Do Yorkies Get Along With Other Dogs?

One of the most common questions we get here is whether or not Yorkies get along well with other dogs. It’s a valid question; after all, Yorkies are small dogs, and they can sometimes be territorial. 

Yorkies get along well with other dogs. It’s best to keep them around dogs their own size, and it’s important not to force social interaction. Yorkies do best when they are able to choose whether to be around other dogs or not.

Yorkies and Other Dogs: A Match Made in Heaven?

In short, yes, Yorkies do generally get along well with other dogs—but there are a few things you should keep in mind. 

First and foremost, it’s important to make your Yorkshire Terrier socialize from a young age. The more exposure your Yorkie has to other dogs, the more comfortable they will be around them. Take your dog to the park regularly, sign up for obedience classes, and consider getting involved in agility training or another dog-centric activity.

Of course, even the best-socialized Yorkshire Terrier may not enjoy the company of every dog they meet. Some Yorkies prefer the company of dogs that are similar in size, while others do better with larger breeds. 

As with any dog, it’s important to be mindful of potential aggression triggers like food and toys. 

If you have another pet at home, be sure to keep an eye on interactions between the two animals and intervene if necessary. With a little bit of patience and understanding, though, chances are good that your Yorkshire Terrier will get along famously with any four-legged friend they meet.

What Type of Dog Breeds Do Yorkies Get Along With?

Yorkies, as a breed, tend to be sociable and get along well with other canine companions. They’re prone to socialization and can be taught to tolerate canines of both sexes.

However, it’s undeniable that it might be difficult to introduce your first dog to a new dog of any breed. Yorkies provide a unique difficulty due to their tendency toward possessiveness and jealousy.

For Yorkies, a calmer dog would be the perfect friend for them. Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, Mastiffs, and even herding breeds like Collies are all excellent choices. Though great dogs, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers are too rowdy as puppies, so you might consider getting an adult one. 

Dachshunds are the perfect dog for Yorkies because of their petite size and short legs. As both dog types are somewhat similar in build, playing with one another is a breeze. The two dogs also get along well with children due to their high activity levels and playfulness.

It’s not wise to associate your Yorkies with a dog that’s a member of the terrier group or one that prefers to play by pounding the ground.

Are Yorkies Jealous Dogs?

Yorkies aren’t jealous dogs. Honestly, it is even hard to imagine these cute dogs being angry. They are not territorial or possessive in any way. Their small size and refined appearance have earned them a reputation as excellent companion animals. 

However, some Yorkies out there have an inflated sense of self-importance, are excessively possessive of their owners, and are highly jealous of other dogs. Dogs like this might have developed these attitudes due to their upbringing. 

Generally, Yorkies are friendly. They will happily share toys with other dogs—long enough for one owner to ensure everyone gets a turn! And if you’re planning on having more than one Yorkie in your home at once, don’t worry!

These small hounds may surprise you with their ability to get along well with others (and even strangers).

Note: if your yorkie is not playing well with others, see Why Is My Yorkie So Aggressive With Other Dogs?

Should My Yorkie Have a Companion?

A Yorkie should always be with its owner, but it’s nice to have a companion dog if you have the space. Yorkies need company and sometimes interaction with other dogs. They can get lonely if left alone for long periods. 

Getting them companions like Labradors would be great. However, if your home isn’t big enough for large breeds, consider adopting a small breed like Pomeranians instead.

When Should You Get Yorkies a Companion?

As owners of cute small dogs like Yorkies, spending time with them is a must, but then there are days when you will be busy.

If you will leave home for long periods, or if you think your pet may feel lonely and anxious while you’re gone, they must get some companionship. Children must be taught how to handle a Yorkie properly. Teach them not to pick them up by the neck or tail and not pull on their ears or tail.

How To Make Your Yorkie Get Along With Other Dog Breeds

The best method to ensure that your Yorkie gets along with other dogs is by socializing it as early as possible. 

The first 3 months are critical for building its personality, and if you intend to introduce it to other dog breeds, this should happen during the first few weeks of life. 

You can do this by putting them in their crates while you’re out of the house or even just taking them on walks with other dog breeds around them (as long as they’re leashed). 

Things To Keep in Mind

• Start Training Your Yorkie As Early as Possible: The temperament of your Yorkie will form primarily during the first 3 months of its life. Hence, those initial months are critical for training. So, if you’re not confident in your ability, consider having a breeder.

• Make Sure the Other Dog’s Personality Matches Your Yorkie’s Personality Well: When looking for a new dog, the other dog’s and your Yorkie’s personality must be a good match. If you don’t want the other dog to dominate your pet and vice versa, make sure they are of similar size, energy level, and temperament.

• Don’t Force Interaction: The interaction shouldn’t be forced in any way. Allow the two dogs to interact at their speed.

Conclusion

So, there you have it—a definitive answer to the age-old question of whether or not Yorkies get along with other dogs. In short, yes, they usually do—but socialization is key. 

Be sure to expose your dog to as many different types of dogs as possible from a young age, and keep an eye out for potential aggression triggers when introducing it to new canine companions. 

With a little bit of patience and understanding, you’ll have no problem helping your Yorkshire Terrier make some furry friends.

Recommended Reading:

• Are Yorkies easy to train? Everything you need to know!
• How to Groom a Yorkie: A Complete Guide
• How Long Do Yorkie Dogs Live?