to continue the chat...
Yorkies are a terrier breed. We loved our little dachsies, which are also a “terrier type”, even though bred to go after nasty badgers, and other pests. Terriers will absolutely protect their territory from all such vermin!
The downside of the terrier types, just forget about a truly reliable recall. If they are on the trail of a varmint, they will never even notice the semi bearing down on them. If they smell game, they are gone, and no treats you offer can overcome the lure of the wild!
They also will be feisty at chasing off the mailman, because it is so gratifying to bark, and see the guy leave, every single time. They feel so victorious!
Terriers and other ground dogs usually aren’t bred for the task of overall property protection. We must respect the proper breeding of dogs, for they must love the job they have been selected to do.
The herding and farm breeds will chase off strangers, hawks, crows, and neighbor dogs, and consider groundhogs and mouses entertainment on a dull day.They are very best at dealing with strangers who might rustle your sheep, chickens, cattle, horses, whatever. They are the true farm breeds, and will shepherd the farm stock to wherever you want them taken.
Keep in mind that dogs are smart, and will sense and follow their “pack leader”. When we moved into our new house, a bunch of mice had decided it was a cozy home for their future generational plans.
Once our female Malinois noticed that I was not impressed with the little interlopers, she took it upon herself to sniff them out, and lie in wait, just like a cat. She noticed where they ran, where they hid, and anticipated their next moves.
One nice thing about a Malinois mouser? They don’t play around. It only takes a split second, and they don’t eat them, for they prefer raw chicken, (already plucked, thank you), to raw mouse!
You are very well informed. I almost mentioned that the Terriers are more aggressive.
Yorkies were bred in England as ‘rat catchers’ as they were small and could get into nooks, crannies and holes. The long hair may have acted as a protection for them.
My dog listens VERY well, but you are right about everything going out of his mind if he sees something to chase.
He has chased three deer clear out into the pasture. I took him out late one night and he ran into the back yard and I found him face to face with a Mastiff!!!
I walked slowly toward them and literally grabbed him up by the fur on his back, lol. Luckily the Mastiff was a friendly dog....
According to the AKC, Dachshunds are members of the Hound Group....no matter their size.