Welcome Yorkie lovers

As a Yorkie owner, Yorkie sitter and organizer of a Yorkie play group I'm often asked for tips and advice on Yorkie training and behavior - Is it possible to housebreak a Yorkie? Why does my Yorkie go nuts in the car? What do you do about a Yorkie Boy peeing on his long fur? How do I get my Yorkie to wear those cute little booties (you don't, in my opinion)?

Yorkshire Terriers are energetic, active, intelligent, beautiful, fun and lovable dogs. If you let them, they can be demanding, bossy, barky, "marky" and totally overwhelm and rule your life.

In this blog I'll talk about my experiences with my two rambunctious balls of fur named Sampson and Daisy and show some of the things that make our life better - and maybe your's too.

Friday, August 22, 2008

The real expense of bringing home baby

I'm often asked if I know where to get a Yorkie puppy. It's not usually that the prospective owner can't find a Yorkie. The buyer just doesn't want to pay the high cost. Typically from $1000 on up and even $500 for an adoption. Yes, that may seem like a lot of money up front, but that is only the beginning.

You are often better off paying the high price for a Yorkie from a very reputable breeder right from the start. Typically these are breeders for conformation - the show dogs. Reputable breeders take great care regarding the health and breed characteristics of their dogs. Breeders who sell to pet stores or other avenues strictly for profit, may not be as careful.

Very quickly that $800 dog from the strip mall pet store can end up costing you thousands in vet bills and a great deal of heartache when health problems and birth defects arise within weeks or months of bringing home baby. Whereas the $1200 Yorkie from the reputable breeder is more likely to be free of birth defects and sickness. That new baby will also need neutering or spaying, typically at 6 to 8 months old. Are you prepared for all the other costs that will quickly arise?

- Spaying or neutering, $300-500
- Teeth cleanings, $200-$500
- Grooming, $35-45
- Food, varies
- Car seat or crate for travel, $25-100 (watch for my blog post to come)
- Illness and emergencies, $50-$4,000
- Vet office visit fee, $40-55
- Vaccinations, vet office fee plus $15-25 per vaccine
- Pet insurance, optional (watch for my blog post to come)
- Harnesses, leashes, beds, toys, chew toys and more

My point of this summary of costs, is that you will likely encounter most of these expenses during the life of your pet and many right from the start. I know the initial cost of a Yorkie is overwhelming, but so are all these other expenses. Make sure that you truly can afford the routine care and emergencies that may arise. That initial cost of your Yorkie is only the beginning. You have a commitment to provide for and care for your dog for the rest of it's life.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

A Yorkie is not a fashion accessory

A hundred and fifty years ago Yorkies were working dogs. They were bred to chase and kill rats in the coal pits of England. They were also used for the gruesome sport of "rat baiting," where a dog was thrown into a pit of rats. The winning Yorkie was the one who killed the most rats within a short specified time frame. The famous Huddersfield Ben was both a show ring champion and rat baiting champion.

Now we are bombarded by images of tiny Yorkie heads peering out of pink Gucci bags, sporting diamond tiaras and carried around by celebrities, such as Paris Hilton and Brittany Spears. In fact, the pocket dog fashion trend is the single worst phenomenon to ever affect the breed. It results in unscrupulous breeding practices, dog theft, bad temperament (of the dog, well, and the owner) and an unhealthy and unnatural lifestyle for these tiny but active dogs. Recently, Paris was actually turned away from a pet store trying to make an impulse Yorkie purchase for a photoshoot. Hooray!

For those of you who want a dog to tote around, might I suggest the plush toy section at Target? Otherwise, take some time to learn about the breed and understand its needs - as a dog. Carrying it around everywhere will most likely result in a snappy, snarling miserable dog or a timid, scared shaking mess. Is that really what you want?

Please say "no" to purse dogs and recognize that a Yorkie is an active dog with the same needs of larger breeds. Learn and appreciate the rich history and tremendous breed characteristics of this lovely little dog.

Welcome Yorkie lovers

As a Yorkie owner, Yorkie sitter and organizer of a Yorkie play group I'm often asked for tips and advice on Yorkie training and behavior - Is it possible to housebreak a Yorkie? Why does my Yorkie go nuts in the car? What do you do about a Yorkie Boy peeing on his long fur? How do I get my Yorkie to wear those cute little booties?

Yorkies are energetic, active, intelligent, beautiful, fun and lovable dogs. If you let them, they can be demanding, bossy, barky, "marky" and totally overwhelm and rule your life.

In this blog I'll talk about my experiences with my two rambunctious balls of fur named Sampson and Daisy and show some of the things that make our life better - and maybe your's too.