Shorkie Poo: A Comprehensive Guide to this Lovable Mix

The Shorkie Poo is a lovable mix of a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier. This adorable crossbreed has stolen the hearts of many dog owners.

Shorkie Poos are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They make great family pets and are often described as affectionate and loyal.

On average, Shorkie Poos weigh between 7 and 15 pounds and stand about 6 to 10 inches tall. They have a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming.

One of the best things about Shorkie Poos is their adaptability - they can thrive in small living spaces with minimal exercise, making them perfect for city dwellers.

The Shorkie is a designer dog breed created by combining the characteristics of a Yorkie, a Shih Tzu, and a Poodle.

To be precise, the Shorkie is a hybrid breed, meaning it's not a purebred dog that can be registered under the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Designer dog breeds like the Shorkie are often created to enhance the strong points of their parent breeds, making them unique and lovable companions.

The Shorkie's parent breeds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature, which are likely to be passed down to the Shorkie.

Shorkie Poo coats can be curly, long, or silky, and they're generally hypoallergenic, shedding less than other breeds.

Their colors range from black to dark and light shades of brown, and they can differ in color even within the same litter.

Shorkies can grow up to 7 to 9 inches tall and weigh around 10 to 16 pounds.

Here's a comparison of Shorkie and Shih-Poo sizes:

Shorkies are generally on the small side, but their size can vary depending on their parents.

The Shorkie Poo's appearance is quite unique and can vary from one puppy to another. Their coats can range from black to dark and light shades of brown.

Their coats can be curly, long, or silky, and they're generally hypoallergenic, shedding less than other breeds. This makes them a great choice for people with allergies.

Shorkie Poos typically grow to be between 7 to 9 inches tall and weigh between 10 to 16 pounds. Their appearance is heavily influenced by their parents' characteristics, so their puppies can inherit traits from either side.

Here's a breakdown of their possible coat types:

This mix of characteristics makes each Shorkie Poo a one-of-a-kind companion.

Shorkies are a small breed, weighing in at five to 15 pounds and ranging in height from six to 14 inches at the shoulder.

Their size can vary, but they're generally on the smaller side. Many Shorkies can be smaller or larger than this range.

A comparison with Shih-Poo and Shorkie size shows that both are classified as small. However, Shih-Poo tends to be slightly taller.

Here's a breakdown of the size differences between Shih-Poo and Shorkie:

Shih-Poo tends to be slightly taller, with an average height of 11.5 inches, while Shorkie averages 10 inches.

Shorkie coats are a beautiful mix of their Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier parents' coats and colors. The main colors of Shorkies are blue, black, brown, fawn, red, and white, and any combination of these colors.

Their coats can vary quite a bit, even to pups of the same litter. Shorkies usually have straight, medium-to-long coats.

To keep their coats looking their best, Shorkies require daily brushing and a trip to the groomer every six weeks.

In extreme weather, Shorkies may need a coat in the winter and sunscreen on sensitive areas in the summer months.

Here's a rundown of the typical colors you can expect to see in a Shorkie:

Keep in mind that every Shorkie is unique, and their coat color may vary depending on their individual heritage.

The Shorkie Poo's history is a bit of a mystery, but it's clear that they're a product of intentional breeding. Shorkies, their parent breed, were first developed in the US in the 2000s.

Their ancestors include the Yorkshire Terrier and the Shih Tzu, which were mixed together to create the ultimate companion dog.

The American Canine Hybrid Club recognizes the Shorkie as a distinct breed, and you can even register your Shorkie with them.

The Shorkie Poo breed has a relatively short history, with their famous ancestor, the Shorkie, being a product of occasional accidental mating. They've only been available in the past decade, which explains why there's not much information about them.

Their ancestors include the Yorkie-Poo, which was conceived along with the rise of Poodle popularity amongst mixed breeders. The Yorkie-Poo emerged about 5 years before the Shorkie.

The Shorkie dog breed was intentionally created by designer breeders in the 2000's in the US, by mixing Shih Tzu's with Yorkshire Terriers. This was done to create the ultimate, adorable companion dog.

Breeders continued to create Shorkies as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. They're recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (Shorkie Tzu) and the International Designer Canine Registry.

Some Shorkies have ended up in shelters or the care of rescue groups, so consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you.

Explore further: Bedlington Terrier Breeders

The Shorkie Poo breed is a unique mix of three adorable breeds, making it impossible to predict the characteristics of each puppy.

A Shorkie Poo is born from a Shorkie and a Toy Poodle, or a Yorkie-Poo and a Shih Tzu, or a Shorkie and a Yorkie-Poo bred together.

This complicated mix of three breeds is the reason why you can't predict what your puppy would look like.

Being a mix of three adorable breeds just makes them all the more irresistible!

Expand your knowledge: Adorable Shih Tzu Puppies

Poodle mixes are incredibly popular, and one reason is their intelligence. Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds, ranking high in intelligence tests.

Their intelligence makes them easy to train, which is a major draw for many dog owners. This trait is likely why they're often paired with other breeds to create mixes.

Their low-shedding coat is another reason Poodle mixes are popular. Poodles have a unique coat that requires regular grooming but sheds very little, making them a great choice for people with allergies.

Their adaptability is also a key factor in their popularity. Poodles are known to thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to large homes with yards.

Expand your knowledge: Toy Poodles Pros Cons

The Shih-Poo and Shorkie are both hybrid breeds, and as such, their recognition status varies. The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize either breed.

The FCI, another kennel club, also does not recognize either breed. This means that neither breed has official recognition from these two major kennel clubs.

However, the Shorkie has some recognition from smaller kennel clubs. The American Canine Hybrid Club and the International Designer Canine Registry both recognize the Shorkie as a breed.

If this caught your attention, see: How Big Does a Miniature Poodle Get

Shorkie Poos are generally low shedders, which is a relief for those who don't want to deal with dog hair all over the house. They have minimal grooming needs thanks to their Toy Poodle lineage.

Regular grooming is still essential to prevent matting and keep their coats looking their best. Brush their coats daily, ideally before bathing, to prevent matted hair.

To bathe your Shorkie Poo, use lukewarm water and dog shampoo. Avoid using human products on dogs, as they can be harsh on their coats and skin.

Here's a quick summary of grooming needs:

Shorkie Poos require a well-balanced and high-quality diet of dry food with high-grade ingredients. This should include a high percentage of lean meat and essential vitamins and minerals.

Their kibble should be formulated for small dogs, as they are a small breed. Avoid giving them cheap, dry food that may be filled with unhealthy carbohydrates and plant-based protein.

You should consider different developmental levels when choosing a diet for your Shorkie Poo. Their dietary needs will change as they grow and develop.

A veterinarian can help if you find it confusing to choose the right food for your pup.

A different take: Food for Yorkie Poo

Shih-Tzus are not considered hypoallergenic dogs, which means they may not be the best choice for people with allergies.

Shih-Tzus can be prone to shedding, but they are considered low shedders.

Their coats can vary in color, but common colors include black, white, brown, and red.

Shih-Tzus have a straight or medium coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting.

Daily brushing is a must to keep their coats looking their best.

Bathing them once a month is usually sufficient, but be sure to use dog shampoo and avoid human products.

It's also essential to dry their coat thoroughly, either with a hairdryer on a low setting or by air-drying.

Here's a quick rundown of their grooming needs:

Overall, Shih-Tzus require regular grooming to stay healthy and looking their best.

Diet and Weight Management is a crucial aspect of caring for your Shih-Poo or Shorkie. Both breeds can be prone to obesity if not monitored properly. A Shih-Poo can easily gain weight if its weight is not paid attention to, making it essential to keep an eye on its food intake.

For another approach, see: Shih Poo Weight

To maintain a healthy weight, both breeds require a balanced diet. A Shih-Poo needs 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals. This can be adjusted based on the dog's age, size, and activity level.

The Shorkie, on the other hand, requires a slightly lower amount of food, with 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals. It's essential to monitor your dog's food consumption to prevent overeating and maintain a healthy weight.

Here's a comparison of the daily food needs of Shih-Poo and Shorkie:

By following these guidelines and monitoring your dog's food intake, you can help prevent obesity and maintain a healthy weight for your Shih-Poo or Shorkie.

Shorkie Poos are loving, friendly, and active dogs that generally socialize well, making them perfect for big families.

They require a lot of attention, so it's essential to take them with you when meeting your family, and they'll also appreciate being part of your daily activities.

Shorkies have short attention spans and can act on impulse, so early training is crucial to curb unwanted habits.

Their high energy levels mean they may want to chase anything that moves, including birds, squirrels, and neighbor cats.

They're also quite vocal and will announce visitors and the mail carrier, so be prepared for some noise.

Shorkies can form strong bonds with their main caretaker, but they'll love every family member equally.

Punishment is not effective with Shorkies, and instead, positive reinforcement is the way to go.

Early training and instilling good habits are key to preventing bad behavior, and it's essential not to spoil them too early on.

Shorkie Poos are loving, friendly, and active dogs that thrive in big families with lots of social interaction. They generally socialize well, but may be more of a Yorkie in nature, which can affect their sociability level.

They require a lot of attention, so it's essential to take them with you when meeting your family, allowing them to receive plenty of attention and affection. This will also help them see other animals as companions rather than competition.

Shorkie Personality

Shorkies have short attention spans and can act on impulse, making early training crucial to curb unwanted habits. They are prone to prey drive and may chase anything that moves, including birds, squirrels, and neighbor cats.

Shorkies are quite vocal and will announce visitors and the mail carrier. They do best with early training and positive reinforcement, as punishment is ineffective. They form strong bonds with their main caretaker and can be ideal for single-pet households due to their high demand for attention.

Personality Traits Comparison

Shorkies are intelligent, loyal, and sweet dogs, but may be stubborn and energetic at times. They have a relatively low sensitivity level and are not the most sensitive breed. They are highly affectionate dogs that require a lot of social interaction and attention.

In terms of adaptability, Shorkies adapt to lifestyle changes and living environments quite okay, but may not be as adaptable as Shih-Poos. They also tend to have separation anxiety when left alone, which is a common trait among both Shih-Poos and Shorkies.

Shih-Tzu dogs have an average energy level, making them a great choice for a semi-active lifestyle. They're not high-strung or overly demanding, but they do need some exercise to stay happy and healthy.

If you're looking for a low-maintenance pet, a Shih-Tzu might be a good fit. They sleep 12-14 hours a day, which is a normal amount for most dogs.

Some dog owners might find their Shih-Tzu's energy level a bit too low, but for many, it's a welcome change from a high-energy breed.

Shorkie Poos are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. This is because mixed breeds are less likely to have genetic disorders than purebreds.

Regular veterinary checkups are essential to catch any potential health problems early on. This can help prevent or manage conditions like ear infections, which can be painful and uncomfortable for your Shorkie Poo.

Shorkie Poos are at risk for patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap moves out of its original location. This can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

To keep your Shorkie Poo's ears clean, it's a good idea to wipe them gently with a damp cloth after baths or swimming. This can help prevent infections.

Shorkie Poos can inherit health issues from their parent breeds, such as eye problems and respiratory issues from their Shih Tzu ancestry. They can also be prone to Cushing's disease from their Toy Poodle side.

Here are some common health issues that Shorkie Poos may face:

To prolong your Shorkie Poo's life, regular exercise and proper nutrition are essential. This can help them live up to 10 to 15 years, which is a long time compared to larger dogs.

Shorkie Poos are intelligent dogs that can learn quickly, especially if you start their training early. This helps them get used to it and makes it a habit.

They have a stubborn streak, though, which can make housetraining a bit challenging. Keep training sessions short and interesting to avoid boredom.

Positive reinforcement is key to training Shorkie Poos. They respond well to it and are easy to teach when they're interested.

Socialization is also crucial for Shorkie Poos. Expose them to different people, animals, and environments to prevent overwhelming them when you move or have visitors.

Here's a comparison of Shorkie Poos and Shih-Poos in terms of trainability and intelligence:

Shorkie Poos are average watchdogs and defenders, but they can still make great companions with proper training and socialization.

Shorkie Poos are perfect for families with kids because of their affectionate nature, inherited from their Shih Tzu and Poodle ancestry.

They're also great for newbie owners since they're generally well-behaved and don't require much care.

Shorkie Poos can thrive in small spaces, making them ideal for apartment living, and they can engage in play without needing a wide backyard to run around.

They're happy to show affection and play with their owners in limited spaces, making them a great companion for anyone.

Exercise is a must for Shorkie Poo's overall health and happiness. They need daily physical activity to stay fit.

Their ancestors aren't really keen on a lot of physical activity, but Shorkie Poo's are very active and energetic. They'll have no problem engaging in playtime.

A 30-minute daily walk is a great way to keep them fit, and it's also a great excuse for you to get some exercise too. You can also play fetch in a park until they're tired - they'll love you for it!

Shorkie Poos are a great fit for families because they're small in size and don't take up too much space.

Their affectionate nature makes them a perfect companion for kids, and their Shih Tzu and Poodle ancestry ensures they're well-behaved.

They're also suitable for apartment living, as they can engage in play without needing a wide backyard to run around.

As a newbie owner, you'll find Shorkie Poos to be low-maintenance and easy to care for.

They'll happily show you affection and play with you in the limited space of your apartment, making them a great choice for families of all sizes.

Here's an interesting read: Are Cocker Spaniels Good Apartment Dogs

If you're considering bringing a Shorkie into your family, you may be wondering how to find one in need of a loving home.

Finding a breed-specific rescue for Shorkies can be challenging because they are a mixed breed. However, you can try reaching out to Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes.

Here are some rescues you can try: Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue Inc.Shih Tzus & Furbabies

Check this out: Yorkie Poo Rescue

The Shorkie Poo is a wonderful breed, and here are some quick facts to get you started:

The Shorkie Poo originates from the United States, making it a true American sweetheart.

Their size is quite small, typically ranging from 6-12 inches tall and weighing between 5-15 pounds.

With a lifespan of 12-15 years, you can expect a long and loving relationship with your Shorkie Poo.

Their coat is a stunning feature, with a long, silky, double coat available in various colors including black, white, brown, and tan.

Shorkie Poo's are known for being affectionate, playful, energetic, and alert, making them a joy to be around.

They require moderate exercise to stay happy and healthy, so be prepared for daily walks and playtime.

Training can be a bit of a challenge, as they can be stubborn at times, but positive reinforcement training can work wonders.

Regular brushing is a must to prevent matting and tangling, and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks will keep their coat looking its best.

Unfortunately, Shorkie Poo's can be prone to patellar luxation, eye problems, and allergies, so it's essential to keep an eye on their health.

Here's a quick rundown of their key characteristics: