The Shorkie, a delightful crossbreed between the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier, is a small yet spunky small designer dog breed that has won the hearts of many pet lovers. Known for their affectionate nature and feisty attitude, these cute little dogs are perfect companions for those who want a dog with a big personality in a small package. This guide provides an in-depth look at the Shorkie, covering everything from breed facts and history to personality, health, and care needs.
Shih Tzu Mix Yorkshire Terrier Shorkie Breed Facts
- Country of Origin: United States
- Breed Group: Hybrid/Crossbreed Designer Dog Breed
- Height: 6-11 inches
- Weight: 7-15 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Average Price: $500-$2,000
- Hypoallergenic Dog Breed: Yes, low-shedding
- Good with Kids: Yes, but supervision is recommended with very young children
- Good with Other Pets: Generally yes, with proper socialization
- Energy Level: Moderate to high
- Trainability: Moderate, requires consistency
- Grooming Needs: High, regular brushing and grooming required
Shorkie Breed History
The Yorkshire Terrier mix Shih-Tzu is a relatively new hybrid dog breed that has gained popularity over the past couple of decades. The intentional crossing of the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier was designed to create a small companion dog that combines the best qualities of both parent breeds.
The Shih Tzu has a storied history, originally bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty. They are known for their affectionate nature, loyalty, and luxurious coats. On the other hand, the Yorkshire Terrier, which hails from England, was originally bred to catch rats in textile mills. Despite their working-class roots, Yorkies quickly became fashionable lap dogs due to their compact size and spirited personality, not to mention that long, silky coat!
The combination of these two breeds has resulted in the Shorkie, a dog that is both charming and full of life. While the Shih-Tzu Yorkie mix doesn’t have the long history of purebred dogs, their popularity continues to grow as more people discover the joys of this affectionate and energetic companion.
Shorkie Personality
Shih-Tzu mix Yorkshire Terrier dogs are known for their lively and loving personalities. They inherit the boldness of the Yorkshire Terrier and the affectionate, people-oriented nature of the Shih Tzu. This mix often results in a dog that is both fiercely loyal and highly attached to their owners. Shorkies are known for being “velcro dogs” who love to stay close to their family members at all times.
Despite their small size, Shorkies have a big-dog attitude. They are confident, sometimes to the point of being fearless, which can make them seem much larger than they really are. This boldness, however, is balanced by their loving and affectionate nature. Yorkshire Terrier Shih-Tzu mix dogs thrive on attention and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
Shorkies are typically good with children, especially if they are raised together, but they may not tolerate rough handling well, so supervision is necessary with very young kids. They can also get along well with other pets, especially if they are properly socialized from a young age. However, their terrier lineage may sometimes bring out a strong prey drive, making them prone to chasing smaller animals.
Shorkie Appearance
Shih Tzu Yorkies are small dogs, typically weighing between 7 to 15 pounds and standing 6 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder. Their appearance can vary depending on which parent breed they take after more, but generally, they have a compact and sturdy body, with a somewhat longer torso.
The coat of a Shorkie is one of its most distinctive features. It can range from the silky, straight fur of the Yorkshire Terrier to the thicker, slightly wavy coat of the Shih Tzu. Shorkies often have a mix of both textures, which requires regular grooming to keep them looking their best. Coat colors can vary widely, including shades of black, brown, gold, white, or a mix of these colors.
Their faces are typically round with a short muzzle, expressive eyes, and ears that can either stand erect like a Yorkie’s or flop down like a Shih Tzu’s. The tail is usually carried high, adding to their lively and alert appearance.
Shorkie Dog Health Concerns
Yorkshire Terrier mix Shih Tzu dogs are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Being a hybrid breed, they may inherit conditions from either parent breed, making it important to be aware of potential health concerns.
Common Health Concerns in Shorkies:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome: Due to their Shih Tzu parentage, Shorkies may have a shortened muzzle, which can lead to breathing difficulties, especially in hot weather or during exercise.
- Patellar Luxation: This condition, common in small breeds, occurs when the kneecap dislocates, causing pain and potential mobility issues.
- Dental Problems: Small dogs like Shorkies are prone to dental issues, including tooth decay and gum disease, due to overcrowded teeth.
- Hypoglycemia: Shorkie puppies, in particular, are at risk for low blood sugar, which can be dangerous if not addressed promptly.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): An inherited condition that causes gradual vision loss, which can eventually lead to blindness.
- Collapsed Trachea: A condition where the windpipe narrows, leading to breathing difficulties and a distinctive honking cough.
Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise can help mitigate these health risks and ensure your Shorkie lives a long, healthy life.
Shorkie Exercise Needs
Though small in size, Shih Tzu Yorkshire Terrier mix dogs have a moderate to high energy level. They need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. A couple of short walks each day, combined with some playtime, is usually sufficient to meet their exercise needs. Due to their small size, Shorkies can adapt well to apartment living, but they still require mental stimulation and physical activity to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Interactive toys, puzzle games, and play sessions with their owners are great ways to keep a Yorkie Shih Tzu mix dog mentally stimulated. They enjoy activities that engage their minds, such as hide-and-seek games or learning new tricks. While they have bursts of energy, they also enjoy lounging around with their owners and can be content as lap dogs after a good play session.
Shorkie Training and Behavior
Training a Shorkie can be both rewarding and challenging. These dogs are intelligent and eager to please, traits they inherit from both parent breeds. However, they can also be a bit stubborn, particularly if they take after their Yorkshire Terrier side.
Consistency and positive reinforcement are key when training a Shih Tzu Yorkshire Terrier mix. They respond well to praise, treats, and play, but harsh corrections or punishment can lead to fear or aggression. Early socialization is crucial to help them develop into well-rounded dogs. Exposing them to different environments, people, and other animals at a young age will help curb any tendencies towards fearfulness or aggression.
Housebreaking can be a bit challenging with Shorkies due to their small bladder size, so patience is required. Crate training can be an effective method for housebreaking and also provides a safe space for your Shorkie when you’re not home.
Shorkies can be prone to separation anxiety, so it’s important to gradually get them used to being alone for short periods. Providing them with toys or puzzles can help keep them occupied and reduce anxiety when you’re away.
Shorkie Grooming Needs
Grooming a Shih-Tzu mix Yorkshire Terrier dog requires a significant amount of time and effort due to their beautiful but demanding coat. Regular brushing is essential to prevent mats and tangles, which can be uncomfortable for the dog. Depending on the coat texture, you may need to brush your Shorkie several times a week or even daily.
Professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks is recommended to keep their coat in top condition. This includes trimming their coat, cleaning their ears, and clipping their nails. Shorkies also need regular dental care to prevent dental disease, so brushing your dog’s teeth several times a week is important.
Bathing should be done as needed, usually every few weeks, depending on how dirty they get. Be sure to use a dog-specific shampoo to avoid skin irritation. After bathing, it’s important to dry them thoroughly, especially in colder weather, to prevent them from getting chilled.
Shorkie Care Needs
Caring for a Shih Tzu Yorkie mix dog involves meeting their physical, mental, and emotional needs. In addition to regular exercise, grooming, and veterinary care, Shorkies thrive on attention and companionship. They are not a breed that does well being left alone for long periods, so they are best suited to households where someone is home most of the day.
Providing a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs is also important. Because Shorkies can be prone to dog obesity, it’s crucial to monitor their food intake and avoid overfeeding. Small breed dog food is typically recommended to meet their specific dietary requirements.
Socialization and training should begin early to help them develop into well-behaved adult dogs. Consistent routines, lots of positive reinforcement, and plenty of love will ensure your Shorkie remains happy and well-adjusted.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Shih Tzu Yorkie Mix Dogs
- Are Shorkies hypoallergenic? Yes, Shorkies are considered hypoallergenic because they are low-shedding. However, no dog is completely hypoallergenic, so it’s important for allergy sufferers to spend time with a Shorkie before bringing one home.
- Do Yorkie Shih Tzus get along with other pets? Generally, Shorkies can get along well with other pets, especially if they are socialized from a young age. However, their terrier heritage may make them prone to chasing smaller animals.
- Are Shorkies good for apartment living? Yes, Shorkies are well-suited for apartment living due to their small size. They do, however, need regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
- How often should I groom my Shih Tzu Yorkie? Shorkies require frequent grooming, including regular brushing (several times a week) and professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks.
- Are Shorkies easy to train? Shorkies are intelligent and eager to please but can be stubborn. Consistent training with positive reinforcement is key to success.
Is the Shih Tzu Mix Yorkshire Terrier the Right Breed for You?
Shorkies are an excellent choice for those looking for a small, affectionate, and lively companion. They are well-suited for apartment living and thrive in homes where they receive plenty of attention and companionship. However, potential owners should be prepared for the grooming demands and the possibility of dealing with separation anxiety.
If you’re looking for a dog that is loyal, playful, and a bit sassy, the Yorkie Shih Tzu might just be the perfect breed for you. They are great for singles, couples, and families with older children who understand how to handle small dogs gently.
Further Reading
- PetMD: Shorkie Health and Care An in-depth look at Shorkie health concerns, exercise needs, and grooming requirements.
- The Shorkie Owner’s Manual A detailed resource on how to care for a Shorkie, from puppyhood to adulthood.
Thank you for your interest in our Shih Tzu Mix Yorkshire Terrier (Shorkie) dog breed profile. Be sure to check out the many additional breed profiles listed on our Small Dog Breeds A to Z home page.