Are Yorkies Good with Kids?

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Are Yorkies Good with Kids? Here’s What You Need to Know.

Last Updated on September 1, 2023 by Denise Leo. Post first published on May 30, 2023.

The Yorkshire Terrier breed, commonly known as Yorkies, is a trendy small dog breed for its spunky and lively personality. This dog breed is well known for its loving nature and loyalty, making them great family companions. However, many wonders if Yorkies are good with kids, especially considering their small size.

Regarding Yorkies and kids, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, it’s important to remember that every dog is an individual with its temperament and personality.

While some Yorkies may be significant with kids, others may not be as tolerant. Additionally, it’s essential to teach small children how to interact with dogs appropriately to avoid any potential issues.

This article will explore whether Yorkies are good with kids and provide some tips for safely introducing them to each other.

Are Yorkies Good with Kids?
Are Yorkies Good with Kids?

Are Yorkies Good with Kids?

Are Yorkies a good pet for young kids? While they are small and delicate, there are certain things to consider before adding one to your family. It may be better for households with toddlers due to the risk of injury. However, a Yorkie can be a great addition to families with older kids.

Not only do they teach kids responsibility, but they also encourage them to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. A Yorkshire Terrier can make the perfect play partner, and even an only child can benefit from the companionship and special bond they create with their pet.

Caring for a Yorkie teaches Kids about respect, kindness, and unconditional love. This lesson can be applied in their daily lives and prepare them for crucial moments in the future. Plus, the bond between a kid and their dog can reduce tension, improve mood, and bring smiles to their faces every day. A Yorkie might be the perfect fit if you consider getting a dog for your family.

Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier

Are Yorkies Good with Babies?

Yorkies and children can have excellent relationship. However, these small dogs are particularly vulnerable to rough play from toddlers and preschoolers, and it is crucial to proceed with caution.

Adult Yorkshire Terriers typically weigh at most 7 lbs, with some weighing only 5 lbs. This fragility can be challenging for young children to understand, and they may play too roughly with their new four-legged friend.

To avoid unwanted injuries, parents should teach their children to be gentle with Yorkies and also ensure that the Yorkie is appropriately trained to interact positively with them.

Don’t forget that Yorkshire Terriers, despite their size, are still terriers! They don’t have the friendliest temperament and can be aggressive if threatened. Make sure to supervise their interactions carefully.

Yorkshire Terriers can make excellent companions for children old enough to understand how to interact with them appropriately. As they require regular grooming, they also teach children about pet care and responsibility.

So, if you’re considering adding a Yorkie to your family, remember their playful nature and follow these tips to ensure your children and a new furry friend have a safe and happy relationship.

Nature and Temperament

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are known for their energetic and playful nature. They are friendly and affectionate, making them wonderful companions for people of all ages. However, it is essential to note that Yorkies can be territorial and may nip or bite if they feel threatened or their personal space is invaded.

Socialization and Training

Training and socialization are crucial for any dog, especially when interacting with children. Yorkies can be trained to be gentle and loving with children, but it requires patience and responsibility from the owner. Teaching them boundaries and supervising their interactions with young children is vital to prevent potential injury.

Supervision and Boundaries

Supervision and boundaries are essential when it comes to Yorkies and children. They are small dogs and can easily be injured if handled roughly or dropped. 

It is vital to monitor their interactions with children and teach them how to handle and interact with them appropriately. Yorkies also tend to bark excessively and may become anxious in certain situations, so providing them with a safe and calm living space is essential.

Yorkshire Terriers can make great family dogs and are generally good with children when properly socialized and trained. It is crucial to remember that they are a high-maintenance breed and require patience, responsibility, and careful handling. With the proper training and supervision, Yorkies can be excellent companions and watchdogs for families with older children.

Yorkshire terrier puppy and little girl
Happy girl next to Yorkshire Terrier in autumn park

Nature and Temperament

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are known for their small size, playful nature, and loving personalities. They are typically friendly and affectionate, making them great companions for families with kids. However, as with any breed, it’s essential to understand their nature and temperament before bringing them into a home with children.

Yorkies are not typically aggressive or overly energetic but have a playful side. These dogs enjoy running around and playing with toys but can also be content lounging on the couch with their owners. While generally friendly, they can become anxious or nip if they feel threatened or uncomfortable.

Owing to their small size, Yorkies are fragile dogs. They are known for their gentle yet confident demeanor and can hold their own when playing with young kids. However, it’s essential to supervise playtime to ensure the child and dog are safe.

Yorkshire Terriersare well known for their loyalty and make excellent watchdogs. They are intelligent, alert, and often bark to warn their owners about possible dangers. However, they can be standoffish with strangers and might require a period to become comfortable with unfamiliar individuals.

The American Kennel Club states that Yorkies are sweet, hypoallergenic, and affectionate dogs. The breed thrives on human companionship and loves to be near their owners. While they may have a stubborn streak, Yorkies typically exhibit ease of training and positively respond to reinforcement techniques.

Yorkshire Terriers can serve as excellent companions for families that have children. They are generally friendly, playful, and loving but can become anxious or nip if threatened. Supervising playtime and providing plenty of socialization is essential to ensure the dog and the child are safe and happy.

Socialization and Training

Socialization

Socialization is a crucial aspect of raising a well-behaved and friendly Yorkie. It is vital for any dog breed, and tiny dogs, like Yorkies, to expose to different situations, sounds, and people from a young age. This helps them develop the social skills to interact appropriately with humans and other animals.

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their friendly and outgoing temperament; proper socialization will help them maintain this trait. Introducing your Yorkie puppy to new people, animals, and situations will help them become more confident and less anxious. 

Supervising interactions between your Yorkie and children, especially younger ones, is also imperative to ensure that the dog and child are safe.

Training

Training is another essential aspect of raising a well-behaved Yorkie. Yorkies are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. However, this dog breed can also be stubborn, so it is vital to be consistent in your training methods.

Yorkies can be trained to follow basic commands such as stay, sit, and come, as well as more advanced commands such as heel and fetch. It is also essential to train your Yorkie to walk on a leash to prevent excessive barking and pulling when on walks.

Separation anxiety can be a problem for some Yorkies, so training them to be comfortable with being left alone for short periods is vital. Separation anxiety is usually prevented by increasing their time alone and providing them with toys and treats to keep them occupied.

In some cases, Yorkies may exhibit unwanted behaviors such as excessive barking or chewing. These behaviors can be addressed through training.

Overall, training and socialization are essential responsibilities of owning a Yorkie. You can raise a well-behaved and kid-friendly family dog with consistency and patience.

Supervision and Boundaries

Supervision

When it comes to small children and Yorkies, supervision is crucial. While Yorkies are generally friendly and affectionate, the breed is tiny and can easily be injured if mishandled. Supervising interactions between children and Yorkshire Terriers is essential to ensure the child and the dog are safe.

Parents should teach their children how to handle and interact with Yorkies correctly. This includes:

  • Not pulling on their tails or ears.
  • Not picking them up by their legs.
  • Not invading their personal space.

Yorkies are known to protect their personal space, so teaching children to respect their boundaries is essential.

Boundaries

Boundary setting is also essential when it comes to Yorkies and very young children. Yorkies can be prone to excessive barking, which can be overwhelming for young children. 

It’s important to teach children to respect the dog’s need for quiet time and to avoid triggering excessive barking.

Parents should also establish boundaries regarding the Yorkie’s living space. Yorkies are small dogs and can quickly become overwhelmed in a chaotic environment. 

Establishing a designated living space for the Yorkie is essential, and teaching children to respect that space. This can help prevent accidents and injuries.

Finally, it’s essential to establish boundaries regarding the Yorkie’s leash. Yorkies are tiny and can quickly become tangled or injured if not properly leashed. Parents must teach their children how to correctly walk the Yorkie to ensure the child and the dog are safe.

Overall, with proper supervision and boundaries, Yorkies can make great family dogs and be excellent addition to any household with children.

Yorkshire Terrier Puppy
Yorkshire Terrier Puppy

Summary

Yorkies certainly are capable of being great companion animals for kids. Although their small size and independent nature may favor adults more, Yorkshire Terriers can make excellent additions to any family when given the proper training and socialization.

It’s also important to note that Yorkies need much love and attention. They must be taught how to interact with other people and animals; this is true if you have other pets.

Finally, although these beautiful dogs are intelligent and independent, they still require mental stimulation, lots of exercise, and playtime to remain happy and healthy.

Ultimately, whether or not a Yorkie would make a good fit for your family depends on the time you dedicate to dedicate your four-legged friend.

You may need more patience than with some larger breeds. It can be gratifying when it comes to owning a Yorkshire Terrier!

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References and Further Reading:

[1] American Kennel Club, Yorkshire Terrier Information.

Author

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  • Denise Leo

    My name is Denise Leo, and I hail from Australia. My journey with dogs, especially with the delightful Pomeranian breed, has been a lifelong passion extending over 50 years. I have had the honor of breeding and exhibiting close to 100 Pomeranian Champions, dedicating many years to the intricate art of dog training across various disciplines. Beyond the show ring, my experience stretches to the pastoral fields as both a Dairy Farmer and Beef Cattle Breeder, where working with dogs of all breeds has been an integral part of my daily life. This diverse exposure has deepened my understanding and appreciation for these incredible animals. I firmly believe that dogs are the most extraordinary beings in our universe, capable of offering us unconditional love that surpasses even their own self-interest. The countless wonderful dogs that have shared my life over the years have not only brought immense joy and companionship but have also profoundly enriched my existence in ways I could never have imagined. About us page