Temperament and aggression

[Neopup]

We love the size, cuddliness, and look of the yorkie and would like to adopt a puppy. But I worry about temperament. I have seen so many yorkies who snap and growl at people. Can you tell me about the temperament of yorkies. Can I ensure my pup wont become aggressive?

Thanks

Lyla

[chachi]

Most yorkies dont have aggression issues you notice I said most. There is always a chance you could get one with aggression issues same with any type of dog there is always a chance. Thats why its important to pick a good breeder that breeds for temperment among other things

[Maximo]

Welcome to Yorkie Talk, Lyla. Being terriers, Yorkies tend to be feisty, along with sweet and cuddly. However, good breeding and great training will lead to the ideal temperament. There are many Yorkie therapy dogs.

Keep in mind that most Yorkies are energetic and require a lot of mental and physical stimulation. They also like to be with their humans as much as possible.

Best wishes in your search for the perfect pup for you.

[KazzyK810]

Originally Posted by Neopup

We love the size, cuddliness, and look of the yorkie and would like to adopt a puppy. But I worry about temperament. I have seen so many yorkies who snap and growl at people. Can you tell me about the temperament of yorkies. Can I ensure my pup wont become aggressive?

Thanks

Lyla

Yorkies weren't bred to be aggressive, but they were bred to hunt, so can be a bit feisty.

Like most living beings, they are a reflection of their heritage and their environment. I believe that (outside of any inherited defects) you raise what you will tolerate. If you put the time and effect into effectively training your puppy, and maintaining those trained expectations, that you will have a well mannered dog.

The biggest issue I see with owners of small dogs is that they allow behaviors they would never tolerate from a large dog.

[Neopup]

i am wondering how common the aggression problemis when appropriate training has been used???

[Lovetodream88]

I think a lot of it honestly has a lot to do with no training. If you start when there puppies you should have issues especially if you get one from a reputable breeder who makes sure there breeding good tempered dogs.

[Lovetodream88]

The yorkies I have come into contact with including mine and my mothers have not been aggressive or had issues. Even the ones we come in to contact with at the stores have not been aggressive. I think yorkies get a bad rep and I think you always hear more about the bad then the good. I also think there are a lot of small dogs that people just don't train period.

[matese]

Originally Posted by Neopup

i am wondering how common the aggression problemis when appropriate training has been used???

If you get a puppy at 12 weeks old it needs lots of socialization with people, after puppy gets all it's vaccinations start socializing with dogs. People socialization at a young age is important., same for early socializing with other dogs. All my past yorkies (4) LOVED people and all animals. As the saying goes "you reap what you sow" or like KazzKy810 wrote "you raise what you will tolerate" You have to put time into training, socializing and good behavior. I have no answer to this question of yours, all my dogs were socialized at a very early age with many friends,relatives and strangers, they were never aggressive. I can only state my experience with my 4 puppies purchased as babies.

[KazzyK810]

Originally Posted by Neopup

i am wondering how common the aggression problemis when appropriate training has been used???

Rare. Yorkies are not naturally aggressive or bred for aggressive tendencies. Buy from a reputable breeder that knows his/her lines for the best health and temperament.

[Neopup]

So helpful. Thanks everyone.