Shorkie Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Shorkie?

This Shih Tzu Yorkie mix could have been accidentally bred at some point over the years, but breeders began to intentionally breed this designer dog in the early 2000s in the United States in order to create a perfect companion dog.

As expected, the Shorkie Tzu is not recognised by the American Kennel Club, owing to the fact that it is a mixed-breed dog. However, owners and breeders will be able to register their dogs with the American Canine Hybrid Club or the International Designer Canine Registry.

The Shorkie Tzu or Yorkie Tzu doesn't have an extensive history due to how new the mixed breed is, but both of its parent breeds have been around for many years.

The Yorkshire Terrier was originally used in Yorkshire, England to help catch and kill rats in the many factories around the country during the industrial revolution.

Yorkshire Terriers seem to have originated from Clydesdale Terriers, although these dogs are much larger than the Yorkshire Terriers we know and love today.

The breed's Shih Tzu parent is much more ancient than the Yorkie, and it seems to have been around in some form since 8,000 BC. They have been kept by many Chinese aristocrats over the years due to them being ideal companion dogs.

The Shih Tzu is believed to have come about from the Lhasa Apso, or Pekingnese, being crossed with some other dogs in the region.

Who are Shorkie dogs best for?

The Shorkie might be a small dog, but its personality is definitely more like that of a big dog. These dogs have got quite a lot of energy for lap dogs and love to play. However, their exercise requirements are rather low, so a short walk once per day will likely suffice.

While their exercise requirements are low, these dogs do tend to demand a lot of attention and, therefore, are best suited to households with few or no other dogs.

This doesn't mean they don't get on with other pets like dogs or cats, as they will get on quite well with both. They do have quite a high prey drive though, so small pets are not recommended, as they will likely be chased or barked at most of the time.

While Shorkies can make great apartment pets, they do tend to be quite vocal, so prospective owners who are not fond of excessive barking should probably look elsewhere.

Their high prey drive also means that you should not take them off-leash all that often, as they could take off after cars, squirrels, or even birds.

These dogs do not do well in any kind of extreme weather, so if you live in an extremely hot or cold area, they will need to be equipped with a jacket in the winter and have their coats trimmed short in summer.

Shorkies are extremely affectionate and love cuddling up with their families. They are good with small children, but owners should be sure to not leave a Shorkie unattended around them, as they are very small dogs that can easily be hurt if they are mishandled.

How much grooming does a Shorkie need?

The Shorkie is a rather high-maintenance breed and, therefore, needs to be treated as such. They will need daily brushing if owners want to keep their coats in good condition.

It is also recommended that owners take their Shorkies to be professionally groomed and trimmed every six weeks or so if they want their dogs to be in tip-top shape.

While these dogs have rather long coats, they don't tend to shed all that much as a low-shedding breed and produce very little dander, so allergy sufferers will do well to choose a Shorkie.

Do Shorkie bark much?

The Shorkie is an extremely vocal dog breed, as they will bark to notify their owners of anything they think they might need to do. If you purchase a Shorkie, your dog will bark at any wildlife it sees, the mailman, or even any noises that seem unfamiliar to them.

While you can train them to bark less frequently, their vocalness is a breed characteristic and is something owners will have to learn to live with if they want a Shorkie.

The Shorkie is also a rather demanding breed, and they will likely start nuisance barking if you don't give them enough attention, so it is best to ensure that you are catering to all of their needs, as this habit can be difficult to break.

Do Shorkie bite?

Shorkies are not particularly mouthy, and you shouldn't have all that many issues with this breed in that regard.

However, your Shorkie puppy, like many other puppies, may nip or bite during playtime, and you should try and train this behaviour out as early as possible before it becomes an issue.

What is the temperament & personality of a Shorkie?

Shorkies are extremely lovable dogs and can cuddle all day with their families if they are given the opportunity to do so. They will normally favour the member of the household that feeds and cares for them the most but will be content to cuddle with any member of the home.

They do have more energy than most other lap dogs and will still love to engage in games and some active playtime sessions.

Their friendly natures also mean that they'll often like to play with other dogs and won't be apprehensive towards strangers.

What is the weight & size of a Shorkie?

The Shorkie is a small breed and, therefore, will only grow to a height of between 15 and 28 cm. They will also only weigh between 2.2 and 5.4 kg.

How much training does a Shorkie need?

The Shorkie can be a rather stubborn dog, which can make training difficult sometimes, but they are rather intelligent, so if you persist, you should be able to get through to them.

House training can be difficult, but positive reinforcement such as praise and treats can go a long way to helping you train your dog, although it will differ between each individual dog.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Shorkie?

The Shorkie is generally a healthy breed but can, unfortunately, be predisposed to the health problems that both parent breeds tend to face, such as:

• Congenital Liver Disease

• Respiratory Problems

• Spinal Disc Disease

• Lens Luxation

• Glaucoma

• Hypoglycemia

• Dental problems

• Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

What is the lifespan of a Shorkie?

Like many other small dogs, the Shorkie lives for quite a while, as they have an expected life span of between 11 and 16 years.

How much should you feed a Shorkie?

Your Shorkie should be fed a dry food that is intended for small, high-energy dogs. This should be split into two small meals a day, as Shorkies are known to be susceptible to weight gain and obesity.

This can be damaging to your joints, so owners should watch the weight of their Shorkies through the dog's diet.

What is the price of a Shorkie in Australia?

You should be able to purchase a Shorkie pup for anything between $500 and $1500. You may struggle to find this designer dog breed, so you should try and look online for the breed club closest to your home.

Always remember to buy your puppy from a reputable breeder to ensure the pup's good health and safe breeding practices.