Yorkie-Poo

Yorkie-Poo Basics

Are you seeking a dog that will keep a smile plastered across your face forever more? You just found it. Always ready to entertain, the Yorkie-Poo is truly a clown in disguise. He will turn even the gloomiest frown upside down and light up the room with his funny little antics. A hybrid mix of a Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy Poodle, the Yorkie-Poo is a lively fellow. He’ll play ball in the yard with the kids and then relax on his owner’s lap for a good nap and some attention. This tiny little pup has one big heart.

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Yorkie-Poos (also known as a Yorkipoo) don’t need a lot of exercise and are suitable for families both living in the big city or homesteading out in the country. These are adaptable little dogs who would do well in a variety of environments. Their low-maintenance activity needs and a sweet personality make them a favorite with many pet owners. They do well with everyone, luckily- from singles to retirees to families with kids. It’s hard to imagine anyone who wouldn’t fall hard for a Yorkie-Poo. There’s a reason why these pups have become so popular. After one look into their eyes, you’ll love your Yorkie-Poo for life.

This designer dog may be cute, but don’t let his good looks fool you – this crossbreed makes a good watchdog. He will bark to alert his owner when someone or something is near. Of course, the Yorkie-Poo may very well greet an intruder with glee and excitement! But that only works to their advantage, as this friendliness is what makes so many people love them. Granted, they won’t offer much protection in any scenario where their watchdog instincts come in handy, but you don’t get an adorable little pup like this for that. Yorkie-Poos specialize in affection, not protection.

Active and energetic, the Yorkie-Poo is truly a clown in disguise.

Origin

When it comes to designer dogs, there is a lot we don’t know about their history and development. Most of the available information is general. Or it’s focused entirely on the most popular hybrids, such as the Labradoodle or the Bernedoodle, to name a few. The Yorkie-Poo might be growing into an in-demand designer dog, but he’s not among those with a well-documented origin. Sadly, we don’t precisely when or where this adorable little pup started melting hearts. However, it’s highly likely that they share their history with most other hybrids. This means that they came to be sometime in the last 20 to 30 years and that they were a product of intentional mixing of two different purebreds. That’s not exactly much information, but sadly that’s the best origin story anyone can piece together for the Yorkie-Poo.

The Yorkie-Poo is a mix of a purebred Yorkshire Terrier and a purebred Toy Poodle. His lineage speaks volumes about the breed’s qualities. You’ll find him to be a warm companion and a trainable lapdog. These pups take on the characteristics of both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Toy Poodle. However; there has yet to be a consistent enough look and temperament for a true breed standard to be developed. At the moment, these hybrids are a bit unpredictable: you never know which parent will the puppy favor more. It changes almost every time. It will take a few generations of Yorkie-Poos before anything resembling a breed standard can be established.

Pedigree

The Yorkie-Poo was developed by breeding a Yorkshire Terrier with a Toy Poodle. Many breeders are now breeding the Yorkshire Terrier with both Miniature Poodles and Toy Poodles. This is creating a wide variation in the size and weight of the Yorkie-Poo. Those who are serious about creating a new breed of dog have continued to only use Toy Poodles with Yorkshire Terriers. This will eventually result in a more reliable size and weight limit for this crossbreed. It will take time, but eventually it will happen.

Despite the efforts to selectively breed these hybrids for a more uniform look, the Yorkipoo is still not recognized by the American Kennel Club– or its international counterparts. This means that the puppies won’t have an official pedigree- although some reputable breeders offer certificates from smaller hybrid dog clubs. Sadly, the American Kennel Club remains a pure bred elitist organization who refuse to recognize designer dogs, despite their popularity. One of the reasons for this is that, according to AKC rules, all breeds need to have standards – a set of physical characteristics that would define an ideal representative of the breed. Most dogs of the breed would share this look, from weight and height to coat type and head shape, with the “most ideal specimens” looking exactly like the officially set ideal. Unfortunately, something like that is far from possible for designer dog breeds. As so-called first generation mixes, hybrids are extremely unpredictable – you can never know which of the parent’s genes will be more dominant.

Sometimes, your puppy will look more like a Poodle or have the coloring of a Yorkie, other times it will take on the size of the Yorkie and have a wavy coat instead of a curly one – or end up being a perfect 50/50 mix of the two parental breeds. In other words, there can’t be any expected set of standard traits like purebreds have, thanks to generations and generations of crossbreeding. But while it hinders them from being accepted as “real breeds” instead of mixed breed dogs by official canine organizations, this unpredictability is considered a part of the charm by designer dog enthusiasts. It means that every pooch is unique – the surprise factor is only a bonus here and never an issue!

Food/Diet

To thrive, every dog needs to have a healthy and well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Yorkie-Poos should be fed a diet of high-quality dry dog food for best results. The kibble you choose should be by a premium brand and formulated to suit their unique needs. That means food for their size (small breed), activity level (low), and age group (puppy, adult, senior). Similarly, you should always pay attention to the label and check for ingredients to see if the formula is up to standards – you’d be surprised how many seemingly good brands have nutritionally poor kibble in their offer. To give you an idea of what to look for in dry food for your Yorkiepoo, it should be a formula made with natural, wholesome ingredients, with real meat as the first ingredient, preferably with a single source of animal-based protein. It should also consider a carefully crafted blend of healthy fats that provide Omega 3 essential acids, such as flaxseed or fish oil, complex carbohydrates to keep your little buddy going all day, and a combination of minerals and vitamins to support their overall health. Avoid formulas that contain artificial ingredients such as preservatives, colors, or flavors, cheap fillers such as meat meal, wheat, corn, or soy, or even harmful ingredients such as propylene glycol, MSG, BHA, BHT, and others. 

Of course, this is just a rough guide. Every dog is different. While it is entirely possible to find a high quality kibble that will be the perfect fit for your pup, it’s always best to consult with your vet. A good veterinarian can far more accurately determine the best diet for your dog than any kibble manufacturer.

To further complicate matters, Yorkie-Poos can also be rather finicky eaters. If you ever struggle to get your pup to eat their dry food, a tiny amount of canned food can always be mixed into the kibble to entice him to eat. But you shouldn’t rely on wet food alone to provide the necessary nutrients for your pet. Without dry food, the Yorkie-Poo has a great potential to develop gum disease, bad breath, and tooth loss. No one wants their dog to suffer from these issues. So, experiment until your find the right brand of kibble that your Yorkie-Poo will gobble up.

An easily trainable dog, the Yorkie-Poo is eager to please his owners.

Training

An easily trainable dog, the Yorkie-Poo is eager to please his owners. So, at least this process should be easy. As always, you should focus exclusively on positive training methods while working with this crossbreed. Excited praise and delectable tidbits will produce better results than harsh words or aggressive methods. Yorkie-Poos can quickly learn basic commands, but can also learn typical parlor tricks such as crawl, play dead and dance. His enthusiasm and desire to entertain will keep your family and friends entertained and laughing! So, don’t miss out on the opportunity to teach this adorable pup some incredible tricks. You’ll be amazed by what your Yorkie-Poo can learn to do.

This crossbreed has the potential to become great obedience prospects as well as agility and therapy dogs. They’re caring personalities suits these positions well. And if you’re the type of dog owner who likes to show off their pup in competitions, there is no doubt that the Yorkie-Poo can be highly competitive in a variety of dog sports.

Weight

The Yorkshire Terrier and Toy Poodle mix should weigh between 5 and 12 pounds. They stand between 7 and 10 inches at the withers.

Temperament/Behavior

The Yorkie-Poo is generally lively and spunky. He has a zest for life and attaches to his family quickly. You’ll soon find yourself inseparable from this lovable pooch. This hybrid breed is affectionate and loves to be with people. However, he is not a breed that does well when left alone for long periods of time. Yorkie-Poos crave attention from their human companions and when left alone or bored, may bark incessantly or dig on the furniture cushions. As he’s prone to separation anxiety, he does best in a family who can be with him for much of the time. This is one of many reasons why the Yorkie-Poo makes an excellent pet for seniors.

Their charm and friendliness are not reserved for their family alone, though. Yorkie-Poos greet strangers as if they were long lost friends. Generally, they will allow other people to pet them and lavish them with attention. However, this dog might draw the line at picking him up. Children often try to carry dogs, especially when they’re this small. So make sure that any playing with kids is supervised to avoid any unfortunate incidents. Not only can these cuties nip at the pushy child, but they could get injured if the kids are too rough with them. Their adorable little bodies are quite fragile after all.

It is important to know that because this crossbreed is relatively new, so temperaments may vary. Generally speaking, designer dogs are unpredictable because they are first generation mixes. This means there is no set standard for the breed and a lot will depend on the puppy’s unique lineage. A dog whose parents were food aggressive or shy may very well inherit those tendencies. Meeting the parents would be beneficial when considering getting a Yorkie-Poo for your family. You could see how they behave and if the breeder cares for them properly (or if they’re peddling sick dogs from a puppy mill). If you choose a Yorkie-Poo, make sure to choose wisely.

Common Health Problems

While some people think that first generation cross breeds such as Yorkiepoo are much healthier than their purebred parents, the fact still remains that genes are genes – and your new puppy could inherit health issues that are common for either Yorkshire Terriers or Poodles. These genetic issues can include cataracts, retinal detachment, dry eye, corneal dystrophy, keratitis, hypoglycemia, progressive retinal atrophy and endocardiosis. As a toy breed dog, they can also be at a higher risk for oral health issues, skin allergies, and bone issues – so keep an eye out for any symptoms or signs of these conditions, too.

A lot will depend on the puppy’s breeding, though. To make sure you’re not getting a sick puppy, never buy Yorkie-Poo from a pet store, puppy mill, or a backyard breeder. Only reputable breeders work on creating the healthiest litters that would display fewer health issues than their parents. So be careful out there because it’s so hard to watch a family pooch suffer and quite expensive to boot.

Life Expectancy

There is only minimal data on the life expectancy of Yorkie-Poos. However, many breeders concur that they live between 12 and 15 years. So that’s something! Fifteen years is roughly the high-bar for dog lifespans, which means that your tiny Yorkie Poo can stay by your side for a good chunk of your life. And when their lovely traits and goofs are considered, they can make excellent companions for families, singles, or couples!

Exercise Requirements

Yorkie-Poos do not require an excessive amount of exercise. They are lively and are happy to play but a brisk walk around the block is really all he needs to keep him fit, trim, and healthy. This makes them a good choice for owners with limited mobility. A fenced yard is also an excellent way to keep these pups healthy and happy. The Yorkie-Poo will giddily chase a ball or another toy and run like a little maniac! Just make sure that they’re supervised while playing in the yard. Yorkie-Poos can be picked up by birds of prey or find a small hole in the fence to wiggle through and go off exploring on his own. So always keep an eye on your mischievous little pup during playtime.

Even if you don’t have a yard, Yorkie-Poo can be a good choice. His minimal need for exercise makes this crossbreed an excellent pet for many living situations, from small studio apartments all the way to farms. As long as you ensure they get 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise, it’s all good! These perpetually happy pups will find joy just about anywhere.

The Yorkie-Poo is generally lively and spunky.

Recognized Clubs

Since it is a designer dog and not a pure breed, the Yorkie-Poo is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. It is accepted as a breed by the American Hybrid Canine Club, Designer Dog Kennel Club, International Designer Canine Registry and the Designer Breed Registry.

Coat

Because the Yorkie-Poo is a fairly new crossbreed, the coat of these pups can vary tremendously. It will always be silky and quite soft, but it could also be curly, wavy, or poker straight. The coat can be many colors including apricot, red and white, black, black and white, black and tan and tri-colored. Yorkie-Poos are non-shedding and hypoallergenic dogs. So they are a good fit for owners with mild allergies.

The Yorkie-Poo’s coat is rather long and will need brushing several times each week. This will keep prevent tangling and matting. A monthly bath complete with conditioner is necessary to maintain a beautiful coat as well as healthy skin. So, take care of your pup’s coat to ensure that he will always look and feel his best.

Puppies

Yorkshire Terrier and Toy Poodle mix puppies are the sweetest and most adorable creatures on earth. They will melt your heart within seconds of gazing upon their adorable glory. However, they are also quite fragile. If hugged or squeezed too tightly, the puppy could die. Even a short fall or someone tripping over him can cause severe injury or death to the pup. A Yorkie-Poo puppy will need great care and constant supervision. They are fragile little creatures, yet also so undeniably cute that you will feel an uncontrollable need to protect and love them at all costs. So that will help.

Yorkie Poo Frequently Asked Questions

Do Yorkie Poo dogs bark a lot?

It’s true what they say about small dogs – they really are yappy. Yorkie Poo dogs do bark a lot, especially if they are not trained from an early age. To minimize your pet’s barking, make sure you socialize them on time and go through basic training with them in their puppyhood. On the other hand, this also makes Yorkie Poos great little watchdogs, so if that’s a priority – you won’t mind them being vocal! Yorkie Poo’s excessive barking can become a problem and a nuisance in cases when they develop separation anxiety. Don’t leave your tiny pet left alone for hours on end – that is neglect, and causes your pet to exhibit numerous negative aspects of anxiety. One of these is excess barking, sometimes for hours on end: It is bad for the dog, and the neighbors certainly won’t like it!

Are Yorkie Poos aggressive?

Most Yorkie Poos are sweet, friendly, and adorable – not at all a picture of an aggressive dog. However, if the dog has been maltreated or neglected, or hasn’t been properly socialized, they can develop behavioral issues and become nippy over food or toys. Luckily, such things are easily prevented with timely training! Beginning that training in their puppy years helps solve most of the problems that can arise in the future. Make sure to introduce them to other pets and humans early on, to avoid problems with aggression. If you fail to do this, you can possibly see your Yorkie Poos snarling, growling, or lashing out at strangers and other dogs. This is especially possible if they want to protect their food or toys. Like other tiny breeds, Yorkie Poos have that unmistakable “small dog complex”, making them feel much larger than they actually are. And that means that if they are not properly socialized, they won’t hesitate to lash out at dogs that are much larger.

Can Yorkie Poos be left alone?

You can leave your Yorkie Poo at home, but not for extended periods of time. A good rule of thumb is up to 4 or 5 hours for an adult, and no more than 2 hours for a puppy. These dogs are social butterflies and very vulnerable, so they don’t take too well to solitude – this might not be the breed for you if you work long hours. One of the aspects that troubles most small breeds, Yorkie Poos included, is separation anxiety. If left alone for too long, these dogs can exhibit restless behavior that can end in some nasty surprises. Although small, a Yorkie Poo cannot be cooped up indoors for long. Otherwise, they can bark excessively, tear up furniture, or become depressed. As pets, they thrive in a family – plenty of attention and company will do them good. Due to these reasons, consider whether or not this dog is a pet for you. If you travel often or work long hours, a Yorkie Poo might suffer.

Are Yorkie Poos hard to potty train?

Yes and no. Yorkie Poos are highly intelligent dogs that will have no problem understanding what you’re trying to teach, but they can become willful and develop a stubborn streak which can make training difficult. Usually, a little patience and positive reinforcement methods go a long way with this breed, especially when potty training. Potty training should begin very early on. For best possible results, you shouldn’t wait too long, or else your pet won’t be so quick or eager to learn. For potty training, positive reinforcement and patience are the best tools at your disposal. Negative training methods will make zero effect, as a Yorkie Poo can become either stubborn or afraid – neither of which is good.

Are Yorkie Poos smart dogs?

Yorkie Poos come from Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers, both of which are known as very intelligent breeds and their hybrid is no different. These designer dogs are very smart and can be taught many tricks with the right approach – and the right reward up your sleeve. Thanks to the characteristic traits of both the parent breeds, Yorkie Poos can be quite spunky, energetic, and full of that goofy, jolly spirit. Of course, that also means they will be quite smart and cunning – these tiny dogs can really make things go in their favor. For such a small doggo, their intelligence can be surprising! Not only will they respond to training and basic commands with great results, but will also learn a lot on their own. With some solid upbringing, a Yorkie Poo can become a very mature and obedient pet.

Photo credit: Travis Estell/Flickr; Jeremy Page/Flickr; louage/Bigstock