If you have landed here as you are thinking about getting a Yorkshire Terrier and you are concerned if they get along with kids or not, this will help. Yorkshire Terriers are cute, tiny and loveable dogs but do they mix with younger kids? You would think they would be compatible; however, let us explain why they aren’t.

Yorkshire Terriers are not so good with young kids; they can have a short fuse. Yorkshire Terriers often snap out in frustration towards kids. They don’t take any nonsense from no one, not even kids. However, there are ways you can help with a situation where a Yorkshire Terrier may become frustrated. Encouraging your kids to understand a Yorkshire Terrier will help avoid any potential risk. 

Let’s understand why they get frustrated and go through ways to help your kids understand a Yorkshire Terrier to avoid any potential risk.

What age group are Yorkshire Terriers best suited to?

Yorkshire Terriers are best suited for kids from 10 or up. Kids don’t understand Yorkshire Terriers, and Yorkshire Terriers don’t understand kids.

Why don’t Yorkshire Terriers like kids?

Yorkshire Terriers have a short fuse for kids; they can lash out and get easily offended. Yorkshire Terriers believe they are big dogs. They often go about the house ruling it! But in a cute way that they get away with it. They like to get attached to their owner, which can cause jealous reactions, especially between mothers and their kids. 

Personalities don’t mix with kids.

Yorkshire Terriers demand attention from their owners and often get attached to the primary owner; this can cause problems. It’s not their fault that they get jealous or have a positive outlook at being a big fierce dog when the times are suitable. It’s built into them from the start, which gives the Yorkshire Terrier its unique personality. A Yorkshire Terrier personality comes from the breed’s history.

Why do Yorkshire Terriers think they are big dogs?

Yorkshire Terriers think they are much bigger than they are, and they are oblivious to their size, and it seems that diggers and ratting background have given them this fearless persistent character. When it comes to it, they are more likely to challenge any sized dog, including small children, and they won’t think twice. They are quick to think on their feet and see it through with no thought.

Yorkshire Terriers best environment

Yorkshire Terriers need a peaceful and calm environment, as they are very easily stressed out. They can become anxious in certain situations, like being kids and running around playing. Yorkshire Terriers can potentially snap out and bite when they feel it’s all too much for them.

How to help kids and yorkshire terriers to get along

I completely understand that you don’t want to get rid of your beloved pet, and rightfully so, you shouldn’t have to. I wouldn’t want to when you have brought them up from a pup, especially, and you love your little Yorkie very much. However, knowing your dog and understanding the risks involved is sometimes the resolution. Creating a time out zone for your dog and upping their training should benefit a lot when introducing a new baby or a small child. Knowing what a Yorkshire Terriers personality is like, you can limit their contact and only in the correct situations should they be together. If you genuinely think it won’t work, then you’ll have to make that tough decision. Nothing is impossible, and getting the right advice will help.

Child sitting nicely with a Yorkshire Terrier dog
Child sitting nicely with a Yorkshire Terrier

Ways to get your kid and Yorkshire Terrier to understand each other

  • From an early age, you need to educate your child to understand that Yorkshire Terriers need their space and that they are not toys, they can’t be pulled or picked up roughly.
  • Training is critical! a highly trained Yorkshire Terrier will react a lot better in sticky situations, teaching them the be gentle command will benefit, and the time out management will also help tremendously. An undisciplined dog is much harder to control than a well-disciplined dog.
  • Include your child in the training process; this will help with boundaries and a general understanding of a Yorkshire Terrier. It will also strengthen social bonds between them.
  • Have a dedicated area for your Yorkshire Terrier and make sure that your child knows this belongs to them; it needs to be out of the way, peaceful and calm.

Get the kids involved in the right areas.

child gently petting a Yorkshire Terrier whilst sitting down
A child gently petting a Yorkshire Terrier

Feeding

Kids can help with particular day to day aspects of looking after a dog, and it will give your Yorkshire Terrier breed some good vibes from them. Get your small child to feed them; this will encourage a bond between them. 

Playtime

Bonding through playtime, Yorkies love to play. They are very energetic and love being active. Supervise a game of tug of war, or throw and catch. It’s an excellent way for them to have a positive relationship with your child.

Walking

Get your kids involved in walking your Yorkshire Terrier within reason, perhaps in an open field or the back garden. Please make sure you fully supervise them at all times. Teach your child to be gentle and firm at the correct times; this will educate your child to understand a Yorkie better. Also, providing treats when needed is another excellent way for bonding; as we all know, dogs love treats.

Petting

Encourage your kid to pet your Yorkshire Terrier gently to build their trust, and you must supervise at all times. When you’re around your child, treat your dog the same way you would like your child to treat them.

Qualities of a Yorkshire Terriers

Putting kids aside, Yorkshire Terriers are loving, loyal, confident dogs. Amiable but fierce dogs love being fussed when the times are correct. They will keep you entertained, and there is never a dull moment with a Yorkshire Terrier.

Yorkshire Terrier in dog bed
Cute Yorkshire Terrier in a dog bed

Conclusion

Think about other choices of dog breeds that are better suited. There are some lovely breeds of dogs that are great with children. Take, for instance, the Poodle. They are fantastic dogs, and they love kids; they are soft, gentle, and playful. If you are thinking of bringing a Yorkshire Terrier into the family home and having small kids, you are only creating more work for yourself. However, if you already have a Yorkie and or your planning on having a baby. Following my above advice, you must have eyes on them at all times, and hopefully, you won’t have to make that horrible decision that we all dread. Good luck!

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