Are Yorkies Good With Kids? 5 Essential Things to Know

If you’re considering adding a Yorkie to a household with children, it’s essential to understand how their characteristics align with family life. The question ‘’Are Yorkies good with kids?’’ is one of the most common we hear from potential pet parents. That’s why we decided to reveal this topic and give future Yorkie owners some tips that can help them socialize properly.

Are Yorkies Good With Kids? Understanding Their Temperament

Although Yorkies are famous for their ‘’teddy bear’’ appearance, we have to admit that sometimes they can be very difficult to work with. Yorkies posses a stubborn side of their personality, so their owners have to find a wise way to change their behavior. First of all, you need to know that Yorkies can really form strong bond with their family members. However, what about kids? Are Yorkies good with kids and how we can help them build a gentle and loyal relationship?

Well, it takes two to succeed. To ensure your Yorkie behaves in a friendly, gentle, and protective manner towards children, it’s essential to lay a solid foundation of behavior from an early age. This includes proper and early socialization, as well as obedience training that helps the dog understand the limits of their behavior. While it might sound harsh to say “the limits they can go to,” trust us, it’s the only way to live with an obedient and well-mannered dog.

On the other hand, children should also know their behavioral limits. Dogs simply do not like to be treated as toys. They are living beings that deserve respect and care. Therefore, keep in mind that you must teach your children that it is not allowed to pull Yorkies by the tail, ears, or attempt to ride them. We don’t even want to imagine how terribly and badly that could end for your dog. The consequences could be catastrophic.

The Size Factor

Due to their small size, Yorkies can be easily injured by overly enthusiastic play. Young children who are learning to interact with pets might accidentally hurt a Yorkie without meaning to.

Supervision and Interaction

It is crucial to supervise interactions between Yorkies and young kids. Teaching kids how to be gentle and respectful with their pets will go a long way in fostering a harmonious relationship. 

How Do Yorkies Get Along With Older Kids?

Yorkies have a high energy level that can be a great match for older kids. They enjoy playtime and can engage in activities that keep both the pet and the kids entertained.

Training and Socialization

Early socialization and training can help Yorkies get accustomed to the presence and unpredictability of children. A well-socialized Yorkie is more likely to exhibit patience and calmness around young family members.

Health Considerations When Mixing Yorkies and Kids

Yorkies are generally healthy, but they do have some breed-specific health issues that can be exacerbated by improper handling. Ensuring that your children understand how to care for a Yorkie can prevent accidents and injuries.

Discuss the common health issues that Yorkies face, such as dental problems and fragile bones, and how these can influence their interaction with kids. Children should also not play roughly with them or grab them by the hips and legs. Yorkies have very delicate spines and should be handled with great gentleness.

Creating a Safe Environment

Offer tips on creating a safe space for Yorkies to retreat when they feel overwhelmed, ensuring they have their own space away from boisterous play. We recommend that your Yorkie’s bed always be located in a quiet corner of the house. It should not be in the living room where many people come and go and where guests are constantly arriving. Just like humans, our dogs need a peaceful spot and a comfortable bed where they can feel at home.

In case you’re in the search for the right Yorkie bed, then we recommend you to read the following blog post: How To Choose The Best Yorkie Bed?

Are Yorkies OK with babies?

Yorkies can be okay with babies, but it’s all about the approach and training. These tiny pups are full of energy and can be quite delicate, so while they might not pose a big threat to a baby, they could get startled or scared by sudden baby noises or movements. If you’re planning on introducing your Yorkie to a baby, start by letting them observe each other from a safe distance. 

Gradually decrease the distance under close supervision. Always keep the initial interactions short and sweet, rewarding your Yorkie for calm and gentle behavior. It’s important to never leave the baby and your Yorkie alone together, and try to keep their interactions positive. This way, your little buddy can learn to be a gentle and loving companion to your new family member.

Introducing a Yorkie to a baby is a delicate process that requires patience and careful steps to ensure safety and positive interactions for both the baby and your pet. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you manage this important introduction:

Prepare Your Yorkie:

Before the baby arrives, gradually acclimate your Yorkie to the sights, sounds, and smells they might encounter. This can include playing recordings of baby noises and gently applying baby lotion or powder on your skin so your Yorkie becomes familiar with the new scents.

First Introduction:

Start with a controlled meeting where the Yorkie is on a leash and the baby is securely held in your arms. Keep the first introduction short and calm. Allow the Yorkie to sniff around but maintain a safe distance to manage any unpredictable reactions.

Observe Body Language:

Watch your Yorkie’s reactions closely. Signs of stress or aggression, such as growling or excessive barking, mean you should end the session and try again later. Positive signs include a wagging tail and a calm demeanor.

Gradual Interaction:

Over multiple sessions, gradually allow your Yorkie to get closer to the baby while supervised. Always reward calm and gentle behavior with treats and praise to reinforce these behaviors.

Never Leave Them Unattended:

Even if your Yorkie shows no signs of jealousy or aggression, never leave them alone with the baby. Accidents can happen quickly, and it’s best to always supervise their interactions.

Consistent Routine:

Keep your Yorkie on a regular routine to help manage jealousy. Regular walks, feeding times, and one-on-one attention can help your pet adjust to the new family dynamics without feeling neglected.

Is it better to get a boy or girl Yorkie?

When deciding whether to get a boy or girl Yorkie, consider that both genders have unique traits, but a lot depends on individual personality and how they are raised. However, one aspect that can greatly affect their temperament, especially towards children, is whether they are spayed or neutered.

Spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) your Yorkie can have a significant impact on their overall personality. These procedures not only help control the pet population but also can lead to a more relaxed and calm behavior, which is particularly beneficial in households with children. Hormonal drives often cause pets to behave aggressively or territorially, but spaying or neutering reduces these tendencies, making them more gentle and less likely to display dominant behaviors.

This can be especially important in interactions with kids, who might not always understand the boundaries of pet handling. A calmer, less aggressive Yorkie is more likely to tolerate the inadvertent rough touches or noisy play of younger family members. Overall, whether you choose a male or female Yorkie, ensuring they are spayed or neutered will contribute to a safer and more harmonious relationship between your pet and your children.

Training Your Kids and Yorkie to Coexist Peacefully

The key to a successful relationship between your Yorkie and your kids lies in proper training—for both the dog and the children.

Outline basic training commands that kids can learn to use with Yorkies, enhancing mutual respect and understanding.

Setting Boundaries

Discuss the importance of setting boundaries with both children and Yorkies, such as designating certain areas of the home as ‘pet-free zones’ or ‘kid-free zones.’ Both sides need to have their own areas where they’ll feel comfortable. The best way to create a friendly atmosphere between Yorkies and kids is to share daily routines and activities. For example, your kid can play fetch or tug-of-war game with your Yorkie. They can also have their own time for sleeping or cuddling together. In simple words, they should behave like siblings. 

Are Yorkies Good With Kids? Wrapping Up

So, are Yorkies good with kids? Well, this depends on you. You’re the only one who should tailor your dog’s personality and behavior. Speaking generally, Yorkies are friendly toward kids and can be a wonderful addition to any family.

They do best with children who understand how to be gentle with pets. Therefore, it’s crucial to teach kids how to interact safely and respectfully with these little dogs.