The Yorkshire Terrier, more commonly known as the Yorkie, is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States today. Their small size makes them perfect for apartments or smaller homes and their general temperament makes them ideal for people who don’t have a lot of time to devote to walking or training their dog on a daily basis. However, there are some things you should know before buying your own Yorkshire Terrier that you may not be aware of if you aren’t experienced with the breed. Here are some things to consider first before making the decision to buy your own Yorkie.
Commitment
Because these dogs can live up to 18 years, you need to consider how much time and attention you’re willing or able to give one. Yorkies are definitely not for everyone—and that includes families with children or people who work long hours. Their big personalities and super-high energy levels mean they require lots of interaction—both physical (daily walks) and mental (training, playtime). If you have time on your hands but little interest in constantly playing with your dog, get another breed instead.
The Right Breeder
If you’re serious about getting a Yorkie, it’s important to find a good breeder. A good breeder will be able to tell you which genetic diseases your dog might inherit and how likely they are, as well as provide paperwork that shows all of your pup’s family history.
Your Dog Is Not a Toy
The best-case scenario when it comes to play is that your dog will expend extra energy in a safe way. The worst-case scenario is that he’ll injure himself, or worse, someone else. If you have kids, make sure they know how to interact with dogs and follow basic safety precautions. Otherwise, Yorkies may become defensive and begin to bite when they feel threatened by kids who aren’t taking their cues from adults.
A Note About Designer Dogs
Designer dogs is a term used to describe designer dog breeds that are created through selective breeding of two other purebred dog breeds. Designer dogs, such as Yorkies and French Bulldogs, have become increasingly popular in recent years, but they still come with certain health issues that aren’t found in regular dog breeds.
Puppy Proofing and House Training
It’s essential that you do your homework before bringing home your new pup. In addition to picking up necessities like food, treats, toys and grooming tools, there are some other things you need for your pup’s well-being—things like puppy-proofing equipment and house training supplies. Dog gates are great at keeping your dog in one room while you’re not supervising him. Training pads make accidents easier to clean up.
How Much Does Yorkie Cost?
Yorkies aren’t usually cheap dogs to own. The AKC estimates that you’ll need around $1,000-$1,400 for a Yorkie puppy, though many breeders charge much more.
Yorkies are Not Suitable for Apartment Living
Most Yorkies are tiny—that’s part of their charm—but that also means they need plenty of exercise and space. Even though Yorkies can be perfectly happy living in an apartment, if you live in an apartment it’s important to have other ways for your Yorkie to get exercise; otherwise, he or she might develop some behavior problems, including excessive barking and chewing.
What Kind of Responsibilities Do You Have?
Do you have time for a dog? Do you have enough space in your home for it to get plenty of exercise and roam free? There’s no sense getting yourself into something that doesn’t fit your lifestyle. The best way to know if you’re up for all that comes with pet ownership is by asking yourself these questions, and being honest about your answers.
Accommodate Your Dog’s Personality Type
Owning a yorkie isn’t for everyone. These tiny dogs can be very energetic and need plenty of exercise and stimulation to prevent boredom, according to Dog Channel. The breed’s high energy level can also make them challenging for first-time owners. If you’re looking for a dog who loves nothing more than hanging out with his owner all day, look elsewhere—the yorkie is not that kind of dog.
How to Select the Perfect Pet For You
As with most life-changing decisions, you want to approach getting a pet from as rational of an angle as possible. So before you go shopping for your new family member, whether it is a The Yorkshire Terrier or another breed, take stock of what you’re looking for and what might work best in your situation.