Chihuahua vs Yorkie
Chihuahuas and Yorkies are among the smallest dog breeds. These tiny companion dog breeds are known for big personalities and make wonderful pets for seniors and for adults of any age who have plenty of time to dedicate to a small pet in return for unconditional love and companionship. What are the key differences and similarities between Yorkies and Chihuahuas? In order to compare Yorkshire Terriers to Chihuahuas we will highlight their temperaments, sizes, trainability, grooming and care needs as well as health issues of these two small yet very distinct dog breeds.
Chihuahuas as well as Yorkshire Terriers (the official name of Yorkie breed) have a lot in common. Yorkies and Chihuahuas are small in size but have prominent temperaments - these tiny dogs are brave and have a lot of spirit. Loving and affectionate with their owners, Chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers need to be treated with respect and should not be spoiled just because they are small. Small dogs can turn into household tyrants very quickly if the owners choose to not set house rules from the very beginning.
Yorkshire Terriers are more demanding in terms of grooming than Chihuahua dogs. Yorkies have a long, smooth coat that continuously grows and needs daily care to keep the dog's hair free from tangles and mats. Yorkie owners need to be prepared to brush the dog frequently and to give Yorkie a trim once a month or so. In comparison to Yorkies, Chihuahuas are less demanding when it comes to grooming. Both, long haired and short haired Chihuahuas need an occasional brushing to keep the coat neat. There's significantly less coat maintenance with Chihuahua dogs than with Yorkies.
Yorkshire Terriers are small but very active dogs that have a temperament of a true terrier. In the past Yorkies were used as ratting dogs. Yorkshire Terriers are agile and energetic. They are also fearless and courageous for their small size. Chihuahua breed originated in Mexico and developed as a companion dog breed. Chihuahuas are loyal and affectionate with their owners and tend to choose one person in their family as their favorite. Yorkies are also very affectionate and enjoy as much attention as they can get from their owners. Companion dog breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas are suitable for owners who can spend most of the time with the small pet. Families with young children or busy adults who work outside of home most of the day often don't have the time that it takes to spend with either of these dogs. When a Chihuahua or a Yorkshire Terrier is left home alone frequently and for long periods of time, the dog may develop psychological problems and behavior issues that stem from being lonely, bored and unhappy. Families with very young kids also should not consider these tiny dog breeds that are too fragile to be safe around babies or toddlers who can accidentally hurt a small pet.
Differences and similarities between Yorkies and Chihuahuas in detail.
Yorkies vs Chihuahuas: Grooming
Yorkshire Terriers are more demanding when it comes to daily grooming. The silky coat needs to be brushed daily to remove any tangles and to keep the coat and Yorkie's skin healthy. Since the coat continuously grows, Yorkies need monthly haircuts to keep the coat neat. Chihuahuas are much easier to groom as short haired Chihuahuas only need brushing once in a while to remove any dead hair. As for long hair Chihuahuas, they may need more frequent brushing but trimming the coat is optional as the coat reaches a certain length and stops growing unlike Yorkie's coat that keeps on growing. Other grooming procedures include daily teeth brushings that dogs of all breeds need in order to keep the teeth healthy. Only use canine toothpaste as human toothpaste is not safe for dogs. Keep your pet's eyes clean by carefully removing any eye discharge with a clean towel or by using dog grooming wipes. Yorkies and Chihuahuas need their toenails trimmed once every six weeks or so. If you are choosing between the two breeds, take into consideration grooming needs - Yorkshire Terriers are more suitable for people who enjoy spending time grooming and brushing their dog's coat frequently. Chihuahuas are much easier to groom than Yorkies, especially the short haired Chihuahuas.
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Yorkies vs Chihuahuas: Lifespan comparison
Chihuahuas are the longevity champions among different dog breeds and even though most Yorkies live on average from 14 to 16 years of age, most Chihuahuas live even longer and some reach up to 20 years of age.
Chihuahua vs Yorkie: Size comparison
Toy breeds such as Chihuahua and Yorkie are among the smallest dog breeds. Chihuahuas weigh from four to six pounds while Yorkies are slightly heavier and weigh from five to seven pounds. In height, Chihuahuas may be slightly taller and can reach up to ten inches in height while Yorkshire Terriers can grow up to 8 inches tall.
Yorkshire Terrier male weight: 5 to 7 lb (2.7 to 3.1 kg)
Chihuahua male weight: 4 to 6 lb (1.8 to 2.7 kg)
Yorkshire Terrier male height: 6 to 8 in (15 to 20 cm)
Chihuahua male height: 6 to 10 in (15 to 25 cm)
The small size of Chihuahuas and Yorkies makes these breeds more prone to accidents and owners need to be especially careful around these small pets. Always take precautions not to accidentally step or sit on a dog as that may cause serious injuries and even death. Small children need to always be supervised around Yorkies or Chihuahuas and taught how to be careful and respectful with the small family pet.
Yorkies vs Chihuahuas: Shedding
Yorkies are known as hypoallergenic dogs, which means that the dog produces less allergens that include dander and shedded hair. Yorkshire Terriers are also low shedding and produce minimal amount of shedding. Chihuahuas, in comparison to Yorkshire Terriers are not hypoallergenic and Chihuahuas produce an average amount of shedding. Due to small size of Chihuahua, shedding is not very noticeable as Chihuahua is a small dog breed. For people who may suffer from pet allergies, Yorkshire Terriers are more suitable than Chihuahua. Even hypoallergenic dogs still produce allergens in smaller amounts but some people may still be sensitive. Potential owners with known pet allergies should spend some time with the dog prior to making a final commitment to make sure that allergies are not aggravated by dog's presence.
Yorkies don't produce much shedding and coat grooming of this breed mostly includes caring for the dog's coat, removing any tangles and keeping the coat clean and well cared for. As for Chihuahuas, some owners choose to brush the dog once in a while to remove any dead hair from the dog's coat that may accumulate over time.
Yorkshire Terriers compared to Chihuahuas: Price
Toy dog breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers or Chihuahuas have similar price ranges that may start at around $750 and up, depending on factors such as the dog's age, pedigree, training level and even the color of the dog's coat. Show dogs can cost significantly more.
Chihuahua versus Yorkie: Temperament
Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers have some similarities in their temperaments. Both breeds are alert, playful and love to be in the center of attention. Yorkies and Chihuahuas make wonderful companion pets and are a lot of fun to interact with. These breeds are full of character and each has its own personality. Yorkies may be more stubborn than Chihuahuas. Yorkshire Terriers have a strong prey drive and should not be trusted with small pets such as hamsters or guinea pigs. Chihuahuas and Yorkies are very loyal to their owners and prefer to spend most of the time close to their owners. These small dogs love to be involved in all family activities.
Despite small sizes, both, Yorkshire Terriers as well as Chihuahuas make good watchdogs and will notify the owners about any strangers approaching their home by barking. Barking may be a good thing for those who live in a private home, what about people who live in apartment building? Owners of Yorkies or Chihuahuas who live in an apartment complex can train their pet to stop barking on command.
Chihuahua vs. Yorkshire Terrier: Country of breed origin
Chihuahua breed was developed in Mexico.
Yorkshire Terrier breed originated in England.
Good with kids: Yorkies vs Chihuahuas
Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas are not recommended breeds for families with toddlers, babies or young kids. These small breeds can be vulnerable around children and can be easily hurt or even killed if accidentally dropped, stepped on or sat upon. Another reason why Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers are not suitable for families with small kids is because adults with young kids tend to be busy and hardly can find much time to take care of a small dog, and breeds such as Yorkie or Chihuahua demand a lot of attention and require care that busy families usually are unable to provide, leaving the dog neglected and unhappy. Young puppies are especially hungry for attention and can take up most of the time during the day while being potty trained and accustomed to the new home. Taking care of a demanding pet can take up a lot of time and attention and only adults who have the time and energy to dedicate to a demanding pet can consider either of these small companion breeds.
Yorkie vs Chihuahua: Companion dogs
Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers make wonderful companion breeds - these dogs are naturally affectionate, loving and loyal to their owners. Yorkies and Chihuahuas need plenty of love and attention and are great companions for single people or for older folks who have lots of time and love to give to a small family pet. Yorkies and Chihuahuas are conveniently sized and can live in a small apartment or in a large home. These breeds are light enough to carry if necessary and they don't pull on a leash with a strength of a larger breed, which makes these dogs very compatible with older people who may have balance issues and wouldn't consider a larger breed that may be more difficult to handle during walks. When choosing between Yorkies and Chihuahuas, keep in mind that Chihuahuas tend to pick one family member as favorite. Chihuahuas are also known for their longevity and this breed has fewer known genetic health issues than Yorkshire Terriers. Yorkies may be more bold and can be very protective of their territory. For example, Yorkies will bark and alert their owner if a stranger is approaching their territory.
Chihuahuas vs Yorkies: Ideal home
Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers are suitable for most environments and with adequate exercise can be happy living in a small city apartment or in a spacious country home. Both breeds need a few daily walks to get fresh air, exercise and to use a toilet. People who live in apartments often find that having an indoor dog potty is a convenient way to let their pet use a toilet whenever nature calls rather than wait for a walk. A potty trained Chihuahua or Yorkie don't need to come outside when the weather is bad and can take care of their business in the convenience of their home. If you have a yard, make sure there are no holes in the fence that the small pet such as Yorkie or Chihuahua can use to escape. It is best to supervise your small dog when spending time outdoors.
Good with other dogs: Chihuahuas versus Yorkies
Chihuahuas just like Yorkies that did not receive proper socialization during the young age may express aggression towards other unfamiliar dogs. Never leave your small dog with other unfamiliar dogs as the small size makes Yorkies and Chihuahuas vulnerable to dogs with strong prey drive that may see the smaller sized dog as a prey. Start socializing your pet early on to build confidence and help your dog be comfortable around other dogs. Keep in mind that Yorkies were used as ratting dogs in the past and they can be aggressive towards smaller pets.
Yorkies vs Chihuahuas: Intelligence
Chihuahua and Yorkie dogs are intelligent and need daily mental stimulation that may include playing interactive games with the owner or even enjoying some dog toys for smallest dog breeds. Keeping your pet mentally engaged makes them smarter and happier. Although most Yorkies may be stubborn when it comes to training, playful and positive training approach can help to get the basic obedience training done while playing with your pup. There are countless tricks that you can teach your Chihuahua or Yorkie and not only is it fun but your dog gets the mental work he or she needs every day. Teach your dog to recognize dog toys by name. There are many interactive dog toys that your Chihuahua or Yorkie can enjoy and stay entertained with while you are taking care of errands.
Yorkies vs Chihuahuas: Trainability
Both breeds respond best to positive training techniques and to short and fun training sessions. Yorkies may be slighly more stubborn when it comes to training than Chihuahuas. Obedience training should begin early for both breeds, while the dogs are still puppies. Always maintain positive attitude and make training a rewarding experience for your pet. When it comes to potty training, owners of either a Chihuahua or Yorkie need to be present and actively take part in helping the pup to learn the ropes when it comes to housetraining. If an owner is at work all day, a new puppy would not have any idea that he needs to use an indoor potty if he needs to take care of business. That is why it is important to get a new puppy during the time when you have at least a few days to a week to dedicate to housebreaking your Yorkie or Chihuahua. Housetraining needs to start immediately once you brought the new puppy home. Have an indoor potty ready in place if you choose to train your dog to use an indoor potty. Have some treats ready and start observing your dog for potty readiness signs that may include pacing around and sniffing the floor. When you see your dog walking in circles and sniffing the floor, immediately take your pet to the dedicated potty area and let the dog take care of business there. Immediately reward the dog after a successful use of a potty. The goal here is to build an association between the dog using the potty and getting an approval or a reward for that. Never punish a Yorkie or a Chihuahua in case of an accident - simply clean up and move on. Using an enzyme cleaner to remove any mess helps to remove the scent of dog's urine that otherwise may attract the dog to the same spot to use as a toilet.
Yorkies versus Chihuahuas: Barking
Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas are both notorious for barking. Dogs bark for many reasons and some breeds are more prone to excessive barking than others. Why do Yorkies and Chihuahuas enjoy barking so much? One of the reasons why dogs bark is because they can't contain their excitement. For example, greeting an owner can result in dog barking and happily running around the owner. Other reasons may be because the dog is seeing or hearing something strange. Alerting the owner when there's a strange noise outside and Yorkie or Chihuahua immediately reacts by loud barking, thus notifying the owners about something unusual happening.
Dogs such as Yorkies or Chihuahuas are essentially companion dogs and leaving them alone for long periods of time may result in excessive barking as the dog is expressing his loneliness or separation anxiety in some cases by barking. For that reason Yorkshire Terriers as well as Chihuahuas are not suitable for people who can't spend most of the day with the dog.
Excessive barking can be successfully managed and a Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier that enjoys the sound of his or her voice too much is capable of learning to stop barking on command. Training a dog to stop barking on command is a wonderful way to manage your pet's behavior and preserve a peaceful environment with your neighbors especially for dog owners who live in a building where most tenants do not appreciate hearing a lot of barking. The "Quiet!" command can be very useful and most dog trainers agree that training a dog to bark on command first helps to make it easier for your pet to understand the "Quiet!" command. Once you succeeded in training the dog to "Bark!" by saying the command as your dog is barking and then rewarding a Chihuahua or Yorkie with a small treat. Soon enough your dog will understand that barking on command "Bark!" results in getting a treat. Next your goal is to help your dog understand the command "Quiet!". As your dog is barking, interrupt and say "Quiet!" and as soon as the dog stops barking, reward your pet with a small treat.
Yorkies vs Chihuahuas: Exercise needs
How much exercise do Yorkies and Chihuahuas need? Yorkshire Terriers as well as Chihuahuas can be surprisingly active despite being among the smallest toy breeds. Getting several daily walks around the block are very important to keep these dogs in good shape both physically and mentally. Puppies and young dogs tend to be more active than older dogs and need more opportunities for spending their energy. Yorkshire Terriers were originally developed to be superior ratting dogs and that required a lot of energy! Chihuahuas, on the other hand, had the purpose of being companion pets that may require less energy than chasing quick rodents. Yorshire Terriers tend to be more active and need more time walking, running and playing during the day in comparison to Chihuahuas.
Health issues: Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers Compared
Hip and elbow displasia and patellar luxation may occur in both breeds. Due to small size, both of these dogs are vulnerable to accidentally getting hurt. Small kids need to be supervised around the dog to prevent any accidents. Yorkshire Terriers may suffer from a range of health problems that include various eye conditions, allergies and hypoglycemia. Collapsed trachea is another condition that many smaller breeds are prone to. To help avoid complications associated with collapsed trachea, always wear a harness instead of a collar on your small dog. In comparison to Yorkies, Chihuahuas have fewer health problems and that is one of the reasons for the longevity that Chihuahuas are known for. In fact, Chihuahuas are among the longest lived dog breeds and in some cases can live to be twenty years old or even older.
Yorkie versus Chihuahua: Dog behavior issues
Yorkies and Chihuahuas that did not receive enough socialization during the early puppyhood and those that received little obedience training are prone to various behavior problems. Smaller dogs are often forgiven for behaviors that should not be allowed and that may contribute to development of bad habits in your pet. Both, Yorkies and Chihuahuas require obedience training during puppyhood, although even adult dogs can be trained.
In addition, proper socialization ensures that your dog can be comfortable and confident in many different situations that he or she is bound to experience throughout his or her life.
Yorkie vs Chihuahua: Popularity
Yorkshire Terriers take 9th place in popularity ranking in the United States. Chihuahuas are less popular than Yorkshire Terriers and take 30th place in popularity ranks in the United States of America.
Yorkie versus Chihuahua: Loyalty to the owner
Yorkshire Terriers as well as Chihuahuas are very loyal to their owners. The difference between Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers is that Chihuahuas tend to choose a favorite person in the household while Yorkies are less likely to choose only one family member as favorite.
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