Shih Tzu Yorkie Mix: Ultimate Guide to Shorkies

The Shih Tzu Yorkie mix, affectionately known as a Shorkie, is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier.

These tiny bundles of joy typically weigh between 7-15 pounds and stand about 6-10 inches tall at the shoulder.

With proper care, Shorkies can live up to 14 years or more.

The Shorkie is a relatively new breed, created around the turn of the millennium by crossing a Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier.

Its history is brief, but its popularity is increasing rapidly, making it a desirable hybrid breed.

Most Shorkies are first-generation pups, also known as F1 pups, with one parent being a Yorkshire Terrier and the other a Shih Tzu. This means their appearances and temperaments can vary greatly from pup to pup.

Here's a quick rundown of some key characteristics:

Shorkies have two coats, with the bottom coat being short and thick, while the upper coat grows into long, silky hair. Some owners let the upper coat grow out for a flowing look, while others keep it short and thick.

With proper care, most healthy Shorkies can live between 11-16 years, and some may even reach up to 20 years!

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The Shorkie breed has a relatively short history, spanning only a few decades.

It was created by crossing the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier to create a designer hybrid, combining the best characteristics of both breeds.

This cross is so desirable that it's not often crossed with any other dogs, making each Shorkie look a little bit different.

The Shorkie is a cross between two beloved breeds: the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier. These parent breeds have rich histories that date back centuries.

The Shih Tzu has an incredible history that spans over 2,000 years, originating from Tibet as a loyal companion to Chinese nobles. Its confident personality made it perfect for meeting new friends.

The Yorkshire Terrier, on the other hand, is a relatively newer breed compared to its Shih Tzu counterpart. However, it still boasts a fascinating history and has become a popular companion dog in many parts of the world.

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Both parent breeds have contributed to the creation of the lovable Shorkie, making them an essential part of this hybrid's identity.

Keep in mind that the size and weight of individual Shorkies can vary, but females tend to be smaller than males.

The Shih Tzu Yorkie mix, affectionately known as a Shorkie, is a compact dog that typically weighs between 7-15 pounds.

Their small stature makes them perfect lap dogs and easy to handle, whether you're taking them on adventures or just cuddling up on the couch. They usually measure about 6 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder.

Shorkies have a variety of coat colors, including black, brown, white, gold, or a combination of these hues.

Their fur can be long and silky, straight like a Yorkie's, or inherit the Shih Tzu's slightly wavy and denser coat.

The Shorkie is a small dog breed that typically weighs between 7 and 15 pounds.

Their height can range from 6 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder, making them perfect lap dogs.

Shorkies often have a beautiful coat that's long, silky, and straight or slightly wavy and denser.

The coat colors of Shorkies can be black, brown, white, gold, or a combination of these colors.

Their face typically features a round skull with a shorter snout, similar to the Shih Tzu.

Shorkies often have pointed ears that stand erect or semi-erect, inherited from their Yorkie parent.

Despite their small stature, Shorkies carry themselves with charm and charisma that can make them the center of attention.

Some Shorkies may inherit floppy ears while others may have pointy elvish ears like their Yorkie parent.

Their adult height should stand between 6 and 14 inches tall.

Shorkies weigh on average between 4 to 10 pounds when they reach adulthood.

The size of these cute little dogs is very petite.

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Shorkies are toy-sized dogs, typically weighing between 7-15 pounds.

Their compact size makes them a great choice for apartment living, as they require minimal space to move around.

These little dogs pack a lot of personality into their small package and are known for being loving, loyal, and affectionate towards their human family members.

Shorkies have moderate energy levels, which means they love to play and go for walks, but they're also happy to cuddle up on the couch for a nap.

Their adaptable nature allows them to adjust well to different living situations, whether it's an apartment or a house with a yard.

Here are some key characteristics of Shorkies:

Their coats can vary in color, reflecting the diverse palette of their parent breeds, including black and tan markings or warm tones.

Shorkies are highly social dogs that enjoy being around people and are friendly with adults, children, and other pets.

The Shih Tzu Yorkie mix is a small breed with delicate health needs. They can be prone to hypoglycemia and hypomagnesemia, especially after weaning.

Their brachycephalic face structure can cause respiratory problems due to an abnormally formed upper respiratory system. This condition is becoming increasingly common in dogs bred with small bodies and flat faces.

Regular dental care is crucial for Shorkies, as they are at risk of overcrowding and oral diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. Most oral diseases can be avoided through regular teeth cleaning and limiting treats.

Common eye problems include Glaucoma, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and Lens Luxation, which can cause gradual blindness or pain around the eyes. Regular eye appointments can help catch these conditions early.

Monitor their weight carefully as obesity is common among small dog breeds. If you notice your Shorkie gaining a few pounds, try making little changes to their diet and increasing exercise to even out the problem.

Here are some of the most common health issues affecting Shorkies:

The Shorkie's nutritional needs are quite specific due to its small size and potential health issues.

To maintain a healthy blood sugar level, feed your Shorkie high-quality kibble specifically designed for toy dog breeds. This will ensure their biscuits fit comfortably in their mouth.

Shorkies require about 1 cup of food per day, divided into multiple meals to prevent low blood sugar levels.

Regular feeding can help regulate their glucose levels and prevent hypoglycemia, which is a common issue in small dogs.

Feeding your Shorkie at the right time can make all the difference in their overall health and well-being.

By following these simple nutritional guidelines, you can help keep your Shorkie happy and healthy for years to come.

A Shorkie can live between 12 to 15 years with proper care and attention.

Genetics play a significant role in determining their lifespan, as both Shih Tzus and Yorkshire Terriers are known for living long lives.

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being in Shorkies.

A balanced diet that's suitable for their size, age, and health status is crucial for their longevity.

Some Shorkies have been known to live up to 18 years or more with good care and plenty of love.

Their parents' long lifespan can be an indicator of a Shorkie's potential longevity - the Shih Tzu can live up to 23 years.

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The Shih Tzu Yorkie mix is a low-shedding breed that requires regular grooming to stay healthy and happy.

Brushing their coat daily or at least 2-3 times a week will prevent tangles and mats from forming.

Regular trimming every 8 weeks will keep them looking neat and healthy, although some owners may choose to leave their hair long.

Cleaning their eyes and ears every other day will remove dirt and debris that can cause infections.

Frequent toothbrushing with doggy toothpaste is essential to prevent dental problems like plaque buildup and bad breath.

Regular nail trimming and cleaning are also important to keep them looking and feeling their best.

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The Shorkie is a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming.

Their coat barely sheds and requires regular brushing, ideally daily or at least a few times weekly.

Cleaning their eyes and ears every other day will help remove dirt, food, and water, keeping them healthy.

Regular checkups from the vet and occasional appointments with a dog groomer are essential for maintaining their overall health.

You'll need to trim your Shorkie's coat roughly every 8 weeks to keep it looking neat and healthy.

Brushing 2-3 times a week will prevent matting and tangling of their hair.

Their silky smooth coat requires regular daily brushing to maintain its texture.

Frequent toothbrushing is crucial, ideally at least once a week, to prevent dental problems like plaque buildup and bad breath.

Regular trimming of the nails and cleaning of the ears are also essential for your Shorkie's overall health.

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A daily 30-minute walk is a good starting point for exercising your Shorkie.

The Shorkie can be prone to breathing difficulties due to its Brachycephalic condition, so it's essential to monitor them during exercise.

You don't need to have a huge backyard to keep your Shorkie active - a daily 30-minute walk will suffice.

However, if you do have access to a fenced area or dog park, it's ideal for letting your Shorkie run around and play with new friends.

Splitting up the daily walk into smaller walks throughout the day can be beneficial if your schedule allows it.

Exercise should not overtire or exhaust your Shorkie, especially if they have respiratory problems.

You should aim to walk your Shorkie for a minimum of 4 miles per week, breaking this down into about 1,000 yards per day.

Short walks at the park, especially at the dog park, can also give your Shorkie a chance to explore and socialize with other people and pets.

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The Shorkie breed has a relatively short history, but its popularity is expected to increase in the future.

Working with reputable Shorkie breeders is crucial when bringing one of these adorable dogs home.

You'll want to research their credentials thoroughly before buying a puppy from them, as some breeders are only interested in making a quick buck from the toy dog designer trend.

Reputable breeders will prioritize their dogs' health and well-being, so be sure to ask to see the parents' health certificates.

This is an important step in ensuring your new pup gets off to a healthy start in life.

The Shorkie's ancestry can give us clues about what makes them tick - after all, their parent breeds have rich histories that date back thousands of years.

Rescue & Shelters is a great way to find your perfect companion. There are plenty of dog shelters around so visit them as often as you can.

Focusing on breed-specific shelters can increase your chances of finding a compatible match. The Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue Inc and the Shih Tzu Rescue Inc rehome their breed mixes too.

Training a Shih Tzu Yorkie mix requires patience and consistency.

It's essential to start training early, ideally when your pup is young, as this will make everything much easier for you both later on. You can begin by teaching basic skills like 'sit' and 'stay', but be sure to teach one lesson at a time – pups who are taught multiple tricks simultaneously can become confused.

To keep your Shorkie engaged during training sessions, keep them short, ideally under 15 minutes, and use positive reinforcement techniques such as rewarding treats or new toys when they respond well. This will make the training process fun and exciting for your dog, increasing their chances of good results.

Here are some key tips to remember:

Socialization is also crucial for Shorkies, as they can become stubborn and develop 'little dog' attitudes that may cause problems with other dogs. Early socialization will help ensure your pup is polite and friendly with others.

Remember to reward good behavior with treats or toys, and avoid using strict or aggressive teaching methods – these can deter your dog from following instructions in the future.

Socialization is a must for Shorkies to grow into well-balanced dogs that can mingle with other people, other dogs, and other pets easily.

Early socialization helps prevent behavioral problems later on, making it essential to introduce your Shorkie to various environments, people, and animals from a young age.

Shorkies are naturally friendly and affectionate, but they need proper socialization to become confident in new situations. They thrive on attention and love interacting with their owners.

Socialization also helps prevent fear-based behaviors that can develop if your Shorkie is not exposed to new experiences early on. This makes it crucial to start socialization training as soon as possible.

Shorkies are intelligent dogs, but they can be a bit stubborn at times, which means consistency and patience are key when teaching them new things, including socialization skills.

Introducing your Shorkie to different environments, people, and animals should be done gradually in a safe and low-distraction setting. This helps prevent overwhelming your dog and allows them to process new information effectively.

Socialization is not just about exposing your Shorkie to new experiences; it's also about helping them develop good habits and behaviors that will benefit them throughout their lives.

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Training your Shorkie requires patience and consistency. Start training early, ideally with potty training, to make the process easier for both you and your pup.

Young pups can become confused if taught multiple tricks at once. Keep lessons short, around 15 minutes, to keep them engaged and prevent distractions.

Positive reinforcement is key when training a Shorkie. Reward good behavior with treats, snacks, or toys, and use a clicker to increase the chances of successful results.

Shorkies can be stubborn, just like their parents, so it's essential to use reward-based training methods. Be persistent and don't give in to their stubbornness, as this can lead to a spoiled pup that doesn't listen to you.

Socialization is crucial for Shorkies, especially early on. Expose your pup to various environments, people, and other dogs to help them develop into polite and friendly companions.

To prevent overprotectiveness and aggression, establish clear boundaries and socialize your Shorkie extensively. This will also help with leash training, which requires a harness that's suitable for smaller dogs.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when training your Shorkie:

By following these guidelines, you can help your Shorkie become a well-behaved and loving companion.

If you're considering bringing a Shih Tzu Yorkie mix into your family, be prepared for some upfront costs.

A Shorkie will cost, on average, between $500 and $1,000.

You can expect to pay more if you're seeking a second-generation Shorkie, which may be worth it for the added certainty of what characteristics to expect.