Thinking about adopting an adult female...

[leg71]

Hi -
I am brand-new to this forum. I just joined because I am thinking of adopting an 8 year old female from a rescue group - her owner recently passed away. She is 3.5lbs currently. I have not met her in-person yet. I wanted to ask you experienced owners about owning a dog that tiny - do you have any advice/warnings about size? I have 2 cats, about 6lbs each, who get along fine with dogs. My last dog was a 14lb min-pin mix who passed away in 2011 at age 13. Can you tell me the general temperament of yorkies at around the 8 year mark? Any information you are willing to share is greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
Laurett

[beasiegirl]

I just adopted an 8 year old female this past Tuesday. She is lays around a lot. I also have an 11 year old female and she lays around a lot. The 11 year old was a puppy when I got her. She plays and enjoys going outside and for walks. The rescue I just for is very timid and afraid of the outside right now. But she has lived her entire life in a cage.

[crazydoglade]

I adopted 2 small yorkies last august/september. Elvis is now 2.8 lbsat 5 years and Izzy is now 3 lbs at 4 years. Walking them can be a challenge because people want to pick them up or don't see them. I have started carring them in a cloth sling type bag when we go out because people seem to think they are public property! They love to run around but you have to be ever aware of who or what is nearby. I also never thought I would buy stairs for my sofa or bed but they are a must for safety. As for personality they have enough for a great dane, and think they are one. No fear. They do require more care for safety issues but are worth every bit of the trouble.

[Avenging_Angel]

Originally Posted by leg71

Hi -
I am brand-new to this forum. I just joined because I am thinking of adopting an 8 year old female from a rescue group - her owner recently passed away. She is 3.5lbs currently. I have not met her in-person yet. I wanted to ask you experienced owners about owning a dog that tiny - do you have any advice/warnings about size? I have 2 cats, about 6lbs each, who get along fine with dogs. My last dog was a 14lb min-pin mix who passed away in 2011 at age 13. Can you tell me the general temperament of yorkies at around the 8 year mark? Any information you are willing to share is greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
Laurett

.

I adopted my Yorkie @ 4yrs. old. She is now 8, she had some thyroid trouble & once my Vets got that under control she is a wild child. Ha!! I had a little 3lb. yorkie & there are certain safety measures, such as stairs for them to get on & off furniture as jumping will break their little front legs. You have to be aware of their surroundings big Dogs can come out of nowhere & attack. If my little Anjalique had been a Bull Dog we would have been in big trouble. They have very big Attitudes, But are worth every minute of the extra time & care..

[wisteria]

We went away on vacation and our Bella stayed with friends who had 3 cats. So I took Bella's huge "condo" pen with a mesh top, well let me tell you; Bella never used it...........she played and played with the cats, loving it. They even made me a photo album with the most adorable pictures. Good luck with your decision and yes the cats were about 3 times her size.

[Teresa Ford]

First thank you for considering an older Yorkie. We get older ones when people pass away or go into a nursing home. They often make wonderful pets. Maturity some times makes them calmer, quieter and they are quite happy with apartment life. You already have a Vet and I suggest a good check up first thing. Older dogs are prone to dental issues. Small dogs may need steps or lifted onto furniture and so on. Jumping may be hard and or painful on older knees and joints. I can not predict about personality, that is too individual. Older Yorkies can adapt to new situations. Best Wishes and Welcome to YT.