There comes a point in any family’s life where they will need to make a decision about owning a pet. We all know how kids beg their parents to buy them one. Most of the time, parents gravitate to dogs as pets.

With the different breeds out there, it could be hard to decide what kind of dog to bring to the family. If you are keen to bring a Yorkie to your household then naturally you will ask “are Yorkies good family dogs?”

In all honesty, this question can be answered with both positive and negative sides. We will enumerate below the traits that make up a Yorkshire terrier, and by the end of this article, you will have a pretty good insight into this dog breed.

What is a Yorkie?

Yorkshire terriers or Yorkies as they are fondly called is a small-sized breed of dog. They originated in Yorkshire, England, hence the name.

In terms of weight, a Yorkie usually weighs around seven pounds but can grow and weigh as heavy as 15 pounds. The usual coat colors of a Yorkie are grey, black or tan.

Are Yorkies Good Family Dogs?

Surprisingly, a lot of families recommend a Yorkie as a first dog. In general, this breed is known to be very active and agile despite its small size. They are also good with kids making it a strong contender for any family looking to bring home a dog.

In hindsight, you have to remember that dogs even of the same breed can differ because of their personality or attitude. The way dogs are raised can also affect these traits.

Advantages of a Yorkie as a Pet

Small and easy to carry

Many find delight in the convenience of having a small dog. First, they are easy to carry around and takes up minimal space.

As not everyone has the luxury of a spacious home, Yorkies are the perfect pet because of their size. You can also easily bring them from one place to another. The portability of Yorkies is unbeatable as they are also classified as toy dogs.

Minimal shedding

If your kids are allergic to animal hair, then you will be glad to know that Yorkies shed lightly. If you have small children, just to be on the safe side, it is important that you do not bring a dog who is puffy and hairy.

This is a good precaution especially if you are not sure if your kids are sensitive or allergic to animal hair. The light shedding of this breed is tolerable for allergy sufferers.

Active, lively and naturally curious

Who wants a dog that sleeps all day and does not even want to play? The Yorkie is the opposite of that. They are very lively and active. They often run around the house.

They are also keen on playing whether with adults or children. In addition, they are also naturally curious. You will witness that they would often sniff around and explore their surroundings.

Long lifespan

No one wants to deal with a loss of a pet although it is inevitable. If you have small children, explaining the concept of death to them can be quite difficult especially if they are fond of their pets.

Luckily, Yorkies have a long lifespan. They usually have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. If the time comes that they pass away, your children will be much older and can be more understanding of the event.

Small size equates to less food demand

We all know how expensive pet food retails on the market. A small dog means less food required to sustain it. If you operate on a limited budget, then you will save some money as Yorkies require less dog food.

Are Yorkies perfect family dogs? Yes, definitely. We have enumerated above all the advantages of owning this dog breed. Now it is time to shed some light on the disadvantages of this particular dog breed.

Disadvantages of a Yorkie as a Pet

Fragile creatures

Young kids tend to be overactive especially around pets. In this case, Yorkies are lively and enthusiastic, but with their small size, they can be a bit fragile too.

This means they cannot be subjected to a lot of roughhousing as that can affect their well being.

Requires a lot of housebreaking

Yorkies are easy to train but you may still find them difficult to housebreak. It can take quite a lot of patience for them to remember where to pee and poop.

When you already have kids to take care off, a dog that requires a lot of attention can be overwhelming.

Requires weekly grooming or trimming

Toy dogs including Yorkies require grooming. They need to be brushed, bathed and trimmed on a regular basis. This can be quite a hassle especially if you do not have time to go to the groomers.

Difficulty dealing with other dogs

Yorkies even with their small size have a big personality. They think they are bigger than us and can get into fights with larger dogs.

They also have a bad temperament which can affect other dogs. Again, it depends on the personality of your pet dog. Most Yorkies are territorial, and that can be a problem if you have more than one dog.

Conclusion

Are Yorkies good family dogs? They most certainly are. Like any other dog breeds, they have good and bad traits. If you want to deal with dogs that are more mature, then you can consider adopting an adult dog.

On the other hand, some pet owners prefer a young dog so that they can train them. This also makes them more involved in their upbringing.

Yorkies got a lot of good points. They are active and excited which can make a household feel full and joyful. They also shed lightly which means less cleaning of dog hair at home.

If kids are allergic, they can tolerate this type of breed too.  Meanwhile, Yorkies can be quite a handful especially when it comes to housebreaking.

They also require a lot of attention and grooming. The truth is that dogs have their fair share of good and bad side regardless of breed. As long as you take care of them, give them proper care and devote time, they will surely grow to be disciplined and behaved.

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