posts: 1,458	Sometimes Buster is shy around people, when they try to pet him, he will try to run away and let out a horrible yelp. People think they have hurt him. Maggie loves people, she will let almost anyone pet her. Not sure what the issue is with Buster, he doesn't do this with me, just strangers. Stranger Danger? __________________ Jeanie, mom to Buster and Maggie

12-03-2010, 07:58 AM	#13
andrean YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Kasilof, AK USA Posts: 1	Bold Yorkie Hi, I'm new to the site and have a Yorkie, Dora, up here in Alaska and she will take on moose or any larger dog. I kind of thought they were all fearless. She and our border collie make quite a pair- 2 females (both spayed), but neither wants the other to be dominant. They're like two siblings who squabble sometimes, but I think underneath do love each other. Dora is about 7 now and a year ago recovered from a serious brain injury. She's a touch little dog.

01-07-2005, 10:45 AM	#3
orinskye YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: California Posts: 2,990	I agree..... my toby isnt timid at all!!!! (only towards people he doesnt like, but he likes ALMOST everyone), so it really depends on teh socialization they get growing up, since you have another dog i dont think timidness would be a problem if you and a lot of other people interact with teh new puppy a lot

01-07-2005, 03:51 PM	#4
Bentley'sMom YT Addict Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 299	I've read that the average life of a yorkie is 12.6 years. As far as being timid, that is not in the yorkie standard. My little guy is very curious, outgoing, and loves everyone. They shouldn't be timid unless you raise them to be that way as it is usually not in their nature.

01-07-2005, 04:06 PM	#5
Maddie-Rudy-Mom YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Beaumont, TX Posts: 1,887	My first yorkie "Max live to be 17 years old, he had a great life and gave me a lot of love and joy. As far as personalities I think it depends on how they are raised. With a buddy to play with like Trinket he should be a yorkie terrorist in know time.lol With my three sometime I miss the show I am watching because they are running around the house barking and playing and it is so darn cute................Cindy

06-26-2010, 09:54 PM	#6
Vinnyluver109 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Middleton, WI, USA Posts: 129	I think yorkies live about 13-17 years but im not sure. Vinny is 13 and he is still active and playful and loves to run around, so I have a feeling he will live a long time! Loving owner of Vinny

06-30-2010, 08:34 AM	#7
anniernc YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Brooks, Ga. Posts: 1,003	My Kady lived to be 16 1/2 yrs old. She had one eye removed when she was younger due to retinal cancer and the other removed several yrs later due to glacoma. About 10 months before I lost her she started turning around in circles and standing in the corners alot - the vet thought she had "doggie altzheimers" but the night we lost her she had started having seizures and we choose to end her suffering. The vet now thinks she had a brain tumor. I just wonder if the retinal cancer spread to her head. Other than that her little heart and other organs were healthy. My little Heidi would have been 18 yrs old if she had lived another 11 days. She had been in kidney failure and congestive heart failure for 3 1/2 yrs before I lost her but with treatment she gave me 3 1/2 more wonderful years to love her. I had to make the choice for her when the only way to get food in her was to force it but more than that she started acting like she was in pain. I think that both of my babies lived a longer than normal life for yorkies. I've read that the life span is about 15 yrs. I am just so thankful for the years that I had with both of them.

12-03-2010, 08:56 AM	#14
Sweet Apple Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, Texas USA Posts: 2,473	I take care of a 3 1/2 lb. yorkie, named Harley...He's 13, just had his dental, and is fine shape...A little mild LP in his back legs...He's a pistol! As far as temperments, I keep 3 yorkies, that will bombard you w/attention and kisses, when you go in their house...My two, are the same...In fact, if you're not ready for a love attack, from my two yorkies, and one chorkie, best not to ring the doorbell lolol....

12-03-2010, 09:05 AM	#15
joann1166 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Arab, AL, USA Posts: 1,117 Blog Entries: 1	Neither of mine are shy. When you pull up in the yard and get out you will think some big dogs are going to eat you alive with all the barking but once you step inside the door, your being bombarded with two yorkies jumping on your legs for attention and petting. If you sit down, get ready for both of them to be in your lap giving you kisses.... I warn everybody that comes to the house....lol __________________ Charlie & Natalie & Ollie