Yorkshire terriers are adorable, but do they make good pets?

Yorkshire terriers are some of the most popular dogs worldwide. There are numerous reasons for their desirability. Though they are attractive, they also come with a few quirks that some may find intolerable. Stay with us for an in-depth discussion about Yorkie ownership, along with the pros and cons.

Let’s discuss the positives first.

Reasons Yorkshire terriers make good pets

Yorkies are delightful as pets. There are various mental, physical, and emotional advantages to pet a Yorkie of your own. Like many other animals, before buying a Yorkie,  you may be wondering are Yorkies good family dogs? So, without droning on any further, here are reasons why Yorkies make great pets.

Capable of creating solid bonds with their owners

Most of us keep pets for affection and companionship. Yorkies tend to form intense bonds with their owners. They have sweet temperaments and readily reciprocate attention and affection of any kind from their owners. When a Yorkie loves its owner, it will tend to keep its attention focused on them and follow their every move.

Small and easily manageable

The small size of the Yorkie makes it easy to handle and control. Only about eight inches tall and weighing around seven pounds, Yorkies are one of the smallest breeds and settle well into smaller residences like apartments and condos.

More adaptable than other breeds

One of the most desirable traits of a dog that Yorkies have in abundance is adaptability. They easily adjust to new surroundings and new situations. They generally do not have issues with relocating or moving with their owner.

Intelligent and responsive

Commonly, smaller pets are not renowned for their intelligence. However, Yorkshire Terriers are the exception to this rule. They respond to commands quickly and can be trained easily. Yorkies can hold their own in rally, obedience, and agility competitions, even as small as they are. 

Require less physical activity than other dogs

Every pet needs a certain amount of exercise every day. This can be difficult for working owners with larger breeds. However, the Yorkshire Terrier does not require extensive exercise or large areas to run in. Short walks or quick play sessions such as chasing toys around the house or yard are enough to keep them healthy and active.

Require less food than most dogs

Unlike big dogs such as German shepherds, Huskies, and Great Danes, Yorkshire terriers require tiny amounts of food. In addition to that, their treats are much more economical.

Minimal shedding and no drooling

One of the common complaints of dog owners is that their dogs shed or drool a lot. Some of them do both! Well, Yorkies do not require regular brushing or grooming. Their coat is made of hair rather than fur; they shed about as much as humans do, which is easily manageable.

Less risky for people with allergies

Since Yorkies have hair rather than fur, they are quite hypoallergenic. So if you or someone in your family is allergic to pets, Yorkshire Terriers might be a good option for you.

Great watchdogs

When we think about a watchdog, naturally, we assume something big and intimidating. Surprisingly, the small Yorkie can also be a great watchdog. They are attentive, curious, protective, and alert, which makes them a perfect watchdog. Yorkies are always on the alert for anything suspicious.

Long lifespan

The death of a pet is a great sorrow for any owner. Most people want their loving companion to live as long as possible. Yorkshire terriers have a lifespan of approximately 12 to 15 years, while most other breeds live for 10 to 13 years.

Enthusiastic and entertaining

No one can deny the cuteness of the Yorkshire Terrier. From their big round eyes to their button noses, they are almost irresistibly adorable. Some of them also have long hair, which lends itself to creative hairstyling, too! In addition to that, being naturally energetic and inquisitive, Yorkies are always up for trying new activities and playing games.

Factors to consider before getting a Yorkshire Terrier

Though Yorkshire Terriers make great pets, some factors may not work well with your family.

Not always good with children

Small children are often drawn to dogs and want to play with them. However, these tiny dogs can easily become aggressive if they feel threatened. So be very careful when introducing a child younger than five to a Yorkie. 

Not really the best watchdogs

We have said that Yorkies can make great watchdogs. However, let’s face it, they may think they are big and scary, but at the end of the day, they are still tiny and not particularly dangerous. Nevertheless, they can make a great deal of noise and alert you to suspicious activity.

Frequent grooming to keep coats shiny

Yorkshire terriers may not shed fur like other dogs, but they need to be groomed regularly to keep their coat beautiful and shiny. Their coat is similar to human hair, so you should treat it as such. Grooming will require less time if you keep the hair short. However, every pet needs some time for cleaning or grooming, and Yorkies are also no exception.

Bark loudly and frequently

Whether you consider it a good thing or a bad thing, Yorkies can be quite loud. It makes them effective watchdogs, but this breed may not be for you if you do not like noise. They can be taught to bark less and stay calm, but they are prone to excitability and barking by nature.

Require constant attention

If you work long hours and live alone, you should not get a Yorkshire Terrier. They bond strongly with their owners and get anxious if they are left alone for long periods. This can lead to constant barking and destructive chewing.

Prone to dental problems

Though Yorkies are generally quite healthy, they are prone to develop oral diseases and teeth issues. You can help avoid problems by regularly brushing your Yorkie’s teeth. Feeding your dog dry food instead of wet or canned food can help prevent dental problems.

Yorkshire terriers make great pets

Yorkies are beautiful, protective, loyal, compact, adaptable, and intelligent. They come with hypoallergenic coats and, in general, are easy to care for. With so many good qualities, not to mention their unconditional love and affection, you will never feel alone with one of these adorable dogs by your side. 

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