Reasons Not to Get a Yorkie

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So, you’re thinking about getting a Yorkshire Terrier, huh? Well, they are super cute, no one’s denying that. But there’s a lot to think about before you bring one of these fluffy little guys home.

You may think that I don’t like Yorkies but nothing can be further from the truth. They have been my favorite breed since I was a child. I was a breeder in the 80’s along with showing them in dog shows.

I adore Yorkies. But I want to make sure they have the best home possible and that first-time prospective pet parents know what they are getting into before getting their first Yorkie.

They’re not just cute faces, they’re high-maintenance companions with some unique needs. Let’s run through some of the reasons why a Yorkie might not be your perfect match.

They’re Not For Every Home

While small dogs like Yorkies might seem perfect for apartment living, these lively little dudes need more space than you’d think. Plus, they’re super attached and demand lots of attention.

Can’t give them enough of your time? Then a Yorkie might not be your best choice. Also, they’re a bit possessive and don’t always play well with other pets. Your adorable Yorkie could turn into a tiny terror with other pets around.

They Don’t Like Rough Play

Yorkies are a little sensitive. They’re not fans of roughhousing and can get snappy if they feel mishandled. Got kids or other pets who play a little too roughly? You may want to reconsider the Yorkie.

Not Good With Young Children

This brings us to our next point. If you have children under the age of 9, you might want to choose a different breed. Yorkies don’t do well with small children. Because Yorkies are so small, they face a real chance of being injured by young kids who tend to play too rough and do not understand how to be gentle with tiny dogs.

Housebreaking?

Getting them to do their business outside can be tough. They pick up tricks like pros but potty training? Yeah, it’s a whole different ball game. You’ve gotta be ready for patience and persistence.

This post will help you more with housetraining a Yorkie.

Small Dog Syndrome? They’ve Got It

Yorkies seem to think they’re big dogs stuck in a small dog’s body, also known as small dog syndrome. They’re not afraid to take on larger animals or even people, which can be problematic when living with other pets or going on walks.

They’re Not Fond of the Cold

Yorkies don’t have an undercoat to keep them warm, so when the temperature drops, they’re not eager to step out.

The High-Maintenance Hair

You know those dogs that always look like they’ve stepped out of a salon? That’s a Yorkie for you. But all that gorgeous hair needs daily brushing and regular trims. If you slack off, your Yorkie’s hair could mat and tangle, which hurts and could cause skin infections.

Watch Where You Step!

Unfortunately, small dogs like Yorkies often end up underfoot, which can lead to some pretty scary accidents. They’re fond of snuggling up in warm places like under blankets or cushions, which increases the risk of mishaps.

They’re Not Exactly Guard Dogs

Don’t let their territorial attitude fool you, Yorkies make terrible guard dogs. They’ll bark their heads off, but let’s face it, they’re just not that scary.

On the upside though, they do make good watchdogs. They will definitely warn you is something or someone comes into your house uninvited.

A Bunch of Health Issues

For such tiny pups, Yorkies sure do come with a lot of potential health problems. From dental issues to liver shunts, bladder stones, and more, caring for a Yorkie’s health can be quite a task.

Stubborn? You Bet

Yorkies are intelligent, no question there. But they’re also pretty darn stubborn, which can make training a bit of a headache. You might even need to hire a pro, which can add to the expenses.

Lifespan

Ready to commit? Yorkies can stick around for 13-16 years, sometimes even longer with top-notch care. That’s a good thing because we want our fur babies with us as long as possible.

Just be aware. This is a long-term commitment, and you should be prepared to provide care and companionship for the entirety of their life.

Exercise Needs

Despite their small size, Yorkies pack a punch in the energy department. They’ll need daily walks (although they should be somewhat short walks) and playtime to keep them fit and happy.

Diet

Yorkies can be a little sensitive in the tummy department. They do best on high-quality, small-breed food that’s made specifically for their delicate stomachs.

Separation Anxiety

Yorkies get super attached to their humans. Leave them alone for too long and they might get a case of the blues.

Noise Level

Got neighbors that live close to you? Then you might wanna think twice. Yorkies love to chat… a lot. They’ll bark at anything that moves or doesn’t.

The Expense

Fancy getting a Yorkie? Make sure your wallet can handle it. They’re not cheap to buy, and their grooming, vet, and food costs can really add up.

Training

Yorkies are smart cookies, but they’re also stubborn. You’ll need a good dose of patience and a sprinkle of consistency to train these little guys effectively.

In a Nutshell

So, yeah, Yorkies are super cute and all, but getting one isn’t a decision to make lightly. They need a lot of care, attention, and time, and they’re not always the best match for homes with other pets.

But if you’re up for the challenge, go for it! I think they are definitely worth the effort. They are special little dogs and make great companions. Just remember, it’s a long-term commitment.