New to Yorkies, Have questions....

[Mathteacher]

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

I'm a new member and am contemplating a Yorkie rescue or going the puppy route (which I would rather not do).

I've never had a Yorkie, but I had a Maltese who died last year at 12 years of age and I miss him! Our house feels so empty without a little tail wagging!

Anyway, before I got my Maltese, I thought about getting a Yorkie but decided against it because of their temperament. I had the impression that Yorkie's were always yappy and snappy, high-strung little dogs.

However, a few years ago I saw my niece's Yorkie (who lives in another state), and he was the calmest little dog I had ever seen. I couldn't believe he was a Yorkie and I don't think I ever heard him bark!

In addition, my neighbor somehow acquired a mom and son Yorkie from a Missouri puppy mill. The son was a puppy when they got him, and he too has never barked (even though they frequently let him run loose and he comes in my yard). I've entertained the thought of reporting them, because I would NEVER let my dog out of the yard like they do theirs. In fact, the mom disappeared for 3 whole days last summer and somehow they miraculously found her down the road and she was starving!

Sorry...got sidetracked... getting to my point. I am SERIOUSLY wanting a Yorkie, but I want to know what to expect. My Maltese was too high maintenance, mostly because he was white and his eyes were always tearing and he had a lot of health problems throughout his life. Do Yorkies have eye problems? What health issues do Yorkies have?

How do I avoid getting a high-strung barker?

I prefer to adopt a rescue, but after searching online rescue groups, there is only one older female nearby and her foster mom says she is very vocal. So, if I can't find a rescue, I will probably opt for a puppy.

Any suggestions?

Thanks for any advice you can give!


Sandra

[Bizzymammabee]

Yorkies are not yappy little dogs. I think that is just one of those stereo types. I can tell you that they are little dogs that think that they are huge dogs.

You can't go wrong adding a yorkie to your family.

Yorkies can have some health issues such as hypoglycemia and colapsing trachea. But those are things that can go wrong if you get from a breeder that is not a good one. I would suggest getting a pup from a good breeder even if it takes you some time. A rescue is a good option. Whatever you choose if you do go the puppy route be sure to see the parents as that gives you a good idea of your pups temperment.

Good luck in your finding a puppy.

[MyFairLacy]

Here is an older female yorkie looking for a home. http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=108662

[alaskayorkie]

Our rescued Yorkie 11-year-old is a yapper, but the one I raised from a pup is not. I think some of that can be attributed to us shaking a can with a few pennies in it when he barked as a pup.

[J_is_my_initial]

Welcome to YT. My Gypsy barks quite a bit, though I would not say she is yappy. Usually when she wants our attention or hears something. I love my Yorkie so much. They are all different with different personalities.

[Ladymom]

I can really identify with your post! I currently have a twelve year old Maltese and next time (which I hope isn't for a long time!) I want to get both a Yorkie and a Maltese.

My Lady has tons of health issues, too, but so do Yorkies unfortunately. Sadly, Yorkies have a much higher risk of liver disease than Maltese. In a study done by Dr. Tobias (Angelfund) at the University of Tennessee, she found that Yorkshire terriers have almost a 36 times greater risk of developing shunts than all other breeds combined. That's a pretty shocking statistic.

http://www.vet.utk.edu/clinical/sacs/shunt/faq.shtml

They key is to find a really good breeder who carefully screens for liver and other diseases common to the breed. I haven't heard anyone here on YT mention it, but on Spoiled Maltese, educated puppy buyers are insisting that a bile acids test be done before bring a puppy home. (Maltese have an 8% risk of liver disease). Dr. Center from Cornell recommends that the first bile acids test be done at 16 weeks and many people are having their breeder keep the puppy those extra four weeks just to be safe.

Here's a great site where you can search for inherited problems by breed:

http://www.vetsci.usyd.edu.au/lida/index.php?Pg=2

[Yorkiekids]

Mine only yap if someone comes to the door, or if someone walks by the house. I think there very loving dogs, and I couldn't imagine my life without them.

[oopsmyhalofello]

Mine bark when one of us comes home, or when the big dogs are let out or in.... really not bad at all

[Anna Banana]

The best way to avoid getting a barker is to go the route you're aiming for, and get a rescue. That way, you can find out that aspect from the foster parent. Have you considered adopting a retired breeding dog? That might be another alternative to a puppy. Welcome to YT! We're glad to have you with us!

[yorkiesmiles]

Welcome to YT! You've come to a great place to help in your search. I'm not sure where you are in Illinois, but a gal in Iowa has one to rehome, she sounds like a sweetie. Here is the thread: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sho...59#post1626759

She sounds like she would be very healthy & she is a cutie.

Also, check www.petfinder.com - fluffy butts rescue (in Iowa) has a couple & I think you can find some others in Ill. on there too, and other nearby states.

[Buddy-licious]

Our Buddy is not yappy and he is the sweetest thing ever!!! He is soooo lovable!! He loves to be held and spoiled!!!
Getting a Yorkie was the best thing we have ever done as a family!!! We ALL are so in love with him!!!

[yorkiecrazy]

Our two girls aren't yappy. And I have to agree with Buddy-licious, getting a yorkie is the best!! We are totally happy with the breed. Nothing like a yorkie!

Welcome to YT!!!

[tjdmom]

Zoe is not yappy at all. She does occasionally bark especially when she sees another dog but she doesn't go nuts and she usually stops when I tell her to. She is actually really mellow and pretty much a couch potato but I'm sure that some will say the opposite of their dogs. I guess the only way you would know is to visit a few times and see what the current owner/caretaker says about their personality and see what you observe. Good Luck!

[Amy81]

Hello! and welcome to YT!!