Choosing The Yorkie Fit For Your Family
Yorkshire Terriers are great family pets. There are many reasons for this, but how do you get the perfect Yorkie for your family? Here are some things to keep in mind, and some tips to help you choose the perfect dog for your family.
Remember that Yorkshire Terriers are very small dogs. They typically do not weigh more than 7 pounds and stand between six and seven inches high. Because they are so small they can get hurt easily. Families with very small children may not be the right fit for a Yorkie. It is hard for small kids to understand that they must be gentle with such a small animal. Children must be properly taught to handle a Yorkshire Terrier gently to avoid injury. That said, Yorkies are typically good with kids who respect them.
Decide whether you want a puppy or an adult dog. Everyone loves a cute, cuddly puppy, but there are many good things to be said for adopting an adult Yorkshire Terrier. Adults are usually potty trained, which can be a great thing since Yorkies can take longer to be house broken than other breeds. When you adopt an adult dog you know exactly what you are getting. Their personality is already developed so you know whether they will suit your family. Conversely, an adult dog may come with their own set of issues if they were rescued from a less than ideal situation. That said, you could be saving a great dog's life which is very rewarding. It is also much less expensive to adopt a dog rather than purchase a puppy.
If getting a puppy is the way to go for your family, there are some ways to make sure you get a great one. Find a reputable Yorkshire Terrier breeder. Puppy mills and backyard breeders generally produce inferior dogs with questionable temperaments. Avoid pet stores who usually get their stock from puppy mills. A good place to find breeders is the AKC's website or a Yorkie club.
When you go to look at a puppy, ask to see the parents as well. Look for the parents to be friendly and well behaved. Any aggression should be avoided. Ask about any health problems in the parents and ask to see their registration papers and even vet records. Great parents produce great puppies. Choose a puppy that is outgoing and healthy. Don't pick the runt of the litter just because you feel sorry for it. Spend time playing with your puppy before making the deal. It may require some looking around or perhaps a second visit, but the time involved is worth it to get the right puppy for your family.
Whether you choose an adult dog or a puppy, make sure you take your time and get the perfect Yorkshire Terrier. Taking the time to get it right the first time will ensure that you find a forever friend for your family. Follow these simple tips and you are sure to get a great Yorkshire Terrier.
Remember that Yorkshire Terriers are very small dogs. They typically do not weigh more than 7 pounds and stand between six and seven inches high. Because they are so small they can get hurt easily. Families with very small children may not be the right fit for a Yorkie. It is hard for small kids to understand that they must be gentle with such a small animal. Children must be properly taught to handle a Yorkshire Terrier gently to avoid injury. That said, Yorkies are typically good with kids who respect them.
Decide whether you want a puppy or an adult dog. Everyone loves a cute, cuddly puppy, but there are many good things to be said for adopting an adult Yorkshire Terrier. Adults are usually potty trained, which can be a great thing since Yorkies can take longer to be house broken than other breeds. When you adopt an adult dog you know exactly what you are getting. Their personality is already developed so you know whether they will suit your family. Conversely, an adult dog may come with their own set of issues if they were rescued from a less than ideal situation. That said, you could be saving a great dog's life which is very rewarding. It is also much less expensive to adopt a dog rather than purchase a puppy.
If getting a puppy is the way to go for your family, there are some ways to make sure you get a great one. Find a reputable Yorkshire Terrier breeder. Puppy mills and backyard breeders generally produce inferior dogs with questionable temperaments. Avoid pet stores who usually get their stock from puppy mills. A good place to find breeders is the AKC's website or a Yorkie club.
When you go to look at a puppy, ask to see the parents as well. Look for the parents to be friendly and well behaved. Any aggression should be avoided. Ask about any health problems in the parents and ask to see their registration papers and even vet records. Great parents produce great puppies. Choose a puppy that is outgoing and healthy. Don't pick the runt of the litter just because you feel sorry for it. Spend time playing with your puppy before making the deal. It may require some looking around or perhaps a second visit, but the time involved is worth it to get the right puppy for your family.
Whether you choose an adult dog or a puppy, make sure you take your time and get the perfect Yorkshire Terrier. Taking the time to get it right the first time will ensure that you find a forever friend for your family. Follow these simple tips and you are sure to get a great Yorkshire Terrier.