What Makes Yorkies Good Dogs For First-Time Pet Parents

Being a new dog parent can be an exciting time. You get to pick a cute name, play with your new furry friend, snuggle with them, laugh at the silly things they do, love on them, and receive their unconditional love in return. Before you do any of that, though, you have to first decide which specific dog to bring home. Unless you have certain characteristics you're seeking, consider the Yorkshire terrier. Yorkies can make great dogs for first-time pet parents because of their size, shedding level, affectionate nature, comfort level with children, friendliness, and protectiveness.

Many experienced dog parents mention factors like finding a dog sitter, walking the dog, shedding, and jumping on people as some of the biggest pet peeves of dog ownership. These peeves are typically associated with a dog's breed and size. In many cases, the larger the breed, the longer the list of potential problems. The Yorkie, however, is one of the smallest dog breeds, and their added behavioral benefits help make them a great choice for someone who's never had a dog before.

The Yorkshire terrier is a toy terrier breed that reaches a height of only about seven to eight inches when fully grown. They also max out at around seven pounds, so both adults and even most toddlers can easily pick one up without struggling. Their small size also makes them an easy dog to walk, unlike larger breeds that are strong enough to pull a human while leashed.

Having a small breed like a Yorkie also gives you more flexibility with the places you can take your dog. For example, if you live in or will be moving to an apartment later down the road, most, if not all, apartment complexes have no restrictions regarding this breed. You can also easily carry a Yorkie in a purse or backpack if you're heading to a pet-friendly store like PetSmart or Petco, or doing a long day hike.

Another benefit of the Yorkie's small size is that the overall costs of ownership are typically less than those associated with bigger breeds. Spaying or neutering costs are based on weight, along with many grooming rates, so the smaller the dog, the lower the price. Food is another expense. The smaller the dog, the less they eat, so you won't have to buy as much food as you would for a 70-pound lab for example.

Most dogs shed, leaving many owners having to sweep, vacuum, dust, and/or lint roll on a regular basis. Some have to sweep daily for heavy-shedding breeds like Siberian huskies and Saint Bernards. This might be an unwelcome, frustrating surprise for a new dog owner. In contrast, Yorkshire terriers don't shed much because of their coat type. Although they have long hair, they lack an undercoat, and their hair is smooth, so their shedding level is minimal.

While some breeds leave chunks of fur and dozens of hair strands lying around your floors, you might notice only a few strands here and there from a Yorkie. Becoming a first-time pet parent to this breed can be the ideal way to ease into dog ownership. You'll have to deal with plenty of other responsibilities as a newbie, so you'll likely appreciate being able to eliminate the need for frequent shedding-related cleaning.

One factor to keep in mind regarding Yorkshire terrier's coat, however, is the length. Although you won't have to worry about excessive shedding, their long, silky hair will require frequent upkeep, either in the form of combing, trimming, or both.

It's hard not to immediately fall in love with a Yorkie, with their cute little faces and mustached muzzles. Combine their adorable appearance with their desire to cuddle with you and be at your side, and they become even harder to resist. Most Yorkies are extra affectionate with their families.

Whether you're watching TV on the sofa or hiding in your reading nook, expect your Yorkie to want to warm your lap. If you plan to co-sleep with your dog, they likely will not object. They may even want to snuggle up right next to you under the covers if you let them. Another option is to place their bed on the floor next to yours or give them a designated section of the bed with their own blankets.

One thing to note about a Yorkie's affectionate nature is that they'll not only want to show you affection — they'll want your affection and attention in return. Affectionate and attention-seeking are both among the common traits of Yorkies. You can quickly become a Yorkie's best friend, but they might get so attached that they'll get jealous if you give someone else your attention. 

One thing to note about a loving dog is that this characteristic doesn't necessarily apply to all age groups for all breeds. For example, the Chihuahua is an affectionate breed, like the Yorkshire terrier, but these dogs tend to not do well in homes with young children. Yorkies, on the other hand, tend to be affectionate with the entire family, and are great with younger kids. If you've ever asked yourself, "What type of dog should I get if I have kids?," you can add the Yorkshire terrier to the top of your list of breeds to consider.

Not all children know how to interact with dogs properly without being taught. Some may pull their hair or squeeze them in an attempt to show affection. Others may end up hitting their heads instead of gently petting them, or make them uncomfortable in other ways. These actions can upset a dog and cause them to snap, nip, or bite. Yorkies are generally not considered aggressive toward children, though, so you shouldn't have to worry about having a child around them.

However, if your child has had little or no experience with dogs or small dogs, or if they've inadvertently mistreated dogs in the past, you may want to supervise them during the first interaction. You should also tell your child the do's and don'ts of handling a small dog because even kid-friendly breeds can become defensive if they're provoked enough.

Some dogs are loyal and affectionate with their families, but with strangers, not so much. This isn't the case with Yorkshire terriers. This breed is typically open to meeting strangers, whether they enter your home as invited guests, or they encounter your dog at the park. As a first-time dog owner, you'll likely want only positive reactions between your Yorkie and new people.

Although Yorkies are generally open to meeting strangers, they also make good watchdogs. They might be small, but they tend to be protective of their owners and their homes. That means if they sense a potential threat or hear a person or animal outside, they won't hesitate to let you know with their barking.

Oftentimes, dogs can hear things that their parents can't, so having a Yorkie that can alert you when someone's at your door can be an added bonus for a new dog parent. They might even scare off porch pirates or other unwanted visitors at your front door. Yorkies might not be among the best protective dog breeds to help you feel safe because of their small size, but at least they can give you an audible warning that they sense something outside.