Today we’ll spend some time with Watson, the Yorkie Poo Terrier mix. I don’t know much about designer dogs, so I’m taking this opportunity to learn. Say hi to Watson!
That button nose just kills me. Let’s look at characteristics of the Yorkie Poo. Here’s what PetGuide has to say about this “breed”.
Active and energetic, the Yorkie-Poo is truly a clown in disguise. He will cheer up the saddest person and light up the room with his funny, little antics. A lively fellow, he will play ball in the yard with the kids and then relax on his owner’s lap for a good nap and some attention. Yorkie-Poos don’t need a lot of exercise and are suitable for families living in the big city or homesteading out in the country. He is a very adaptable dog.
So it sounds as though the Yorkie Poo is the best of both breeds.
Funny, great with kids, adaptable, relaxed but playful. Little Watson is a snuggler.
He also plays hard. And he’s so tiny. But how and why did the Yorkie Poo come about? Turns out, people were looking for a lap dog that was also trainable. Yorkies are amazing lapdogs. Poodles are brilliant. Both have hair which requires trimming, instead of fur, as well as being hypoallergenic. PetGuide seems to be my best source for information on this cross breed right now. Here’s what they have to say about training the Yorkie Poo.
Excited praise and delectable tidbits will produce better results than harsh words or aggressive methods. Yorkie-Poos can quickly learn basic commands but can also learn typical parlor tricks such as crawl, play dead and dance. His enthusiasm and desire to entertain will keep your family and friends entertained and laughing!
I’d say, in general, that this is true of dogs and children – positive training and rewards. This tiny dog, especially, should respond well to energetic positive training. Oh, and treats. Jones Beef Liver Taffy tears into tiny pieces for rewards. Please don’t give this small dog an entire stick of the taffy. Small dogs only need small amounts. And as we saw yesterday, the Pig Ear Snack is the perfect teething toy for the Yorkie Poo puppy. I’d think that a beef Hoof would also be a great teether. Lightweight for this small pup.
While the Yorkie Poo sounds like the ideal dog, let’s talk about some possible cons of Yorkie Poo ownership:
- Tiny – between five and twelve pounds for most of the breed – not for people who love large dogs
- Yes, this is a family dog, but not necessarily for all families, as children may easily harm such a tiny thing – they’re fragile but scrappy
- Housebreaking – the tinier the dog, typically, the longer it takes to housebreak them – the Yorkie Poo may take awhile to train – I suggest using the bells on the back door method, as well as pee pads, to start
- Brilliant – while this is nice, it also means the dog can be easily bored, which translates to destructive – like most dogs, the Yorkie Poo will need training and socialization, as well as a job to do
- Not taken to crating – if you’re gone long hours every day and the dog isn’t housebroken, this is NOT the dog for you – the Yorkie Poo craves human attention and needs someone who’s home more than away
So! If you have a Yorkie Poo, let me know! I’d love to hear more about the breed. Why you chose your dog. What makes it tick. And which Jones Natural Chew is its favorite.
Until I write again …
Flea
