Shorkie Breed Information
The Shorkie is a lovable and loyal designer crossbreed that has captured the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. A mix between a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier, this small but fierce dog is known for its affectionate personality and charming looks.
With their adorable fluffy coats and expressive eyes, Shorkies are sure to turn heads wherever they go. They typically weigh between 7-15 pounds, making them an ideal choice for those who live in smaller spaces or who want a dog that's easy to handle.
But don't let their small size fool you, Shorkies are known for their big personalities. They are fiercely loyal to their owners and have a reputation for being excellent watchdogs. With their intelligence and natural curiosity, Shorkies are always up for a challenge and love to explore their surroundings.
BREED TYPE / MIX
Hybrid / Shih Tzu crossed with a Yorkshire Terrier
ENERGY
Moderate
SHEDDING
Minimum
TRAINING
Determined
TEMPERAMENT
Affectionate, Energetic, Friendly, Loving, Sweet
ADULT WEIGHT
6-14 in
ADULT HEIGHT
4-10 lbs
LIFE SPAN
13-16 yrs
Characteristics
- Shorkies are small dogs that typically weigh between 7-15 pounds and stand at a height of around 6-14 inches
- With proper care and nutrition, Shorkies can live up to 15 years or more, providing their owners with many years of love and companionship
- Shorkies have long, soft, and silky coats that can be straight or wavy. Their coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, but they are typically low-shedding and hypoallergenic
- These charming pups are affectionate, loyal, and playful dogs that love to be around their owners. They are known for their happy and friendly disposition, making them great companions for families with children and other pets
- Although they are small in size, Shorkies still require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy casual walks, playtime in the yard, and visiting the dog park to socialize with other dogs
- Shorkies are intelligent dogs that are easy to train and eager to please. With positive reinforcement training methods, they can quickly learn new commands and tricks
- They are adaptable dogs that can thrive in a variety of living situations. They can do well in apartments or small homes, as long as they get enough exercise and attention
- Like all dog breeds, Shorkies can be prone to certain health issues, such as dental problems and respiratory issues. However, with proper care and regular veterinary check-ups, they can lead long and healthy lives
Appearance
The Shorkie is a small breed that typically weighs between 4 and 16 pounds and stands around 6 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. Despite their small size, Shorkies are known for their fierce and loyal personalities.
One of the most distinctive features of the Shorkie is its expressive eyes, which are often large and round. Their noses are also usually small and black, and their ears can be either erect or floppy, depending on the individual dog.
Shorkies have soft and silky coats that are typically long and straight, although some may have a slightly wavy texture. Their tails are often carried high and may be either docked or left naturally.
When it comes to color, Shorkies can come in a wide range of hues and patterns, including black, brown, white, gray, and even tri-colored. Some Shorkies may also have distinctive markings on their faces or bodies, such as a white blaze or a patch of black fur.
Temperament
The Shorkie is a breed that is known for their loving and affectionate nature. They thrive on attention from their owners and enjoy being a part of the family. They are also loyal and protective, making them great watchdogs.
Despite their small size, Shorkies are often quite brave and will not hesitate to defend their home and family. They can be wary of strangers at first but will usually warm up quickly with proper socialization.
Shorkies are generally considered to be moderate-energy dogs. While they enjoy playtime and walks, they are also content to curl up on the couch with their owners. Due to their small size, they are well-suited to apartment living and don't require a large yard to run around in.
Training a Shorkie is typically a breeze thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please. Positive reinforcement training methods work well for this breed, and they are quick to learn new commands and tricks.
Care
Grooming
The Shorkie's coat is typically long and silky, and it requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best. Brushing your Shorkie's coat a few times a week will help to prevent mats and tangles from forming. You may also want to consider a professional grooming appointment every few months to keep their coat in top shape.
In addition to brushing, you should also trim your Shorkie's nails regularly. Long nails can be uncomfortable for your dog and can also cause damage to your floors and furniture. You should also clean your Shorkie's ears regularly to prevent infections.
Dental hygiene is also important for your Shorkie's overall health. Brushing their teeth regularly and providing them with dental chews can help to prevent dental problems such as gum disease.
Bathing your Shorkie once every four to six weeks is usually sufficient to keep them clean and smelling fresh. When bathing your Shorkie, be sure to use a dog-specific shampoo and avoid getting water in their ears.
If you prefer a shorter coat for your Shorkie, you can have them trimmed every few months. A shorter coat can be easier to maintain and may be more comfortable for your dog during hot weather.
Exercise Needs
The Shorkie may be a small dog breed, but that doesn't mean they don't require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. While they won't need as much exercise as larger breeds, they do still require daily physical activity.
Regular walks around the neighborhood or a nearby park are a great way to keep your Shorkie moving. They also enjoy playing with toys and participating in interactive games with their owners, which can help keep them mentally stimulated as well.
Another way to keep your Shorkie active is to enroll them in dog sports or activities such as agility, obedience, or flyball. These activities can provide both physical and mental stimulation for your furry friend, and also serve as a great way for you to bond with them.
It's important to note that because of their small size, Shorkies may not be suited for extremely rigorous physical activity or long periods of exercise. It's always best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate level of exercise for your specific dog, based on factors such as age, weight, and overall health.
Health
When it comes to the health of the Shorkie breed, they are known for their hybrid vigor. This means that they have a stronger immune system and fewer health issues than their purebred parents. However, like all dogs, they are still susceptible to certain health conditions.
One of the most common health concerns for Shorkies is dental issues. This can be due to their small size and the fact that their teeth are crowded in their mouth. Therefore, it is important to regularly brush their teeth and provide them with dental treats to help prevent any dental issues from developing.
Another potential health issue for the Shorkie breed is allergies. This can be related to both their skin and food. If you notice that your Shorkie is scratching excessively or has red, inflamed skin, it may be a sign of an allergy. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the cause and treatment options.
Lifespan
Generally, Shorkies can live anywhere from 10 to 15 years, but with proper care and attention, some have been known to live even longer. To ensure that your Shorkie lives a long and healthy life, it's essential to take them for regular check-ups with a veterinarian, provide them with a healthy diet and exercise routine, and give them lots of love and attention.
Training
Training a Shorkie puppy is an enjoyable and easy process because they are naturally intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Positive reinforcement is the best approach to training these dogs because they respond well to praise and rewards. Harsh discipline can cause them to become stubborn and uncooperative.
Shorkie puppies benefit from early socialization, and obedience training is highly recommended. Their fierce loyalty to their owners makes them great watchdogs, and they can be trained to bark on command. Basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel can be easily mastered by Shorkies with consistent training.
It's important to keep training sessions short and fun, so they don't become bored or overwhelmed. Treats can be used to reward good behavior, and a firm and consistent tone of voice should be used for correction. Regular exercise and playtime can also help keep a Shorkie mentally stimulated and prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior.
History
The Shorkie is a relatively new designer hybrid breed that's become increasingly popular in recent years. This sought-after crossbreed is a mix between a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier, both of which are beloved breeds in their own right.
The exact origins of the Shorkie are somewhat unclear, but it's believed that they were first bred in the United States in the early 2000s. Like many designer hybrid breeds, the Shorkie was likely created with the goal of combining the best traits of its parent breeds, including their adorable looks and friendly personalities.
Despite their short history, Shorkies have quickly become a beloved breed among dog lovers. With their cute and cuddly appearance, affectionate nature, and low-shedding coats, it's easy to see why they've captured the hearts of so many.
As a designer hybrid breed, the Shorkie is not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). However, they are recognized by several other dog registries, including the Designer Breed Registry and the International Designer Canine Registry.