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What Dogs Go Well With Yorkies? Best Companion Breeds
Thinking of adding a furry friend and wondering ‘’What Dogs Go Well With Yorkies? ’’It’s not as simple as grabbing any pup off the street. Yorkshire Terriers might be tiny, but they have huge personalities. They’re bold, playful, and even a bit bossy. Many people search for phrases like “best companion dog for a Yorkie” or “introducing Yorkie to another dog” when choosing a pet, so we built this guide with those queries in mind. Whether your Yorkie is an energetic puppy or a relaxed senior, this guide is for you.
Understanding Your Yorkie’s Personality
Yorkies are known for being confident and adventurous. Many owners joke that a Yorkie thinks it’s a big dog in a small body. Some Yorkies are social butterflies, while others can be shy until they warm up. They also have a strong terrier instinct – chasing small critters is second nature. Because of this, early socialization is key. Training and exposure from puppyhood will help your Yorkie become “the friendliest and most confident they can be”. When well-socialized, most Yorkies adapt well to new canine friends.
What Dog Gets Along with a Yorkie? Key Factors to Consider
Before choosing a second dog, match size and energy. Yorkies can be fragile – a larger, rambunctious dog might accidentally injure them. For example, big breeds like Belgian Malinois or Golden Retrievers can be wonderful adult companions, but as pups, they can be “very boisterous” and may accidentally hurt a tiny Yorkie. Ideally, look for a dog in the toy or small-breed range. However, a fully grown, gentle large breed can work too; just supervise puppies carefully.
- Energy Level: Match activity needs. Yorkies enjoy moderate play and about 30 minutes of exercise a day. An energetic Yorkie puppy might do well with a lively friend (like another terrier or Shih Tzu), while a senior Yorkie may prefer a calmer companion.
- Personality: A dominant Yorkie might do best with a gentle, more submissive dog, whereas a confident, friendly buddy could boost a nervous Yorkie. Avoid pairing your Yorkie with another bossy, unsocialized terrier – their spirited play could get too rough.
- Life Stage: Puppies learn from older dogs, so a young Yorkie might do well with a patient adult companion. On the flip side, having two puppies together can sometimes lead to rivalry and one pup being overly submissive. For senior Yorkies, consider another calm senior dog to match pace.
- Prey Drive: Keep in mind Yorkies’ instinct to chase small animals. It’s wise to avoid dogs or situations that trigger that chase. Always introduce dogs on neutral territory with supervision to build trust.
- Grooming & Care: Yorkies have silky, hypoallergenic coats, so choose companions with compatible grooming needs. For example, Poodles, Bichons, and Maltese need regular brushing too. A shared grooming routine can even become a bonding activity.
Many experts even point out that two Yorkies together are often the happiest pair. If you love the breed, consider getting a second Yorkie (ideally a male and female) since they naturally understand each other. Just be mindful of training and introductions – taking things slowly at first is key.
What dogs go well with Yorkies? Top Yorkie-Friendly Breeds
Pet experts and owners agree: certain breeds just click with Yorkies. Here are some top picks:
Bichon Frise:
This small white dog is famous for being cheerful and friendly. Bichons and Yorkies share a similar size, which makes playtime safe and fun. Both breeds are affectionate and enjoy being around people and pets. A Yorkie–Bichon pair will likely snuggle together and match each other’s moderate activity needs. Plus, both have hypoallergenic coats, so shed anxiety is minimal.
Maltese:
Maltese dogs are another calm, gentle toy breed. They are similar in size to Yorkies and share a moderate activity level. A Maltese’s sweet nature can balance a Yorkie’s feistiness. These two breeds enjoy daily walks and quiet lap time alike. Proper brushing will keep both coats happy, and many owners find that a Yorkie and Maltese pair harmoniously at home.
Pomeranian:
Pomeranians are tiny fluffballs with big personalities. Like Yorkies, Pomeranians are playful and confident. Pairing these two toy breeds often creates a high-energy duo – they’ll chase each other and learn commands together. Both need regular grooming due to their thick coats. Their similar size means they can share toys and play without risk of injury.
Shih Tzu:
Shih Tzus are calm and affectionate, with a friendly temperament. They tend to be more laid-back than some toy breeds, which can help ground an excitable Yorkie. However, Shih Tzus also have a playful side and love gentle games. This makes them a good match for shy or older Yorkies that need a little encouragement to play. Their small size and exercise needs (short walks, indoor play) align well with Yorkies, and they both enjoy being lap dogs after playtime.
Papillon:
Don’t let the delicate butterfly-like ears fool you – Papillons are energetic and friendly dogs. These little white-and-brown dogs weigh about 5–10 pounds, much like Yorkies. Papillons are very intelligent and outgoing; they enjoy making friends with both people and other pets. They and Yorkies share a love of attention and can spend hours learning tricks together. Like Yorkies, Papillons have long coats, so regular grooming sessions can become a joint routine.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
Cavaliers are slightly larger (13–18 lbs) but are known as very gentle and affectionate pets. A Cavalier’s calm, loving nature can be perfect if your Yorkie is more timid. These dogs adjust well to living with others and often enjoy cuddling up together. If your Yorkie likes to follow you around, a Cavalier will happily join in without dominating the space. In short, Cavaliers bring a mellow balance to a Yorkie’s zest for life.
Other small breeds often thrive with Yorkies: Miniature Schnauzers (smart and spirited), Chihuahuas (tiny and loyal), Brussels Griffons (affectionate and alert), and Toy Poodles (intelligent and hypoallergenic) are frequently mentioned as compatible companions. These breeds share the key traits of small size and friendly temperament.
French Bulldog:
Frenchies are small but sturdy dogs with a calm, affectionate nature. Many owners find that a gentle, well-socialized Frenchie can become a great friend for a Yorkie – in fact, their cross even has the nickname “Frorkie.” French Bulldogs tend to adapt easily to other dogs once introduced properly.
Beagle:
Beagles are friendly, energetic hounds who love company. Because they’re larger, always supervise play to keep it safe. However, a happy, social Beagle can learn to be gentle with a Yorkie. Both breeds are curious and enjoy exploring together, so they may have fun sniffing around the yard as pals.
Introducing Your Yorkie to a New Dog
Even the best pairings need a proper introduction. Meet on neutral territory (like a quiet park) to avoid territorial behavior. Keep both dogs on leash, but allow enough slack to move comfortably. Let them sniff and greet naturally. Watch body language: wagging tails and relaxed postures are good signs, while stiff or growling means it’s time for a break. Keep initial meetings short and sweet. Many trainers recommend gradually increasing their time together and rewarding calm, friendly behavior.
What Dogs Go Well With Yorkies? Conclusion
A happy Yorkie duo begins with a thoughtful pairing. By matching size, energy, and temperament, you give your Yorkie the best chance at friendship. Breeds like Bichons, Malteses, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Papillons, and Cavaliers often top the Yorkie-friendly lists. If you love hybrid pups, check out our posts on mixes like the Yorkie & Pug Mix: Things to Know About This Hybrid Breed and the Yorkie & Shih Tzu Mix: The Ultimate Guide. For more Yorkie pairing tips, see our post Do Yorkies Do Better in Pairs?.
Got a puppy that’s still learning the ropes? We publish all kinds of Yorkie advice. For example, check our 5 Pro Tips to Stop a Yorkie from Peeing in the House for simple training ideas. If you found this guide helpful, subscribe to YorkiesGram for more Yorkie advice, cute photos, and community stories. Join thousands of fellow Yorkie fans and never miss a post — we cover everything from training tips to fun facts.
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