Anyone who owns Yorkshire Terriers will tell you that there’s something special about the breed. Yorkies, as they’re commonly known, have bagged 13th place as the most popular dog breed in the United States according to a 2020 survey released by the American Kennel Club.
Small as they may be, Yorkshire Terriers have made a name for themselves by embracing their unique personalities and providing their human family members with years of joy and laughter.
Millennials make up the largest portion of pet owners in the country—31 percent as of 2021, to be exact—and many of them treat their pooches as their surrogate children. Why do Yorkies make such great pets for the young adults who make up the largest generation in the national workforce? Here are five reasons to consider:
Yorkies Are Conveniently Sized Without Lacking in Personality
Before the breed earned its reputation as a regular companion of fashionable ladies in the late Victorian times, Yorkies were once bred to chase after mice and rats in mines and mills. They were extremely efficient for the task, as their small size allowed them to get into crevices that most humans cannot easily reach.
On average, today’s Yorkies reach about 7 to 8 inches in height and weigh around 7 pounds. Due to their history, though, it comes as no surprise that the breed can be brave, feisty, and tenacious regardless of the dog’s small size. These dogs can thrive in smaller apartments, but don’t expect them to back away from outdoor adventures and new experiences.
Yorkies Are Devoted Companions and Excellent Watchdogs
Yorkies love the company of humans, and they’re not afraid to treat your home as their own. While they’re too small to defend your house, they make excellent watchdogs and can alert you if they feel like something strange is happening nearby. Some even say that owning a Yorkie feels like having a customized alarm system in your home.
At the same time, though, Yorkies can be quite devoted to their people, and they enjoy physical contact and spending time together. They make great walking companions if you feel like going out as well. If you’re going to take them places, make sure that they stay within your line of sight by equipping them with custom branded dog bandanas that stand out from the crowd. This way, you can always keep an eye on them despite their small stature.
Yorkies Are an Intelligent Breed with an Aptitude for Training
Yorkies were bred to control vermin population, so they were designed to be smart enough to effectively hunt their prey. This means that, with a bit of training and consistency, you can easily get your Yorkie to perform tricks.
Indeed, training can be a great way to keep your dog stimulated and mentally alert, and it’s immensely rewarding to see all your efforts come to fruition. Your family and friends will likely be enthralled by your very talented pet, who will enjoy all the attention that they’re being showered with, too.
Yorkies Are Easy to Clean Up, Maintain, and Look After
Yorkies typically have long, silky fur, but this doesn’t mean that they’re a pain to groom and maintain and that they’ll leave a lot of shedding in your home. It’s quite the contrary, actually, as Yorkies tend to shed very little compared to other dogs. Though grooming and brushing these dogs regularly is still a must, they won’t make it difficult for you to clean your home.
And because they don’t shed a lot, Yorkies also don’t produce a lot of material that can trigger allergic reactions. While no dog is fully hypoallergenic as they all shed fur and dander to a degree, a Yorkie can come close to that ideal scenario.
Yorkies Can Easily Get Along with Other Dogs and Cats
If you have other pets in your home and want to add more to your pack, then adopting a Yorkie is a good choice, as these dogs can be quite accepting of other pet dogs and cats. If things go well, your Yorkie will be able to make meaningful friendships with your existing pets or any that you plan to adopt in the future.
Of course, proper introduction between pets is a key component of building a harmonious relationship between your furred animal companions. Once your dogs and cats can establish a routine and reach a certain level of stability, you can expect your house to be just as calm and as quiet as it used to be.
While Yorkshire Terriers are bred to reliably display certain characteristics, it goes without saying that dogs that belong to this breed can still have different temperaments.
Just like welcoming a new human family member, adopting a Yorkie into your home means getting to better know your new pet’s personality, providing all of their needs, and making sure that they’re trained properly. In time, you and your dog will be able to adjust to each other and enjoy many years of loyal companionship.
