Advantages & Disadvantages of a Yorkie

The Yorkshire terrier was first developed during the 1800s in Yorkshire, England, after Scottish laborers came to the county in search of jobs. The workers brought with them a variety of medium-sized terriers which were crossbred with Maltese terriers, Skye terriers, and black and tan terriers. Breeders continued to cross the smallest from each breed, thus producing the Yorkshire terrier. If you are thinking of getting a Yorkshire terrier, this will be an undoubtedly exciting time for you and your family. However, while it is easy to recognize the advantages of owning a dog, it is also vital to consider the potential disadvantages, too.

  1. Personality

    • Yorkshire terriers have bundles of personality. They are very affectionate, loving dogs, and enjoy many cuddles with their owner. In an article for Your Pure Bred Puppy, Michelle Welton notes they are also very lively, inquisitive, smart and make very keen watchdogs.

    Other Pets

    • According to All About Yorkshire Terriers, Yorkies generally have no problems accepting other pets within the household. Yorkies tend to develop good relationships with other dog breeds and recognize the dominance of larger canines within the family. However, the website does warn owners not to leave their Yorkies alone with smaller animals within the home, such as birds and hamsters, due to the dog's primitive hunting nature.

    Other Advantages

    • The Yorkie does not require too much exercise, with a daily walk and some playtime generally satisfying the dog's exercise needs. Another attractive feature is the breed's size. Yorkies are small animals that do not take up much space, and they are easy to pick up and carry when necessary. Additionally, Yorkshire terriers shed very little, meaning they are a suitable breed for allergy sufferers.

    Social Issues

    • If not socialized correctly, a Yorkshire terrier can act suspicious towards strangers and be aggressive and bossy towards new dogs. According to Dog Breed Info Center, a Yorkie can also grow demanding and stubborn and "take over the home" if its owner overly babies it or does not assert his leadership. Additionally, unless trained properly from an early age, Yorkies tend to develop a shrill barking habit, and will raise their alarm when anyone approaches the house.

    Health and Fragility

    • Yorkshire terriers weigh between 3 and 7 pounds and are just 7 to 9 inches in height. Due to their small size, Yorkies are very fragile. Therefore they require regular supervision, and utmost care should be taken when transporting the breed. Yorkshire terriers should always be kept on leashes during walks. The breed can also be troubled by a number of health issues, including hip and joint issues, poor digestion, tooth decay and bone fractures.

    Other Disadvantages

    • Yorkies can be difficult to housebreak, although with patience and the correct training they will ultimately catch on. Yorkshire terriers also require a lot of grooming, and you should only consider the breed if you are willing to devote time to brushing and trimming the dog's coat. Finally, Yorkies are not recommended for families with younger children because the breed can be overwhelmed by a child's excitable antics, leading to stress in the dog.