Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small dogs with big personalities. They’ve become a popular choice for many dog lovers, especially those living in apartments or cities. Their compact size and adorable appearance make them attractive pets, but like any breed, they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Before bringing a Yorkie into your home, it’s important to understand both the pros and cons of this breed to determine if they’re the right fit for your lifestyle. These little dogs are known for being hypoallergenic and requiring moderate exercise, which can be perfect for certain owners. However, they also have a “big dog” attitude that can surprise unprepared owners. I’ll explore these characteristics and more to help you make an informed decision about welcoming a Yorkie into your family.
Easy to carry and travel with
Yorkies are some of the most travel-friendly dogs I’ve ever known. At only 7 pounds on average, these tiny pups can easily fit in a carrier that slides under an airplane seat or sits on your lap during a car ride.
I love how portable Yorkies are compared to larger breeds. Their small size makes them perfect companions for people who live in apartments or those who travel frequently.
When I’m out running errands, my Yorkie can come along in a small carrier or even a specialized dog purse. This makes vet visits, trips to pet-friendly stores, and social outings much easier.
Yorkies don’t need much space in your home or vehicle. This makes them ideal for city living or for people who don’t want a dog that takes up half the backseat during road trips.
Many Yorkies enjoy being carried and staying close to their owners. Their small size means you can scoop them up quickly if you encounter a dangerous situation or aggressive dog while out walking.
Great for apartment living
Yorkies are perfect companions for apartment dwellers like me. Their tiny size means they don’t need a lot of space to be happy and healthy. At just 7-8 pounds when fully grown, these pint-sized pups can get plenty of exercise even in smaller living spaces.
I’ve found that Yorkies adapt extremely well to apartment life. They can burn off energy with indoor play sessions and short walks, unlike larger breeds that need yards to run in. Their small bladders do mean more frequent potty breaks, but even a quick trip downstairs works fine.
Another apartment-friendly aspect is their relatively quiet nature. While Yorkies can be barkers, they’re typically not as loud as larger dogs, and with proper training, they can learn when it’s appropriate to alert you to visitors.
Their minimal shedding is a huge plus for apartment living too. I don’t have to vacuum constantly, which my neighbors below surely appreciate! Most of their exercise needs can be met with interactive indoor play and brief walks around the block.
Yorkshire Terriers are content simply being near their owners in a cozy space. This makes them ideal for city dwellers in apartments where space comes at a premium. They’re just happy to be with their humans, whether in a mansion or a studio apartment.
Loyal and affectionate nature
Yorkies are incredibly loyal little dogs. I’ve noticed that once they bond with their owner, they form an attachment that’s truly heartwarming. They often pick their favorite person and stick by their side through thick and thin.
These tiny pups love showing affection. They’re known for carrying around stuffed toys in their mouths, which is their way of showing love and comfort.
Yorkies are also excellent cuddle buddies. They’ll happily curl up in your lap while you watch TV or work from home. I’ve found that most Yorkies need regular hugs and physical contact to feel secure and happy.
Despite their small size, Yorkies are very protective of their families. They’re not afraid to alert you to any potential threats, making them surprisingly good little watchdogs.
One challenge with their loyal nature is that Yorkies can develop separation anxiety. They become so attached to their owners that being alone can be stressful for them. This is something to consider if you work long hours away from home.
Their need for attention can sometimes be overwhelming. Even trying to attend a zoom class can be difficult with a Yorkie begging to sit in your lap!
Low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats
One of the biggest perks of owning a Yorkie is their wonderful coat. Yorkies have hair rather than fur, which means they shed much less than many other dog breeds. This makes them a great choice for people who hate finding dog hair all over their furniture and clothes.
Many people consider Yorkies to be hypoallergenic dogs. While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, their low-shedding coats produce fewer allergens that trigger reactions in sensitive people. I’ve noticed my friends with mild allergies can usually spend time with my Yorkie without problems.
Their special coat does require regular grooming though. I brush my Yorkie several times a week to prevent mats and tangles. Without proper care, their silky hair can become quite messy and uncomfortable for them.
If you decide to keep your Yorkie’s coat long and flowing, you’ll need to commit to daily brushing. Many owners opt for shorter “puppy cuts” that are much easier to maintain and still look adorable.
The trade-off is worth it in my opinion. I rarely need to vacuum dog hair, and my Yorkie’s beautiful coat is always complimented when we’re out for walks!
Highly intelligent and trainable
Yorkies are super smart little dogs. I’ve found that they pick up commands and tricks much faster than many other breeds. This makes training them a joy rather than a chore.
They love to learn new things and show off their skills. My Yorkie learned to sit, stay, and come within just a few days of consistent practice.
Their intelligence means they get bored easily though. I need to keep training sessions short and fun to maintain their interest.
Yorkies are eager to please their owners, which helps with training. When I praise my Yorkie for doing something right, he works even harder the next time.
I’ve discovered that positive reinforcement works best with these smart pups. Treats and affection go a long way in teaching them good behavior.
Their smart nature means they can sometimes be a bit stubborn too. If my Yorkie doesn’t see the point in doing something, he might decide it’s not worth his time!
Despite their tiny size, Yorkies can learn complex tricks and commands. I’ve been amazed at how my little guy can remember the names of different toys.
Energetic and playful attitude
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies as they’re affectionately called, are bundles of energy in tiny packages. Despite their small size, they have a surprising amount of energy that keeps them active throughout the day. I’ve noticed that Yorkies are always ready for playtime, making them entertaining companions.
Their playful nature means they’re always up for a game of fetch or tug-of-war. This endless energy can be a positive aspect of owning a Yorkie, especially if you enjoy an active pet that keeps you engaged and entertained.
However, this high energy level can sometimes be challenging. Yorkies need regular mental stimulation and exercise to prevent boredom and potential behavioral issues. Without proper outlets for their energy, they might become restless or develop unwanted habits.
I find that Yorkies don’t necessarily need long walks to burn off energy. Short play sessions throughout the day can be enough to keep them satisfied. Their size makes indoor play convenient, which is perfect for apartment living or during bad weather.
Their playful attitude extends to their watchdog tendencies too. Yorkies are alert and often bark to announce visitors or unusual sounds. This alertness comes from their terrier heritage and shows they take their job as your protector seriously.
Prone to barking frequently
Yorkies are known for their tendency to bark a lot. From my experience, these small dogs have big voices and aren’t afraid to use them! They often bark to alert their owners about visitors, strange noises, or other animals passing by.
I’ve noticed that Yorkies are naturally vigilant and will let you know about anything unusual happening around your home. While this makes them good watchdogs, it can sometimes become excessive without proper training.
Early training is essential if you want to manage a Yorkie’s barking habits. I’ve found that teaching them commands like “quiet” can help, but it takes consistency and patience.
When Yorkies are left alone too long, they can become bored or anxious, which often leads to more barking. I recommend giving them plenty of attention and exercise to help reduce this behavior.
If you live in an apartment or have close neighbors, a Yorkie’s frequent barking might cause some issues. I always suggest considering this aspect of their personality before bringing one home.
Can be territorial
Yorkshire Terriers, like many small dog breeds, can be quite territorial. Yorkies often bond deeply with their owners, leading them to protect what they see as their space and people.
This territorial behavior can show up in different ways. My Yorkie barks at strangers who come to our door and can be wary of new people until she gets to know them.
Sometimes this territoriality extends to other pets in the home. If you’re thinking about adding another dog or cat to your family, you’ll need to introduce them carefully to your Yorkie.
I’ve found that early socialization helps reduce territorial tendencies. Taking my Yorkie to dog parks and having friends visit has helped her understand not everyone is a threat.
Training is also important to manage territorial behavior. I use positive reinforcement to teach my Yorkie appropriate ways to react to new people and animals.
Despite their small size, Yorkies can be surprisingly bold when defending their territory. They don’t seem to realize how tiny they are when confronting much larger dogs!
High grooming maintenance
Owning a Yorkie means signing up for some serious grooming responsibilities. Their silky, long hair requires regular maintenance to keep it looking good and prevent mats. I’ve found that my Yorkie needs brushing several times a week at minimum.
The classic floor-length Yorkie coat is especially demanding. If you want to maintain that show-dog look, you’ll need to commit to daily brushing and regular trims. I spend about 20-30 minutes each time I groom my Yorkie.
Professional grooming can add up quickly too. Most Yorkies need a professional trim every 6-8 weeks, which can cost anywhere from $30-$70 each visit. I budget for this as a regular expense.
Many Yorkie owners opt for shorter “puppy cuts” to make maintenance more manageable. I tried this with my Yorkie and found it cut down grooming time significantly, though regular trims are still necessary.
Bathing is another part of Yorkie care. Their fine hair gets dirty easily, so they typically need bathing every 2-3 weeks. I always make sure to use dog-specific shampoo to protect their sensitive skin.
Face cleaning is a daily task with Yorkies. Food can get caught in their facial hair, and their eyes can develop tear stains that need regular cleaning. I keep special wipes just for this purpose.
Sensitive to rough handling
Yorkshire Terriers are tiny dogs with delicate bodies. I’ve noticed that Yorkies don’t do well with rough play or handling, which is something to consider if you have small children.
My Yorkie friend gets nervous when people are too physical with him. These small dogs can get hurt easily if squeezed too hard or dropped accidentally.
This sensitivity means Yorkies might not be the best choice for families with toddlers who don’t understand gentle touch yet. I’ve seen how quickly a Yorkie will retreat when they feel unsafe.
You’ll need to supervise any interactions between your Yorkie and children. I always make sure to teach visitors how to properly hold and pet my small dog.
Their delicate nature also means they can be injured during playtime with larger dogs. I’m always extra careful when my Yorkie meets bigger dog friends.
Not ideal for young children
When it comes to Yorkies and kids, I have some concerns. These tiny dogs are quite fragile and can easily get hurt during rough play.
Young children might not understand how to handle such a small pet gently. A Yorkie weighs only 4-7 pounds, making them vulnerable to accidental injuries if a child picks them up incorrectly or steps on them.
Yorkies can also be snappy when startled or handled roughly. They may nip at children who pull their hair or tail, which happens often with toddlers who don’t know better.
I’ve noticed that Yorkies tend to bond strongly with one person and may be less tolerant of unpredictable movements and loud noises typical of young children. This can lead to stress for both the dog and the child.
For families with kids under 8 years old, I usually recommend considering a sturdier breed. Yorkies usually do better in homes with older children who understand how to respect their space and handle them properly.
Can have knee and eye issues
Yorkies are adorable little dogs, but they do have some common health issues to be aware of. From my research, I’ve found that knee and eye problems are particularly common in this breed.
Knee issues in Yorkies often show up as patellar luxation, which is when the kneecap slips out of place. This can cause them to skip or hop when walking. It’s something I’ve seen in several small breeds, but Yorkies seem especially prone to it.
For their eyes, Yorkies can develop various conditions including cataracts, conjunctivitis, and progressive retinal atrophy. These eye problems can affect their vision and may require special care or treatment from a vet.
While Yorkies generally live long lives (11-15 years), these health issues are something to consider before bringing one home. I recommend setting aside some money for potential vet bills if you’re thinking about getting a Yorkie.
Regular vet check-ups can help catch these issues early. Early detection makes treatment easier and less expensive in many cases.
Known to be ‘big dog’ in attitude
Yorkshire Terriers have no idea they’re small. Despite their tiny size, Yorkies often act like they’re much bigger dogs. This trait is sometimes called “big dog syndrome.”
I’ve seen many Yorkies stand up to dogs three times their size without hesitation. They’ll bark at strangers and other animals with the confidence of a German Shepherd.
This bold personality means they don’t shy away from adventures. My friend’s Yorkie thinks he’s the boss of every dog park he visits!
While this confidence can be cute, it sometimes leads to trouble. Yorkies might pick fights they can’t win or try to boss around much larger dogs.
I recommend early socialization to help manage this bold attitude. Teaching your Yorkie proper boundaries helps them understand when their big personality should be toned down a bit.
Many Yorkie owners find this brave personality charming. It’s why so many people fall in love with the breed despite their small size.
Companionship for singles
As a single person, I find that Yorkies make excellent companions. They’re small enough to live comfortably in apartments or small spaces, which is perfect for single living.
Yorkies are known for their attachment to their owners. My Yorkie follows me from room to room and always wants to be where I am, which helps fight loneliness.
One big pro is how Yorkies don’t need a huge yard or tons of space to be happy. They get plenty of exercise just playing inside and taking short walks around the neighborhood.
They’re also great travel buddies! My Yorkie fits in a small carrier and can go almost anywhere with me. This makes it easier to maintain my social life while still being a responsible pet owner.
A potential con is that Yorkies can develop separation anxiety if left alone too often. They really do crave human interaction and may become destructive or vocal when lonely.
Yorkies are also quite protective despite their tiny size. Mine barks to alert me when someone approaches my door, which makes me feel safer living alone.
The bond with a Yorkie can be incredibly strong. I’ve found that having a Yorkie gives me someone to care for and receive affection from, creating a meaningful relationship in my daily life.
Requires consistent potty training
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, can be challenging to potty train. Many new Yorkie owners are surprised by how much time and patience this takes. These tiny pups have equally tiny bladders, which means they need to go out more frequently than larger breeds.
Yorkie owners may notice that Yorkies can be stubborn during the training process. They sometimes have a short attention span, making it hard to establish a consistent bathroom routine. This doesn’t mean they can’t be trained – just that it requires persistence.
I recommend creating a strict schedule for potty breaks when training a Yorkie. Taking them out first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bedtime helps build good habits.
Some Yorkie owners find success with pad training, which has its advantages. But I’ve noticed this method can make it harder to transition to outdoor potty habits later. It’s important to decide which approach works best for your lifestyle from the beginning.
With patience and consistency, most Yorkies can be successfully house trained. My Yorkie friends who have well-trained pups say the key was staying positive and offering lots of praise when their dog got it right.
