If you’re considering adding a pet to your family, you might be wondering which breed is better for you – a Yorkie or a Poodle. Both breeds are popular and have their unique characteristics that make them great pets.
Yorkies and Poodles are small breeds that are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate personalities. They are both hypoallergenic and don’t shed much, making them great options for people with allergies. However, there are some differences between the two breeds that you should consider before making a decision.
According to Dog Learn, Poodles are generally easier to train and have a more even temperament than Yorkies. Yorkies, on the other hand, are more independent and can be more difficult to train. Additionally, Poodles have a higher energy level and require more exercise than Yorkies.
Table of Contents
- Yorkie VS Poodle Summary Table
- Yorkie VS Poodle Costs
- Physical Characteristics
- Ideal Owners
- Temperament
- Health and Care
- Top Features and Concerns of Both Breeds
- Yorkies are perfect apartment dogs
- Yorkies don’t need a lot of exercises
- Yorkies are overprotective
- Yorkies are difficult to housebreak
- Yorkies aren’t great with small children
- Poodles are great family dogs
- Poodles are easy to train
- Poodles get anxious when left alone
- Poodles require daily exercise
- Yorkies and poodles have hair instead of fur
- Conclusion
Yorkie VS Poodle Summary Table
If you are trying to decide between a Yorkie and a Poodle, it can be helpful to compare their characteristics side by side. Here is a summary table of some key differences:
| Characteristic | Yorkie | Poodle |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small to Medium |
| Coat | Silky, requires frequent grooming | Curly, requires professional grooming |
| Temperament | Feisty, loyal, can be stubborn | Intelligent, trainable, playful |
| Activity Level | Moderate | High |
| Shedding | Low | Low to none |
| Health Concerns | Patellar luxation, dental issues, hypoglycemia | Eye problems, hip dysplasia, skin allergies |
Both breeds are small and make great companions for apartment living.
Yorkies have silky coat that requires frequent grooming, while Poodles have curly coat that requires professional grooming. Yorkies can be feisty and stubborn, while Poodles are intelligent and playful.
Poodles have a higher activity level than Yorkies and require more exercise.
Both breeds are low-shedding, making them a good choice for people with allergies. However, both breeds are prone to certain health issues, so it’s important to choose a reputable breeder and schedule regular vet check-ups.
Yorkie VS Poodle Costs
When it comes to the cost of owning a Yorkie or Poodle, there are several factors to consider. The initial cost of purchasing a purebred puppy can vary depending on the breeder and location, but both breeds can be expensive.
The average cost of a Yorkie puppy is around $1,200 to $1,500, while the average cost of a Poodle puppy is around $1,500 to $2,500. However, prices can go much higher for show-quality dogs or dogs from well-known breeders.
Additionally, the cost of caring for a Yorkie or Poodle can vary depending on factors such as food, grooming, and veterinary care. Yorkies are known for their long, silky coats that require regular grooming, which can add up over time. Poodles also require regular grooming, but their curly, hypoallergenic coats are easier to maintain.
Overall, owning either a Yorkie or Poodle can be a significant financial commitment. It’s important to factor in all potential costs before making a decision.
Sources:
- American Kennel Club: Yorkshire Terrier
- American Kennel Club: Poodle
- PetGuide: Yorkshire Terrier
- PetGuide: Poodle
Physical Characteristics
Both Yorkies and Poodles are small dogs. Yorkies typically weigh around 7 pounds while Poodles can range from 6 to 70 pounds depending on the size.
Yorkies have a long, silky coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. On the other hand, Poodles have curly, hypoallergenic hair that requires professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks.
When it comes to grooming, Yorkies require more maintenance than Poodles. Yorkies also shed more than Poodles, but both breeds are considered hypoallergenic.
Overall, both breeds have their unique physical characteristics. Yorkies are small with long, silky hair while Poodles come in different sizes and have curly, hypoallergenic hair that requires professional grooming.
Sources: Dogell.com
Ideal Owners
If you are considering getting a Yorkie or Poodle, it’s important to know which breed is the best fit for your lifestyle. Both breeds are great for families, seniors, and individuals who live in apartments or small homes. However, some differences may make one breed more suitable for you.
If you are an active individual or family who enjoys outdoor activities, the Poodle may be the better choice. Poodles are more energetic and require more exercise than Yorkies. They also enjoy swimming and playing fetch, making them great companions for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
If you are looking for a dog that is easy to train and obedient, both breeds are great options. However, Poodles are known for their intelligence and trainability, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners. Yorkies can be stubborn and difficult to train, so they may require more patience and consistency.
If you have allergies or live with someone who does, both breeds are hypoallergenic and produce less dander than other breeds. However, Poodles have a thicker coat and may require more grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Overall, the best breed for you depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Consider your activity level, living situation, and grooming preferences before making a decision. Talk to breeders or visit local shelters to learn more about each breed and find the perfect match for you.
Sources: PetKeen
Temperament
If you’re looking for a dog with a great personality, both Yorkies and Poodles fit the bill. Yorkies are known for being affectionate and loyal, while Poodles are intelligent and playful.
When it comes to energy levels, both breeds have unique traits. Yorkies are high-energy dogs that require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. On the other hand, Poodles are also active dogs but tend to be more adaptable to different living situations.
Trainability is another important factor to consider when choosing between a Yorkie and Poodle. Poodles are easy to train and eager to please their owners, while Yorkies can be more stubborn and require consistent training to learn new commands.
Socialization is key to raising a well-behaved dog, and both breeds require early socialization to prevent behavior problems. Yorkies can be wary of strangers and other dogs, while Poodles tend to be more outgoing and friendly.
Overall, both Yorkies and Poodles are great choices for a loving and loyal companion. Your choice will depend on your lifestyle and preferences.
Health and Care
Common Health Issues
Both Yorkies and Poodles are generally healthy breeds, but they can still experience certain health issues. Yorkies can have issues with their joints, mainly the knees, while Poodles are prone to eye problems. Regular vet check-ups and early identification of any health issues can help prevent any serious problems.
Nutrition
Feeding your Yorkie or Poodle a well-balanced diet is crucial for their overall health. Choose a high-quality dry dog food that is formulated to meet their unique nutritional needs. Avoid giving them table scraps or too many treats, as this can lead to obesity and other health issues.
Exercise
Both Yorkies and Poodles require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Yorkies are high-energy dogs and need daily walks, while Poodles are more adaptable and can be satisfied with indoor playtime. Engage in interactive play with your dog to keep them mentally stimulated and happy. Regular grooming is also important for both breeds.
Yorkies and Poodles have hair instead of fur, which means they need regular brushing and trimming to prevent matting and tangling. Vaccinations and dental care are also important to keep your dog healthy and happy. Sources: – Pet Keen – American Kennel Club – American Kennel Club
Top Features and Concerns of Both Breeds
Yorkies are perfect apartment dogs
Yorkies are between 8 and 9 inches tall, according to ASPCA Pet Insurance. This means they don’t take up too much space and won’t crowd an apartment.
In addition, yorkies don’t need a big backyard because they don’t need to run around much. Most apartments don’t have a fenced-in yard for dogs, but that isn’t a problem with Yorkies.
However, Yorkies naturally bark a lot, which will be troublesome for apartment neighbors. If you want to have a Yorkie in an apartment, it’s important to train him to bark less.
Yorkies don’t need a lot of exercises
Small dogs don’t need as much exercise as big dogs do because they don’t need to burn as many calories to stay healthy.
All a Yorkie needs is two 20-minute walks a day to be at his healthiest. For most people, one walk in the morning and one walk in the evening is completely manageable.
Yorkies are overprotective
Yorkies get very attached to their owner. This can be a great thing and create a strong, rewarding bond.
However, the bond can turn sour when a Yorkie gets overprotective.
If not properly trained, yorkies will bark at or become violent toward anyone who gets too close to their owner.
This can cause a big problem when family and friends come over. If not controlled, the owner may not be able to have people visit their house at all. Or it may be dangerous to take the Yorkie out of the house.
Yorkies are difficult to housebreak
Small dogs in particular are hard to potty train. Their bladders are smaller so they aren’t able to hold it in as much.
According to Pet Helpful, there are several reasons that small dogs are more difficult to potty train. The four stand-out reasons are:
- Less motivation on the owner’s part because there isn’t as much to clean up after
- It’s harder to notice when a small dog is squatting to go potty
- It’s easier to miss their messes
- Owners often use crates that are too large
But with the right techniques, as well as patience and dedication, yorkies can be housetrained.
Yorkies aren’t great with small children
There’s a belief that Yorkies are great dogs for families, but they might not be the most suited if you have young children.
Yorkies are delicate and must be handled carefully. Children will need to learn how to handle a Yorkie so he doesn’t get hurt.
They also can get nippy while playing. Children must be fully educated on how to properly play with a Yorkie safely.
Despite all of this, yorkies can create incredible bonds with small children as long as all the right precautions are taken.
Poodles are great family dogs
There are many reasons that poodles are great family dogs.
To start, they are very affectionate. They like to snuggle and spend time with their owners.
Poodles are also very playful, so they’re a great fit for an active family or a family with kids.
While they have a lot of energy, poodles also know when to be gentle and loving based on the situation. They can read emotions very well.
Poodles are alert which makes them good guard dogs.
Lastly, they are incredibly loyal and will bond with you quickly.
If you have a family, poodles are an incredible choice of dog.
Poodles are easy to train
Poodles are easy to train for many reasons. According to Poodle Report, these reasons include:
- Intelligence
- Athleticism
- Loyalty
- Commitment
Poodles excel when they are trained and learning because they need to be stimulated. They also love to please their owners so they get a lot of satisfaction out of doing tricks.
Poodles get anxious when left alone
Poodles create strong bonds with their owners, which makes them incredible pets.
However, this bond can go awry if they get left alone for too long.
When left alone, poodles become incredibly anxious and even get destructive due to their anxiety. They can tear up anything from books to furniture when they’re apart from their owners for too long.
While you can’t stay out for hours regardless of what kind of dog you have, you especially can’t stay out for too long when you have a poodle.
It’s important to learn how to dog-proof your home when you need to leave. Get a gate to keep your poodle out of certain rooms, put all medication in drawers or cabinets, and don’t leave anything lying around that your poodle might get into.
Poodles require daily exercise
Poodles need a lot of exercises. This can either be a good thing or a bad thing.
If you’re an athletic person who goes on a lot of walks and hikes, a poodle could be a great dog for you.
Likewise, having a large yard with a fence is very beneficial for poodles so they can run around.
But living in an apartment likely won’t give poodles enough room to run around inside. Or if you work multiple jobs, you probably won’t have enough time to give your poodle enough exercise.
Yorkies and poodles have hair instead of fur
Dogs who have hair instead of fur don’t shed as much, but they will still shed a tiny bit of hair here and there. They are nearly hypoallergenic.
Yorkies and poodles also have less dandruff because they have hair instead of fur. People are allergic to dogs’ dandruff, not the fur itself.
However, hair keeps growing and doesn’t stop once it reaches a certain length. This means you need to keep up with grooming your Yorkie or poodle regularly.
Conclusion
Choosing between a Yorkie and a Poodle can be a tough decision. Both breeds have their pros and cons, and ultimately it comes down to your personal preferences and lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a small dog that’s hypoallergenic, intelligent, and affectionate, both breeds fit the bill. However, keep in mind that Yorkies are known to be more stubborn and independent, while Poodles are easier to train and groom.
If you have children, the Poodle may be a better choice as they tend to be more tolerant of kids. However, if you live alone and want a loyal companion, the Yorkie may be the perfect fit.
Ultimately, both breeds make great pets and it’s up to you to decide which one is the best fit for you and your lifestyle.
Sources: Dog Learn, Dogell, Dog Breeds 911, Hepper
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.
