Hi I'm new and have a question! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

litldoglovr · 02-12-2008, 06:10 PM

Hi! I'm new and currently looking for a new puppy. I've had dogs before so I know what I'm looking for in a breeder but I can't figure out if I want a yorkie or a chihuahua! Can someone who might have both help give some pros and cons to both breeds? I love both of them but can't decide!!

Thanks!

patty58 · 02-12-2008, 06:13 PM

Well I of course would recommend a yorkie

Welcome to yt. I know that someone on here can give you good avice.

Pup-e-Love · 02-12-2008, 06:15 PM

My vote goes to the Yorkies, but I am bias!

MyFairLacy · 02-12-2008, 06:42 PM

Welcome to YT! I don't know much about chihuahuas. Research as much as you can about both breeds.

Yorkies are a wonderful breed but aren't for everyone. Yorkies are a toy breed but definitely a terrier at heart. Some are lap dogs and some aren't. Yorkies are terriers and have that terrier attitude...they were bred to be ratters and have a pretty high prey-drive. They are spunky, sweet, and spoiled rotten. Yorkies are notoriously hard to potty train. Yorkies are smart but stubborn. They get the "zoomies" where they run, run, run. They need a lot of attention and hate for you to be away from them. Although they are a strong little dog, they can still be fragile and can easily get hurt. They think they are as big as a great dane and will stand up to and challenge any dog so you really have to watch out for them. Each breed has their own set of common health problems. It is so important to buy from a reputable breeder that health screens their dogs. Yorkies are 36 times more likely to have a liver shunt than all other breeds combined so make sure the breeder knows the lines are liver-shunt free and bile acid tests their dogs. Yorkies are gorgeous - beautiful gold and blue coats. They are high-maintenace dogs though...if you keep the coat long, you have got to brush once or twice a day and bathe weekly. If you keep the coat short, you still have to bathe weekly and brush every day but you're also going to be going to the groomer once every month or two.

Yorkies are my absolute favorite breed. There is just something about them that will just take over you.

bjh · 02-12-2008, 06:46 PM

I have been around Chihuahuas and I do not like their personality as well as I do the Yorkie. Yorkies have a special way of bonding to their owners and having a Yorkie is truly like having a child. I think if I was ever going to get another small breed beside a Yorkie, it would be a long haired Chihuahua. You would have less upkeep as far as grooming with a Chihuahua. Which ever you decide to go with, I recommend you take your time, go visit some reputable breeders of each breed and get acquainted with the breeds.

mizzwanned · 02-12-2008, 06:50 PM

Welcome to YT! I don't know that much about Chihuahua's but I always thought they were yappy, crazy little dogs. Every one i met barked a lot, there are even 2 right now in my building that bark like crazy when anyone passed by the apt. But then again im sure other ppl think of Yorkies in the same way, as little yappy dogs. The truth is though there are some chihuahuas that are yappy, not all of them are. They all have different personalities as do Yorkies. My vote of course goes to the Yorkie

I think they are both cute though, maybe in the future i will get a chi. Personally i like that Yorkies have long hair so i can put bows in it, and do diff. things to it. I also like brushing it and maintaining it but not every one does. You don't have to do that to chi's unless they are long haired. I think Yorkies have the best personalities tho

Good luck!

mogli · 02-12-2008, 06:58 PM

The answer is simple.

Get one of each!!! Then they can have a playmate and the best of both breeds!!!

My family has only ever had yorkies ... I've been around them forever ... I currently have an honorary exception ... came with my wife ... he he ... she knows all my babies will be yorkies!

red1973 · 02-12-2008, 07:14 PM

I Live In Pa, Where Do You Live? What Are You Looking For A Male Or Female? I Know Someone That Has 2 Males But No Females. I Am Looking For A Female. Nice To See Someone Else From Pa!!!
Renae

mojo · 02-12-2008, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy

Welcome to YT! I don't know much about chihuahuas. Research as much as you can about both breeds.

Yorkies are a wonderful breed but aren't for everyone. Yorkies are a toy breed but definitely a terrier at heart. Some are lap dogs and some aren't. Yorkies are terriers and have that terrier attitude...they were bred to be ratters and have a pretty high prey-drive. They are spunky, sweet, and spoiled rotten. Yorkies are notoriously hard to potty train. Yorkies are smart but stubborn. They get the "zoomies" where they run, run, run. They need a lot of attention and hate for you to be away from them. Although they are a strong little dog, they can still be fragile and can easily get hurt. They think they are as big as a great dane and will stand up to and challenge any dog so you really have to watch out for them. Each breed has their own set of common health problems. It is so important to buy from a reputable breeder that health screens their dogs. Yorkies are 36 times more likely to have a liver shunt than all other breeds combined so make sure the breeder knows the lines are liver-shunt free and bile acid tests their dogs. Yorkies are gorgeous - beautiful gold and blue coats. They are high-maintenace dogs though...if you keep the coat long, you have got to brush once or twice a day and bathe weekly. If you keep the coat short, you still have to bathe weekly and brush every day but you're also going to be going to the groomer once every month or two.

Yorkies are my absolute favorite breed. There is just something about them that will just take over you.

Good post! I agree the yorkie is a very high maintanence dog. Takes a lot of work.

Mizzrosa · 02-12-2008, 07:33 PM

i have a yorkie and always wanted one but my brother has a Chihuahua and i love her too..shes a good girl but when she gets excited she kinda leaks alil..but yorkies are very deliquet and needy and need alot of love an attention and u need to be patient with them otherwise this really isnt a good breed for u

kwaymon · 02-12-2008, 09:47 PM

I don't own a chi. But remember, chi's shed, yorkies don't. and even though chi's are small, I have heard chi owners complain about the teeny tiny shedded hairs that are so hard to get up. That's just one con, but the only one I know of. Personally, I like yorkies. I like their personalities better and I think they are so much cuter although a wet yorkies resembles a chi IMO. But the hair just really does it for me. Good Luck in your search. Sorry, we are biased here

yorkiesmiles · 02-12-2008, 10:04 PM

welcome to YT -- keep researching. Lots of good reading here about yorkies

Jennieliz14 · 02-13-2008, 01:15 AM

I have one of each. Since you'll find tons of pros and cons all over this site on yorkies, let me break down the chihuahua basics for you based on what Ive learned from my Peppy.

First off, chihuahuas are known to bond almost exclusively to one person. That kind of makes them clingy(at least mine is). More importantly, this means that socialization is key. Do you have the time to introduce them to many different people? Getting a chi comfortable with many different ages of people is important, especially children.

Chihuahuas seem to be unaware of their size. Peppy takes on my brother-in-law's doberman fearlessly. Will your dog be around an older bigger dog regularly? (Like that guy w the big scary drooly dog down the street?)

Ive read that a chihuahua can live up to 18 years. Consider how such a long life span can impact your future.

The soft spot on a chi's head (fontanal) may never completely close in, so bumping their heads could possibly be fatal. Do you or will you eventually have children? Kids can be clumsy...

Grooming isn't as bad as a yorkie. I generally bathe mine every 2 or 3 weeks. I brush him every couple days, and Ive been known to use a sticky lint hair remover on him. (hey, it works!) Be prepared to use that lint roller on EVERYTHING you own too.

Chi's have a terrier-like disposition. In regard to barking, Peppy barks waaay less than my yorkie.

Major health concerns of chis are similar to the yorkie: slipping kneecaps, hypoglycemia, dental problems.

They are extremely sensitive to cold. Conversely, they love to find sunny spots and snooze in them.

Random thing: When I take both of my dogs out for walks, more people seem to like my chihuahua over my yorkie.

Phew, that's what Im thinking of right now. I can honestly say though, having both, I love both breeds equally. If you have any questions feel free to PM me!

and, finally, shamelessly, a pic of my little man and my girl!

Jennieliz14 · 02-13-2008, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy

Yorkies are gorgeous - beautiful gold and blue coats. They are high-maintenace dogs though...if you keep the coat long, you have got to brush once or twice a day and bathe weekly.

I just wanted to add, that I spend about 10 times the amount of time grooming olivia than I do peppy. 2 baths per week and 2 brushings per day to have that long gorgeous coat! That's a pretty big deal breaker lol!

Beabble · 02-13-2008, 02:22 AM

This is normally a big no no but I have the best of both worlds, I have a Yorkie, Chiuahuah mix

I've seen chiuahuah's that are grumpy and crotchety, but then on the other hand, I've seen some that are SO outgoing and just love everyone. I think their temperament has a lot to do with how they're raised and socialized. I'd spend time with both the breeds before you make a choice on which breed is right for you. Good luck.

02-12-2008, 06:10 PM	#1
litldoglovr Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: PA Posts: 64	Hi I'm new and have a question! Hi! I'm new and currently looking for a new puppy. I've had dogs before so I know what I'm looking for in a breeder but I can't figure out if I want a yorkie or a chihuahua! Can someone who might have both help give some pros and cons to both breeds? I love both of them but can't decide!! Thanks!

02-12-2008, 06:13 PM	#2
patty58 Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: texas Posts: 5,272	Well I of course would recommend a yorkie Welcome to yt. I know that someone on here can give you good avice. __________________ Decide To Make It A Good Day

02-12-2008, 06:42 PM	#4
MyFairLacy Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 11,003	Welcome to YT! I don't know much about chihuahuas. Research as much as you can about both breeds. Yorkies are a wonderful breed but aren't for everyone. Yorkies are a toy breed but definitely a terrier at heart. Some are lap dogs and some aren't. Yorkies are terriers and have that terrier attitude...they were bred to be ratters and have a pretty high prey-drive. They are spunky, sweet, and spoiled rotten. Yorkies are notoriously hard to potty train. Yorkies are smart but stubborn. They get the "zoomies" where they run, run, run. They need a lot of attention and hate for you to be away from them. Although they are a strong little dog, they can still be fragile and can easily get hurt. They think they are as big as a great dane and will stand up to and challenge any dog so you really have to watch out for them. Each breed has their own set of common health problems. It is so important to buy from a reputable breeder that health screens their dogs. Yorkies are 36 times more likely to have a liver shunt than all other breeds combined so make sure the breeder knows the lines are liver-shunt free and bile acid tests their dogs. Yorkies are gorgeous - beautiful gold and blue coats. They are high-maintenace dogs though...if you keep the coat long, you have got to brush once or twice a day and bathe weekly. If you keep the coat short, you still have to bathe weekly and brush every day but you're also going to be going to the groomer once every month or two. Yorkies are my absolute favorite breed. There is just something about them that will just take over you. __________________ ~Magnifique Yorkies~ Purchasing from backyard breeders, pet shops, and puppymills perpetuates the suffering of other dogs. Educate yourself and buy from reputable breeders or rescue.

02-12-2008, 06:46 PM	#5
bjh Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 7,959	I have been around Chihuahuas and I do not like their personality as well as I do the Yorkie. Yorkies have a special way of bonding to their owners and having a Yorkie is truly like having a child. I think if I was ever going to get another small breed beside a Yorkie, it would be a long haired Chihuahua. You would have less upkeep as far as grooming with a Chihuahua. Which ever you decide to go with, I recommend you take your time, go visit some reputable breeders of each breed and get acquainted with the breeds. Last edited by bjh; 02-12-2008 at 06:48 PM.

02-12-2008, 06:50 PM	#6
mizzwanned Donating YT 11K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: new york Posts: 14,007 Blog Entries: 2	Welcome to YT! I don't know that much about Chihuahua's but I always thought they were yappy, crazy little dogs. Every one i met barked a lot, there are even 2 right now in my building that bark like crazy when anyone passed by the apt. But then again im sure other ppl think of Yorkies in the same way, as little yappy dogs. The truth is though there are some chihuahuas that are yappy, not all of them are. They all have different personalities as do Yorkies. My vote of course goes to the Yorkie I think they are both cute though, maybe in the future i will get a chi. Personally i like that Yorkies have long hair so i can put bows in it, and do diff. things to it. I also like brushing it and maintaining it but not every one does. You don't have to do that to chi's unless they are long haired. I think Yorkies have the best personalities tho Good luck! __________________ Primrose, Teddy..RIP, Livie..RIP, And can never forget my duo Sophie and London, Run in Peace <3 Last edited by mizzwanned; 02-12-2008 at 06:51 PM.

02-12-2008, 06:15 PM	#3
Pup-e-Love YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 896	My vote goes to the Yorkies, but I am bias!

02-12-2008, 06:58 PM	#7
mogli Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 249	The answer is simple. Get one of each!!! Then they can have a playmate and the best of both breeds!!! My family has only ever had yorkies ... I've been around them forever ... I currently have an honorary exception ... came with my wife ... he he ... she knows all my babies will be yorkies!

02-12-2008, 07:14 PM	#8
red1973 YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: pa Posts: 261	I Live In Pa, Where Do You Live? What Are You Looking For A Male Or Female? I Know Someone That Has 2 Males But No Females. I Am Looking For A Female. Nice To See Someone Else From Pa!!! Renae __________________ renae erik jazzmine kodi cheyanne baby tucker and princess samantha

02-12-2008, 07:33 PM	#10
Mizzrosa Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: brooklyn Posts: 2,369	i have a yorkie and always wanted one but my brother has a Chihuahua and i love her too..shes a good girl but when she gets excited she kinda leaks alil..but yorkies are very deliquet and needy and need alot of love an attention and u need to be patient with them otherwise this really isnt a good breed for u __________________ Lil Miss Martini Butt & Mommy~Proud member of Petite Pups United! & Proud member of the Spoiled Rotten Club & Lil Heartbreakers Club

02-12-2008, 09:47 PM	#11
kwaymon YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: USA Posts: 699	I don't own a chi. But remember, chi's shed, yorkies don't. and even though chi's are small, I have heard chi owners complain about the teeny tiny shedded hairs that are so hard to get up. That's just one con, but the only one I know of. Personally, I like yorkies. I like their personalities better and I think they are so much cuter although a wet yorkies resembles a chi IMO. But the hair just really does it for me. Good Luck in your search. Sorry, we are biased here

02-12-2008, 10:04 PM	#12
yorkiesmiles Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 9,493	welcome to YT -- keep researching. Lots of good reading here about yorkies __________________ yorkiesmiles Loved by Bubba & Roxy *Holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come*

02-13-2008, 01:15 AM	#13
Jennieliz14 YT Addict Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 266	I have one of each. Since you'll find tons of pros and cons all over this site on yorkies, let me break down the chihuahua basics for you based on what Ive learned from my Peppy. First off, chihuahuas are known to bond almost exclusively to one person. That kind of makes them clingy(at least mine is). More importantly, this means that socialization is key. Do you have the time to introduce them to many different people? Getting a chi comfortable with many different ages of people is important, especially children. Chihuahuas seem to be unaware of their size. Peppy takes on my brother-in-law's doberman fearlessly. Will your dog be around an older bigger dog regularly? (Like that guy w the big scary drooly dog down the street?) Ive read that a chihuahua can live up to 18 years. Consider how such a long life span can impact your future. The soft spot on a chi's head (fontanal) may never completely close in, so bumping their heads could possibly be fatal. Do you or will you eventually have children? Kids can be clumsy... Grooming isn't as bad as a yorkie. I generally bathe mine every 2 or 3 weeks. I brush him every couple days, and Ive been known to use a sticky lint hair remover on him. (hey, it works!) Be prepared to use that lint roller on EVERYTHING you own too. Chi's have a terrier-like disposition. In regard to barking, Peppy barks waaay less than my yorkie. Major health concerns of chis are similar to the yorkie: slipping kneecaps, hypoglycemia, dental problems. They are extremely sensitive to cold. Conversely, they love to find sunny spots and snooze in them. Random thing: When I take both of my dogs out for walks, more people seem to like my chihuahua over my yorkie. Phew, that's what Im thinking of right now. I can honestly say though, having both, I love both breeds equally. If you have any questions feel free to PM me! and, finally, shamelessly, a pic of my little man and my girl! Attached Thumbnails __________________ Jennifer and Olivia www.dogster.com/?167269

02-13-2008, 02:22 AM	#15
Beabble YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,104 Blog Entries: 4	This is normally a big no no but I have the best of both worlds, I have a Yorkie, Chiuahuah mix I've seen chiuahuah's that are grumpy and crotchety, but then on the other hand, I've seen some that are SO outgoing and just love everyone. I think their temperament has a lot to do with how they're raised and socialized. I'd spend time with both the breeds before you make a choice on which breed is right for you. Good luck. __________________ ~Tracy~