The Yorkshire Terrier is tiny and adorable, with smooth, silky hair that falls from the head and neck down over the body. Because of that graceful appearance, the breed is sometimes called a "moving jewel." Yet despite its noble look, relatively few people choose to raise one. Why?
1. They Dislike Being Alone
Yorkshire Terriers do not enjoy solitude. Owners who have lived with them usually know this well. When the owner is away, many Yorkies do not run wildly around the house or destroy furniture. Instead, they often stay quietly in their bed and wait. They may sometimes play by themselves, but overall they strongly prefer staying with their owner.
2. They Are Nosy
At home, a Yorkshire Terrier can behave like a busy little housekeeper. It wants to watch everything that happens in the household and seems unable to stay idle for even a moment.
3. They Are Very Clingy
Yorkshire Terriers are extremely attached to people. Some owners do not like this trait at all, especially when introducing new animals into the home, because the dog may become jealous. In many ways, this breed really should be raised closely with people; otherwise it almost feels unfair to the dog.
4. They Are Strongly Jealous
Yorkies have a strong sense of possessiveness and jealousy. They may not tolerate other small animals approaching their owner, and when they see the owner paying attention to another pet, jealousy can flare up quickly. Even in front of much larger dogs, a Yorkshire Terrier may show no fear. Much of this comes from its intense possessiveness toward the owner.
So when people describe Yorkshire Terriers as difficult to raise, it is often these emotional and personality traits they mean, not simply feeding or grooming trouble.