Are you considering getting a Yorkshire Terrier for your pet? From its loving nature to its beautiful coat, someone would want to adopt a Yorkie for many reasons.
But before you do, you must understand Yorkies’ pros and cons.
Yorkies’ small stature and long coats make them ideal companions due to their ease of care and gentle demeanor.
However, like all dogs, they also have some unique characteristics that can challenge pet owners, such as excessive barking or fearfulness around strangers.
Whether you’re thinking of buying a Yorkie or have already adopted one, understanding both sides is a crucial step toward having a happy and successful relationship with your pup.
In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of Yorkies so you can decide if this pint-sized pup is right for you.
Pros of Owning Yorkies
1. Great Personality
Yorkies are among the most popular dog breeds; their appearance and personality make them even more attractive.
They have a unique look that stands out from other breeds. Although they are small, they have a big presence with their long coats, bows, and ponytails.
Yorkies’ coats come in various colors, such as black, tan, silver, and blue. Not only do they look adorable, but they also have an incredibly calm nature that makes them great companions for people of all ages.
Yorkies are very brave despite their small size. They are curious and courageous, which makes them the perfect pet for those who want an active companion. They love to explore new places and will always be up for an adventure.
Yorkies also have a strong bond with their owners, which is why they make such great family pets. They are loyal and affectionate, which makes them so lovable by everyone who meets them.
2. They are Hypoallergenic
One of Yorkies’ excellent pros is that they’re hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic dog breeds are less likely to trigger allergies in humans, although some may still be sensitive to them.
The intensity of the allergy is not as severe as it would be with other breeds.
Understanding how human allergies work is necessary to comprehend why Yorkies are hypoallergenic.
When an individual has an allergy to something, their body produces antibodies in contact with it. Saliva, dander, and fur can spread this protein in canines.
Yorkies have a double coat, like human hair, which helps reduce the number of allergens released into the air.
This makes them an ideal choice for people with allergies or asthma. They also require minimal grooming, which helps keep allergens at bay.
Yorkies do not shed much, reducing the risk of triggering an allergic reaction. All these factors make Yorkies an excellent choice for those looking for a hypoallergenic pet companion.
3. They are Harmless
Among the pros of Yorkies is that they can be a great source of joy and companionship.
However, they also come with their own set of responsibilities. One of the most important is ensuring your Yorkie won’t harm anyone.
Fortunately, this breed is gentle and friendly, so don’t worry about them turning aggressive or causing physical harm.
Your Yorkie may still jump on people or knock them over, but this is usually done out of excitement rather than malice.
If you train your pup to respect boundaries and not jump on people unexpectedly, you needn’t worry about them causing injuries.
With proper training and socialization, your Yorkshire Terrier will be a loving companion who won’t harm anyone.
4. Apartment-Friendly
Yorkies are ideal for those who live in apartments or tiny homes. They don’t need much space and can easily adjust to living in a smaller environment.
Yorkies also have relatively low maintenance when it comes to exercise. They don’t need long walks or runs but require regular activity to stay healthy and happy.
A few short walks around the block or play time in the backyard should be enough to keep your pup active and healthy.
5. Always on Alert
One of Yorkies’ pros is that they’re always on alert. People often underestimate their alertness, but they make excellent sentries.
They quickly become alert when they sense an intruder due to their intelligence and territorial nature.
This is a great benefit to have in a pet, as you’ll always be aware of potential intruders or visitors.
Their high-pitched bark is also hard to miss, making them even more effective at sounding the alarm.
The fact that Yorkies can act as an early warning system is comforting for many people who own them.
It’s reassuring to know that you’ll be alerted if anyone comes within twenty feet of your home or apartment.
So, even though Yorkies are generally too small to be considered primary guard dogs, they can still offer some protection benefits.
6. Travel-Friendly
Yorkies are the perfect breed for those who love to travel. Not only are they small and adaptable, but they’re also effortless to pack up and take with you.
Due to their small size, they can fit in most crates, making them the perfect item to bring on aircraft as hand luggage.
They’re also easy to pack into cars, which is excellent news for those without an SUV or other large vehicle.
You can put them on your lap or the seat next to you without worrying about these issues. This makes traveling with a Yorkie much easier than with larger breeds.
7. They are Intelligent
Yorkies’ intelligence is one of their many pros. They are incredibly alert and aware of their surroundings, making them excellent watchdogs.
Not only that, but they are also highly trainable and sensitive to subtle changes in mood.
Thus, they’re perfect for agility courses, as they can quickly learn tricks and easily navigate obstacles.
Yorkshire Terriers have an impressive learning capacity, making them an excellent choice for owners who want to teach their pups new things.
You can teach them basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel with relative ease.
You can teach your Yorkie more complex tricks like rolling over or playing dead with patience and consistency.
Their intelligence also allows them to quickly pick up on their owners’ cues and respond accordingly.
All in all, the brightness of the Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most endearing qualities that make it a great companion for any family.
Cons of Owning Yorkies
Though we’ll be looking at the pros and cons of Yorkies, the pros come first.
1. Intolerant With Other Dogs
Yorkies are bad with other dogs, and this is due to their possessive nature.
They think that the world revolves around them, and if they don’t get the attention they feel entitled to, they can become aggressive toward other animals, especially dogs.
This behavior is usually triggered when they perceive that another dog is taking away their owner’s attention from them.
Yorkies are tiny in size and cannot physically harm any other dog, but their aggression can still cause trouble if directed at a giant breed of dog.
It’s essential to understand why Yorkies behave this way so that you can take steps to prevent it from happening.
Training your pet to be more tolerant of other animals is essential if you want them to get along with other dogs.
It’s also important to ensure that your pet gets enough attention and love so that they don’t feel jealous or threatened by the presence of another animal.
You can help your Yorkie learn how to interact with other dogs positively with patience and understanding.
2. They Easily Get Injured
One of the cons of Yorkies is that they easily get injured. Yorkies are small, which can be both a blessing and a curse.
While they may be easier to carry around and take up less space in the home, their small size makes them more prone to accidents and injuries.
Yorkies are not made for roughhousing or being thrown around, as their fragile bodies cannot handle it.
This is especially true if small children in the house do not understand how delicate these dogs can be.
Another danger that Yorkies face is hiding in inconvenient places. Needing a cozy hiding place, they make their homes under blankets or furniture, often unnoticed until it’s’ too late.
Owners should always watch their Yorkie and ensure they don’t get into dangerous situations.
3. Hard to Train
House training a Yorkshire terrier can be difficult for many owners. This is mainly due to their small body size, which means they have small bladders and cannot hold urine for long periods.
As a result, it is common to see more bathroom accidents with Yorkies than with other breeds.
Additionally, these dogs are not very good at giving warning signals when they need to go outside, making it hard for owners to anticipate when to take them out.
Some owners find the high maintenance required for housetraining Yorkies frustrating. Successful training requires patience and consistency.
So, you must establish a routine and stick with it for the dog to learn the desired behavior.
Positive reinforcement techniques such as treats or praise are also beneficial in helping the dog understand what is expected of them.
With enough dedication and effort, you can successfully achieve house training for a Yorkshire terrier!
4. Frequent Health Issues
Yorkshire terriers are a beloved breed of small dogs, but unfortunately, they come with health problems.
One of the most common issues Yorkies face is hypoglycemia, which is caused by low blood sugar levels.
This can be especially dangerous for puppies, leading to seizures and even death if not treated quickly.
Hypoglycemia can also affect adult Yorkies, so checking for any signs or symptoms is essential.
In addition to hypoglycemia, Yorkshire terriers have weaker immune systems than other breeds, making them more prone to illnesses and infections.
Ensuring your Yorkie gets regular checkups and vaccinations is essential to keep them healthy and happy.
So, if you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior or appetite, it’s best to take them to the vet right away, as these could be signs of a more severe health issue.
With proper care and attention, your Yorkshire terrier can live a long and healthy life despite their persistent health problems.
5. They Hate to be Alone
One of Yorkies’ cons is that they hate being alone. They love to be the center of attention and don’t do well when left alone.
They can become bored and anxious without someone around, leading to destructive behaviors like barking, going to the bathroom indoors, or scratching at furniture.
This can be a significant problem for people who don’t have the option to stay home all day with their pets.
What most people do is get two Yorkshire terriers for companionship. Then, they raise them together from a young age, hoping they’ll adjust and socialize with each other’s company.
However, it’s important to note that Yorkshire doesn’t do well with other dogs, so this isn’t an option if you’re looking for companionship while away.
6. Persistent Grooming
Yorkshire terriers have long, silky coats that require regular grooming. This includes brushing and combing their fur twice weekly to prevent tangles and mats.
It would help if you also bathed them regularly to keep their coat clean and healthy.
Additionally, Yorkies must have their nails trimmed every few weeks and their ears cleaned regularly to prevent infections.
All these can be time-consuming and expensive, so it’s essential to consider if you have the resources to properly care for a Yorkie before getting one.
