Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie Review

When my daughter was given a Yorkie puppy as a gift she was living in an apt. and she quickly learned that her roommates were intolerable of pets.  So as not to leave him homeless he came into our home and joined our other two dogs - a chihuahua and mixed sheltie/pom.  We've had the Yorkie for three years now and he is the most loving dog I could have ever hoped for.  He is definitely not a lap dog, but he loves to snuggle with the other two dogs.  He likes to think he is their best buddy.  He loves to play ball with a tennis ball and is so energetic.  He loves his walks and would spend all day walking if he could.  I have a doggie door that gives all the dogs free run of the house and yard, so there is never any problem with using the bathroom in the house.  On the occasions that it does occur is when it's raining outside.  I can understand how they must feel, so it's not an issue with us.  Dogs are dogs.

Yorkies do require constant grooming to keep their hair from getting matted.  I keep his short because I don't believe in prancing dogs around for show.  And I don't want to hear from those who do.  It's your choice - not mine.  I want my dog to be comfortable and I'm not going to let his fur get to a length where it requires never-ending brushing to make him a show dog.  I want him to be able to run, roll in the grass and dig for grub worms without worring about his fur getting messed up.  I don't "tip" his ears either.  His tail was already bobbed by the time he came into our home, so I had no say in the matter.  I believe in letting dogs be dogs and not show pieces.  As a result, I am rewarded with an amazing free spirit, less than perfect, tongue hanging out, teeth-showing-when-he-smiles Yorkie.  I may have gotten on my soapbox about pets and show pieces, but I am passionate about animals and have too much respect for animals and their nature to try to alter them to fit into my world for show.  They're dogs - not trophies.