Yorkies...?

Question

At first my family wanted a mutt, a yorkie/shih-ztu mix, but was told that that mix is unpredictable, and that we can't really depend on them to be the same as another one we may have seen, so we've settled on researching yorkies.

So, what are yorkies like?

Are they easy to train, are they loving and playful?

Would they be good for a family of four, with a twelve year old and a fifteen year old that have friends over often?

Are they territorial?

Do they have tendencies to be timid or social,

and are they okay with littler kids?

(We have very small cousins that visit sometimes, and we often have get togethers for our church, and their are a lot of little kids that come with their families.)

Answer 1

I have a Yorkie (and 2 other mixed breed dogs). While its true, you can't exactly predict how a mixed breed dog will behave...you can't predict exactly how a pure bred dog will behave either. Each dog has its own personality and will react according to how you have conditioned the dog--and how it reacts just based on itself. If you initially wanted a Yorkie-Tzu, then research both breeds, if all of the characteristics of both breeds seem like they would work for your family, then the cross should be a pretty good fit.

So, I'll give you my experience with Yorkies and answer your questions above.

1. They are lovable and sometimes playful (depends on the individual dog). Mattie (our 6 yr old female) does not really play with toys or other dogs. Her idea of playing is to bark at our other 2 dogs when they are playing. She does like bones and treats though. Until 2 yrs ago, we had a second Yorkie--Buster--Mattie's half brother. He on the other hand was very playful and loved to play with his balls and stuffed toys. He would run around the house full blast, 100-miles an hour. So its hard to say if your puppy will want to play with toys. These guys shared a father and had very different personalities.

2. Yorkies are NOT easy to train. They are stubborn and since they are so small, house breaking can be a challenge. Even at 6 yrs old, if we leave Mattie alone too long (or just make her mad by not taking her with us) she will have accidents in the house. Also since she is so small, she gets away with bad behaivor that our 90lb German Shepard would never get away with (like jumping on people and not sitting to get her treats). Its easy to get lax on proper training and behaivor with the little guys.

3. I think Yorkies are great pets and since your kids are older...you should be fine. However, they tend to be timid around people they don't know--it seems that Mattie is shy until she knows that the new people won't step on her. Also she does NOT like little kids. She doesn't set out to eat them, but we had freinds of ours chase her around when she was younger because "she was so cute". She was a bit tramatized by it, so now she just avoids everyone under the 3-foot mark. So you need to watch younger kids with such small dogs. They are easy to hurt (by just doing things that you typically do with bigger dogs).

4. I think all dogs are territorial to an extent. Mattie barks at other dogs and wildlife on the other side of our fence. But, I think she feeds off of the German Shepard on this. He is very territorial and thinks that he should be the only dog within visual range (except for our other 2 dogs of course).

I hope this helps some. Again this is just my experience with Yorkies. I love the breed and think that they are wonderful little dogs. Also, if you are going to get a full bred dog...PLEASE use a repretable breeder. (Don't buy one at a pet store or from a backyard breeder). A little bit of research on the breeders in your area will go far in ensuring the health of not only your dog...but the dogs parents. Also, when you are interviewing breeders, ask if any of the parentage/other related dogs were diagnosed with Necroencephalitis. This is a horrible disease that our dog Buster had. Its a genetic disorder that may run in families (so we worry about Mattie). This disease is always fatal and it is terrible. So...just ask the breeder about it. If they've had issues, then you may want to look into other breed lines.

Also, unless there is a really good reason not to, go to your local rescue society and adopt a dog that needs a good home. There are even rescue societies that specialize in specific breeds (there are SEVERAL Yorkie rescue groups). This way you help save a dog's life and you get an amazing addition to you family. 2 of our 3 dogs are rescues...and I think they know that you saved them and they seem to give a little extra back.

Answer 2

You really shouldn't buy a dog based on breed traits. I have seen calm dalmations. I have a friend with the most submissive, friendly pitbull you will ever meet. If a burgler came in she would prolly lick him instead of bite. There is someone down the street from me that has a super agressive lab.

No matter what dog you get, they can all have the above unwanted traits. Make sure that you bring a child with you to see the dog, which will quickly allow you to judge how they respond to children. Most dogs can be trained, and at puppy age it isn't always easy, but with obedience school it can be done!

As for territorial, males are often more territorial than females.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Go to the Yorkie experts: The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America

http://www.ytca.org/

If the information you need is not on their site, you can contact them and ask questions.

You can also attend the next dog show in your area. Most shows have yorkies entered, so you can meet them in person and talk to the owners/breeders.

Answer 4

yorkies are cute little and get along very well with people.i think they are easy to train but i do know that they are loving and playful.yes they can be very comfortable with that once they get to know them more they will jump on them play with them ONCE THEY GET TO KNOW YOUR FRIENDS.i really don't know if they are territorial. i think they do have tendencies.yes especially with little kids my cousins next door neighbors have 2 yorkies and a golden retriever but they are good with little kids. this alllllllll depends on your dogs personality and how you treat them. love ya ~muahz~

Answer 5

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