Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies as we affectionately call them, are known for their lively spirit and distinctive looks, making them a favorite among dog lovers.
Our Guide to Yorkshire Terriers and Their Adorable Cross-Breeds
We are diving into the wonderful world of Yorkshire Terriers and their crossbreed cousins. Whether you’re considering welcoming a Yorkie or a mix into your home, this guide will help you choose the perfect furry baby.
Are Yorkshire Terrier Cross-Breeds Considered to Be Yorkies?
Let’s clear this up: Yorkshire Terrier cross-breeds are generally considered to be Yorkies! These adorable mixes inherit traits from their Yorkshire Terrier parent, so you’ll often see that signature Yorkie charm shining through.
However, the American Kennel Club only acknowledges the standard Yorkshire Terrier and the Biewer Terrier. That does not take away from their wonderful ‘Yorkiness’ or their being a wonderful addition to your home, especially when you consider that a standard Yorkshire Terrier was originally a crossbreed.
Yorkshire Terrier cross-breeds inherit traits from the Yorkshire Terrier parent. While these mixed breeds may display characteristics from both breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier’s influence is usually strong in their appearance and personality.
Take the Yorkie-Poo, a delightful blend of Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle. This little ball of energy is playful and boasts a small size, making it a perfect fit for any home. Remember, each cross-breed is unique, showcasing a variety of traits from both parent breeds!
Here’s a quick look at some popular Yorkshire Terrier cross-breeds:
- The Original Yorkshire Terrier
- Biewer Terrier
- Carkie (Yorkshire Terrier X Cairn Terrier)
- Chorkie (Yorkie Chihuahua Mix)
- Dorkie (Dachshund Yorkie Mix)
- Morkie (Maltese Yorkie Mix)
- Parti Yorkshire Terrier
- Shorkie (Shih Tzu Yorkie Mix)
- Snorkie (Yorkie And Schnauzer Mix)
- Yorkie Bichon
- Yorkie Pomeranian Mix (Porkie)
- Yorkipoo (Yorkie And Poodle Mix)
Each of these pups brings something special to the table, allowing you to find the perfect match for your life and home.
1. Meet the Original Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, holds a special place in the hearts of dog lovers, ranking as the sixth most popular breed in the U.S. Our very loved Yorkshire Terrier was a cross-breed of the Scottish Clydesdale Terrier with dogs from Yorkshire when they migrated in the 19th century, where they were used as ratters in textile mills, demonstrating their determination and toughness. They were crossed with the Waterside, or Otter Terrier, and the Old English Terrier (source: AKC Yorkshire Terrier History).
Today, standard Yorkies weigh in at an average of just 5 to 7 pounds, making them ideal companions for city dwellers. My Loki was 10 lbs so that it can vary. Their long, silky coats require regular grooming to keep them looking fabulous, and their lively personalities add to their irresistible charm. Don’t let their small size fool you—Yorkies are confident little watchdogs!
What truly makes Yorkies special is their strong bond with their people. They blend terriers’ independence with toy breeds’ affectionate nature, thriving on love and companionship.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) provides valuable resources for responsible dog ownership, helping ensure that Yorkies lead happy, healthy lives. With their unique mix of traits, Yorkies continue to capture the hearts of dog lovers everywhere!
2. The Biewer Terrier
Say hello to the Biewer Terrier, a delightful newcomer to the AKC’s Toy Group! With its long, silky, tri-colored coat and playful personality, this breed was developed in Germany by Werner and Gertrud Biewer in the 1980s. Our Rosie is a Biewer and close to our hearts.
Thanks to genetic studies confirming its unique heritage—including Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, and Havanese/Bichon Frise—the Biewer Terrier has gained official recognition in the U.S. Key breeders like Myrna Torres and Gayle Pruett have been instrumental in establishing the breed’s standards (source: AKA)
Though classified as a toy breed, the Biewer Terrier is packed with terrier traits, making it an energetic and adaptable companion. Whether you live in a city apartment or al home with room to run, this breed loves to participate in dog sports like agility and obedience competitions. And as you can see from the photo of Rosie, a lover of sticks 3 times their size.
Just a heads-up: when choosing a breeder, be cautious to avoid puppy mills, which often produce unhealthy pups. Prices range from $1,000 to $4,000, so be prepared for regular grooming and care to keep your Biewer looking its best!
3. Meet the Carkie (Yorkshire Terrier X Cairn Terrier)
The Carkie is an engaging mix of the Cairn Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier, celebrated for its energetic and affectionate nature. These dogs typically stand between 8 to 12 inches tall and weigh around 8 to 15 pounds, slightly bigger than the average Yorkie. (source: Dogster)
Carkies thrive on social interaction and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long. They’re generally friendly and get along well with most people, though they can be a bit cautious around strangers. With their terrier heritage and strong prey drive, early socialization is key to helping them interact well with other pets.
Despite their small size, Carkies have a lively spirit and need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy playtime and short walks, which makes their exercise needs manageable. Remember, like Yorkies, Carkies require daily grooming to keep their shaggy coats tangle-free.
While generally healthy, potential owners should be aware of possible health issues like hypothyroidism and reverse sneezing. Overall, Carkies are a wonderful mix of loyalty, energy, and charm—a great addition to any home.
4. Meet the Chorkie (Yorkie Chihuahua Mix)
Chorkies are a hybrid of Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas, may not yet be recognized by the AKC, but they’re definitely making a splash! These small dogs usually weigh between 5 to 10 pounds and have a sturdy, compact build.
With their expressive eyes and playful nature, Chorkies can have long or short coats in various colors. They’re intelligent and eager to learn, making training a breeze—though they may show a bit of stubbornness, thanks to their Chihuahua roots (source: PetMD).
As with many small breeds, Chorkies can face health issues like dental problems and knee dislocations, so regular vet visits are essential. With the right care, these little pups can be loving and loyal companions, bringing joy to their owners’ lives.
Chorkies thrive on companionship and are perfect for both families and individuals. They need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy, and early socialization is key to helping them feel comfortable around new people.
5. Meet the Dorkie (Dachshund Yorkie Mix)
The Dorkie, a charming mix of Dachshund and Yorkshire Terrier, is known for its small, sturdy body and silky coat. These affectionate dogs are intelligent and adaptable, forming strong bonds with their families, whether in apartments or homes.
With a playful personality, Dorkies need moderate exercise and benefit from early socialization and positive reinforcement during training. Prospective owners are encouraged to adopt from rescue organizations or choose reputable breeders who prioritize their dogs’ health and well-being (source: Dogtime).
While generally healthy, Dorkies can inherit specific health issues common to both parent breeds, such as luxating patellas and intervertebral disc disease. Regular vet checkups and a balanced diet are vital for their overall health.
Grooming needs vary depending on their coat type, but regular brushing is essential to prevent matting. Dorkies are friendly and typically get along well with children and other pets—just keep an eye on them due to their small size. Overall, Dorkies make excellent companions!
6. Meet the Morkie (Maltese Yorkie Mix)
The Morkie is a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier. Known for their charming personalities and affectionate nature, Morkies typically weigh between 5 to 10 pounds and stand about 6 to 15 inches tall.
These little cuties have low-shedding coats, making them suitable for allergy sufferers, but they still need regular grooming to keep their fluffy fur looking fabulous.
While Morkies are wonderful companions, they can face health issues like tracheal collapse, patellar luxation, and hypoglycemia. Early training and socialization are crucial to avoid behavioral problems, as they can develop separation anxiety and become overly attached to one person (source: Petside).
Morkies are intelligent and eager to please, making training relatively easy with consistent, gentle methods. With the proper care, nutrition, and exercise, Morkies can thrive as loyal and loving pets!
7. Meet the Parti Yorkshire Terrier
Parti Yorkshire Terriers, or Parti Yorkies, are a special type of Yorkshire Terrier known for their unique coat patterns, similar to Biewer Terriers. Unlike standard Yorkies, which typically have a blue and tan color, Parti Yorkies feature significant white patches mixed with black, gold, or other hues.
This distinctive coloring comes from a recessive gene and doesn’t change their friendly and playful nature. Like all Yorkies, Parti Yorkies are small, usually weighing between 4 to 7 pounds. They’re energetic and affectionate, making them great companions for families and individuals (source: Sunshine Parti Yorkie).
While there are many claims online about the AKC recognizing Partis as a breed, we couldn’t confirm this on their website. If you have any information about this, please share it with us so we can update our blog!
Caring for a Parti Yorkie involves regular grooming to keep their long, silky fur from tangling. They need plenty of exercise and social interaction, as they are lively and curious dogs. Training is essential to help manage their energetic behavior, and positive reinforcement techniques work best.
Overall, Parti Yorkshire Terriers are loving and intelligent pets that bring joy to their owners, showcasing both the personality of the Yorkshire Terrier breed and their unique color patterns.
8. Meet the Shorkie (Shih Tzu Yorkie Mix)
The Shorkie is a charming hybrid that combines the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier. Typically, these small dogs stand between 6 to 14 inches tall and weigh no more than 15 pounds. With a sturdy build, round expressive eyes, and a coat that varies from silky to wavy, Shorkies are hard to resist!
Known for their affectionate and playful nature, Shorkies make great companions for individuals or small families. However, they can be quite the barkers, so keep that in mind if you’re living in an apartment. With proper training and socialization, Shorkies can adapt well to different living situations, but they thrive on companionship and may become anxious if left alone for too long (source: Dogtime).
Taking care of a Shorkie involves regular grooming to maintain their coat and providing a balanced diet suited to their size and activity level. These dogs need daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and avoid behavioral issues.
While Shorkies are generally healthy, they can be prone to certain conditions like Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome and dental problems. Their friendly demeanor allows them to bond closely with family members, and with the right training, they can get along well with children and other pets, making them a delightful addition to any home.
9. Meet the Snorkie (Yorkie And Schnauzer Mix)
The Snorkie, a delightful hybrid of Miniature Schnauzer and Yorkshire Terrier, is known for its friendly and playful nature. Typically weighing between 7 to 25 pounds and standing 7 to 14 inches tall, Snorkies are well-suited for apartment living but may not be the best choice for families with very young children (source: the Happy Puppy Site).
Their appearance can vary widely, reflecting traits from both parent breeds, which means they require regular grooming to keep their coats free from mats and tangles.
In terms of personality, Snorkies are affectionate and energetic, needing daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. The Miniature Schnauzer is generally eager to please and easy to train, while the Yorkshire Terrier can be a bit stubborn, resulting in varied training experiences for Snorkie owners.
Like many designer breeds, Snorkies can inherit certain health issues from their parents, making responsible breeding practices essential. Overall, Snorkies are loving companions that thrive on interaction and care, making them a popular choice among dog lovers!
10. Meet the Yorkie Bichon
The Bichon Yorkie is a hybrid created by crossing a Bichon Frise with a Yorkshire Terrier. Known for their energetic and loyal personality, this toy-sized dog typically weighs between 6 to 8 pounds and stands about 9 to 12 inches tall (source: wagwalking).
Bichon Yorkies have moderate grooming needs and adapt well to different living environments, making them a popular choice for families. However, it’s important to socialize and train them early to prevent behavioral issues, as they can be known for their high-pitched bark and playful nature. Common health concerns include patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, and hypothyroidism, which can lead to significant veterinary costs.
In terms of appearance, Bichon Yorkies feature a compact body, a round head, and coats that can vary widely—some may have long, silky hair like the Yorkshire Terrier, while others may sport the dense, curly fur of the Bichon Frise. Regular grooming, dental care, and attention to their ears and nails are essential for their well-being.
Many people share positive experiences with Bichon Yorkies, praising their intelligence, affection, and strong bonds with family members. Due to potential health issues, obtaining pet insurance is recommended to help manage unexpected veterinary expenses, ensuring owners can provide the necessary care for their beloved pets.
11. Meet the Yorkie Pomeranian Mix (Porkie)
The Yorkie Pomeranian Mix, often called the Yorkie Pom or Yoranian Terrier, is a lively and affectionate designer dog created by crossing Yorkshire Terriers and Pomeranians. These small dogs typically stand between 6 to 12 inches tall and weigh up to 7 pounds (sources: Pawmaw).
Known for their high energy and playful nature, the American Kennel Club does not officially recognize Yorkie Poms; however, several other canine organizations do acknowledge them. Their appearance can vary widely based on which parent breed’s traits are more dominant, making each Yorkie Pom unique. They require special care to manage issues like separation anxiety and loud barking, so early training is crucial to help control any aggressive behaviors.
In terms of health, Yorkie Poms are generally healthy but may be prone to specific genetic problems, such as eye issues, dental problems, and joint disorders. Regular grooming is essential to keep their fluffy coats in good condition.
Due to their high energy levels, these dogs require ample exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and healthy. Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them great companions for families and children, but they can experience separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Overall, Yorkie Poms are a delightful addition to any home, bringing joy and companionship to their owners.
12. Meet the Yorkipoo (Yorkie And Poodle Mix)
Yorkipoos, a popular mix between Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles, are adored for their cute looks and lively personalities. These small dogs typically weigh between 3 and 14 pounds and have coats that can vary widely in texture and color, ranging from straight and long to wavy and curly (source: .
Known for being playful and affectionate, Yorkipoos thrive on companionship and dislike being left alone for long periods. Their small size makes them perfect for apartment living, making them an excellent choice for individuals or families who can give them plenty of attention.
When it comes to care, Yorkipoos need regular grooming to avoid mats and tangles, but they don’t shed much fur. Training is crucial, as they are smart and eager to please, responding best to positive reinforcement methods. Although generally healthy, Yorkipoos can be prone to certain health issues, so regular visits to the vet are important.
This breed has gained popularity over the past few decades, and prospective owners can find them through reputable breeders or adoption centers, making Yorkipoos a great option for anyone looking for a loyal and loving pet.
What Yorkie is Right For You?
Yorkshire Terriers and their cross-breeds offer a delightful mix of charm and companionship. Whether you own a purebred Yorkie or a unique cross-breed, each dog has special traits that enhance our lives.
We’d love to hear from you! Share your experiences with your Yorkie and what makes them special to you. Your stories can help others in their journey to find the perfect furry companion!
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