These rambunctious little pups are friendly, smart, sweet, and somewhat mischievous if given the opportunity. The Yorkie-Poo is a mixed breed between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle. This makes for dogs that are unafraid of possible threats and are excited for whatever adventure you might stumble upon. These tiny-but-mighty canines originated in the U.S. over ten years ago. Although they are fairly new, they have gained plenty of popularity and are sure to stay. To solidify their place in the dog world, the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) has recognized the Yorkie-Poo as a “designer breed”. This gives the breed legitimacy and a better chance of being cared for and adopted. Before you decide a Yorkie-Poo is right for you, however, be sure to research both breeds heavily.
This breed is active and loving, as well as fiercely loyal. The Yorkie-Poo is also incredibly confident and can be somewhat stubborn due to their Yorkshire Terrier heritage. These dogs love to learn, so they will be easy to train and happy to please. They enjoy learning through games, obstacles, and tasks, which makes them perfect for children!
If you decide to adopt a Yorkie-Poo, you will need to give them extensive socializing. If dogs, in general, are not properly socialized they will often become aggressive and anxious. Yorkshire Terriers and Yorkie-Poos are no exceptions to this rule. When they are puppies, socialize them with other canines and new people. Then, they will know they are safe around others, even when you’re not there.
Yorkie-Poos adapt well to apartments, urban areas, and small families. These dogs are incredibly patient with their owners and surroundings. If you notice your dog is anxious in certain situations, you will need to identify the problem and work with them to make them comfortable again. This may mean retraining, a change in scenery, or a reestablishment of rules and boundaries.
If a Yorkie-Poo lives in a small home, they will need at least an hour of daily exercise. This can be a walk usually, but once a month they will need a more strenuous workout. You can try a hike or a trip to the dog park for really good exercise.
The Yorkie-Poo is generally healthy but is prone to ailments such as epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and atopic dermatitis. To keep your pet healthy, we suggest regular vet checkups, a nourishing diet, and an exercise routine. Discuss ailments or possible future ailments with your vet. By deciding on a specific diet plan, you and your veterinarian will help your dog enjoy good health for years to come.
Like humans, as your dog matures, it’s a good idea to begin physical therapy and possible brainteasers. This will keep the mind and body sharp while they age.
Most Yorkie-Poos can flourish on a quarter cup to a full cup of high-quality dry food twice a day. Yorkie-Poos have plenty of energy, so keeping them properly fed will help them stay happy and healthy. You should offer a dry dog food that is full of vegetables, protein, and vitamins. Though you may be tempted to free-feed or have the dish full at all times, this will give them the opportunity to overeat and gain weight. Having scheduled feeding times twice a day will improve their eating habits and overall health.
A Yorkie-Poo is relatively easy to train and tends to be patient with their owners, but can become stubborn. They are a good fit for first-time or novice dog owners. They do tend to be sensitive, so positive reinforcement is important. Once you have done detailed research on each dog breed, you should research reputable breeders. Don’t be afraid to visit a prospective breeder and ask them any questions you may have. You will be pleasantly surprised by how excited breeders are to discuss their puppies and practices.
Thanks the presence of a Poodle in the mix, Yorkie-Poos are low shedders, but still need to be brushed every day to keep their coat healthy. They will only need to be bathed periodically when they have just played in the mud or in bad weather. These pups are somewhat hypoallergenic. This means they do not shed often and it is rare they create dander. So if you, or your loved ones, have any issues with pet dander, this may be the pooch for you! They will also need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks for their coat to stay healthy.
In addition to coat care, you should also trim your Yorkie-Poo’s nails at least monthly. This will help keep your pup’s nails from getting too long and making movement uncomfortable or painful. It’s also a good idea to check your dog’s ears weekly to make sure they are clean, dry, and free of debris. By checking regularly and cleaning carefully as needed, you can help prevent ear infections.
Dental care for dogs is also extremely important, especially in small dog breeds that tend to be more prone to dental disease like your Yorkie-Poo. Gum disease is already one of the most prevalent health issues in dogs, but it’s also preventable. By brushing your dog’s teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, you can help keep your Yorkie-Poo’s teeth and gums healthy.
Yorkie-Poos can have high levels of energy, so they will need daily exercise to avoid anxiety or destructive behaviors. But, they are also small and can tire easily, so will only require a moderate amount of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Taking them on a walk for an hour is a great way to exercise your pet. A quick game of fetch before or after the walk will have them napping in no time. Be sure to bring water with you while walking with your dog. They are small and become dehydrated quickly.
A Yorkie-Poo is usually 7 to 15 inches in height and 3 to 14 pounds in weight.
A Yorkie-Poo will generally live 10 to 15 years.