Yorkshire terriers make wonderful pets with pleasant temperaments, self-assured attitudes, and loyal behavior. When yorkshire terriers are not properly trained, however, a host of problem behavior may be seen. Because Yorkies are terriers they are very territorial by nature. They were used historically for catching rats, and there is some evidence that owners may have carried them in pockets to join in hunting trips. However, I believe that yorkshire terrier behaviors would be troublesome on hunting trips because they are so excitable. My yorkies can be calm and quiet but when they hear the quietest noise they jump, bark, and run to the noise if they can get to it.

Who would ever guess that these cuties could get aggressive?

Yorkies are famous for not knowing their size. They sometimes challenge other dogs that are several times larger than they are. This puts a yorkie in danger, especially if their owner is not alert. Such interactions can be minimized and possibly avoided with the proper socialization. Bring your yorkie around other dogs as soon as he/she gets the parvo vaccination. If a yorkie is isolated from other dogs they will most likely be aggressive when they see another dog. Even with the proper socialization yorkies can still have trouble discerning dangerous scenarios from friendly encounters because they are so territorial. Yorkshire terriers are hard-wired to have this element in their temperament. Although it may seem easy to think that there is nothing we can do about it, these facts make it ever so more important to be diligent with your yorkies training and rearing.

If a yorkie owner gets another dog to keep a yorkie company its best to get a dog that is not too much bigger than a yorkie. Yorkies either don’t know their size as mentioned above or they are very intimidated by larger dogs. Of course a yorkie can get used to a larger dog, but I would suggest taking precautions. Rear a larger breed from puppy size if you already own a yorkie and introduce the yorkie to the puppy gradually. Yorkies do enjoy interaction. I would encourage anyone who will not be home for several hours a day to find some company for your yorkie. Yorkshire terrier behaviors can be such that an owner could end up tearing their own hair out. At the same time, yorkshire terrier behaviors may be a delight if the yorkie has been properly trained and reared.  The best companion for a yorkie would probably be another small dog- and another yorkie would probably be best. Another great pair is a yorkie and a silky terrier. The silky terrier is a close relative to the Yorkshire terrier. Silky terriers are less expensive and have a different temperament that may balance some of the yorkie’s characteristics.