The Downsides of Yorkshire Terriers: A Cautionary Post on Why You Should Think Twice Before Getting One

Today, I want to share a cautionary post about Yorkshire Terriers. If you’ve been considering getting a Yorkie recently, I suggest you first read about my real-life experience of raising two Yorkshire Terriers.

Things to Consider Before Getting a Yorkshire Terrier

Don’t Be Fooled by Their Cute Appearance

First and foremost, do not be fooled by those adorable puppy pictures you see on the internet. Behind those cute faces, there may be a host of issues such as messy potty habits, coprophagia (eating feces), and excessive barking. Ask yourself if you’re truly prepared to handle these downsides.

Dog Ownership Is Not a Spur-of-the-Moment Decision

Raising a dog is not something you do on a whim. From the moment that little puppy enters your home, you’ll be responsible for its daily care and well-being. You’ll also have to deal with common issues that arise from genetic defects.

Common Health Issues in Yorkshire Terriers

Sensitive Skin Requires Delicate Care

As a long-haired terrier breed, Yorkshire Terriers do not shed and are odorless, but their skin is highly sensitive and fragile. To maintain their beautiful coat, you’ll need to provide long-term, meticulous care, including:

• Regularly supplementing with fish oil, lecithin, and other health products.
• Using high-quality grooming products to avoid skin allergies.
• Daily brushing to prevent tangles and keep their coat clean.

Dental Issues: Double Teeth

Yorkshire Terriers are prone to developing double teeth (where baby teeth don’t fall out in time). If the teeth don’t wear down naturally, it can lead to issues such as:

• Bad breath
• Tooth loss
• Misaligned bite

One of my Yorkies developed double teeth, and we had to resort to surgical removal to prevent further oral health problems.

High Risk of Patellar Luxation

Yorkshire Terriers are highly susceptible to patellar luxation. Even if you try to prevent it by limiting their jumping, problems can still arise. One of my Yorkies experienced patellar luxation last year. Since surgery doesn’t guarantee a permanent solution, I opted for conservative treatment:

• Placing anti-slip mats around the house to reduce joint strain.
• Regular use of an infrared therapy device to alleviate discomfort.
• Daily chondroitin supplements to support joint health.

Potential Heart and Tracheal Issues

Yorkshire Terriers may also face heart diseases or tracheal collapse. If these issues arise, they can require significant time and financial investment, including:

• Long-term medication to manage the condition.
• Regular check-ups to monitor their health.
• Avoiding over-excitement to reduce the risk of tracheal damage.

The Personality and Companionship Needs of Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkshire Terriers are highly dependent on their owners. Although they are small and don’t require much exercise (basically no need for walks), they still love to interact with you. When they bring you a toy and look at you with those pleading eyes, can you really say no?

Are You Really Suited to Own a Yorkshire Terrier?

Deciding whether to get a dog isn’t just about whether you love its good qualities—it’s about whether you can tolerate its flaws:

• Can you handle the daily grooming routine?
• Are you willing to cover potentially high medical costs?
• Do you have enough time to spend with your dog?

If you can accept some of the minor downsides of owning a Yorkshire Terrier, you’ll gain a lovable little companion who will follow you everywhere.