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Overview of the breed

If you are looking at getting a dog for the first time, you would do well to consider getting a Yorkie.  This breed is a pint-sized ball of big heart and affection.  It is no surprise that the Yorkie is the most popular breed in the United States.

Measuring only 8 – 9 inches tall fully grown, and weighing less than 7 pounds, this is the ideal companion dog for a person who lives in an apartment or a small home.

What are Yorkies like as pets?

Yorkies are devoted pets. They love to follow their owners around the home.  These are lap dogs and will want to be on the bed with you when you are there.

Puppy Petite recommends this as an ideal breed for a family with older children or for adult-only families or people who live alone.  A chaotic or noisy home is not a good environment for this breed.  They are highly sensitive and will not cope well in a home with babies or toddlers.  They also don’t take too kindly to being left alone for long periods of time.  They crave companionship and will be your shadow no matter where you move around your home.

The best environment for Yorkies

The ideal home for a Yorkie is reasonably quiet one with good routines. If you are a person who lives alone and needs a loving companion, Puppy Petite highly recommends this breed for you.  The most suitable home for a Yorkie is one where someone is home for a good deal of the day, as they do not like to be left alone for extended periods of time.

The Yorkie is not much of a yapper so it is unlikely that they would bark easily or persistently at everyday noises.  This is another reason they do well living in apartments because they are not disruptive or noisy.

General Health Considerations

Yorkies enjoy generally good health and have no inherent health issues specific to them. These are really small dogs. They weigh very little and they can be carried around in a shoulder bag carrier quite easily.

Caring for your Yorkie

If you are a person that is willing to fuss over your dog’s grooming or are willing to invest the expense of a regular grooming session at a doggy parlour, Puppy Petite recommends this breed for you.

They have a low tolerance for cold or hot weather.  You will need to ensure that your Yorkie has a warm place to sleep in winter (probably in the bed with you), and has a cool spot to chill out in the hot summer months.

Training and socializing

Puppy Petite only recommends this breed to potential owners who are willing to exercise their pet every day.  Yorkies are a high-energy breed.  They are usually quite playful. They need to work off some of that energy by going for long walks or for a run around a dog park.  If they are not given this opportunity daily they can get quite snappy and frustrated.

They adjust well to other dogs in their vicinity.  Including a Yorkie into your home when you already have other dogs should be relatively easy, but they may get jealous if they need to share a lap or bed with other dogs. House training this breed can be challenging and crate training is recommended as an alternative.

How to select a puppy from a litter or breeder

Puppy Petite prides itself on sourcing puppies from only the most conscientious and caring breeders.  Selecting your particular puppy is not only about choosing the physical attributes of the dog, but also assessing the character and nature of the puppy.  A puppy that is alert and responsive to being touched or played with would be a good choice.

It makes sense to see whether the puppy approaches you first as this will be a clear indicator of the puppy’s level of confidence.  Also, ask questions about the puppy’s parents and ask about their general health as it is common to see health issues filtering down the breeding line.

Your Commitment

The Yorkie breed has a lifespan of between 12 and 15 years.  This is not a short-term commitment. It needs to be taken into consideration when you are selecting your new companion.

Adding a new puppy to your home is the same as adding a new member of your family.  Your Yorkie pup will require the same level of attention you would give to a child.  The years of devoted companionship you are going to share with your Yorkie will be happy times for both of you, so take special care in choosing a pup.  It is a decision that should not be taken lightly. It is, after all, a new relationship you are forming and you are bringing a living being into your home that will rely completely on you to take care of all its needs.

In exchange, you will receive endless hours of playful, loving attention.