Male Yorkie vs. Female Yorkie
Many people prefer females over male yorkies. This conclusion is usually based upon inaccurate information or assumptions that males are less valuable. Often, females are priced significantly higher than males. I've been perplexed by this for years as I believe male yorkies tend to be better all around family companions and easier to train. There are a lot of misconceptions out there, and these ideas are only based on our experience. Remember, there are always exceptions to every generalization.
I can't dress up a male:
Males can certainly be "dressed up." At the least, they can have a top knot with a bow and all the trimmings. Never allow the ability to "wear a dress" be the determining factor in choosing your Yorkie as you may miss our on the Yorkie puppy that really connects best with you.
Female yorkies are more affectionate:
Our experience is that male yorkshire terriers are usually more affectionate, exuberant, and attentive. They make much better “family” companions. They also tend to be less moody. They are more outgoing, more accepting of other pets, and take quicker to children. The female may be less likely to wage a dominance battle with you, but she can be cunning and resourceful in getting her own way. Females can be very moody or grumpy. Females also tend to bond to one member of the family versus the family as a whole. This is fine if the yorkie were purchased only for Dad; however, I generally doubt that is the case. Males on the other hand will sometimes want to be in the company of the females of the house. It is a strange phenomenon; but one I think crosses all species of animal.
Female yorkies are less dominate:
When it comes to dominance, females usually rule the roost. Much like the saying at my house: “If mama isn’t happy, no one’s happy.” If you don't already know this, you haven't lived with many women. Dogs are “pack” animals. Female yorkies normally determine the pecking order and maintain control of the pack. Therefore, they can tend to be more independent, stubborn, and territorial at times. If two dogs are going to fight, it is usually two females. While females puppies are more dominant, males tend to be less assertive and will generally not display a completely confident attitude. This is why the majority of Show dogs tend to be female. Females have that zing to them that males often lack.
Female yorkies are easier to train than male yorkies:
When it comes to training of all forms, males tend to be more easily distracted, but females tend to be more stubborn. At this point, you should be seeing some similarities in yorkies and humans. Yorkies, as well as most toy breeds, tend to be a bit more difficult to train. We believe this is an issue with will versus intelligence. Yorkies can be very independent thus training takes a back seat sometimes to will. Yorkies across the board need consistency in training to thoroughly master house breaking, guiding, and other commands.
Female yorkies don’t display alpha behaviors such as marking or overt sexual behavior:
Over the years I’ve had one Yorkie that displayed this type of overt sexual behavior (at my horror when company was visiting) and it was a female. It is often a display of dominance. Males will often “mark” places where other dogs have urinated. Neutered males rarely exhibit secondary sexual behavior such as humping, or marking or lifting their leg. Males that are neutered at an early age usually don't ever raise their leg to urinate. Many of these behaviors are only exhibited when the household has multiple dogs. Some traits are never exhibited.
In our opinion, nether makes a better pet than the other which is why we focus on pet / buyer response first. The best rule is to determine what you really want in a Yorkie and discuss that will several yorkie breeders. Once your goals are decided, we can assist you in the Yorkie that best fits your lifestyle based on personality. Every Yorkie is unique regardless of its gender. We spend countless hours observing our puppies and getting to know each on and individual basis. This gives us a very clear indication how each Yorkie will fit into his or her new home.
