The Shorkie, a crossbreed between the Shih Tzu and Yorkie, is considered to be a fun, child friendly family companion whose popularity has been in the rise since its introduction in the word of designer dog breeds.

Origin

The Shorkie is a friendly, fun, good looking and intelligent addition to the many designer dog breeds available at present. The introduction of this crossbreed not only adds to the available variety but also helps breeders work on eliminating some of the common genetic issues associated with these two dog breeds.

Shorkie puppies, which may look more like any one of their Shih Tzu and Yorkie parents, are usually birthed by a Shih Tzu mother as a way of avoiding delivery issues likely to be encountered with the smaller Yorkie breed.  

Physical Attributes

Since this is a crossbreed, physical attributes such as weight, height and coat color may vary from one puppy to the next. Their height varies between 6 and 14 inches, while weight varies between 7 and 15 pounds. Their long, soft and low shedding coat may come in different colors depending on their parents.

Temperament

As previously stated, this is a fun, intelligent and family friendly lap dog. As loving and loyal dogs, Shorkies are very close to their families. They will gladly follow you around and sit on your lap whenever you take a seat. This level of attachment however means that they face a greater risk of suffering from depression if left alone for extended periods.  

Owners are advised to teach their dogs to be independent from an early age to keep them from acting out whenever they are left on their own.  

Health Issues

While Shorkies don’t need a lot of exercise, owners should closely watch their diet as these small dogs are prone to becoming obese when overfed. As crossbreeds, these dogs may also be affected by all the health issues commonly associated with their pure bred parents. However, choosing to get your Shorkie from a reputable breeder minimizes the chances of ending up with a genetically weak dog.

Shorkies usually grow to between 12 and 15 years of age.

Learn more about Shorkies here or come in to Petite Pets to see one in person.