Yorkies for Newbies: A Guide to Owning Your First Dog

If you’re a first-time dog owner, you may be wondering which breed is best suited for you. One breed that often comes up in discussions is the Yorkie. These small dogs are known for their adorable looks and affectionate personalities, but are they a good fit for first-time owners?

The answer is yes, Yorkies can be a great choice for first-time dog owners. They are small and compact, making them a good option for those who live in small spaces. Additionally, they are generally low maintenance, only needing about 30 minutes of exercise per day. However, it’s important to do your research and understand the pros and cons of owning a Yorkie before making a decision.

According to the Dog Health Guide, Yorkies are active dogs that require plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are also known for being gentle and affectionate, making them a good choice for families with children. However, they can be prone to certain health issues, such as dental problems and hypoglycemia, so it’s important to stay on top of their healthcare needs.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Yorkie for First-Time Owners

Pros

Yorkies are great dogs for first-time owners. They are small, friendly, loyal, and loving companions that are perfect for those who live in apartments or small homes. They are also well-suited for families with small children.

Yorkies are generally healthy dogs, but like all pets, they require regular visits to the vet to maintain their health. They are low-shedding, which makes them ideal for people with allergies.

Yorkie looking up to woman for best dog food treats

Cons

One of the cons of owning a Yorkie is that they can have anxiety issues if not properly socialized. They can become territorial and bark excessively if they feel threatened.

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Another potential downside is that they can be high-maintenance dogs. They require regular grooming to keep their coats in good condition and need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.

woman giving strawberry to yorkie

Overall, Yorkies are great pets for first-time owners, but it’s important to consider the potential downsides before committing.

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Considerations for First-Time Dog Owners

If you’re a first-time dog owner considering a Yorkie, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, Yorkies are small dogs that require regular exercise, so make sure you have the time and energy to provide them with daily walks and playtime.

You should also consider the grooming needs of a Yorkie. Their long, silky coats require daily brushing and regular grooming appointments to avoid matting and tangling.

Another consideration is their temperament. Yorkies are known for being affectionate and loyal, but they can also be stubborn and independent. Consistent training and socialization are important to ensure your Yorkie is well-behaved and gets along with other dogs and people.

Finally, it’s important to consider the financial responsibility of owning a dog. In addition to the initial cost of purchasing or adopting a Yorkie, you’ll need to budget for food, supplies, vet bills, and grooming appointments.

Yorkies are low-maintenance dogs that only need about 30 minutes of walking exercise per day. However, it’s important to remember that every dog is different and may have unique needs.

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The Qualities of an Owner That Work Well With Yorkies

If you’re considering getting a Yorkshire Terrier as a first-time dog owner, there are certain qualities you should possess to ensure that you and your pet have a happy and healthy relationship. Here are some characteristics that work well with Yorkies:

  • Patience – Yorkies can be stubborn and difficult to train, so you need to be patient when teaching them new commands.
  • Consistency – Yorkies thrive on routine, so it’s important to establish consistent feeding, exercise, and training schedules.
  • Attention – Yorkies are social animals and require a lot of attention and affection from their owners. Be prepared to spend time playing and cuddling with your pet.
  • Gentleness – Yorkies are small and delicate, so you need to be gentle when handling them. Rough play or handling can cause injuries.

In addition to these qualities, it’s important to have a basic understanding of dog behavior and training techniques. You should also be willing to commit to regular grooming and veterinary care for your Yorkie.

According to AKC, Yorkies are adaptable and can adjust to various living situations, including apartments, as long as they get enough exercise and attention. If you possess the qualities listed above and are willing to provide your Yorkie with the care and attention they need, they can make great pets for first-time dog owners.

How to Find the Best Yorkie Puppy In the Litter for First-Time Owners

When looking for a Yorkie puppy, there are a few things that you should keep in mind to ensure that you get the best one for you and your family.

First, make sure that the puppy is healthy. Inspect the puppy’s fur, eyes, rear end, and ears. A healthy Yorkshire Terrier puppy will have clear eyes, a clear nose, a shiny coat, and clean ears. You can also ask the breeder for health certificates and vet records to ensure that the puppy has been properly cared for and is up-to-date on vaccinations.

Next, evaluate how the puppy acts when not surrounded by its siblings. A puppy that is curious, playful, and friendly is a good sign. You want a puppy that is confident and not afraid of people or new situations.

It’s also important to consider the puppy’s temperament. Yorkies are known for being loyal, affectionate, and energetic dogs. However, each puppy has its personality, so spend some time with the litter to see which one fits your lifestyle and preferences.

Finally, consider the puppy’s gender. Male Yorkies tend to be more affectionate and outgoing, while females are often more independent and territorial. However, this can vary from puppy to puppy, so it’s important to spend time with each one to determine which is the best fit for you.

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Remember, choosing a Yorkie puppy is an important decision that requires careful consideration. By following these tips and taking your time to find the right one, you can ensure that you and your new pet will have a long and happy life together.

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Ideal Yorkie Mixes for First-Time Owners

If you’re a first-time dog owner and considering a Yorkie, you may want to consider a Yorkie mix. Yorkie mixes are bred by crossing a Yorkshire Terrier with another breed. They are often more adaptable and easier to train, making them a great option for first-time owners.

Here are some ideal Yorkie mixes for first-time owners:

  • Corkie: A mix of a Yorkshire Terrier and a Cocker Spaniel. They are great for children and a good choice for families.
  • Pugshire: A mix of a Yorkshire Terrier and a Pug. They are playful and affectionate, making them a great choice for families.
  • Chorkie: A mix of a Yorkshire Terrier and a Chihuahua. They are loyal and protective, making them great as a watchdog.

Remember, when considering a Yorkie mix, it’s important to research the breed and its specific needs. Always make sure you are getting your dog from a reputable breeder or rescue organization.

Sources: Love Your Dog

Top Small Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners

If you’re a first-time dog owner and looking for a small dog breed, there are several options to choose from. Here are some of the best small dog breeds for first-time owners:

  1. Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie): These dogs are affectionate, intelligent, and loyal. They are a great choice for apartment living and don’t require much exercise.
  2. Bichon Frise: With their friendly and playful personalities, Bichon Frises are great family dogs. They are also hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for people with allergies.
  3. Havanese: These dogs are known for their happy and outgoing personalities. They are easy to train and make great companions.
  4. Pug: Pugs are friendly and affectionate dogs that love to be around people. They are low maintenance and do well in apartments.
  5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: These dogs are gentle and affectionate, making them great family pets. They are also adaptable and can do well in apartments or larger homes.

When choosing a dog breed, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and living situation. Do your research and make sure you choose a breed that fits your needs and personality.

FAQ

What do I need to know about owning a Yorkie?

If you are considering a Yorkthenhan there are a few things that you should know going in. First off, these dogs need a lot of attention and adults should not be left alone for more than 4 to 6 hours.

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If you have small children, they may not be a good fit with your dog, as Yorkies are fragile and children like to scoop them up and handle them. You can still get a Yorkie, of course, but visits need to be supervised until your children learn how to safely handle the dog.

Are Yorkies hard to potty train?

Yorkies are one the easier dogs to potty train. If you see your dog sniffing at the ground they likely are looking for a place to potty, so you should get them out immediately. Beyond this, a puppy can wait for one hour for every month they’ve been alive between potty breaks.

Schedule accordingly and always give your dog a treat when they potty outside and before you know it, your Yorkie will be potty trained!

How much do Yorkies cost?

Yorkies can run anywhere from as little as $300 to as high as $3000, depending on their color, trait, and their lineage. Breeders like to isolate specific traits and factors such as teacup size or exotic colors such as blue can cost you quite a bit.

If you look around, you can probably find one for between $300 and $800 and you might even be able to find a rescue Yorkie, so be patient with the process if the prices seem a bit steep and you’ll eventually find your new best friend!

Do Yorkies like to be held?

While they are tiny dogs, they are still dogs and get uncomfortable when they don’t have all four feet on the ground. If you want to hold your Yorkie, you need to be very gentle about it and you should bribe your dog with treats to help them forget that they are high up in the air, instead of on the ground.

You can get them used to this, but in all likelihood, you’ll be the only one they’ll trust to pick them up, so watch your dog closely if you have kids and teach them that picking up the Yorkie is off-limits!

Are girl or boy Yorkies better?

Female Yorkies are a little more independent and a little less excitable, while males tend to be a bit more playful and affectionate. This won’t hold with all male and female Yorkies, however.

It’s recommended that you visit the breeder on two different occasions and separate the pup you are considering from the other puppies. See how they behave and if it’s consistent on both days, you should have a good idea of their personality before taking them home.

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Does a Yorkie shed?

Yorkies shed, but not as much as other breeds, because they have hair instead of fur. They also have a lower amount of dander when compared to other breeds, making these dogs a possible perfect fit for would-be owners with allergies.

Just take some time to handle the puppy you are considering to be sure that they aren’t going to set off your allergies before taking them home.

Do Yorkies bark a lot?

Yorkie are very vocal little dogs, but you can train them out of it. Filling up a can halfway with pennies is one trick that you can use.  When your dog barks, shake the can and say ‘quiet’ in a firm, loud voice. When your dog quiets down, give them a treat, and repeat this process as necessary.

Over time your dog will learn that they sometimes get a treat if they respond to this command and that it makes you very happy when they do. This will result in a much quieter dog.