When you think of a Yorkshire Terrier, you might picture a posh pup being carried in a purse, but these little dogs are actually lively and playful. So, how do they do around children?
While some dog breeds are known for being gentle with kids, any dog can be child-friendly if they are socialized with children from a young age. A dog’s individual temperament also plays a significant role in how they interact with children.
Many families choose small breeds for their young children. There are pros and cons to socializing a small dog versus a larger one with kids.
Here’s a look at the Yorkie’s reputation with kids and what to expect when bringing a Yorkie into your family.
So, are Yorkshire Terriers good with kids? According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Yorkies score a five out of five for kid-friendliness, ranking alongside Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, and other popular breeds for children.
However, dog breed is more predictive of looks than personality. A recent study showed that breed accounts for only 9% of the variations in a dog’s behavior and doesn’t determine how they react to new experiences. Dogs that haven’t been socialized with children might find them strange and unfamiliar.
Nonetheless, Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred to hunt vermin and tend to be bold and fearless. These traits can be beneficial when socializing a dog with children, as fearless dogs are less likely to react aggressively or run away from loud noises and erratic movement.
Like other terrier breeds, Yorkies can be feisty during playtime, making them a good match for playful kids as long as they don’t get too rowdy, especially with sensitive children. It’s important to teach Yorkie puppies not to nip from a young age.
Yorkies can be great family dogs for homes with small children, but there are potential issues to watch out for. Working with a dog trainer can help your Yorkie puppy learn good manners while teaching your child how to interact with the dog.
Here are common Yorkie puppy problems and solutions:
- Rough play: Yorkies can play too rough with their human friends, and their small but sharp teeth can be an issue. Teach bite inhibition by stopping play when the puppy bites hard and saying “Ouch!” or yelping loudly.
- Delicate size: Yorkies are small dogs and can be easily injured. Teach your child to handle them with care and avoid roughhousing.
- Small dog syndrome: Spoiled small dogs may develop bad habits like nipping, whining, and not listening to commands. Proper training is crucial to help them behave well.
- Lack of socialization: Early exposure to different children helps your dog adjust to a variety of kids. Bring your Yorkie to family outings and invite friends over for playdates.
In summary, Yorkies are lively and playful, making them good playmates for children. Their history as hunters gives them a bold nature, but they may play roughly. Teach your puppy bite inhibition early on to avoid nipping. Since they’re small, handle them gently and avoid roughhousing. With proper training and socialization, your Yorkie can be a well-mannered companion for your family.
