7 Biggest Mistakes Of Yorkie Owners

So, you’ve got yourself a Yorkie? Nice choice! They’re cute, tiny, and full of energy. But let’s be real—they’re also full-time divas wrapped in fur.

Owning one isn’t always sunshine and tail wags. A lot of people, even those who love their Yorkie like family, make mistakes that can mess up their little lives. It happens.

Let’s talk about 7 mistakes Yorkie owners make, so you can avoid turning your pup into a grumpy gremlin 😉

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1. Treating Them Like a Doll

I get it. They’re small, they’re cute, and they look so good in tiny sweaters. It’s tempting to carry them everywhere, stick them in your purse, or let them snooze on your lap all day. But guess what? Your Yorkie is still a dog. Yep, a real one. Not a teddy bear.

They need exercise, socialization, and a chance to sniff weird stuff outside. If they don’t get it, boredom kicks in. And a bored Yorkie? That’s just a bark factory waiting to happen.

Heads up: Let them walk on their own four paws once in a while. And maybe skip the tutu. They deserve better than being your furry accessory, trust me.

Here’s a really good video that you should watch!

2. Feeding Them Like a Rottweiler

Oh, those big pleading eyes. They can make you feel like the worst person ever for not sharing your pizza. But news flash: Yorkies don’t need a ton of food. Their stomachs are tiny, and overfeeding can turn them into chunky little sausages with legs. Cute? Maybe. Healthy? Not so much.

Chubby Yorkies are at risk for joint issues, diabetes, and other scary stuff. Plus, who wants to carry around a dog that weighs as much as a bowling ball? Not me.

Pro tip: Measure their food, don’t eyeball it. And as much as it pains you, skip the table scraps. Your fries aren’t doing them any favors.

3. Skipping Grooming ‘Cause You’re Too Busy

Have you ever seen a Yorkie with matted hair? It’s… not pretty. Their silky coat isn’t “wash and go.” It’s more like “brush every day or deal with a knot apocalypse.” If you’re not on top of grooming, your Yorkie will go from fab to drab faster than you can say, “Where’s the comb?”

Mats don’t just look bad—they hurt. Plus, dirty fur can lead to skin problems. And good luck cutting those tangles out without feeling like a doggy barber on their first day.

Brush daily. Not weekly. Daily. Take them to a groomer every few months or invest in a good pair of clippers. If you’re brave enough to DIY, more power to you.

4. Letting Them Run the Show

You ever notice how Yorkies think they’re the boss of everything? Yeah, they’re tiny, but their attitude is huge. If you don’t set boundaries, they’ll take over. Barking at guests? Yep. Demanding to be carried 24/7? Oh, for sure. Running your life? Absolutely.

What’s the big deal? Well, letting them act like a tyrant makes them anxious. Dogs, even little ones, need structure to feel secure. And let’s be real, nobody wants to hang out with a spoiled brat—dog or human.

The fix: Train them early. Be consistent. Don’t cave when they give you those puppy-dog eyes. You’re the boss, not them.

5. Ignoring Their Teeth (Bad Idea)

Okay, real talk: Yorkies have terrible teeth. It’s not their fault. Their mouths are tiny, which means their teeth are crowded, which means plaque builds up faster than you can say, “Ew.”

If you’re not brushing their teeth, you’re basically inviting bad breath, gum disease, and a hefty vet bill into your life. Fun times, right?

Dog-safe toothpaste is your new best friend. No, human toothpaste isn’t okay—it can make them sick. Get a toothbrush, start slow, and make it a habit. A dental chew here and there is nice, but it’s not a substitute for the real thing.

6. Thinking They Don’t Need Exercise

“They’re so small! Surely they don’t need much exercise.” Wrong. So wrong. Yorkies are little balls of energy wrapped in fluff.

If you don’t tire them out, they’ll find ways to entertain themselves—usually in ways that drive you nuts. Chewed-up shoes, barking marathons, random zoomies at 2 a.m.? That’s what you get when you skip their daily walk.

Take them out. Every day. Even if it’s just around the block. Play fetch in the living room if it’s raining. A tired Yorkie is a happy Yorkie. And a happy Yorkie = a happy you. 🙂

7. Underestimating Their Fragile Little Bodies

Yorkies are tough in spirit but delicate in body. It’s easy to forget how small they are—until you accidentally step on their paw or a big dog gets a little too playful. Ouch.

They can get hurt just by jumping off the couch wrong. Crazy, right? Be gentle. Teach kids to be gentle. And keep an eye out for potential hazards, like that bowl of grapes they’re trying to steal. (FYI, grapes are toxic for dogs, so keep that stuff far away.)

Bonus Tip: Chill With the Coddling

Look, it’s okay to spoil your Yorkie a little. But don’t treat them like they’re made of glass. They’re dogs, not Fabergé eggs. Let them explore, run, play in the mud. Life’s more fun that way—for both of you.

Final Thoughts: We’re All Learning Here

Yorkies are amazing dogs—full of sass, charm, and a little bit of chaos. They’re worth every ounce of effort, but nobody’s perfect. If you’ve made one (or all) of these mistakes, don’t stress. Just fix it and move on. Your Yorkie isn’t keeping score.

Now go brush your dog’s teeth, take them for a walk, or maybe just give them a cuddle. They’ll love you for it. Or, well, they’ll love you as much as a sassy little Yorkie can. 😉

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