Full grown shih tzu yorkie mix

What is a Shorkie dog?

The Shorkie is a mixed breed, that originally comes from combining a purebred Yorkshire Terrier with a purebred Shih Tzu. However, in recent years you might also find second or even third generation Shorkies.

Although their parent breeds are similar in size, they differ quite a lot in personality. Not to mention appearance, and health.This pocket sized pet is loyal, active, and determined! Because the Shorkie is a mixed breed, its appearance will often vary from dog to dog.

Reading: Full grown shih tzu yorkie mix

• Purpose: Pet and Lapdog
• Weight: 7 – 16 lbs
• Temperament: Loyal, tenacious, fun

Your Top Shorkie Questions

The Shorkie is a rising star among the mixed breeds. Here are the answers to our readers’ most popular and frequently asked questions about this power pup.

• Are Shorkies good pets?
• How much does a Shorkie cost?
• Do Shorkies shed?
• How long do Shorkies live?
• How big do Shorkie puppies get?

Where Do Shorkies Come From?

To better understand this Shorkie Terrier mix, it would make sense to better understand the breeds it originated from.

The second most popular breed in the world, the “Yorkie” was one of the first 25 breeds registered with an official body. They descended from Great Britain (hence the name), where they were originally used to chase away rodents in people’s homes. As a result, they have a personality to where they love to work for their owner and prove their mettle.

Rumored to be over 2,000 years old, the Shih Tzu is one of the most ancient breeds of dogs on record. They’re believed to originate from somewhere in Tibet or ancient China and became very popular in the courts of Chinese nobility.

The common perception is that Shih Tzu’s were “Chinese guard dogs,” which is true to a certain extent. While they’re very keen and aware of their surroundings, they’re also much more likely to walk right up to a stranger, introduce themselves, and make a new friend.

It’s only in recent years that these two breeds have been combined with the aim of creating a lively lapdog.

Shorkie Appearance

As a mixed breed, the Shih Tzu Yorkie mix can be a variety of colors. And you won’t be able to predict the colors of a litter before they are born.

Whereas Yorkie colors are limited to black, tan, blue and gold, Shih Tzu colors come in an amazing array. Your Shih Tzu and Yorkie mix could have their mother or father’s coat color, or something in between.

Coat Types and Grooming

Shorkies are famous for their fur, which is actually made up of two different coats. Their undercoat feels more like fleece, while the top coat has that flowy, silky fur that we usually associate with this breed.

But, as you’d expect with that type of fur, Shorkies need to be brushed regularly. Weekly, if not daily. This will ensure their fur doesn’t start matting and probably need to be groomed a bit more often than the typical dog.

Do Shorkies Shed?

Shorkies are a fairly low shedding breed in general. But they do have long hair, which can be quite high maintenance. Grooming a Shorkie will depend on which one of their parents their fur is most like.

While there is some similarity between Shih Tzu grooming methods and grooming a Yorkie, they aren’t identical methods. It’s recommended that you get your Shorkie groomed at least every four-to-six weeks, depending on how fast their fur grows.

This will also be affected by the climate you and your Shorkie live in. The warmer the climate, the more often you should probably get your Yorkshire Terrier Shih Tzu mix groomed.

Are Shorkies Hypoallergenic?

The Shorkie is not a low shedding dog. They are likely to produce plenty of dander that sets off allergic responses in humans with this tendency.

Shorkie Haircuts

Many owners love to have groomers give their Shorkie a “puppy cut” or a “teddy bear cut”. This not only trims the fur on their body but also accentuates the Shorkie’s super-cute face. Making them look like a tiny version of Chewbacca (the popular characters from the Star Wars franchise).

From a practical standpoint, one of the benefits of getting this type of cut is that it helps ensure that any food or debris that they stick their nose in, doesn’t stick to their face.

Shorkie Size

Given the two breeds of dogs they originated from, it makes sense that these are rather small dogs, even when fully grown.

As puppies, Shih Tzu Yorkie weight can be as little as two pounds by the time they’re ready to be brought home from the breeder (at about eight-to-ten weeks old).

However, we recommend you avoid teacup Shorkies due to the health problems that come from both teacup Yorkies and teacup Shih Tzu.

Shorkie Full Grown

By the time they’re fully grown, a Shorkie dog can range anywhere from seven pounds to a little over 15 or 16lbs. Most will be likely to fall somewhere within this bracket, but you could end up with one that’s bigger or smaller depending upon their family tree.

Shorkie Temperament

From the moment you bring your tiny puppy home, they will quickly become a part of the family.

Both the breeds that make up the Shorkie are well-known for being extremely attached to their owners and family members, and eager to please them.

They are the type of dog that enjoys being part of its family so much so that they’ll be visibly disappointed if you happen to go anywhere without them.

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They are happiest when they’re right by their owner’s side. Whether it’s sitting in their owner’s lap during the day, or sleeping by their feet at night.

Natural Instincts

However, the Shih Tzu is prone to guarding behavior and can be a little intolerant of being pestered. Which is something you will need to take into account if you have kids or frequent visitors.

But, with the right training and rewarding motivation, they can learn and follow commands very quickly.

Shorkie Training

Training your little friend can be a very rewarding experience. Both Shih Tzus and Yorkies are extremely intelligent.

Despite their small size these are often independent dogs. So, you have to be willing and able to engage your puppy in a way that keeps them focused and motivated. Otherwise, they’re going to focus on whatever they want to do.

Fortunately, using positive reinforcement training methods means this independence doesn’t have to be an issue for you. Using only motivating techniques encourages a puppy to think of training as a great experience. And turns what could have been a chore into a wonderful bonding experience for you both.

Exercise

These are active and energetic dogs, but you must be careful not to push them too far. If your Shih Tzu Yorkie mix takes after their Shih Tzu parent you will need to be careful when you exercise them. They can become short of breath more easily than the average dog, and don’t cope well in hot weather.

Shorkie Health and Care

As the Shorkie is a relatively new mix, there have not been any studies carried out looking specifically at their health. So to get a good picture, we need to look at their parent breeds.

Here are some issues you will need to be aware of with this mix, we’ll look at a few in more detail below:

• Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome – breathing difficulties caused by having a flat face
• Luxating Patellar – loose kneecaps leading to lameness
• Hypomagnesemia and Hypocalcemia – Low magnesium and low calcium
• Kidney problems – renal dysplasia, where the kidneys are malformed
• Liver problems
• Eye problems – including glaucoma and Progressive Retinal Athrophy

Respiratory Issues

Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed. This means that they have a shortened muzzle, potentially causing them problems with breathing and temperature regulation. Shih Tzu Yorkie cross dogs can have tiny noses.

This can result in anything from harmless reverse sneezing, to various levels of obstructions that cause the dog to have a serious cough. Depending on the severity of the breathing troubles or tracheal obstructions, this could result in your Shorkie needing medications to help them with excessively labored breathing or coughing.

Small Dog, Big Problems?

Because of the compact nature of smaller dogs, many of them can have problems with their windpipes. Which isn’t a good thing when you consider they may already have breathing problems due to their face shape.

Along similar lines, the tiny Shorkie has tiny bones and joints. A lot of toy breeds face issues with luxating patellas, where the kneecap moves out its normal location.

This is often the result of the dog taking a sudden impact to its legs. If it jumps from somewhere high up and onto the ground, causing a sudden, hard impact to its hind legs.

Most of the time, the dog will limp or avoid walking on that leg for a few moments, and shake the patella back in place while doing so. But issues around this, or too many instances of this happening, could force the need for surgery to fix the issue.

Avoiding Shorkie Health Problems

To give your puppy the best odds of good health, choose a healthy set of parents. This means they must both have health tests, no family history of the diseases they are prone to, and certificates to prove all of this.

The problem with a Shih Tzu mix is that their facial shape is a central part of their breed. To improve your odds make sure this parent has the longest muzzle possible, and wide clear nostrils which have never required surgery.

You can surgically widen a dog’s nostrils to aid their breathing, but it’s better to not require this option. Pick a puppy with a long nose and wide nostrils, but be aware that their nose will close slightly as they grow.

Sadly, the only way to completely rule out the potential for brachycephaly is to look at another breed or mix.

Shorkies Lifespan

Both the Yorkie and Shih Tzu are small dogs with lifespans of around 13 years. And mixed breed dogs in general tend to live a little longer than their purebred counterparts.

However, if they do inherit a brachycephalic face their life could be less comfortable than that of the average dog.

Do Shorkies Make Good Family Pets?

While Shorkies can make wonderful family pets, we don’t recommend adding a Shorkie puppy to homes with small children.

Children often look at these cute dogs as “live toys” or stuffed animals, resulting in them feeling the urge to pick them up and carry them around. Because children don’t necessarily understand their own strength, or how to be gentle in certain instances, this can lead to internal injuries to your Shorkie if they’re held or squeezed in the wrong way.

Also, because a Shorkie’s sometimes stubborn and independent nature, they can get a little feisty around children.

Supervision and education are key, but their small stature means they aren’t ideally suited. They’re well suited however to adult families looking for the perfect companion who wants nothing more than to stay by someone’s side.

Pros And Cons of Getting A Shorkie

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A great way to make your final decision is to weigh up the upsides and downsides!

Cons

The bad points here are mostly health related. Not just in terms of potential health conditions, but in terms of structure. You might get lucky, but a Shih Tzu mix could end up with a flat face and the brachycephalic issues that go with it.

They are also not ideal for families with young children, and don’t respond well to traditional training methods.

Pros

That said, they sure are pretty little dogs! If you have one in good health they will exercise alongside you happily during the day, and curl up by your side all evening.

Rescuing a Shorkie

A great way to welcome a new pet into your home is to rescue one from a shelter. This isn’t an avenue that’s open to every owner, nor is it the best choice for all homes, but it’s certainly something to consider.

Rescuing an adult also means that you will have a better idea of whether the respiratory health problems of the Shih Tzu are going to be an issue for your Shih Tzu mix. When looking for a mix from a shelter you have lots of options.

General dog shelters are a good point of contact, but so are breed specific shelters for each parent breed. After all, many of the dogs that come through their doors will be mixes.

Finding a Shorkie Puppy

Shorkie puppies should be confident and friendly. When you go to visit them for the first time at around six weeks old they should be alert and playful. Keen to say hello to you, with happy wagging tails.

The breeder should have had their puppies wormed and flea treated regularly, and have had them checked by a veterinarian and microchipped. Good breeders do not let new owners take their puppy home before 8 weeks of age.

A relatively new cross-breed, many breeders are looking to continue breeding Shorkies. This is because of the demeanor, intelligence, and visual appeal of these dogs. But for some it’s also about money.

Shorkie Breeders

It’s very important to find a breeder who is invested in improving the breed and producing wonderful Shorkie puppies as great family pets and companions.

A good breeder will ensure that both parents are fully health tested, and only breed from dogs with excellent temperaments.

Before they let you take home on their Shih Tzu Yorkie puppies they will ask you lots of questions, and expect the same in return.

If you have any concerns about a breeder, then walk away.

If you are happy that this is a good breeder, then you will need to know whether you are also happy with the price.

How Much Does a Shorkie Cost? That Shorkie Price Tag!

Shorkies are a designer dog breed, and therefore can come with a hefty price tag. This will vary depending upon where you are based, and you shouldn’t just pick the cheapest puppy.

Finding the right breeder might be more expensive, but can save you a lot in terms of vets’ bills and heartache further down the line. You can expect to pay anything ranging from $600 to $1,500 dollars.

Raising a Shorkie Puppy

Caring for a vulnerable Shorkie puppy is a big responsibility. There are some great guides to help you with all aspects of puppy care and training. Here are some to get you started.

• Puppy socialization
• Puppy potty training
• How to stop a puppy biting

How to Care for a Shih Tzu Yorkie Mix

You will need to be careful with your Shorkie’s diet. Not just because he’s very small, but because he might have inherited his Shih Tzu parent’s facial structure.

Check out our advice on feeding a Shih Tzu puppy to make sure that you provide his meals in the easiest to eat, most digestible form.

The best food for Yorkie puppies is a little easier to select, and if your dog is more like their Yorkshire Terrier parent then it will be fine picking from this range.

Products and Accessories

When you bring home your Shorkie puppy you will need to have a good selection of items ready and waiting. Here are some of our top picks for Yorkshire Terrier Shih Tzu mixes.

• Best brush for Yorkshire Terriers
• Best shampoo for Shih Tzu dogs
• Yorkie clothes
• Best dog food for Shih Tzu
• The best Yorkie beds
• Best puppy food for Shih Tzu
• Top Toys for Yorkies
• Best Yorkie harness options
• Shampoo for Yorkies
• Best brush for Shih Tzu dogs

Still trying to decide if this is the right breed for you? Let’s compare the pros and cons!

Similar Breeds

Yorkshire Terrier mixes are very popular little dogs, and depending upon the other parent breed they can be more healthy than the Yorkie Shih Tzu mix.

Here are some alternatives that you might like to consider:

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• Borkie – The Beagle Yorkie Mix
• Corkie – The Cocker Spaniel Yorkie Mix
• Snorkie – The Miniature Schnauzer Yorkie Mix

References

• Gough et al. 2018 Breed Predispositions to Disease In Dogs and Cats. Wiley Blackwell.
• O’Neill et al. 2013. Longevity and Mortality of Dogs Owned In England. The Veterinary Journal.
• Schalamon et al. 2006. Analysis of Dog Bites In Children Who Are Younger Than 17 Years. Pediatrics.
• Duffy D et al. 2008. Breed differences in canine aggression. Applied Animal Behavior Science.
• Strain G. 2004. Deafness prevalence and pigmentation and gender associations in dog breeds at risk. The Veterinary Journal.
• Packer et al. 2015. Impact of Facial Conformation On Canine Health. PlosOne.
• Meola, 2013. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine.
• Hoppe et al. 1990. Progressive nephropathy due to renal dysplasia in shih tzu dogs in Sweden: A clinical pathological and genetic study. Journal of Small Animal Practice.
• Kimmel et al. 2000. Hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia associated with protein-losing enteropathy in Yorkshire terriers: five cases (1992-1998). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
• Whitehead, 2015. Seizures Associated With Hypocalcemia in a Yorkshire Terrier With Protein-Losing Enteropathy. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association.
• Harasen 2006 .Patellar Luxation. The Canadian Veterinary Journal.
• Ginn, 2008. Nasopharyngeal Turbinates in Brachycephalic Dogs and Cats. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association.
• Huck et al. 2008. Technique and Outcome of Nares Amputation (Trader’s Technique) in Immature Shih Tzus. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association.
• Strom, 2011. Epidemiology of canine glaucoma presented to University of Zurich from 1995 to 2009. Part 2: secondary glaucoma (217 cases). Veterinary Ophthalmology.
• Downs et al, 2013. Genetic screening for PRA‐associated mutations in multiple dog breeds shows that PRA is heterogeneous within and between breeds. Veterinary Ophthalmology.
• Tobias et al. 2003. Determination of Inheritance of Single Congenital Portosystemic Shunts in Yorkshire Terriers. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association.