Characteristics
- The Shorkie, also called Shorkie Tzu or Yorkie Tzu, is a popular designer dog in the U.S.
- Toy-sized and alert, they make excellent watchdogs.
- Their semi-hypoallergenic, low-shedding coats suit individuals with mild pet allergies.
- Friendly and loving, Shorkie puppies are great for families with older kids, couples, singles, and active seniors.
- Adaptable to any living space, they thrive in apartments or large homes.
- Hybrid vigor boosts their health, reducing inherited conditions.
- They form quick bonds with children, other pets, and even strangers.
- Easy to train, groom, and love, Shorkies are ideal for first-time owners.
- Always ready for cuddles or adventures, Shorkies bring joy to every home.
Appearance
Shorkies are tiny, lovable dogs with a lively and cheerful personality. These toy-sized companions typically weigh between 4 and 10 pounds and stand about 6 to 14 inches tall. Despite their small stature, they have a sturdy, muscular frame. Their round faces, short muzzles, expressive dark eyes, floppy ears, and curled tails give them an irresistibly adorable appearance.
Their coats, which are soft and silky, range from medium to long in length. Shorkie fur can be straight or slightly wavy, coming in a variety of beautiful colors and combinations, such as black and white, brown and white, tan and black, red, or gold, often with unique patterns or markings. Known for their low-shedding and hypoallergenic qualities, shorkies are an excellent choice for individuals with mild allergies.
Blending the best traits of the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier, Shorkies are the perfect mix of charm, elegance, and companionship in a small but spirited package.
Temperament
Shorkies excel as companion dogs, always eager to stay close to their families. They thrive on affection and cannot tolerate being left alone for extended periods. Their loving nature is unmatched, and they are often described as dogs that will go to great lengths to remain with their owners. These little dogs adore cuddling, being pampered, and relishing belly rubs. While Shorkies show affection to all family members, they often choose a favorite person—usually their primary caregiver—who becomes their mentor, protector, and closest friend.
Active and playful, Shorkies enjoy engaging in activities like digging, chasing, and expressing themselves vocally. They can be found “chatting” with mirrors, chewing on squeaky toys, or racing through the house in energetic spurts. Games such as hide-and-seek, especially those involving treats, keep them entertained. If given the chance, they might even attempt to playfully chase larger animals like horses.
Shorkies and children often make fantastic playmates, bonding over their shared love of fun and laughter. Older children, particularly those over the age of six, are better suited for these small dogs, as Shorkies can be sensitive to the unpredictable movements of toddlers. Though not aggressive, Shorkies might react impatiently or jumpily around younger children, making supervision important during interactions.
When it comes to training, Shorkies are highly intelligent and can quickly learn commands and tricks. Training success depends on consistent guidance, patience, and positive reinforcement with treats and praise. However, Shorkie puppies may display moments of stubbornness or lose focus during lessons. Adult Shorkies, on the other hand, benefit from regular mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom or undesirable behaviors. With the right care and attention, Shorkies grow into devoted and well-behaved companions.
Care
Grooming
Shorkies require moderate grooming to maintain their beautiful coats and overall hygiene. Their medium-to-long hair demands daily brushing to prevent tangles, knots, and matting. Many Shorkie owners opt for a low-maintenance puppy clip or teddy bear cut, which reduces the need for frequent brushing and is easier to manage.
Regardless of coat length, Shorkies benefit from regular baths and professional grooming every two to three months. They are prone to dental issues, so incorporating daily tooth brushing and providing dental chews or toys is crucial. Additionally, their ears should be checked and cleaned routinely, and nails should be trimmed monthly to keep them comfortable and healthy.
Shorkies with shorter muzzles are sensitive to hot weather, as they may overheat easily. These dogs should avoid extreme weather conditions, staying cool and shaded in summer and cozy in sweaters or dog coats during winter.
For more detailed grooming advice, visit our blog post on How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
Exercise Needs
Shorkies are moderately active and adapt well to their owner’s lifestyle. Whether chasing squirrels or snuggling on the couch, they are happy as long as they’re with their humans. Ideally, they require 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily, split between two or three short walks and active indoor playtime.
Thanks to their Terrier lineage, Shorkies may exhibit a strong prey drive, making activities like chasing a remote-controlled toy or rumba especially enjoyable. Mental stimulation, alongside physical exercise, helps keep them happy and engaged.
Health
Shorkies are generally healthy, but like many small breeds, they may be susceptible to a few health concerns. Potential issues include overheating, hypothyroidism, allergies, cataracts, and dental disease, especially as they age. Their short muzzles can make it harder for them to regulate body temperature, limiting their tolerance for strenuous activities or hot weather.
However, crossbreeding reduces the risk of inheriting severe health issues from their Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier parents.
Lifespan
As a hybrid breed, Shorkies enjoy a long lifespan, often living up to 16 years or more with proper care. Some have even reached 18 years of age. Both parent breeds, the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier, are known for their longevity, with record lifespans of 28 years.
Training
Training Shorkies can be a mix of fun and challenge. They are intelligent and quick learners but may show a stubborn streak, especially when bored or distracted. Training sessions should be short and engaging—around 10 to 15 minutes, twice daily—and should include plenty of praise, treats, and playtime for motivation.
Positive reinforcement works best with Shorkies, as they thrive on encouragement and rewards. Early socialization is essential to ensure they grow into well-behaved and confident adults. Exposing Shorkie puppies to new people, environments, and other pets can reduce territorial tendencies and help them adapt better.
Since Shorkies are prone to separation anxiety, they must be trained early to handle brief periods alone. Without this training, they may develop destructive behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or having accidents indoors. Gradual training to promote independence is key to ensuring their emotional well-being.
History
The Shorkie, also known by names like Yorkie Tzu, Shorkie Tzu, and Yorkie Shih Tzu, is a relatively new and increasingly popular designer hybrid. This charming breed, developed in the United States about 10 to 20 years ago, is celebrated for its bold personality, affectionate demeanor, and irresistibly cuddly appearance. By combining the purebred Shih Tzu and purebred Yorkshire Terrier, breeders aimed to craft a companion that would blend the Yorkie’s fearless and protective nature with the Shih Tzu’s friendly and cheerful temperament.
With their endearing looks and vibrant personalities, Shorkies quickly won hearts, achieving instant popularity across Europe and the United States. Today, they rank among the most sought-after hybrid breeds in the United Kingdom. To better understand what makes Shorkies so special, we can delve into the histories of their esteemed parent breeds.
The Shih Tzu, affectionately nicknamed the “lion dog” and celebrated as “a dog of grace and kindness,” has a long history of being the beloved companion of royalty and high-society families in China. Bred as lapdogs for centuries, these elegant canines boast luxurious coats and gentle, loving dispositions. Known for their cuddly nature, Shih Tzus adore making friends—both human and furry—and delight in playful interactions with children.
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is a small dog with a big personality and impressive versatility. Known for its loyalty, the Yorkie is both a snuggly lapdog and a fearless watchdog. These intelligent dogs excel as therapy pets, quick learners, and competitors in canine sports. Originating in 19th-century Yorkshire, England, Yorkies have enjoyed enduring fame, from their prominence as lapdogs during the Victorian era to their service as therapy dogs in World War II and their continued success as show dogs.
The Shorkie, a delightful mix of these two celebrated breeds, is recognized by organizations such as the International Designer Canine Registry and the American Canine Hybrid Club. However, as a hybrid breed, Shorkies are not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).