Shorkie BasicsCramming all of the attitude of a giant breed dog into a spunky little package, the Shorkie has no clue that he is a small guy. A mix of Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier, he is a dedicated, loyal, and loving companion that will bark his head off to let his owners know that someone is approaching. Although he will never be a guard dog, the Shorkie makes an excellent watchdog and will never fail to alert his owners when strange things are afoot. Sleeping around a Shorkie might be difficult as a result, but at least you’ll be well aware of any minor intrusion on your home, even a particularly strong gust of wind.Both of the breeds that were combined to create this adorable cross are known for their great personalities and adorable looks. The unwavering loyalty and the instinct to watch over their families is something Shorkie gets from its Shih Tzu parent, while the lively spirit and big personality are traits this doggo can thank their Yorkie genes for. Naturally since this is a designer dog breed, there are no set standards that guarantee either uniform looks or a personality: each pooch is a unique mix. Across one litter, puppies can turn out to be entirely different one from another, both when it comes to their appearance and character traits they display. It’s a grab-bag anytime you get one of these pups, but at least you know that no matter how the genes rearrange themselves, your Shorkie will be undeniably lovable.Related: 10 Best Harnesses For ShorkiesHowever, there are common traits that are typical for the breeds used in the cross that Shorkies tend to inherit more than others, so you can still count on knowing what kind of pooch are you getting. Playful and energetic, the Shorkie is great with kids and adults. He will readily play with the kids and be watchful to ensure that they are safe outdoors. These doggos are practically designed to bring joy to any family.These are smart canines and thankfully quite easily trainable. Granted, that depends onf the particular Shorkie puppy in question not turning out to be stubborn- a trait both Shih Tzus and Yorkies are known for. While these are small dogs, they are still fairly active and will need to have daily walks and quality playtime to burn off any excess energy. Of course, at the end of the day, the Shorkie will more than happy to snuggle up to you and curl up in your lap, ready to get his well-deserved belly rubs and ear scratches.With the attitude of a giant breed dog, the Shorkie has no clue that he is a small guy.OriginSo where did this unique and beloved breed of dog come from? Why through selective breeding, of course! The Shorkie is just one of the many designer dog breeds that are currently being developed in the United States. While these crossbreeds are incredibly popular and sought-after, there are still very new to the world of canine breeding. Apart from the occasional, unplanned mixes, these adorable doggies have been around for only a decade. This is a brand new style of pup that wouldn’t have been an option to bring into your home until very recently.The reason why breeders started crossing these two small dog breeds for the last ten years is their desire to create an intelligent, friendly and good-looking lapdog. Some might argue that we already have those, but creating new breeds such as Shorkie is not only important for the sake of diversity, but also to allow responsible breeders to improve upon the inherent genetic issues of the breeds. By “diluting” the gene pool, they can weed out known issues and strive for more desirable traits. All of that thought and effort packed into one incredibly cute little pooch! Regardless, the breeders seem to be doing a great job as the Shorkie is increasing in popularity, offering an energetic and kid-friendly family companion to so many homes across the country.Pedigree