What is a Yorkie?
a typical Yorkie

A Yorkie is just like every other dog, right?  NO!

Not every family is right for every breed of dog.  Yorkies are special.  Answer some of the following questions to see if YOU are the right family for a Yorkie.  Be HONEST!

  • Have you owned and paid the bills for a dog of your own before?"
  • Would you allow the dog on your furniture and bed?
  • Would you have time to play with and train a dog, you are not gone more than four hours at a time?  
  • Do you love your carpeting?
  • Do you have small children?
  • Would you take the dog to an obedience class?
  • Would you have time to groom the dog and brush its teeth?

You have to do some research about the breed.  Ask yourself WHY you want a Yorkie.

Here is some general information to help:

  • Yorkies range in size from 2 lbs. to 20 lbs.  Yes!  20 lbs.!
  • Some Yorkies are larger and some are smaller but there is no such thing as a “teacup” Yorkie!
  • Yorkies are terriers—stubborn and bull headed.  They have a mind of their own.  They can be domineering.  Yorkies will rule the home if not disciplined.
  • They often do not like men (large and frightening), small children (these are seen as prey animals), or other dogs (seen as competition for owner’s affection).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ngzV80LayeY 

These dogs were bred to face down cornered rats and kill them—they have no fear—even of large dogs which can mean death or injury to the Yorkie if they are not closely supervised outdoors.  Also, an electric fence will not keep out a large dog intent on getting at your Yorkie or someone trying to steal him.  Plus if he runs through the fence, he cannot get back home without being shocked.

Now for the most important caution:  Yorkies are nearly impossible to housebreak!  Read that three times.  Will this issue come between you and your Yorkie?  Where can you keep and interact with your Yorkie so that both you and your dog are happy?

Do your homework on Yorkshire Terriers.  There are little books available on care and training at stores like Petco.  Ask Yorkie owners questions about their dogs; ask good breeders (not the backyard breeders down the street) and veterinarians.  Find out all you can about your future companion.  Make sure you are informed and ready to adopt.

Remember, our dogs have lost everything, their home, family, even their name, at least once.  We don’t want them to bounce from rescue to a home and back again.  We want to be sure you know what you are asking for, before you take one of our Yorkies.

IF YOU ARE SURE THIS IS THE BREED FOR YOUR FAMILY, (no small children; these dogs are not good with children) and are eager to adopt an adult Yorkie who needs a loving, understanding, home, please click on the website below.  This article guides you through the first seven days of “Adopting a Shelter Dog,”  http://www.dogfencediy.com/rescue-dog/

With seven simple lessons, it helps you to ease the transition from shelter life to home life for you and your dog.

Think You’re Ready for a Dog? 11 Questions to Ask Yourself First

by  June 3, 2015
Adopting a pup is a beautiful and rewarding experience that’s not without its fair share of challenges. Deciding if you’re ready for the responsibility of owning a dog and understanding what kind of dog is right for your lifestyle is an important step. Before you bring a new a dog into your home, take a moment to ask yourself the following questions.

1: What do you hope to get out of the relationship?

Looking for a four-legged couch potato to cuddle is a lot different than seeking a high-energy dog to run marathons with! Zeroing in on why you really want a dog will help you determine which breeds will best fit best your lifestyle.

2: What’s your stance on exercise?

Dogs come in many shapes, sizes, and energy levels, so we recommend doing your research on breeds and breed mixes. Some need a few hours of hardcore exercise daily while others are content with a walk or two around the block. How much time you plan to devote to exercising your pup will be a huge factor when it comes to settling on a breed or mix. You want a pooch that can keep up with you—and vice versa!

3: Are you ready for the long-term commitment?

Owning a dog can mean missing out on after-work activities, having to leave evening outings early, and taking fewer spontaneous trips. While most pet parents adapt quickly to this, a shift in one’s social and work life is an important aspect to consider.

 

4: Do you have time to devote to proper training?

Whether you’ve adopted a 8-week-old puppy or a senior dog, setting aside time to train your pup is key in strengthening your overall relationship and ensuring you have a well-mannered, trustworthy pup. Adult and senior pups tend to need less training; puppies might require up to a few hours a day of diligent coaching for the first few months (but we promise it’s worth it)!

5: Are you ready for the financial responsibility?

Keep in mind that the average American household spends around $636 a year on their dog**. This doesn’t include unexpected expenses like vet bills, pet sitters, and springing for that really cute doghouse that looks just like your dream house. Also, certain breeds require more grooming than others which can set you back a few hundred dollars a year.

6: Do you have time to spend time with your dog every day?

Owning a dog can be a big time commitment and, while it varies from breed to breed, most pups need at least a few hours of daily exercise and/or companionship. If your current schedule doesn’t allow for this, make sure you can make adjustments to fit in quality time before bringing home a four-legged friend.

7: How much destruction will you put up with at home?

Puppies are notorious for the damage they can wreak while they’re teething, and highly intelligent dogs like Border Collies and German Shorthaired Pointers can get very destructive when they’re bored. If your tolerance for potential damage is low, think about adopting a more mellow breed like a Havanese or Great Dane, or an adult or senior pup.

8: Is your family, partner, or roommate also ready for a dog?

Getting a pet directly affects everyone in the house. Make sure to have frank conversations with them about what their expectations are.

9: Do you have support from your community?

It takes a village to raise a pup and you’ll want to make sure to have the support you need. From finding the perfect pet sitter when you’re out of town to seeking out a trustworthy neighbors to pitch in when you’re getting home late, having a supportive community makes dog ownership a much more enjoyable experience.

 

10: What will your life be like in 5 years? 10 years?

Currently, you may have plenty of time to devote to a pup. But what does your next decade have in store? Though we can’t perfectly predict what life will bring, if you’re planning on moving internationally, having children, or considering other big life changes, it’s important to think about what kind of dog would fit into your current and future plans.

11: If you already have a pet, will they be able to accept the new pup?

Does your current dog have have a history of loving one another, even cats and dogs are able to coexist nicely.

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Written by Priscilla Liang