Shorkie
Crossbreed: Yorkshire Terrier × Shih Tzu
The Shorkie, a cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Shih Tzu, is a small dog with unique charm. Loving, affectionate and adorable in equal measure, Shorkies have quickly become popular companions for families and people of all ages. Here's all you need to know about this very special crossbreed.
Yorkshire Terriers are lively, intelligent dogs that deserve respect as true terriers, not toys. Best suited to families with gentle, respectful children, they make excellent companions. Originally bred as rat hunters, they remain alert and vocal, making them effective watchdogs. Though now often seen in shows or as pets, they’re the smallest but boldest of the terrier group.
The Shih Tzu is a small Tibetan dog, traditionally kept exclusively as a companion. Not ideally suited to very active lifestyles, this breed is nonetheless a delight to live with. Despite occasional stubbornness, the Shih Tzu is sociable and friendly with everyone. Lively, intelligent, playful, and relatively docile when well trained, this little dog brings lots of joy to its family.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are lively, intelligent dogs that deserve respect as true terriers, not toys. Best suited to families with gentle, respectful children, they make excellent companions. Originally bred as rat hunters, they remain alert and vocal, making them effective watchdogs. Though now often seen in shows or as pets, they’re the smallest but boldest of the terrier group.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small Tibetan dog, traditionally kept exclusively as a companion. Not ideally suited to very active lifestyles, this breed is nonetheless a delight to live with. Despite occasional stubbornness, the Shih Tzu is sociable and friendly with everyone. Lively, intelligent, playful, and relatively docile when well trained, this little dog brings lots of joy to its family.
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Life expectancy |
The Shorkie has a life expectancy of between 15 and 17 years |
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Temperament |
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Size |
Small
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Adult size |
Female
Between 6 and 12 in
Male
Between 8 and 14 in
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Adult weight |
Female
Between 7 and 11 lb
Male
Between 9 and 13 lb
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Coat colour
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Black
White
Brown
Sand
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Type of coat
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Long
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Eye colour
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Brown
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Purchase price |
The Shorkie costs between £500 and £1200 |
Shorkies can take after either parent breed to varying degrees. Some may resemble the Yorkshire Terrier more closely, while others show more traits of the Shih Tzu. In cases where Shih Tzu characteristics are more prominent, the muzzle may be slightly brachycephalic, shorter than average, but it’s typically less compressed than that of a purebred Shih Tzu.
More details about the Shorkie
Shorkie: Origins and history
The Shorkie is a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier, created in the United States in the 2000s . This crossbreed has resulted in an affectionate and adaptable family companion, inheriting the aesthetic qualities and small size of its parents. Shorkies have gained popularity in recent years, thanks to their balanced temperament and beautiful coat.
Shorkie: Characteristics
Shorkies are very affectionate little dogs who love spending time with their family. Deeply attached to their owners, they want to be involved in all aspects of family life.
Shorkies may be small in size, but they're very active dogs who love to play. Lively and enthusiastic, they love spending time exploring their environment. Brain games are the perfect way to keep your Shorkie entertained.
Shorkies are wonderfully calm companions, provided they've had enough playtime and exercise throughout the day. They love curling up for a cuddle with their favourite humans.
Shorkies are intelligent dogs, who require plenty of mental stimulation. Interactive games, licki mats and chew toys will help keep your Shorkie's brain active.
Shorkies are typically more suited as companion dogs, and they aren't known for a particularly high prey drive. That said, some Shorkies may inherit a prey drive because of their Yorkshire Terrier parent.
Shorkies may be reserved when first meeting new people, barking to alert their owner to the presence of strangers. Early socialisation is crucial to prevent fearful behaviour around new people.
Shorkies are not very independent, much preferring to spend time with their family.
Shorkie: Behaviour
Shorkies can learn to tolerate solitude provided they are trained from a young age. Without the right training, they may suffer separation anxiety, which can result in destructive or vocal behaviour.
Shorkies are intelligent little dogs, who enjoy learning new things. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods.
Shorkies are fairly vocal dogs, who often use their voices to let their owners know when they want attention or when they've noticed the presence of a stranger. You will need to teach your Shorkie to be quiet to prevent unwanted barking.
Shorkies may have a tendency to stray if they're bored or lonely. Secure fencing and supervision during outings are essential, as is recall training from a young age.
Shorkies can become destructive without the right mental stimulation. Lots of brain games, exercise and regular training will help your Shorkie settle at home.
Shorkies have a tendency to overeat if their diet isn't properly managed. Monitoring your Shorkies intake and stopping them from begging will help prevent obesity in later years.
Shorkies may alert their owner to the presence of strangers, but they are not natural guard dogs.
Training a Shorkie
Shorkies respond best to short, frequent training sessions using positive reinforcment methods.
Consistency is key, as Shorkies can be stubborn. Training sessions should be short, about 10 to 15 minutes, to maintain their interest. By using treats and praise, you can encourage good behaviour and build a trusting relationship with your Shorkie .
Shorkie: Lifestyle
Shorkies are well-suited to apartment living, thanks to their small size and moderate exercise needs. Nevertheless, daily exercise is a must to help keep your pup feeling happy and healthy.
Shorkies need a moderate amount of exercise and daily opportunities to burn off energy.
Shorkies make wonderful travel companions. With the right training, they can be easily transported. They love joining their family on fun adventures.
Breed compatibility Shorkie
Shorkies typically get along well with cats, provided they are well socialised from a young age. Without the right training and careful introductions, the territorial instinct of the Shorkie may make coexistence with cats more difficult.
Shorkies need positive interactions with lots of different dogs from a young age to prevent fear in adult dogs. With the right socialisation they typically enjoy the company of other dogs.
With their small size and affectionate temperaments, Shorkies can make wonderful companions to respectful children. Supervision is always recommended, as some Shorkies can become irritable when handled innapropriately.
Much like their Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier parents, Shorkies are ideal companions to the elderly. They offer companionship without excessive energy levels that could be hard to manage.
Shorkies are highly recommended for first time dog owners, thanks to their adaptable, outgoing temperaments and small size.
Shorkie: Purchase price
Shorkies can cost between £500 to £1,200, depending on the breeder and location. In addition to the initial cost, you will also need to factor in expenses for food, insurance, vet check-ups and accessories.
Shorkie: Shedding
Average
With a medium-long coat, Shorkies require regular grooming. Daily brushing will help avoid painful mats and tangles.
Shorkie: Health
Shorkies are relatively sturdy, but like with any small breed, special care must be taken to prevent injury when playing with children or other dogs.
Shorkies may have difficulty tolerating high temperatures, particularly if they inherit the Shih Tzu's brachycephalic muzzle.
The Shorkie's silky coat provides some protection from the cold, but this is not a crossbreed that enjoys extremely low temperatures.
Shorkies can be prone to obesity, so careful monitoring of their diet is recommended.
Shorkies can suffer from hereditary health problems, such as cataracts, tracheal collapse (a deformity of the windpipe), and ear infections. Respiratory problems related to brachycephaly are also common, especially if the Shorkie inherits the Shih Tzu's short muzzle. Dental disease can occur, so oral hygiene is important.
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