The Yorkie Shih Tzu mix is a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Shih Tzu. These loving and loyal dogs make the perfect companion dog. Due to their small size, they are considered to be ‘toy’ dogs. Most Shorkie-Zu dogs take after the Terrier side and resemble it in looks.
This small dog will make an excellent family companion and can live in homes that have small spaces, such as an apartment, condo, or townhouse. In this article, you will find more in-depth information on the Yorkie Shih Tzu mix and if this will be a good dog for you.
What Is A Shorkie-Zu?
The Shorkie is a mixed designer breed that combines a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier. Both of those breeds are relatively small, so you are looking at a small dog even when they have grown up to their adult size.
The max weight this dog will typically get is 15 pounds. So you are getting the best traits out of two breeds combined into one in this cute small loveable package.
Yorkie Shih Tzu Mix History
The origin of the Shorkie is going to be the same as the origin of the dog’s parents, which is the Shih Tzu and the Yorkie. Since we do not have much information on when this hybrid designer dog breed was first created, we need to learn about the history of the parent dog breeds.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are the second most popular dog breed in the whole world. They originated in Great Britain, and people used them to chase away mice and rats in factories and mines. So naturally, the Yorkie loves to please their owner and work.
What really took the breed out of the factories is due to the noble women during that time. They got this small dog breed to become lap dogs that would sit on their lap to be petted.
Today, the Yorkshire Terrier has a huge following around the world. Many people want to have this breed as a family companion. This breed is also used in a variety of mixes, just like the one we are discussing in this article.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu dates back to ancient China as a pet for the royal families. They are one of the oldest breeds around. They made perfect lapdogs for the royals; that is why they liked them so much. The breed got the nickname “The Lion Dog” Because the breed looks like a little lion.
It was a long time before the breed went to other parts of the world. However, trade ships eventually brought the breed to different parts of the world. Later the breed came to the united states and finally got accredited by the AKC in 1969.
Today the Shih Tzu is a very popular dog breed around the world, just like the Yorkie. You can find a variety of breeders who breed this wonderful dog. They are also used in a variety of mixes too.
Shih Tzu Yorkie Mix Appearance
It can be difficult to determine the appearance of a mixed breed because you never really know what traits and looks your breed will take on from which parent. We can estimate what the dog will look like; just remember that there can be some variation.
As we know, both parent dog breeds are small, so this mix will come out small too. They can weigh between six to fourteen pounds. They are considered a designer dog breed that is made for their cute little size.
It has a medium-length coat and floppy ears. These small dogs have short bodies and curled-up tails, like their Terrier roots. Shorkie-Zus can be found in a variety of colors, but as they grow older, their color changes.
Shorkies come in red, black, gold, chocolate, white, or black with a tan saddle. This dog’s hair is typically shiner than other breeds and is also a non-shedder, perfect for allergy sufferers.
Shorkie Coat
The Shorkie can have a medium to long-length coat that will be straight. This coat will have a soft undercoat and a silky texture on the top. This breed is known to be great for people who suffer from mild allergies. However, they will still need to be brushed regularly to ensure the coat stays clean and free of mats or tangles.
What Colors Do They Come In?
There are only a few color options that your Yorkie Shih Tzu may possibly come in. They are:
- Black
- Red
- Brown
- Fawn
- White/Silver
- Blue Hues
They can also have either black, blue, or brown noses. The breed can also have blue or brown eyes.
Yorkshire Terrier Shih Tzu Mix Temperament
This dog has a sweet nature, and it is usually very playful. Therefore, socializing these dogs is very important. While the Shorkie gets along with children and other animals, it is best to socialize them to ensure there are no problems, as sometimes this dog can be too playful.
This intelligent dog is easy to train and is eager to please its owners. The Shorkie is best known for its affectionate nature, and it loves just spending time with the family as it craves the companionship of humans.
This dog adapts well and does not make a lot of noise. It is well-behaved and can even be taken on vacation due to its calm nature. It also tends to be stubborn at times; however, it responds well to praise, love and treats.
Shih Tzu Yorkie Mix Size
This is a very small dog and usually is no taller than 11 inches (27cm) and weighs between 6-14lbs (2.5-6kg).
Because of its small size, it needs to be cared for properly, and parents need to be mindful of child and dog play as the dog can get easily injured.
Shorkie Health Problems
The Shorkie is generally a healthy dog due to its cross-breeding; however, it has been known to inherit some of its parent’s health conditions. Some health problems that a Shorkie could suffer from are hip dysplasia, thyroid, and eye problems. Parentage needs to be investigated to check whether these issues are present in the dog’s parents.
Hip Dysplasia – As I have said in my other articles, Hip dysplasia is a very common health condition where the hip and the pelvic bone do not connect properly. This will cause sliding in and out of place, which will cause pain to your dog. Your dog will need to find some joint pain relief.
Thyroid – Thyroid health issues can be very serious if they are not fixed. Typically, a health issue with your dog’s thyroid can mean it cannot produce enough of that hormone, and it can cause problems with negative side effects.
Eye Issues – There are a variety of different eye conditions that this breed can get from glaucoma or even lens luxation. When you take your dog to the vet, make sure you mention to your dog if you are worried about your dog’s eye health.
Brachycephalic Syndrome – This mix can inherit this trait from the Shih Tzu parent. They have that look of a smashed-in face, making it difficult for the dog to breathe. This doesn’t mean the mix will inherit this trait, but it can be a possibility with the Shih Tzu. The Pug and the French Bulldog are other dog breeds that suffer from this.
Life Expectancy of a Shorkie
The Yorkie Shih Tzu Mix can typically live around 12 to 13 years of age. Mixed breeds live longer than purebreds because they inherit different traits that tend to keep them healthier.
If you keep your dog on regular veterinarian visits, feed them healthy high protein food, and give them lots of love, they can possibly live much longer than the estimated time frame.
Living Conditions
This is a great first dog, and because it does not require a lot of exercise, it is perfect for older people looking for a companion. It is also an excellent dog for families, but parents need to be mindful of tiny children and the Shorkie because it is a fragile dog.
This dog can be kept in an apartment but needs human contact all the time as it tends to get easily attached to its owners. They love to play as well as work with their owner doing various things.
The Shorkie is sensitive to adverse weather conditions, and if you live in a hot climate, it is advised to keep its hair short; if you live in a freezing cold environment, a special sweater needs to be purchased and worn by the dog when it’s outside.
Shih Tzu Yorkshire Terrier Mix Exercise
This is a small dog and therefore needs a little exercise. Twenty to thirty minutes outside daily is sufficient to keep your Shorkie healthy. However, some dogs may have a more active personality, which may require more exercise than those thirty minutes.
You do not need to exercise your dog all at once. You can break up that exercise requirement into two different sessions, about fifteen minutes each. Get your dog some toys that will be fun for your dog to play with during exercise.
Shorkie Diet
This is again a very small designer breed dog, so they won’t need much food compared to other bigger dog breeds. However, they typically will only be able to eat a cup of food a day that has been broken up into smaller meals.
Two small meals during the day will work great for your dog. You can always add in some dog treats too! Remember to feed your Shorkie a high-protein dog food that is for small breed dogs. Try to stay away from commercial-grade food and go the more holistic route.
There are some great options out there for food for your dog. Remember that the amount of food you feed your dog will be based on your dog’s weight and size.
Shorkie Grooming
This dog needs maintenance to keep its coat in good condition. If it has a long coat, it needs to be brushed almost daily to keep its hair from getting tangled. To reduce the maintenance of hair brushing, having your dog’s hair trimmed or clipped is also advisable. If you do have its hair cut, this will need to take place every eight weeks or so.
Whenever you use products on your dog, make sure you watch out for allergic reactions that might happen. The Yorkie Shih Tzu mix can have sensitive skin, so make sure you watch and buy products made for a dog’s sensitive skin if you need to.
Trim your dog’s nails periodically when they get too long. If you are worried about this task, I suggest taking your dog to a groomer to have this done or to the vet. Some vets are known to clip dog’s nails, so if your there already for their regular checkup, you can ask if the vet can do that for you.
Yorkie Shih Tzu Mix Training
Training can be easy with your Yorkie Shih Tzu mix as long as you plan on being consistent with the training. If you don’t train very much, your dog will have difficulty learning the basics like potty training.
When you get your Shorkie-Zu, start training at an early age. Train with positive reinforcement that shows your dog praise when it is doing well. This can be in the form of pets or even with treats. A lot of dogs are highly motivated by treats.
Start with the basics like potty training, socialization, and even basic obedience commands. Eventually, your dog will progress as long as you stay consistent. Once you master those skills, you can move your dog to better things.
Shorkie Puppies
The Shorkie is a designer dog breed, so people charge quite a lot for a rare dog breed that can only be made by combining the Shih Tzu and the Yorkie. Typically, these dogs can cost from $600 to $2000. Sometimes the lowest price for a dog isn’t the right way to go.
You want to purchase a Shorkie from a reliable breeder that has made sure both parent dogs are healthy, and you are getting a healthy puppy. Do your research; there are a lot of breeders out there, and you will find the perfect one for you and your family.
This breed can be popular to find in pet stores or those places called puppy mills. I urge you to seek out a reputable breeder that can provide and show both the parent breeds to you as well as get you a healthy Shorkie-Zu puppy.
Yorkie Shih Tzu Mix Litter Size
Another difficult thing to determine is the litter size of a mixed breed. You really never know how many puppies a mixed breed can have. For example, Yorkshire Terriers generally have between 1 to 5 puppies, and Shih Tzus can have between 3 to 4 puppies in a litter. With this information, we can estimate that the Yorkie Shih Tzu mix can have between 1 to 5 puppies in a single litter. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate.
Key Takeaways
In this section, I like to give a brief summary of what this article was about in case you just want to know the highlights of the Shorkie mixed breed.
- The mixed dog breed that combines the Yorkshire Terrier and the Sih Tzu together is sometimes called the Shorkie or Shorkie-Zu.
- Appearance wise, this mix will inherit traits from both parent breeds. You will notice the small body and coat traits of the Yorkie and Shih Tzu.
- This mixed breed will stay on the small size weighing, likely less than 15 pounds.
- There are some health concerns to be aware of that could affect the breed, but since it is a mixed breed dog, it can sometimes breed out some of those health concerns.
- Shorkies need around 20 to 30 minutes of exercise each day and more if they are very active.
- Make sure you are feeding your dog a mix of dog food that is specifically made for small breed dogs.
- Groom your dog daily and have a consistent grooming routine. It is important that you brush out any knots or tangles your dog may get in its coat.
- Training should be started when your dog is a puppy. This will make it easier to teach your dog how to go to the bathroom and listen to basic commands.
- Get your puppy from a reputable breeder. One that can prove the puppy is healthy, show you pictures of the parents, and provide you with any information you need to know about the breed.
FAQ
In this section, I like to answer common questions that potential owners may have about the Shih Tzu Yorkie Mix.
What Is a Shih Tzu Yorkie Mix Called?
Are Shorkies Hypoallergenic?
How Much Does a Yorkie Shih Tzu Mix Cost?
Are Shorkies Good Family Dogs?
Are Shorkies Barkers?
Close Relatives of The Shorkie
As you may clearly note the two biggest relatives for the Shorkie are:
My dog is so cute
Mine is cuter
I mine is way cuter
Mine is cutestier ~
Cute is not the word luter love
Do these shed?
It does not shed
Aww Chloe is my Shorkie mix. She is pretty amazing. Warning: Disqus buddy asked me for this so will be lenthy. Potty Training was so easy it was scary. She sat on command by day 5 and all other command training was just as easy. Loves treats and praises..kisses and baby talk. Very loyal and will greet at the door super excited whether after long day apart or if you just took out the trash. The only thing I was worried about was the fact that they do not eat or drink a lot at all after initial puppy stage, so using the potty seemed abnormally minimal. Also very minimal exercise…she gets short bursts of rampant running energy and she is over it. Do not be alarmed. Vet said normal for them. Loves loves to play and finds more joy in her toys unstuffed, although a true sock and undie bandit..beware! Needs constant affection cuddling and would prefer to share a bed. She DOES NOT like to be alone but doesn’t tear anything up as the result, just gets sad when owner leaves overnight. Please Non smokers only as shih tzus have distressed respiratory systems anyway (friend dog sat and she dry coughed and sneezed the rest of the day). They do tend to be hyperglycemic. She gets sick if she doesn’t eat. Not intimidated by large dogs. Her playmates are rottweilers and pit bulls. Also they are not a fan of using the potty in a area other dogs have been or snow. She will literally refuse at first. Despises baths and must brush every fews days or will become matted. Eye drainage daily must be wiped as they are prone to eye diseases. They must have a pillow or bed, but rather have a pillow with my scent than her bed and sleeps on back paws up 99% of the time. Rarely sleeps belly down on floor only when hot. Superb companions and pretty funny..not yappy..will ONLY bark at unfamiliars coming in the house or at night letting me know someone is about to walk by. She is full grown at 8lbs.Again sorry so long this was asked of me by a person considering adding to their fam!
Strange question, but does she lick? I just lost my doggie and she loved to lick. I don’t mind it at all, as strange as that sounds! I am looking into getting a Shorkie myself.
My shorkie licks ALL THE TIME! She’s anxious and definitely has an oral fixation. I give her lots of bones and she loves them!
How did you potty train your dog we are having trouble?
I had problems with my Shorkie too! I found kennel-training worked. At first I was really against the idea because she’s so attached to me but 6 weeks of kennel training and she got it! And now she doesn’t need it and we haven’t had an accident in over a year!!
The trick is that for 6 weeks she can ONLY be 1) in the kennel 2) in your direct supervision (for me this includes the bed because she sleeps in my bed…cant help it!) or 3) outside.
Put her on a super regular schedule, feeding the same time every day and let her out the same times every day! Hope this helps!
Excellent description. ?
Thank you for the detailed comment. I am a first time pet owner at the age of 53 and I am in love with my Shorkie currently 5 months old. Right now she weighs 4lbs and I hope she grows more. I was able to see the similarities on your comment and I learned a few that I did not know. Thank you.
This was an awesome detailed report of your lil one…I am picking mine up in 45 Mins!!
Thank You for enlightening me!!
My shorkie’s name is Lexi, and she has just turned 3 years old. She is such a joy to have around, and a perfect dog.
We have two Yorky Shi mixes. I think they are best in pairs. When Brutus was first home he had separation anxiety as we both worked. Well, we bought Ellie Mae and it all stopped. they are great for each other and are just wonderful pets. They are both 13 years old and our groomer believes they are puppies at heart.
Great little doggies.
We love them forever.
Our Shorkie’s name is Raven. We are new parents. She is 18 months old. We had a difficult time training her but now we take her for two short walks a day, she poops and pees on those walks and she lets us know in between times when she needs to outside to pee. She is very stubborn and doesn’t listen very well when we ask her to come. She likes to tease us , she runs in circles and away from us play catch me is you can !. We love hear dearly and wouldn’t trade her for any amount of money. We are considering getting her a playmate in the spring.
I love my Shorkie, her name is Tiny Tina, she is bigger than expected, around 18-20 pounds, very short & blonde. She loves to be brushed. She goes all night without needing to go out. She was very easy to potty train as we put her in our yard before the house, she pottied & has never had an accident in the house. She loves us very much, she would rather go bye bye than stay home alone. She is almost 6 now, got her at 8 weeks, spayed at 15 weeks. She is very smart & easily learns new things even at her age. She gets groomed about every 12 weeks as we live in Colorado. It is hot & cold in the same day. She wears sweaters, especially after a hair grooming. I think she is smarter than us at times. We have to watch her eyes, trim her lashes regularly as she is prone to goop in her eyes, as she loves to stick her head in the bushes to bury treats. She is the most spoiled dog we have ever had. She definitely doesn’t know she is a dog, nor is she treated like one. Love her to pieces, I would recommend this breed for anyone especially lonely people. She is my best friend & ever by my side