Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers have a big number of fans, especially among the older generation, thanks to his small size and suitability to apartment living.

Are Yorkies good for seniors?

While Yorkies have a number of qualities that make them good for seniors, they also have some traits that might not be so ideal. Let’s look at them in detail.

Yorkies are suitable for apartment living

Yorkies are great for seniors, old couples, and retirees living in small apartments or senior housing. Their small size means they won’t be needing a lot of space to goof around. They quickly adapt to any size of home without being fussy.

Yorkies are great companion dogs

Seniors are often worried about the size and strength of the bigger dogs that they can’t handle. The small stature of Yorkies makes them perfect companion dogs for seniors or older individuals with limited mobility. They will happily stay indoors with you. But if you do have some outdoor activity, nothing will excite them more than accompanying you. They love car rides and their weight usually fits within the travel restrictions placed on pets. So you can take them with you anywhere and everywhere without worrying, like a true companion.

Yorkies need moderate exercise

One thing that seniors are always concerned about is the amount of energy that goes into walking a dog. Unlike a large dog that requires an hour-long walk every day, a Yorkie will be happy with a short walk around the block or some playtime in the yard.

What are the downsides for seniors?

Regular intense grooming

Yorkies are famous for their long and lustrous coat that almost has a similar texture to human hair. However, this attractive and irresistible feature also takes a lot of time to take care of. If you don’t brush your Yorkie every day, his hair will get terribly tangled and matted. The good news for seniors is that since he doesn’t have an undercoat, he doesn’t shed much. So, if you are prone to allergies, you’re safe with Yorkies.

Dental problems

Just like other toy breeds with short faces, Yorkies can also develop dental problems. Since their jaws are small, their teeth can get crowded and might not fall out naturally leading to buildup of food remnants and plaque. This eventually causes the bacteria to develop resulting in dental disease. To prevent this, you should clean your Yorkie’s teeth regularly to remove any food remnants.

Yorkies can be territorial

Yorkies are often thought of as fierce. They won’t usually get along with other animals and their territorial attitude will take over. Couple that with sudden barking and you have a problem.

Some seniors might not be up for these challenges. And so, while Yorkies are adorable little critters, they are not for everyone.