yorky advice fast [Archive]

Mazie

06-04-2005, 02:30 PM

Do your research on yorkies. They are not hard to get because there are way too many back yard breeders - if you are getting one from the breeder do your homework on the breeder as well. One important thing to look for is to make sure they are not too big and not too small. There is no such thing as a "teacup yorkie" that's just a title people put on yorkies that are too small.

Okay, anyway, yorkies are terriers so they can be stubborn. They tend to be on the "talkative" side so if barking is a problem for you, this may not be your best bet. They do require regular grooming because they have hair not fur. you can keep them cut in a "puppy cut" and that you only have to cut once every month or two, but if you keep it long then you need to brush it at least every 2-3 days.

They are small dogs so they can get nippy of scared and it's easy for them to get hurt because they are so small.

I know it sounds like this is a terrible breed, but if you do your research and are consistent in your training they can be very fun little dogs.

wolfsoul

06-05-2005, 06:26 PM

I agree, be sure to do alot of research. Terriers are definatly not for everyone. They tend to bark alot, and yorkies are also one of the most common biters -- usually because their owners pamper them too much, and also because yorkies are small and therefore tend to suffer from "little dog syndrome" (they like to act tough in order to compensate for their small size). Terriers were originally (and often still are) bred to hunt and kill small animals. A yorkie should be socialised with small animals at an early age, but even still, instinct may take over and the yorkie might chase cats and kill small animals. They are fragile and so they aren't a good match for small or rambunctious children. They should not be pampered or they will become neurotic. They can also be very difficult to housebreak. They also need to be professionally groomed every 6-8 weeks. Are you willing to spend $50-100 every 6 weeks? They are also very prone to dental problems. Are you willing to brush your dog's teeth or take them in for professional cleaning?

Please don't go to a backyard breeder or pet shop for your yorkie. You will most likely get a dog with a terrible temperament and health. Yorkies are prone to patellar luxation, retinal atrophy, cataracts, von wildebrandts, retinal dysplasia, and a bunch of other things. If you go to a breeder, make sure that her dogs are CERF certified, and have their pattellas certified as well. Tested fro VW would be good to. Don't go to a breeder advertising for "teacup" or "undersized" yorkies. These tend to have lots of health problems and the breeder is deliberatly avoiding the breed standard. The breeder's dogs should be involved in some activity -- conformation, agility, canine therapy, obedience, etc. And the dogs should have pedigrees or else her dogs may be closely related and have inbred puppies. I recommend that you go to a shelter if you don't want to spend alot of money on the inital price -- yorkies are common puppy mill dogs and shelters often seize them. Don't go to a pet shop -- pet shop puppies come from puppy mills. Don't go to a backyard breeder just to save some money. You may buy the puppy for half the price but end up spending thousands on health care.

Yorkshire Terrier Rescue Network Inc in MN -- Dogs available (http://www.yorkshireterrierrescue.net/)
"Advice You can Trust" -- Great information on yorkies (http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/dogbreeds/yorkshireterriers.html)
Dog Breed Info -- Yorkshire Terrier (http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/yorkshireterrier.htm)
Yorkshire Terrier club of America (http://www.ytca.org/)
Yorkie FAQ (http://www.faqs.org/faqs/dogs-faq/breeds/yorkies/)
Teacup Yorkies (http://cbsnewyork.com/investigates/local_story_112201435.html)

This all might sound discouraging, but remember that every breed has it's problems and disadvantages. Figuring out what's right for YOU is what makes a breed's good points stand out.