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Shorkie Information

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• | Temperament
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Shorkie

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Shorkie Information

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The Shorkie is a hybrid dog which is a combination of two different purebreeds. It's a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Shih Tzu. We've found the best way to understand what type of dog your Shorkie will be is to read both of its ancestors descriptions and understand that any combination of characteristics could be present in your pet. All of the information provided below has been added by people who are familiar with the Shorkie breed. Your Shorkie could be different so please be sure to read the Yorkshire Terrier and Shih Tzu descriptions to get a more educated understanding of possible characteristics.

*All hybrid content is user generated. If you know a lot about the Shorkie breed, please feel free to share what you know with our users. Please try to be as factual and well written as possible. Quality information will promote the growth of the breed.

General Description

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The Shorkie is a crossbreed between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Shih Tzu. This type of breed is commonly referred to as hybrid or designer breed. In the last several years the Shorkie has become one of the most popular of all the designer breeds. The Shorkie has a coat that is typically long and silky. The Shorkie’s coat may be allowed to grow all the way to ground or it may be groomed to be shorter. Both of the parent breeds are non-shedding so the Shorkie is an excellent dog for people who suffer from allergies.

The coat of the Shorkie may be a variety of different colors. Some of the colors that are seen in the Shorkie include gold with a black mask on the face, black and tan, solid red, solid gold and multi-colored of white, gold, black, white and chocolate. The size of the Shorkie can vary somewhat depending upon the size of the parent breeds. The puppies are usually very small considering the breed itself is small.

Character

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The Shorkie is considered to be sweet natured and playful. Socialization is an extremely important factor in the temperament of the Shorkie. Most Shorkies will get along well with children and with others in the home when they have been properly socialized. Owners should be aware that it is usually a good idea to supervise play between children and a Shorkie due to the breed's small size. This is because the Shorkie can be inadvertently hurt by play that is too rough. The Shorkie is intelligent and typically trains very well. This is an affectionate dog that loves nothing more than spending time with its family. The Shorkie should not be left alone for long periods of time as it craves human companionship. The Shorkie is not an avid barker and will usually do well when traveling with its family. This dog will become very attached to its owners and be protective but it does not make a good guard dog simply because of its friendly nature. It may sometimes be stubborn.

Size

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6-11 inches

Weight

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7-16 pounds

General Health

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As is the case with many dog breeds, there are health concerns that prospective owners should be aware of with the Shorkie breed. Some health problems that may be present in the Shorkie breed include hip dysplasia, eye problems and thyroid problems. Prospective owners should consider investigating the parentage of the dog to determine whether these are issues. When provided with good vet care and a healthy diet the Shorkie will usually live between 14 and 19 years.

History

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The Shorkie breed originated in the United States and has been in existence for about twenty years. Like many designer breeds, the Shorkie was bred to bring out specific traits from both parent breeds. Due to the fact that the Shorkie has been bred for so long there may be first generation or second generation Shorkie dogs. A first generation Shorkie is a dog that was produced by breeding a purebred Shih Tzu and a purebred Yorkshire Terrier. A second generation Shorkie is produced by breeding two Shorkies that may be either a first generation or second generation themselves. The Shorkie cannot be registered as a purebred because it is a mixed breed but there are now hybrid clubs and registries for designer breeds such as the Shorkie.

Maintenance

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The Shorkie breed will require some maintenance to keep its coat in good condition. If the coat is kept long then the coat will need to be brushed every couple of days at a minimum. The coat will need to be shampooed and bathed when necessary. Many owners choose to give their Shorkie a puppy cut to reduce maintenance needs and also to make the dog more comfortable if they live in a warm climate. If given a puppy cut, the Shorkie will usually need to be taken in for grooming about every six to eight weeks.

The Shorkie will need proper exercise in order to stay healthy. A Shorkie will probably be able to get all of the exercise it needs just playing in the house or in the yard, provided that it is fenced.

Ideal Environment

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A Shorkie will do well in a variety of environmental settings, including in a house or an apartment. Due to their small size they do not need a lot of space. This breed can do well in almost any environment, but if living in a hot climate, a shorter cut is advised while in a colder climate it is a good idea to provide this breed with a sweater to ward of chills. The best environment for the Shorkie is one with an owner that is consistent and gentle. Training is usually a good idea with the Shorkie. The Shorkie will typically do well with training.

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Mullica Township, NJ
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Logansport, IN
We are a small family breeder in Indiana. Our Shorkie Puppies (Yorkie-Tzu) are born and raised in our home as part of...

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Ask a QuestionShorkie Q&A

I HAVE A 4 MONTH OLD SHORKIE. HIS HAIR GETS REALLY MATTED AND TANGLED AROUND THE BUTT AND BEHIND THE LEGS. WHEN I TRY TO BRUSH HIM HE GETS REALLY MAD AND TRIES TO BITE THE BRUSH. I'M GUESSING IT HURTS HIM ALOT SO HE TRIES TO BITE THE BRUSH FOR ME TO STOP. IS THERE ANY OTHER WAY I COULD UNMATT HIS HAIR WITHOUT CUTTING IT OR HURTING HIM IN THE PROCESS?

my 9 week shorkie has poop stuck to her bottom and when i try to clean it of and pull it, it seems like it is hurting her any ideas on what to do with her

If you try to just brush or pull off anything that has hardened on the coat, it will pull out your shorkie's hair with it. Just like with crusted eye boogers, dampen a washcloth with warm water and use that to gently rub it off.

I have a 13 week old shorkie and I couldn't have asked for a sweeter, loving, gentle dog. I got him at 6 weeks and immediantley started pad training. He has done great, but for the last week or so he has insisted on "going" on the carpets instead of his pad. Do animals sometimes act out and do this or am I doing something wrong?

We got ours at 4 months old and she would not use the pads but resorted to the carpeted areas or distant rooms. She was substantially trained within 7 days with consistent take outs every hour and one half to two hours. We combined this with crate training which helps them realize they can hold it longer than they think. Use one simple expression when asking if he needs to "potty" or another term my dad came up with so it's not as direct is "do business." Even after four months she still has accidents if not taken out 30 minutes after eating, playing or just drinking and regualar take outs 2-3 hours. We have left her out of the crate when leaving about five times now for no more than 2 or 3 hours and did exceptionally well with only one accident. Something that was suggested to us to keep from going on the carpet was a mixture of white vinegar diluted with water( one fourth cup to four cups water). Lightly mist in the areas that he goes to.

Do they usually get big?, because I want a small dog.

Shorkies are small dogs, but not toy sized. They are generally a little over a foot long.

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Shorkie Information