Chorkie puppies can cost anywhere from $600 to $3,000, depending on factors such as bloodline, breeder reputation, and location.
The cost of owning a Chorkie puppy also includes expenses like spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping, which can add up to an additional $500 to $1,000.
Chorkie puppies typically weigh between 7 and 15 pounds and stand between 6 and 10 inches tall at the shoulder.
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What You Need to Know
When considering bringing a Chorkie puppy into your family, it's essential to understand their characteristics and needs.
Chorkies are relatively small dogs, weighing between eight and 15 pounds.
Their height is also on the smaller side, typically ranging from six to nine inches tall.
You can expect your Chorkie to live for around 10 to 15 years.
Reaching full maturity is a relatively quick process for Chorkies, happening around six to 12 months of age.
Their coats come in a variety of colors, including tan, red, gray, black, brown, and white.
Here's a quick rundown of Chorkie characteristics:
- Weight: 8-15 pounds
- Height: 6-9 inches
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Maturity age: 6-12 months
- Colors: tan, red, gray, black, brown, and white
Breed Information
The Chorkie is a designer dog breed that results from breeding a Yorkshire Terrier with a Chihuahua.
A Chorkie is a diva-like, outgoing yet intelligent and loving dog.
The parents of a Chorkie can be either a purebred Yorkshire Terrier or a purebred Chihuahua, as long as they are both purebred.
It doesn't matter which parent breed is the mother or the father, the result is still a Chorkie.
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Acquiring a Chorkie
Acquiring a Chorkie can be a bit of a challenge, but it's worth it. The best place to find a Chorkie puppy is through a reputable breeder.
You can't turn to the American Kennel Club (AKC) for help finding a breeder because the Chorkie is not an official breed. However, the American Canine Hybrid Club and the International Designer Canine Registry may be able to assist you.
The cost of a Chorkie puppy can vary, but on average, you can expect to pay between $400 and $600. This price range is dependent on the quality of the purebred parents.
Some breeders may charge more for their puppies if the parents were show dogs or came from show dog families. In these cases, you can expect to pay up to $600 for a Chorkie puppy.
If you're not interested in buying from a breeder, you can also consider searching for a rescue in your area. Chorkies are relatively healthy dogs, so you may be able to find a wonderful companion at a lower cost.
Typically, Chorkie litters range from three to five puppies, and each puppy is an individual with its own unique characteristics.
Chorkie Characteristics
Chorkies are small dogs, typically weighing between 8 and 15 pounds and standing 6 to 9 inches tall. They have a toy-sized build, making them perfect for apartment living.
Their coats are straight, medium-length, and fluffy, with minimal shedding. This means you won't have to worry about vacuuming every day. They come in a variety of colors, including light tan, brown, white, red, grey, and black.
Chorkies have triangle-shaped perky ears, a medium-shaped snout, and commonly have brown eyes. Their athletic build is a trait inherited from both the Yorkie and the Chihuahua.
Chorkies are known for being kind, yet protective lap dogs that always want to play. They grow attached to their owners quickly and can make great pets for first-time dog owners.
Size and Appearance
Chorkies are small dogs, typically weighing between 8 and 15 pounds. They stand at a height of 6 to 9 inches tall.
Their coats are straight and medium-length, with a fluffy and soft texture. They don't shed much, making them a great choice for people with allergies.
Chorkies come in a variety of coat colors, including light tan, brown, white, red, grey, and black. Some Chorkies can even have a mix of these colors.
Here are some of the most common coat colors found in Chorkies:
- Black
- Black and brown
- Brown
- Dark Brown
- Chocolate
- Red
- Merle
- Tan
- Grey
- White
As Chorkies age, their coat colors can change, with some dogs experiencing seasonal color changes.
Temperament
The Chorkie temperament is a unique blend of the Chihuahua and Yorkie's personalities. They like to pick favorites and protect the home, but also love to play and cuddle.
These little dogs are known for being very attached to their owners, growing attached quickly and making them easy to train. They can be prone to tiny dog syndrome, but with proper training, they're unlikely to misbehave.
Their big dog mentality makes them natural lap dogs, always eager to sit on your lap and receive attention.
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Health and Care
Chorkie puppies are a delightful addition to any family, but like all living creatures, they require proper care and attention to thrive. They can live up to 15 years with a good quality diet and regular veterinary check-ups.
Skin issues are a common problem in Chorkies, particularly if they have allergies or sensitive skin. Atopic dermatitis is a severe rash that can be caused by genetics or environmental factors, so it's essential to monitor your puppy's skin health.
Dislocation of the knee caps, also known as Patella Luxation, can occur in Chorkies as they age or if they jump from high surfaces. This condition requires prompt treatment to prevent surgery.
Chorkies are prone to various health issues, including heart problems, hydrocephalus, and hypoglycemia. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet can help prevent or manage these conditions.
A well-groomed Chorkie is a happy Chorkie! Regular grooming sessions will keep their coat and skin in top condition. You should also provide daily exercise to keep them fit and healthy.
Puppy-proofing your home and garden is crucial to prevent accidents and injuries. Remove toxic plants, secure electric wires, and keep tools and implements out of reach. A quiet area for napping is also essential for your puppy's growth and development.
To keep your Chorkie healthy, follow this worming schedule:
- Puppies should be wormed at 6 months old
- They need to be wormed again when they are 8 months old
- Puppies should be wormed when they are 10 months old
- They need to be wormed when they are 12 months old
Remember, a responsible breeder will provide you with all the necessary documentation, including worming dates and microchip information. Be sure to follow up with regular veterinary check-ups to ensure your Chorkie stays healthy and happy.
Chorkie as a Pet
Chorkies can make fantastic lap dogs, but they do require some attention and training. They are sassy, independent, and fun-loving, and they like to pick favorites.
If socialized at a very young age, Chorkies are good with children or other people, but they are still likely to bark at strangers. They don't require a lot of room or a backyard, and a small apartment is more than enough for them to run around and have fun in.
Grooming requirements are relatively low, but they do need to be brushed once per day. Missing a few days won't be detrimental to their coat, but their coat can get oily and may need to be washed multiple times a month.
Here's a quick rundown of Chorkie grooming needs:
- Brushing: once per day
- Coat maintenance: multiple washes per month
Overall, Chorkies are active and playful, and they will want your attention all the time. They can be nervous around anyone they don't know, but with proper training and socialization, they can make wonderful pets.
As Family Pets
Chorkies are perfect little companions that will protect you from external threats, but they can be a handful. They're sassy, independent, fun-loving, and like to pick favorites.
If socialized at a very young age, they're good with children or other people. However, even with proper socialization, they're still likely to bark at strangers.
Chorkies don't require a lot of room or a backyard, a small apartment is more than enough for them to run around and have fun in. They're also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming.
Here are some key grooming requirements:
- Brush them once per day, but missing a few days won't be detrimental to their coat.
- They may need to be washed multiple times a month because their coat can get oily.
- They hardly shed, but aren't considered hypoallergenic.
Chorkies are active and playful, and they'll want your attention all the time. If you don't play with them, they'll get bored and might cause damage to property. They'll also pick their favorite person and protect them.
However, they can be nervous around anyone they don't know. For a small dog, they don't have many health problems, but keeping them at a good weight can help prevent health issues.
Training
Training a Chorkie requires patience and positive reinforcement. They can be stubborn and bossy, but with time, they'll understand who's in charge.
Positive reinforcement is the key to successful training, and treats or toys are great motivators. Giving them something they love when they do something right will make them want to please you.
Obedience training should start as soon as possible, ideally when they're still a puppy. This helps them learn the difference between right and wrong.
Having pee pads around the house can be a lifesaver during potty training, especially for small dogs that can't hold their bladder for long.
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Puppy
Puppy costs can add up quickly, with prices ranging from £300 to over £500 for a well-bred pedigree puppy.
The initial cost of buying a Chorkie puppy is a significant expense, with prices varying depending on factors such as the breeder and the puppy's lineage.
You'll need to factor in the cost of vaccinations, which can be around £500 a year, on top of the puppy's purchase price.
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The cost of insuring a male 3-year-old Chorkie in northern England would be £18.42 a month for basic cover, but this can increase to £42.61 a month for a lifetime policy.
The cost of vaccinations and boosters can add up over the years, so it's essential to factor this into your budget when considering getting a Chorkie puppy.
As a rough guide, the average cost to keep and care for a Chorkie would be between £35 to £70 a month, depending on the level of insurance cover you opt to buy for your dog.
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