Male VS Female Yorkies

Overview

Many people wonder if there are fundamental behavior and temperament differences in a male VS a female Yorkie. Some feel that a female may make for a better pet than a male. This conclusion is usually based upon inaccurate information and false misconceptions. Therefore, we feel this is an important topic to be explained.

Phoebe, 7 month old female

Photo courtesy of Tereza dos Santos, Johannesburg, South Africa

We will take some of the common misconceptions of male VS female Yorkie behavior and discuss what we have actually experienced. In talking about the difference of the two genders, we will be speaking in terms of generalizations.

The overview of female and male Yorkie traits are like that of generalizations of female and male human qualities. For every generalization there are always exceptions.

Personality

It is a false belief that female Yorkies are sweeter and more affectionate that males. Male Yorkies are just as affectionate, lively and attentive as females.

Both genders seek your attention and are very attached to their owners. Sometimes males are a bit less moody (particularly when neutered) however this does not mean that a female will be moping around... if she is un-spayed, the heat cycle can bring about hormonal changes that can affect mood somewhat...She may want to rest a bit more, not be as active during certain days...or perhaps seem a bit distance...

However this does not happen with all females, and either gender will display real emotions: happiness, displeasure, boredom, excitement, etc.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a very affectionate, loving dog that craves attention. One thing to keep in mind is that a female Yorkie may be more upfront in order to get her own way. This can be an endearing trait and certainly can be handled with a bit of proper training.

Sometimes a male may try to establish himself as the “Pack Leader” more often than a female. In either case, training should be implemented to show either gender who is truly (lovingly) in charge. And that is you, if you are wondering!

Generally speaking, female dogs may usually come to you for attention (quite a lot!), but as soon as she has had enough, she will move away. The male dog may be more prone to always waiting for your attention and staying very close by to receive it.

Submissive & Territorial Behavior

It's a common misbelief that female Yorkies are more submissive than males.

In the dog’s pack group (this is the group containing both human and canine family members), dogs of either gender will either be a bit stubborn via not listening and bossy or listen well and take direction based on how they are raised and trained. Both males and females can try to establish the pack order themselves. So a female can try just as hard as a male to take charge.

This can be addressed by implementing training to show that you are the true pack leader. A couple of ways to instill this is by having your Yorkie follow the sit command before eating and by the human being the one to enter and exit the house first.

Female dogs may be more independent and territorial than males, this may have to do with their "nesting instinct". Though un-neutered males can be very territorial as well.

Beau, 10 month old male

Photo courtesy of The Stewarts, Bonnie Auld Scotland

Male vs Female Yorkshire Terriers in a Multiple Pet Household

In regard to Yorkies and cats, there is no difference in how a male or female Yorkie will react. Surprising to many, is that this breed generally gets along very well with cats and some Yorkies are best friends with felines housemates. This should, however, always be tested when thinking about introducing a new pet into the house.

In regard to having a male or a female and wondering which gender would be best when adding a second dog, there are pros and cons to both same and opposite gender. Whenever you have two dogs of the same sex, this may create a competitive environment. This is particularly true if the dogs have not been fixed (spayed and neutered). With two girls or two boys, there can be jealousy. This is less likely to happen if the Yorkies grow up together. This isn't to say that this will happen or that it won't happen with opposite gender; however this is something to consider and keep in mind as a possibility.

On the flip side of the coin, if you have a male or female Yorkshire Terrier and are thinking about getting another one, you will already have experience with the gender of your established dog... and this can make care of the second pet much easier.

Molly 3 years old & Max 18 months

Photo courtesy of Christian Jorgensen

Male vs Female House Training

There is absolutely no difference in the success of training a male or a female Yorkshire Terrier. No difference at all. Success depends quite a bit on the time, effort and patience that an owner dedicates to this.

There is, however, some difference in regard to marking behavior. Marking is not the emptying of the bladder, it is instead a quick spraying of urine to mark territory. Both females and males may do this; though males do tend to do it more often.

Dogs of both genders will completely cease or drastically cut down on this behavior if fixed.

As a side note, both gender may also display humping behavior and this as should go away after being spayed or neutered.

Care Costs

Both genders require the same amount of grooming, therefore cost for grooming products, tools and so forth will be the same.

Since both female and males are very small dogs (there is little weight or size difference between the two genders) and either will typically range between 3 and 7 pounds (1.36 and 3.17 kg) both will eat the same amount of food, so cost in that regard will be the same.

Both require yearly health checkups and health issues common to the breed are not gender-specific. The only real cost difference will be in regard to whether or not you have your Yorkie fixed. Neutering costs a bit more than spaying... and if an owner chooses to not have this done, for females there will be the cost of hygiene products such as doggie diapers and perhaps panties that are fit over those during the heat cycle.

To Summarize

Both females and males will be Yorkies! This means that they will have the personality and traits of this particular breed. What does this truly mean? This means that you will have a dog that loves attention, loves you with all of their heart, wants to please you, is the perfect size for an indoor dog and will be a loyal and a full-of-personality canine companion for their entire life.

So, if you are trying to decide on which gender is right for you, both will give you the 'Yorkshire Terrier' experience.

A Must-Have for Any Yorkie Owner:

Introduction to Home & Family
Why the Name you choose is so Important
Puppy Care with Socialization, Training and Odd Behaviors
24 Yorkie Behavior Issues
34 Yorkie Health Issues
Every Female Issue You Must Know About
Pregnancy, Aftercare, Newborns
Absolutely, the most comprehensive, helpful Yorkshire Terrier care book in the world. Now in Print & eBook.

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