My daughter is thinking about getting a Yorkshire terrier puppy for the twins for their birthday. Does anyone know or have any experience of how suitable this breed of dog is for children?

Thank you for all the input - I think we have realised that a YT is not the best dog for a child. Back to the drawing board.

I have a terrier mix, she is adorable very loyal and very possessive. if she is disturbed while sleeping she might nip. Great watch dog, barks at everything. Small dogs are kind of fearful and they feel they have to protect themselves because they could be hurt very easily. Young children have to be taught respect for the animal and dogs need to be trained properly. puppies teeth are sharp and they teeth like babies. so there will be chewing and nibbling on things. So as long as there is proper training for both the children and the dog everything should be fine. It doesn't matter what kind of dog you get none of them like their ears or tail pulled or there food messed with.. It's better to learn mutual respect from day 1.

You have been given excellent a good advice here Sarah so put your two cents worth in your daughters ear.. Don't think a Yorkie would be a good choice/Lillian

Our Ollie dog is 4 years old, he's a big one, he was an animal rescue. He does fine with women, a bit nippy with little little kids, he loves my new grandson though, but he's only a few months old. When Wyatt goes to pulling hair though, the dog would get nippy I imagine. My 6 year old granddaughter gets in his face and he snaps at her, so she's learned to stay out of his face. Ollie can even snap at me on occasion but most of the time he is sweet and loving, but their breed is terrier, and while they are cute at the twins age there could be a better breed for them. He is his daddy's dog, and I'm a close second. If this tells you anything he sleeps with his dad but he's the only man he likes. lol He loves women but not my daughter in law, don't know why that is.

A relative of mine has one and she is very friendly and if there are too many children and she doesn't want to be involved, she goes under the bed. They have a 4 year old grand child living with them now and they get along fine. She curls up on anyone's lap and brings her ball to anyone who will play. She is not a yapper, only barks when she needs something or someone at the door. I have a Bichon Frise and he loves everyone. He is 12 years old now so doesn't like children to pick him up but he has health issues and I'm sure that is why.I used to babysit for several of the children in my neighborhood and they all played with him. He only nipped one time because the child was pulling and squeezing him. They range in size and are very sturdy even though they don't look it. The biggest drawback with dogs that have to be trimmed is that it can get expensive unless you do it yourself. If you get the dog while the children are small and teach them how to handle the animal and what will happen if they don't treat the animal with care they will be fine. On the left is my dog Bailey, Maddie (Yorkie) in the middle & my dog's daughter Hailey who lives in a different state. They all get along. Hailey was mated with a borrowed male & had 5 puppies and everyone of them went to homes with children. Which ever breed is chosen, it's work and costly so if you are very busy, having a pet may not be prudent.

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2 comments

by sewilso 08 Oct 2014

Very cute babies!!!

by airyfairy 08 Oct 2014

Beautiful dogs. Thank you for posting.

Wow, You are on your own here as I know nothing about Yorkies. i will admit they ere cure!

I think you received a lot of good advice. Here is my 5 cents worth. I rescued the cutest little Terrier Mix. All women fell in love with him and he most certainly charmed them. However he turned into a Terror Mix, the moment a male showed up. I worked for month with him and eventually had to return him to the Shelter. I do not need to tell you that this broke my heart. I love animals but I loved my grandson more.

There are a few online resources to help people choose a dog breed. I would not recommend the Yorkshire Terrier as they are called Terrorists here too. Often the best dogs with the least health issues are mixed breeds.

How old are the twins? A Yorkie is very tiny for rambunctious kids. You have some good comments on the dispositions/personalities of small breeds as well. And how much noise are the adults willing to live with if the small dog turns out to be a constant yapper? Too many people get rid of dogs they didn't choose carefully enough to start with. Just saying. Judy

I don't know about the Yorkshire but if you want a small, friendly, loving, hardly sheds, 12-15 years life span and a inside dog look at a Cockapoo(cross of cocker spaniel and poodle). Let me say I am not a dog person but gd has one and he has almost got me in under his" little finger".

1 comment

by crafter2243 07 Oct 2014

My daughter has one of them and he is the most adorable, sweet tempered dog.

Yeah, this type doggie is a wonderful pet, but Only for one person and they are a bit nippy. I'd do some research first. Try the link below.

Yorkshire Terrorists a friend of mine calls them!

I can't tell you one way or another, however everyone that I have met have been completely adorable.

Extremely intelligent and one person ( preferably adult) dogs. They are snappy and like their own way. Sorry. Loved mine dearly but it was only mine, used to bite my husband at night if he got too close to me - the dog decided how close he was !

2 comments

by airyfairy 06 Oct 2014

This sounds just like my pekingese - bites my husband regularly.

by cherylgauteng 06 Oct 2014

Exactly like them, my Mother bred these when I was a child and Yorkies are far worse. Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings. They are extremely cute and very full of personality BUT not for small children - their faces are always too close.