Chorkie

The Chorkie is a mixed breed dog–a cross between the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier dog breeds. Playful, devoted, and outgoing, these small pups inherited some of the best traits from both of their parents.

Chorkies go by several names, including Yorkiechi, Chiyorkie, Yorkie-chi, Yorkchi, York-chi, Chiorkie, and York Chi. Try saying that ten times fast! Despite their unfortunate status as a designer breed, you can find these pups in shelters and breed-specific rescues, so remember to adopt! Don’t shop!

These adorable pups make excellent apartment dogs for active singles, and they’re also a nice match for large families. If you’re looking for a small, attention-loving dog with a big personality, then the Chorkie may be the right dog for you!

Breed Characteristics:

Adaptability

Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn’t necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog.

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.

If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!

Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.

Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.

Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. You can find a great jacket for your dog here!

Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.

All Around Friendliness

Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.

See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family

Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.

**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.

Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.

Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!

Health And Grooming Needs

If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!

Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.

Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.

Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.

If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.

Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.

Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.

Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!

Trainability

Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.

Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.

Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.

Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.

Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.

Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.

Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.

Physical Needs

High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.

Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.

A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.

Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.

Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.

Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.

Vital Stats:

Dog Breed Group:Mixed Breed DogsHeight:6 to 9 inches Weight:8 to 15 pounds Life Span:12 to 15 years

More About This Breed

Highlights

• Chorkies are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier parents.
• The main colors of Chorkies are brown, white, silver, blue, and black. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix and blend of colors.
• Chorkies tend to be hypoallergenic with a low shed coat; though, it’s tough to say for sure. If your pup gets more Chihuahua in them, they may shed a bit more.
• Since the Chorkie is a small dog, they can be easily injured. Chorkies tend to do better around adults or older kids who know how to play with them gently.
• Like both parent dogs, the Chorkie may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.
• They don’t require too much exercise. A few short walks per day should suffice with lots of potty breaks for their small bladders.
• Chorkies usually get along well with other pets. They may also enjoy being the sole pet of the house, as long as they are not left alone for long periods of time.

History

While the Chihuahua breed originated in Mexico, Yorkshire Terriers come all the way from jolly old England. But the Chorkie mixed dog breed’s roots are much closer to home and most likely from right here, in the United States. While they may have existed naturally over the years, it wasn’t until the early 1990s that designer breeders started intentionally mixing Chihuahuas and Yorkies, creating the adorable, lovable Chorkie.

Once other designer dogs started to pop up, breeders likely decided to mix the two parent breeds to produce a small, adorable companion dog. They continued to produce Chorkies as demand for the pup grew.

Even though the Chorkie got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the mixed breed for you.

Check your local shelters, look up Chorkie rescues, or check with breed specific Yorkshire Terrier or Chihuahua rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds.

Chorkies are recognized by the following clubs:

• American Canine Hybrid Club
• The Designer Dogs Kennel Club
• The International Designer Canine Registry
• Dog Registry of America
• The Designer Breed Registry

Size

As the Chorkie is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between Chihuahua and Yorkie parents, it’s safe to assume your Chorkie will be an itty bitty.

Most weigh in at eight to 15 pounds and range in height from six to nine inches at the shoulder. That said, some can be smaller or larger than average.

Personality

Many Chorkie lovers describe their dogs as outgoing, fun, silly, and extremely loyal companions–so much so that they may exhibit aggression with people they aren’t familiar with. Keep them on leashes at all times in public places.

Like both parent dogs, the Chorkie may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. Having multiple pets in the home can help with this.

These pup are energetic and definitely would need to be with a person who is on-the-go or busy around the house. They enjoy watching you and would love to participate in lots of activities, including walks and play sessions and even watching you clean or fix something around the house.

Even though they are described as energetic, they don’t require too much exercise. A few short walks per day should suffice with lots of potty breaks for their small bladders.

They do well in single person families and large households with kids. However, if you are in a single person household and work long hours, you may want to consider a different kind of dog.

Health

The Chorkie mixed breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups.

Some of the more common health problems Chorkie’s suffer from include:

• Skin Problems 
• Allergies
• Patellar Luxation
• Hypothyroidism

Care

As with all dogs, you should keep up with your Chorkie’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.

Anal gland expression is also typically needed with smaller breeds. If you find your dog “scooting” or dragging their bottom on the ground, they may require having their anal glands expressed. You can either do this yourself, or request this during a grooming appointment. Sometimes groomers do it automatically, though not always. Mention it beforehand so this unpleasant task doesn’t get skipped.

The Chorkie is prone to overactive tear glands, which can cause tear stains near their eyes. Keeping a clean hanky or cloth nearby and dabbing them periodically can really minimize tear stains.

Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trim your dog’s nails before they get too long–usually once or twice per month. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this.

Your main concern when it comes to your Chorkie’s care will be maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth daily, as small breeds are prone to dental issues. Your veterinarian can instruct you on how to brush your dog’s teeth properly. Dental chews can help significantly, as well.

Feeding

An ideal Chorkie diet should be formulated for a small, active breed. They can gain weight if they’re overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit the amount of treats you give your Chorkie, as well.

A high quality dog food is recommended for this fancy breed. They need a good source of protein, and cheap “filler” dog food is not recommended for any breed.

As with all dogs, the Chorkie’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Chorkie’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a specific recommendation.

Coat Color And Grooming

Chorkie coats are often a mix of their Yorkshire Terrier and Chihuahua parents’ coats and colors. The main colors of Chorkies are brown, white, silver, blue, and black. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix and blend of colors.

Chorkies usually have a light colored, silky, medium length coat with distinctive eyebrows. While Yorkies are hypoallergenic, Chihuahuas are not. Chorkies tend to be hypoallergenic with a low shed coat, though it’s tough to say for sure. If your pup gets more Chi in them, they may shed a bit more.

While the Chorkie has a medium to long coat, they do not fair well in extreme cold due to their tiny stature. They can handle some heat–nothing extreme. It goes without saying, they should always have easy access to clean water.

Children And Other Pets

Since the Chorkie is a small dog, they can be easily injured. Chorkies tend to do better around adults or older kids who know how to play with them gently and approach them in a calm manner. That said, for children who learn early how to properly approach and play with a small dog, the Chorkie can make a great, addition to your family.

When it comes to other animals in the household, Chorkies usually get along well with other pets. When in public keep your pup on a leash, Chorkies may exhibit signs of dominance around dogs they are not familiar with. Watch out and exercise caution.

Chorkies love lots of attention and affection, and they may also enjoy being the sole pet of the house, as long as they are not left alone for long periods of time.

To learn more about the Chorkie, check out their parent breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier and Chihuahua.

Rescue Groups

It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Chorkies because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:

• Chihuahua Rescue & Transport
• Save A Yorkie Rescue