Yorkies & Kids

Children and dogs can form an incredible bond that lasts a lifetime. But before bringing a Yorkie into your home, it’s important to honestly evaluate whether your family is ready for the responsibility.

1. Recognize the Commitment

Owning any dog requires time, money, and patience. Yorkies are no exception. Beyond love and cuddles, they need consistent training, veterinary care, grooming, and high-quality food. On average, owning a dog can cost $1,000–$2,000 per year, not including emergencies. A Yorkie’s lifespan can stretch 14–16 years, meaning this is a long-term family commitment—not just a short-lived interest for children.

2. Are Your Kids Ready?

Children often beg for a puppy, but readiness goes beyond enthusiasm. Signs your child may be ready for a dog include:

They show maturity in handling responsibility.
They can follow directions consistently.
They understand that pets are not toys.
They have the time to participate in daily care.

Parents must remember: the dog’s primary caregiver will always be the adults. While children can help, the responsibility of feeding, grooming, training, and vet care ultimately belongs to you.

3. Choosing the Right Breed

Not every dog breed is ideal for every family. When evaluating if a Yorkie is right for your home, consider:

Size: Yorkies are tiny and fragile—making them vulnerable to accidental injuries from toddlers.
Energy Level: Yorkies can be lively, but they’re not endurance dogs. They thrive in homes where they can play, then cuddle.
Personality: While affectionate, Yorkies can be bossy, stubborn, and protective. They do best with families who provide gentle training, structure, and boundaries.

4. Young Kids & Puppies—What to Expect

Small children must always be supervised around puppies. A dropped Yorkie can suffer broken bones—or worse. Teaching kids early about gentle handling and respecting the puppy’s space is essential. Puppyhood also requires patience—accidents, chewing, and barking are all part of the process. Families should prepare for both the joy and the work.

5. Preparing Your Kids for Dog Ownership

Start with education: Read books, watch videos, or attend training classes together.
Set family rules: Decide as a group who is responsible for feeding, walking, and cleaning up after the dog.
Assign simple tasks: Kids can help with brushing, refilling water, or measuring food (under supervision).
Practice patience: Encourage kids to give the puppy quiet time and personal space.

6. Building Your “Puppy Team”

Raising a puppy is easier when you have support. Families should connect with:

A trusted veterinarian – for health, vaccines, and emergencies.
A skilled groomer – Yorkies require professional grooming every 4–6 weeks.
A trainer or training program – to help teach manners and obedience.
Your breeder – for lifelong guidance and support.

Our Family Experience

When we brought home our Yorkies, our daughter Charlotte was just five. I’ll admit, I was nervous—Yorkies are so tiny, and she had only been around larger dogs before. We set ground rules early on about gentle handling and respect. She’s done wonderfully, though we did have one mishap: Charlotte dropped Cindy once, and Cindy needed pain medication for a few days. It was a scary but important lesson in responsibility.

Now at age seven, Charlotte continues to grow up surrounded by animals. She’s still learning how to respect boundaries—just this morning she was bitten by one of our cats for invading her space. These moments, while tough, teach kids how to live respectfully with animals.

I believe Yorkies make fantastic family pets, but I strongly encourage parents with small children to think carefully before bringing one home. Their fragile size makes them especially vulnerable, and children must learn to be gentle. With patience, supervision, and teaching, kids and Yorkies can absolutely live in harmony.