The Shorkie: The Adorable Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier Crossbred Dog

BY MOLLY | EVERYTHINGSHIHTZU.COM | AUGUST 25, 2023
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Meet the Shorkie, a delightful blend of the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier breeds, also widely known as the Yorkie Tzu.

Shorkie

This charming hybrid dog breed has fast become a favorite, capturing hearts with their affectionate demeanor and playful antics.

Compact in size but big on personality, the Shorkie is a loyal companion that never fails to keep the atmosphere lively and full of joy.

In this guide, we'll peek into the world of Shorkies, covering everything from their adorable appearance and lively temperament to training tips, health care, exercise needs, diet and grooming essentials.

Shorkie mix

So, without further ado, let's begin our journey into the captivating world of Shorkie's with a detailed look at their origins and appearance.

Shorkie's Origins and Unique Appearance

The Shorkie, also known as the Yorkie Tzu, is a designer breed that has been around for just a few decades.

Its origins can be traced back to the United States, where breeders began crossing purebred Shih Tzu with Yorkshire Terriers in an attempt to create a companion dog with the best qualities of both breeds.

When it comes to their appearance, Shorkies are small but sturdy dogs.

These little fellas usually tip the scales at a mere 7 to 15 pounds and strut around at a height of 6 to 14 inches. Though small, they possess a sturdy body that is well-built and proportioned.

One of the most striking features of a Shorkie is their face.

Their eyes are full of mischief, sparkling and expressive, while their cute button nose adds to their charm.

Their ears, usually small and triangular, can either stand erect like the Yorkshire Terrier or droop down like the Shih Tzu, adding to their endearing look.

One thing you can't miss about them is their fabulous coat!

It's long, silky, and absolutely gorgeous. But, to keep it looking its best, regular grooming is a must.

And when it comes to coat colors, they've got a variety - from classic black and brown to fiery red and shimmering gold, or even a mix of those.

The Shorkie's eyes are another prominent feature. They are usually dark and round, full of brightness and curiosity.

This, combined with their confident yet friendly expression, makes the Shorkie a truly distinctive and adorable dog breed.

Now, let's get to the fun part - the Shorkie's personality!

Temperament & Personality

Shorkie mix smiling

If we had to describe Shorkies in one word, it would be 'enthusiastic.'

This little furball is always up for fun and games. Their playful nature and boundless energy make them the life of the party.

But it's not all play; Shorkies are equally good at snuggling and are fond of cozying up in your lap for a good old cuddle session.

Shorkies are like little social butterflies – they get along well with almost everyone. Adults, kids, even strangers, everyone's a friend in the Shorkie's book!

They're known for their friendly and gentle nature, which makes them excellent companions for children. However, remember to teach your youngsters to play gently with them due to their small size.

But what about other animals, you ask? Good news! Shorkies are quite sociable with other pets.

They love making friends with fellow canines and even cats. However, it's always good to introduce them slowly and under supervision to ensure everyone gets along.

Here's a fun fact - despite their Yorkie roots, Shorkies aren't big on barking!

Thanks to their Shih Tzu side, they're usually more of the quiet, relaxed type.

Remember though, every Shorkie is unique and can inherit different traits from their Yorkie and Shih Tzu parents. This can influence their personality in fun and surprising ways.

So, don't forget to be patient with your Shorkie, giving them lots of love and understanding.

In the next section, we'll dive into how training can help shape these charming traits and keep your Shorkie at their happiest and healthiest.

Shorkie Training: A Walk in the Park or a Herculean Task?

Shorkies possess a moderate level of intelligence, thanks to their Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier lineage.

While they may not be classified as "super geniuses" like some other breeds, they are smart and quick learners.

Shorkies have a strong desire to please their owners, making them highly trainable with positive reinforcement methods.

They respond well to praise, treats, and consistent training sessions. However, it's important to note that they can sometimes exhibit stubbornness, especially if the Shih Tzu traits are more dominant.

Therefore, a firm yet gentle approach is recommended during training to establish leadership and ensure obedience.

Here are a few tips to train your Shorkie:

  • Play and Praise: Shorkies are total suckers for a good time. So, make your training sessions fun and always, always shower them with praises.
  • Consistent Commands: Stick with the same gestures and words, so your Shorkie doesn't get confused. Remember, they're smart but not mind-readers!
  • Positive Reinforcement Works Wonders: Shorkies respond really well to praise, treats, and lots of love. Reward your Shorkie whenever they get something right.
  • Patience is Key: Sometimes, your Shorkie might play a bit hard-to-get and act all stubborn. Just hang in there, be patient, and keep trying!
  • Socializing: Start socializing your Shorkie from day one, by introducing them to different people, places, and pets. A friendly hello to the neighbor's cat or a day out at your local park can be a fun and exciting social exercise for them.

One last thing before we wrap up this section: training your Shorkie is not just about commands and tricks. It's about strengthening your bond with them and helping them understand the world around them.

So, keep it fun and enjoy your time together!

Now that we've covered training, let's dive into exercise, agility, and activity levels.

Exercise and Activity Levels

Despite their energetic nature, Shorkies do not require excessive amounts of exercise.

Their small size and moderate energy levels make them well-suited for apartment living or homes with limited outdoor space.

Regular short walks around the block and interactive playtime sessions are usually sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.

It's important to note that mental stimulation is equally important for Shorkies.

Engage them in puzzle toys, training activities, and interactive games to keep their minds sharp and prevent boredom.

Shorkie Health 101: What You Should Watch Out For

Shih Tzu Yorkshire Terrier mix dog breed sitting on grass

Like all our furry friends, Shorkies are prone to a few health hiccups.

Let's take a look at the top 5 health issues these adorable pups might inherit from their Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier parents:

  • Dental Problems: Yep, just like us, Shorkies can get toothaches too! This problem tends to come from their Yorkie side. Regular brushing and dental chews can help keep your buddy's smile bright and pain-free.
  • Tracheal Collapse: This is a fancy term for a weakening windpipe, an issue that can come from their Yorkie parent. If your Shorkie starts coughing a lot or has trouble breathing, it may be time for a vet visit.
  • Hip Dysplasia: This is a condition where the hip joint doesn't fit together as it should, and it's common in many dog breeds, including Shih Tzus. Watch out if your Shorkie buddy starts limping or moving less than usual.
  • Eye Conditions: Shorkies can inherit eye problems like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) from both sides of their family tree. If your Shorkie starts bumping into things or their eyes look cloudy, it's definitely vet time.
  • Hypoglycemia: This is when blood sugar levels drop too low, and it's another issue that can come from their Yorkie side. Lethargy, trembling, or confusion are signs to watch out for.

Keep in mind, these issues aren't a guarantee, and many Shorkies live long, healthy lives!

Regular check-ups with your vet can help catch any potential problems early. After all, we want your Shorkie to stay the happy, playful pup they're meant to be!

Now that we've talked about keeping your Shorkie buddy healthy, it's time for some fun stuff - grooming!

Let's get ready to make your Shorkie the best-looking pup in the neighborhood!

Grooming and Coat Care

Shorkies have a soft and silky coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition.

Here are some grooming tips for your Shorkie:

BRUSHING: Shorkies have a beautiful coat that's a mix of their Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier parents. This means their hair can be a bit long and wavy, so they need regular brushing.

Regular brushing helps prevent tangles and mats in their fur. Aim to brush your Shorkie's coat at least twice a week, or daily if you keep their hair is very long, using a slicker brush or a comb designed for long-haired dogs.

This will help remove loose hairs and keep their coat looking neat and healthy.

BATHING: Shorkies generally do not require frequent baths unless they become visibly dirty or develop an unpleasant odor.

Use a gentle dog shampoo formulated for sensitive skin to avoid irritation. Be sure to dry their coat thoroughly after bathing to prevent dampness and potential skin issues.

EAR CARE: Shorkies, like many dogs with floppy ears, are prone to ear infections. Regularly check their ears for any signs of redness, discharge, or foul odor. Clean their ears with a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner to prevent the buildup of wax and debris.

NAIL TRIMMING: Shorkies have small, delicate paws, and their nails can become long and sharp if not regularly trimmed. Use a dog nail clipper or grinder to trim their nails at an appropriate length, taking care not to cut the quick (the sensitive blood vessel inside the nail).

DENTAL HYGIENE: Good oral hygiene is crucial for the overall health of your Shorkie. Brush their teeth regularly using a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste. Dental chews and toys can also help promote dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.

Shorkie mix with pointed ears

In conlusion, The popularity of the Shorkie breed can be attributed to several key factors.

  • Their size makes them the perfect companion for both small apartment living and larger homes with outdoor space.
  • Their affectionate and energetic nature makes them a joy to have around, offering endless entertainment and companionship.
  • Shorkies also inherit the low-shedding coats from their Shih Tzu parents, making them a good choice for those with allergies.
  • Moreover, their irresistible cuteness combined with their bold and spirited personality often leaves a lasting impression. 
  • Lastly, they are adaptable, comfortably fitting into various lifestyles, be it a quiet one with older adults or a vibrant, busy family with children. 

It's these qualities that make the Shorkie, or Yorkie Tzu, a beloved choice for many.

So, if you're thinking about adding a new furry friend to your family, the Shorkie is definitely a breed worth considering!