As a college student myself, I agree it can be a bit stressful at times. According to a 2019 study, petting a dog or cat for just ten minutes can reduce cortisol levels, which are indicative of stress. Here we will see about Are Yorkies Good For College Students?
If you’re a college student and looking for a stress-relieving fur baby, Yorkshire terrier is a great choice. These are fun-loving, friendly little creatures who don’t shed much and make good apartment dogs. Yorkies can be left on their own for four to six hours a day, which is ideal since most college students have flexible schedules. While they do not need copious amounts of space for exercise, they surely enjoy little walks outdoors. In spite of being stubborn at times, they are not hard to train. If you live off campus or your dorm doesn’t demand a strict ‘no pets’ policy, you can absolutely go for these terriers. Due to hectic schedules, though, freshmen might want to think twice before owning a yorkie, or any dog for that matter.
How Much Does A Yorkie Cost? Is It A High Maintenance Dog?
The price of a typical Yorkshire terrier ranges from $1500 to $3000. However, you can get it at a significantly lower price if you choose to adopt. At rescue shelters, a terrier can cost you $50-$500.
Maintenance of a yorkie:
Though yorkies are not very difficult to take care of, they require daily brushings and weekly baths. Their long beautiful coat needs to be prim and proper at all times, even though they do not shed much due to the lack of an undercoat.
The annual cost of supporting a yorkie is around $1800, which is about one fifth of the average annual college tuition fee of public colleges in the States. The medical bills alone can cost upto 600$. While you don’t need to stress about the quantity of food, yorkies do need premium quality food. Therefore, while you can survive your college life on mac and cheese, make sure your pup doesn’t.
Can A College Student Train A Yorkie?
Yes, even if you are a first-time dog owner. Yorkshire terriers can be trained as easily as any other dog. They are also easy to potty train. You need to be patient with them and give considerable amount of your time into training. Treats might come in handy during the lessons.
How Much Space Does A Yorkie Need?
Yorkies are small and energetic. They can easily co-exist with you and even your roommate in your dorm room, provided that your college allows pets on the campus. You definitely don’t need to walk them two miles a day. Just a 20 minute walk around the block is enough for this terrier. They don’t even need much exercise due to a sense of general excitability present in them. So, if you’re a couch potato, a Yorkshire terrier is your best bet.
Are Yorkies Friendly?
Yorkies are adorable little furbabies and get along well with almost everyone if treated gently and respectfully. They are friendly with children and other pets too. They are one of the most loyal breeds and sometimes even one person dogs.
(If your roommate still doesn’t like your dog, time to change dorms! )
Will I Be Able To Make Time For My Dog?
The answer to this question depends totally on you. Most college students do have a flexible timetable, which makes it easy to make time for your doggo. Though yorkies can be left alone for four to six hours, they are a playful breed and need companionship. They tend to become snappy and mischievous if left on their own for too long. You might also find more than a couple of your things bitten or chewed onto. It is advisable to be mindful of the time you spend on various activities, during or after college hours. Of course, this includes the time you spend doing lab work, earning credit hours, working other jobs, clubbing or at a frat party. Let me remind you – owning a dog is a 15 year long commitment!
Conclusion:
All things considered; I don’t see why one shouldn’t keep a yorkie. These little furballs can cure your anxiety and depression in a jiffy. Though it can be a bit heavy-budgeted for some, it is nothing compared to the ample amount of happiness you get in return. You might also want to think keenly if you can actually make time for this playful breed once you’re free from college assignments and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Are Yorkshire terriers hypoallergic?
Yes, they are. A yorkie’s coat doesn’t contain too many allergens. Therefore, it is unlikely of a yorkie to trigger a human allergic reaction.
2. Do Yorkshire terriers make good guard dogs?
Absolutely. Yorkies tend to have this aura of self-importance about themselves and will promptly guard your dorm room. Though small in size, they can be noisy and dutifully alert the owner in case of an intrusion or burglary.
3. Do yorkies tend to shed a lot?
No. In spite of their long coats, these babies shed very little. If you are someone who is allergic to dog fur yet loves to have dogs around, a Yorkshire terrier might be the one for you.
4. How do I groom my yorkie?
These canines need to be brushed daily in order to get rid of the loose hair from their body. Make sure to trim or topknot the forehead hair lest it irritates their eyes.
They must be bathed at least once a week and their teeth brushed regularly. Also, you need to trim their nails whenever necessary.
5. Do yorkies bark a lot?
Yes. These canines can be quite vocal when they need to be. With proper training and guidance early on in their lives, healthy barking habits can be incorporated in them. You can be firm in your commands to a yorkie but try not to yell at it. They can be quite sassy and disobedient when they want to. Yes, this is due to the pomp air of confidence and self-importance they carry about them.
