Last Updated on March 2, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Shorkie is a special kind of doggy. It’s a mix of a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier. These little pals are small but brave, and they really love their owners. People also call them Shorkie Tzu, Yorkie Tzu, or Shih Tzu-Yorkie mix.
Sometimes, you can find them in shelters looking for a new home, so it’s better to adopt them instead of buying from a store.
Shorkies are perfect for living in apartments, especially for grown-ups and older folks who like to be active. They fit well in small families or with people who live alone, but they can also live happily in big families. Just a heads up, they tend to bark a lot.
If you want a tiny buddy with a big personality, a little guard dog who will let you know if someone’s at the door, and a friend who will love you no matter what, then a Shorkie might just be the perfect match for you.
When you’re thinking about getting a Shorkie, it’s best to adopt one from a rescue or shelter. But if you choose to buy a Shorkie puppy, make sure you find a good breeder. Do some research to make sure the breeder treats their dogs well and cares about their health and happiness.
Good Shorkie breeders take good care of their puppies, make sure they’re healthy, and give them lots of love. This way, you can bring home a happy and healthy pup while making sure no dogs are mistreated.
History of Shorkie
The Shorkie dog breed might have naturally existed for a while, but in the 2000s, breeders in the US started mixing Shih Tzus with Yorkshire Terriers on purpose. This mix breed became very popular, especially in Great Britain and Ireland.
Breeders wanted to create a super cute pet, so they kept mixing these two types of dogs. As more people wanted Shorkies, breeders kept making them.
The American Kennel Club doesn’t officially recognize Shorkies, but the American Canine Hybrid Club does (as Shorkie Tzu). Shorkie owners can also register their dogs with the International Designer Canine Registry.
Even though Shorkies began as a special mix, some end up in shelters or rescue groups. If you want a Shorkie, consider adopting one instead.
You can find Shorkies in local shelters, Shorkie rescues, or even in places that take care of Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus. Sometimes, these places help find new homes for mixed breeds like Shorkies.
Brief Overview of Shorkie
Lovely Appearance: Shorkies generally have a lengthy, silky fur with delightful color variations, often evoking their Yorkshire Terrier heritage.
Loving Personality: They are renowned for their affectionate and loyal temperament, building strong connections with their human family members.
Versatility: Despite their small size, Shorkies adapt well to various living situations, including apartments, and prove to be excellent companions for individuals, couples, or families.
Intellectual Abilities: Shorkies are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train using positive reinforcement techniques.
Activity Requirements: They enjoy playtime and short walks to maintain both physical and mental stimulation.
Long Lifespan: Shorkies typically live longer lives, often reaching between 12 to 15 years with proper care.
Maintenance Needs: Their long, silky coat requires regular grooming and brushing to prevent matting, and dental hygiene is essential for their overall health.
Good Health: While generally healthy, they may be prone to certain genetic health issues common in their parent breeds, emphasizing the importance of regular veterinary check-ups.
Endearing Personality: With their expressive eyes and affectionate expression, Shorkies make delightful and heartwarming companions.
Apartment-Friendly: Thanks to their small size and adaptable nature, Shorkies are well-suited to apartment living.
Size of Shorkie
Since Shorkies are a newer breed, there isn’t a precise standard for their size. However, given their combination of Shih Tzus and Yorkshire Terriers, they typically end up being small.
A shorkie full grown usually weighs between five to 15 pounds, with a height of around 6 to 14 inches. Yet, variations exist, and some Shorkies may be tinier or slightly larger than this average range.
Personality of Shorkie
Shorkies are loved for having big personalities in small bodies. They’re lively lap dogs that enjoy both snuggling and playing with you.
Because they have short attention spans, Shorkies might act impulsively and have a strong urge to chase after things like birds or squirrels.
They’re quite talkative and will let you know when someone’s at the door or when the mail arrives. Early training is important for Shorkies to learn good behaviors, as they can be stubborn like their parents.
Using positive reinforcement works best, as punishment doesn’t help much. Try not to spoil them too much from the start, as it’s hard for them to unlearn bad habits.
Shorkies adore everyone in the family, but they’ll bond closest with their main caregiver. They fit well in different family sizes but might be especially good for single-pet homes where they can get lots of attention.
Coat Color And Grooming of Shorkie
The main colors of Shorkies are typically blue, black, brown, fawn, red, white, or a mix of these colors, which they inherit from their Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier parents
Their fur is usually straight and can be medium to long. Shorkies are often a good choice for people with allergies. Even siblings in the same litter can have different coats.
Taking care of a Shorkie’s coat needs work. You’ll need to brush them every day and take them to the groomer every six weeks to keep them looking and feeling great.
These dogs don’t do well in very hot or cold weather. In winter, they might need a coat, and in summer, you might need to protect their skin with sunscreen on areas where they have less fur.
Nourishing of Shorkie
If you have a Shorkie, it’s important to feed them right to keep them healthy and full of energy. Look for good quality food at a pet store nearby. This will help your Shorkie live a long and healthy life.
Shorkies can get chubby if they eat too much, so it’s best to feed them at specific times every day. Two small meals a day is usually enough. Healthy snacks like pieces of carrot or celery can be great treats.
As Shorkies grow up, their food needs change. Your vet can give you advice on what to feed them at different stages of their life. Every Shorkie is different, so it’s important to get personalized recommendations from your vet based on your dog’s weight, energy levels, and overall health.
Health of Shorkie
Shorkies can face some of the same health problems as Shih Tzus and Yorkshire Terriers. While most are healthy, it’s important to take good care of them and visit the vet regularly.
Some common health issues Shorkies might have include:
Breathing Problems: Shorkies, especially those with short noses, might have trouble breathing due to issues like narrow nostrils or a small windpipe. This can lead to snoring or difficulty exercising.
Dental Troubles: Just like humans, dogs can get dental problems like plaque and gum disease. If not treated, it can cause pain and tooth loss.
Eye Issues: Shorkies can develop glaucoma, which is when there’s too much pressure in the eye. It can damage their vision and cause pain if not treated.
Low Blood Sugar: Sometimes, Shorkies can have low blood sugar levels, which can lead to seizures or weakness. It can happen if they don’t eat enough or if they’re very active.
Lens Luxation: Shorkies can face lens luxation, which is when the eye’s lens moves out of place. It’s painful and can cause vision problems, even leading to glaucoma. This can happen because of genetics or eye injuries.
They might also have health issues similar to their parents:
Liver Problems: Some Shorkies can be born with abnormalities in their liver function, which can impact their growth and lead to various symptoms such as jaundice, poor growth, and gastrointestinal issues. These problems might run in the family and can be found early in a puppy’s life.
Spinal Disc Disease: Spinal Disc Disease, or intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), happens when the cushions between the bones in the spine wear out or get damaged. This can lead to a bulging disc that presses on the spinal cord.
Depending on how bad it is, symptoms can range from back pain and weakness to not being able to move. IVDD is more likely to affect dogs with longer backs.
Breathing Troubles: Like some other breeds, Shorkies might have trouble breathing due to issues like a short nose. They could also have allergies or infections that affect their breathing, leading to coughing or difficulty exercising.
It’s important to look after your Shorkie’s health and watch out for any signs of these problems. Regular vet check-ups can help catch and treat them early.
Care of Shorkie
Keeping your Shorkie healthy is important. Just like with any dog, you need to take them to the vet regularly. The vet can help you make sure your Shorkie stays healthy.
Shorkies can get chubby easily and they have lots of energy. They like to move around but don’t need super long walks because they have short legs. Remember, they have small bladders so they might need to pee a lot. You might want to use washable pads for them.
Make sure to check your Shorkie’s ears every day and clean them as your vet suggests. Trim their nails regularly too so they don’t get too long. Your groomer can help with that.
Taking care of your Shorkie’s teeth is super important. Brush them every day to keep their mouth healthy. Your vet can teach you how. Also, give them dental chews if you can find good ones.
Always give your Shorkie water, especially when you take them for a ride, no matter the weather. Some Shorkies have watery eyes which can leave stains. Wipe around their eyes a few times a day to help keep it clean. It can really help reduce the stains.
Shorkie Children And Other Pets
The Shorkie is a little dog, so it can easily get hurt if kids play too roughly. They like being around their family, but they might feel nervous around unfamiliar children. Make sure to watch over them when kids are around.
If you have other pets, your Shorkie can be friends with them if they meet them early on. Sometimes, they might try to defend their space against animals they don’t know, even though they’re smaller. It’s important to keep them safe from bigger dogs because Shorkies don’t realize they’re small and might try to stand up to larger dogs.
Before you get a Shorkie, it’s a good idea to learn about their Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier parents. This can give you a better idea of what to expect from their personality.
Shorkie Adoption Organizations
Finding a rescue center specifically for Shorkies might be tricky since they’re a mix of two breeds. But don’t worry! You can check out places that rescue Yorkshire Terriers or Shih Tzus because they often help mixed breeds like Shorkies too. Here are some places you can try:
Shorkie Breed Associations
Choosing a good dog breeder is super important when getting a new furry friend like a Shorkie. Good breeders really care about making sure their puppies are healthy and friendly. They check their adult dogs to make sure they’re healthy too, and they give lots of love and care to the puppies when they’re little.
But watch out for backyard breeders! They’re not so great. They’re mostly interested in making money, not in having healthy dogs. They might not check if their dogs are healthy or give the puppies enough attention when they’re young. So, puppies from backyard breeders might have more health problems and behavior issues.
Shorkie puppies for sale .These adorable, affectionate, and fluffy Shorkie puppies are a cross between the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier breeds. The typical Shorkie price you might come across for a puppy with papers but without breeding rights is around $947.50.
Facts of Shorkie
- Origin: United States
- Shorkie size: Small, typically 6-12 inches tall and weighing 5-15 pounds
- Shorkie dog Temperament: Affectionate, playful, energetic, and alert
- Shorkie lifespan: 12-15 years
- Coat: Long, silky, double coat; comes in various colors like black, white, brown, and tan
- Health: Usually in good shape, but might be at risk for kneecap issues, eye troubles, and allergie
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Training: Does well with rewards and positive training methods, but can be stubborn at times
- Grooming: Requires regular brushing and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks
- Background: The Shorkie, a popular crossbreed, has gained recognition due to its lineage from well-known parent breeds, with Yorkies notably appearing in films such as Edward Scissorhands, Meet the Fockers, and Butterfield 8.
Note: Shorkie poo puppies are known for their adorable appearance and playful personalities, making them popular companions for families and individuals alike.
Frequently Asked Question
Are Shorkies Aggressive?
Shorkies are not commonly aggressive, but they may show protective behavior by growling or snapping if they perceive a threat to their owners.
Can Shorkie be Left Alone?
Because Shorkies love their families so much, they don’t do well when left alone for a long time. That’s why they might not be the best pet for someone who works a lot or travels often.
Is the Shorkie Hypoallergenic?
Shorkies are often perceived as hypoallergenic because of their minimal shedding coats. It’s important for individuals with a history of dog allergies to spend time around Shorkies before deciding to bring one home.
What is a Schnauzer Yorkie Mix Called?
The Snorkie, also called the Schnerrier, is a popular mixed breed. It’s a small dog, usually 5 to 12 inches tall and weighing 8 to 12 pounds. Snorkies are known for being loving companions who get really close to their owners.
What Types of Haircuts are Popular for Shorkies?
Shorkie haircuts typically include styles like the teddy bear cut, puppy cut, top knot, and the Shih Tzu lion cut. These cuts help manage their fur and keep them looking cute.
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