7 Biggest Mistakes Of Yorkie Owners
Having worked with many small dogs over the years, I can tell you that a Yorkie brings both joy and challenges. They’re adorable and full of personality, but you need to understand that they require attention, structure, and daily care. You should be ready for their bold attitudes and energetic nature so you can guide them the right way.
his part doesn’t relate to Yorkies, so you can ignore it; it doesn’t affect anything about caring for your dog.
1. Treating Them Like a Doll
From experience, I can tell you that this is one of the first mistakes people make. You need to remember that a Yorkie isn’t a toy or a fashion item—you should let them walk, explore, and use their senses like any other dog. If you carry them everywhere and treat them like a decoration, you’ll limit their confidence and create behavior issues you’ll regret later. You need to let them be dogs.
2. Feeding Them Like a Rottweiler
I’ve seen so many small dogs struggle with weight because their owners think “a little extra won’t hurt.” You should understand how tiny their stomachs are, and you need to manage their portions carefully. Overfeeding leads to serious health problems that you’ll end up paying for later. You should stick to measured meals and avoid giving them your leftovers, no matter how convincing those puppy eyes are.
3. Skipping Grooming ‘Cause You’re Too Busy
With Yorkies, you need to stay on top of grooming—there’s no shortcut. Their coat tangles fast, and I’ve seen dogs develop painful mats just because the owner “missed a few days.” You should brush them daily, not occasionally, and you need to schedule regular grooming to keep their skin healthy. This isn’t optional for this breed; it’s part of basic care.
4. Letting Them Run the Show
Many Yorkie owners underestimate how quickly these little dogs learn to manipulate routines. You should set boundaries early because if you don’t, they will absolutely try to take charge. In my experience, you need to stay consistent—once you let them get away with something, they’ll expect it every time. You should guide them with firm but gentle structure so they feel secure.
5. Ignoring Their Teeth (Bad Idea)
I’ve seen more dental issues in Yorkies than almost any other small breed. You need to take their oral health seriously because their tiny mouths trap plaque fast. You should brush their teeth regularly and not rely only on treats or chews. If you ignore this, you’ll end up dealing with infections, pain, and expensive vet care. Dental care isn’t optional for this breed.
6. Thinking They Don’t Need Exercise
People often assume their size means they don’t need much activity, but you should never make that mistake. Yorkies have surprising energy, and you need to give them daily exercise if you want to avoid boredom and destructive habits. You should take them out, even for short walks, because a mentally and physically tired Yorkie behaves so much better.
7. Underestimating Their Fragile Little Bodies
You need to remember how small and delicate they are. I’ve seen injuries happen in seconds simply because someone didn’t realize how fragile a Yorkie can be. You should supervise interactions with bigger dogs, teach kids to handle them properly, and watch out for hazards like high jumps or toxic foods. You need to treat their safety as a priority.
Final Thoughts: Mistakes Of Yorkie Owners
Every dog owner makes mistakes, and you shouldn’t beat yourself up over it. What matters is recognizing where you need to improve and making changes that help your Yorkie live a better life. You should keep learning, stay patient, and enjoy the journey—these little dogs give back every bit of effort you put in.
If you do that, you’ll shape a dog that’s not only well-behaved but also deeply connected to you. In the long run, you’ll realize the effort you put in is exactly what allows this breed’s loyalty and heart to shine through.
