Shorkie Breed Information
The Shorkie is a designer breed that's created by crossing a Shih Tzu with a Yorkshire Terrier. This adorable breed typically has a lifespan of 11 to 16 years and is known for being easy to take care of, making them a great choice for families and singles who are looking for a low-maintenance companion.
One of the great things about the Shorkie breed is that they inherit the best traits from both of their parents. They're affectionate and loyal like the Shih Tzu, and playful and spunky like the Yorkshire Terrier. This makes them a great choice for families r singles who are looking for a loving and playful companion.
Another benefit of the Shorkie breed is that they're relatively easy to take care of. They have a long, silky coat that requires regular brushing and occasional grooming, but they don't shed excessively like some other breeds. They're also small in size, which means that they don't require a lot of space or exercise.
Overall, the Shorkie is a lovable and family-friendly breed that's sure to bring joy and love into your household. With their adorable appearance, affectionate personality, and easy-to-care-for nature, they're a great choice for families of all sizes.
BREED TYPE / MIX
Hybrid / Shih Tzu crossed with a Yorkshire Terrier
ENERGY
Moderate
SHEDDING
Minimum
TRAINING
Determined
TEMPERAMENT
Affectionate, Energetic, Friendly, Loving, Sweet
ADULT WEIGHT
6-14 in
ADULT HEIGHT
4-10 lbs
LIFE SPAN
13-16 yrs
Characteristics
- The Shorkie is a breed that's known for being easy to train, they make a great choice for first-time dog owners
- Shorkies are adaptable to different living situations, including apartments, houses, and families with children
- As a designer breed, the Shorkie benefits from hybrid vigor, which means they have a lower risk of inherited health issues
- Shorkies are friendly and outgoing, a great companion dog for families with children
- While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, Shorkies are a great choice for people with allergies since they shed less than some other breeds
- Despite their small size, Shorkies make great watchdogs and will alert their owners to any potential threats
- As a designer breed, Shorkies are created by crossing two different breeds, in this case the Shih Tzu crossed with a Yorkshire Terrier, which can result in a unique and adorable appearance
- Shorkies are also known as Yorkie Tzus or Shih Tzu Yorkies, depending on which parent breed is more dominant in their appearance
Appearance
The Shorkie is a tiny designer breed that's a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier. As a result of this unique mix, Shorkies have a distinctive and lovable appearance that's hard to resist.
One of the most notable features of the Shorkie is their fluffy and cute appearance. They have a long, silky coat that's soft to the touch and comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown, and white. Their eyes are typically large and expressive, adding to their overall adorable appearance.
In terms of size, Shorkies are relatively small, typically weighing between 7 and 15 pounds and standing between 6 and 14 inches tall. Despite their small size, they have a sturdy build and a confident demeanor that makes them feel larger than they actually are.
Their tail is usually long and fluffy, adding to their overall cuteness. And, although they have a small size, they have a big personality that shines through in their playful and energetic nature.
Temperament
When it comes to temperament, the Shorkie is a delightful breed that has a lot of love to give. These dogs are known for being very vocal, so if you're looking for a quiet dog, this might not be the breed for you. However, if you're looking for a furry companion who will always be there to greet you with a happy bark, then the Shorkie might be perfect for you.
One of the most endearing traits of the Shorkie is their adoration towards their owners. They crave attention and will often follow their owners around the house, eager for pets and snuggles. They're also known for being very adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living situations, from small apartments to larger homes with yards.
As with any breed, it's important to socialize your Shorkie from a young age to ensure they grow up to be friendly and well-behaved around other dogs and people. But with proper training and socialization, you'll have a furry best friend who will love you unconditionally.
Care
Grooming
The Shorkie is a hybrid breed that boasts a luxurious coat, and while their grooming needs may seem daunting, they are actually quite easy to maintain. To keep their coat looking fluffy and healthy, regular brushing and grooming are necessary. It is recommended to brush their coat at least three times a week to prevent matting and tangling.
Shorkies also require regular teeth brushing to maintain their dental health. It's best to brush their teeth two to three times a week to prevent the build-up of tartar and plaque. This will not only keep their breath fresh but also promote overall health and longevity.
Trimming their nails regularly is also important to prevent them from becoming too long and causing discomfort or even health issues. This can be done at home with a pair of nail clippers or by a professional groomer.
It is also important to keep their ears clean and free of debris to prevent infections. Gently wipe the inside of their ears with a damp cloth or a vet-recommended ear cleaner.
Exercise Needs
If you're looking for a furry companion to join you on your daily walks, the Shorkie may be the perfect fit! While they aren't the most high-energy breed, they still require about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day to keep them healthy and happy.
The Shorkie is a moderately active dog that loves to play and explore, whether it's in your backyard or at the park. They also enjoy interactive playtime with their humans, so don't forget to bring along some toys for a game of fetch or tug-of-war.
Although they don't need as much exercise as some other breeds, it's important to make sure they get their daily dose of physical activity to prevent boredom and promote good health. Plus, getting out and about with your Shorkie can be a great bonding experience for both you and your furry friend.
Whether it's a leisurely stroll or an energetic romp in the yard, the Shorkie is up for whatever you have in store. Just remember to keep an eye on their activity level and adjust their exercise routine accordingly as they age.
Health
The Shorkie is a healthy breed with a relatively long lifespan. As a designer breed, they inherit the hardiness of their parents, the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier, resulting in a hybrid vigor that often makes them less prone to certain health issues.
To keep your Shorkie in good health, it's important to provide them with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. Additionally, routine vet check-ups and dental cleanings are essential for detecting and preventing any potential health issues.
While the Shorkie is generally a healthy breed, it's important to be aware of their potential health concerns and to provide them with proper care and attention. With proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care, your Shorkie can enjoy a long, happy, and healthy life as a cherished member of your family.
Lifespan
Shorkies are generally a healthy and hardy breed, with a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Of course, like any breed, their lifespan can vary based on a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. However, with proper care and attention, your Shorkie can be a loyal and loving companion for many years.
Training
Training your Shorkie can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry companion. With their eagerness to please and high intelligence, Shorkies are known for being easy to train. Positive reinforcement training is highly recommended for this breed, as they respond well to being cheered, petted, and praised.
Training sessions should be kept short and consistent, as Shorkie puppies can have a short attention span. Play is also an important part of their training routine, as they love to learn through interactive activities.
Patience is key when training your Shorkie puppy. They may take a little longer to fully grasp certain commands, but with consistency and positive reinforcement, they will eventually learn. It's important to remain patient and not get frustrated during the training process.
History
The Shorkie is a designer breed that was created by crossing a Shih Tzu with a Yorkshire Terrier. As a designer breed, the Shorkie was first bred in the United States, likely sometime in the 1990s or early 2000s.
Both of the Shorkie's parents have interesting histories of their own. The Shih Tzu, for example, is an ancient breed that's believed to have originated in Tibet. They were originally bred as companion dogs for royalty and nobility, and they were highly prized for their affectionate nature and beautiful appearance.
The Yorkshire Terrier, on the other hand, was developed in the 19th century in England. They were originally bred as a working breed, specifically to catch rodents in mills. However, they soon became popular as companion dogs, thanks to their small size, adorable appearance, and friendly personality.
By crossing these two beloved breeds, breeders were able to create the Shorkie, a lovable and family-friendly designer breed that's sure to steal your heart.
Today, the Shorkie is a popular breed among families and singles alike, thanks to their adorable appearance, friendly personality, and easy-to-take-care-of nature. Whether you're looking for a companion to snuggle up with or a watchdog to keep you safe, the Shorkie is sure to be a cherished member of your family.