Chorkie: All About Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier Mixed Breed Dogs

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Updated on: 07/28/2022

Mixed breed dogs are sometimes overlooked, but they are an absolute delight. There are endless combinations of mutts out there that are waiting for a loving home to call their own. One of these mixed breeds includes the Chorkie.

A Chorkie is a mixed breed dog. Some other names for them include York Chi or Yorkie Chi. They are a cross between a Chihuahua and a Yorkshire Terrier. Since both parent dogs are from the toy breed group, Chorkies are tiny dogs as well. This makes them great dogs for apartment living and they are relatively low maintenance when it comes to their exercise needs.

There are many factors to consider before bringing a dog into your life, but could a Chorkie be right for you? Read on to find out.

Characteristics

Weight	8 to 15 pounds
Height	6 to 9 inches
Colors and Patterns	brown, white, silver, blue, black, usually a blend of colors but can sometimes have solid coats
Lifespan	12 to 15 years
Suitable for	single adults, families with older children, apartment living, seniors

Breed History

The Chihuahua hails from Mexico and they are named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. They are the smallest dog breed in the world. It is believed that Chihuahuas are descendants of the Techichi, a breed that is now extinct. ^[2] The Toltec people of Mexico viewed these dogs as sacred and they were often part of religious ceremonies.

The Yorkshire Terrier, or “Yorkie” for short, is from England. They were created by crossing the Paisley Terrier, Scotch Terrier, and Maltese. The Yorkshire Terrier is named after the region in Northern England from which they come. Originally, they were bred to hunt mice and rats. ^[3] They were often put to work in cotton mills to chase the pesky rodents away.

The Chorkie is a relatively new breed. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, dog breeders began experimenting with the cross-breeding of various breeds. Many of their offspring are known as designer breeds. Though both parent breeds of the Chorkie are from abroad, Chorkies themselves were officially created in the United States.

The Chorkie was bred to be a companion dog. They are quite small, which makes them the perfect lap dog. They bond very closely with their owners and enjoy spending time with them. Chorkies are recognized as an official breed by several clubs such as the American Canine Hybrid Club, The Designer Dogs Kennel Club, and The International Designer Canine Registry. ^[1]

Interesting Facts

It is not uncommon for Chorkies to be cautious of people they are unfamiliar with. This stems from traits of the parent breeds. They are loyal beyond belief! This could cause them to nip or show signs of aggression to show that they are uncomfortable. Chorkie puppies should be socialized with people and other dogs as early as possible to minimize this.

Sometimes, Chorkies are low-shedding dogs. It all depends on how many of the Chihuahua traits they inherit. Yorkshire Terriers naturally do not shed, but Chihuahuas do. Your Chorkie will likely need regular grooming appointments.

Temperament and Personality

Perhaps the primary personality trait of Chorkies is how close they bond to their owner. They like to be wherever their owner is, and this means that they will not do well in a home where they are alone for long periods. If you work from home or are a homebody, a Chorkie might be the right dog for you.

A Chorkie could do well in a home with children, but as long as they are handled with care. Young children should always be supervised when handling a dog as small as a Chorkie and should be taught to respect a dog’s boundaries. Chorkies typically get along with other dogs, especially other ones in the household. But again, socializing with other dogs beginning when they are young is key.

Adaptability	3 out of 5
Adapts to apartment living	5 out of 5
Adapts to being alone	1 out of 5
Energy level	3 out of 5
Tolerates cold weather	2 out of 5
Tolerates hot weather	3 out of 5
All-around friendliness	3 out of 5
Affectionate with family	4 out of 5
Kid-friendly	3 out of 5
Dog friendly	3 out of 5
Cat friendly	3 out of 5
Friendly with strangers	2 out of 5
Health and grooming	2 out of 5
Shedding	2 out of 5
Drooling	1 out of 5
Easy to groom	3 out of 5

READ MORE: Small White Dog Breeds

Grooming and Haircuts

It is not uncommon for Chorkies to have long hair, and Yorkshire Terriers often have long, silky locks, and some Chihuahuas are also long-haired. This means that your Chorkie will need to be groomed very regularly.

Luckily, Chorkies do not shed very much but this depends on the traits they inherit from each parent. If they have more Chihuahua in them, they will likely shed more. Regardless, a Chorkie will need frequent brushing to keep their coat free of knots and mats. They should be bathed with a high-quality shampoo meant for dogs.

Owners can brush and bathe their Chorkies on their own, but it is recommended that some haircuts are performed by a professional dog groomer. There are a few haircut styles to choose from. ^[4]

The first is called a show trim. This style leaves the hair very long, flowy, and silky, like how you would see in a dog show. Owners can snip off split ends on their own if they choose, but maintaining this length of hair takes some work.

The next cut is called the puppy cut. This consists of clipping the hair to a length of about one to one and a half inches all over, but the hair on the face, legs, and tail are left a bit longer. This cut can be performed at home with the right tools and a bit of practice.

Next is the teddy bear cut. It is similar to a puppy cut, but the hair on the face, legs, and tail are cut to create a “rounded” effect. It is strongly recommended that this cut is done by a groomer.

Last but not least is the three-layer cut. This involves creating a look of three “levels.” The hair on the face and top of the head is cut just below the shoulders, the body hair is cut to a few inches above the ground, and the leg hair is cut to a half-inch above the ground. This cut is the most advanced and absolutely should be done by a groomer.

Activity

Chorkies are small dogs, so they do not need intense exercise. They are perfectly happy playing fetch indoors and their small stature makes it easy to do so. They enjoy going for short walks around the neighborhood as well. As puppies, they will naturally have more energy and need more mental stimulation, so you will need to adjust their playtime accordingly. After playing or going for a walk, they will be ready for a nap.

Care: Diet and Health Conditions

A dog’s diet is an important factor to consider since they get all of their nutrition from. Chorkies will significantly benefit from high-quality dog food to keep them healthy and energized. They need food that includes lean protein and nutrients to keep their skin and coat healthy. Talk to your vet with any questions about what to feed your Chorkie.

Chorkies are prone to excess weight gain, so it is important to not overfeed them. The same goes for treats, and it is also best to have them on a routine feeding schedule.

There are a few health conditions that the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier are prone to. Unfortunately, these can be passed on to Chorkie puppies too. Some common health problems that Chorkies may experience are allergies, skin problems, dental problems, patellar luxation, and hypothyroidism. ^[1]

Regular vet check-ups can help to spot some of these problems before they become more serious. Feeding your Chorkie high-quality dog food and using a good shampoo might help minimize skin problems. Your vet can also show you how to brush their teeth properly. Small dogs are prone to dental problems, so taking care of their teeth is very important.

READ MORE: Best Small Breed Puppy Food

Adoption and Rescue

Many mixed breed dogs end up in animal shelters, including Chorkies. Venture down to your local shelter and see if any Chorkies are looking for their forever home. Dogs from shelters are less expensive than purchasing one from a breeder, and you could also end up saving a life!

There are Chorkie rescue groups out there, too. They take in Chorkies who need a home and help place them with the perfect family. It might take a bit of research to find pets in your area.

Do extensive research beforehand if you choose to purchase a Chorkie from a breeder. A reputable breeder will be completely transparent, and they should answer any questions with ease and allow you to view paperwork. They also will not be shy about showing you the litter’s parents and where the dogs are kept. If a breeder refuses to do any of these things, please do not support them.

Conclusions

A Chorkie is a perfect dog for somebody looking for an ideal companion. They have a lot of love to give and will often gravitate towards “their person.” They are excellent for apartment living and do not require vigorous exercise. Maintaining their health and grooming needs can be a bit much, but all in all they are great dogs.

Remember to do your research on any dog breed before bringing them into your life. Also, evaluate your living situation, financial means, and consider other people and animals who currently live in the home. A dog is a big commitment, but they are worth it!

FAQs

What is a Chorkie?

A Chorkie is the offspring mixed breed of a Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier. They are small dogs with big personalities that command the attention of a room. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Chorkies enjoy going for short walks and playing with toys before curling up on the couch for a long nap.

Is a Chorkie a good family dog?

A Chorkie can be a good family dog as long as they are properly socialized and young children are taught to handle them with care. If you bring a Chorkie into your family as a puppy, and you already have children in the house, the Chorkie puppy will grow up having always known the children. This is a good thing, but children should be taught to not startle or do anything rough with the puppy. A Chorkie puppy is small and can get injured if they are dropped or stepped on.

Do Chorkies like to cuddle?

A Chorkie tends to form deep bonds with their owner. They always like to be wherever you are. Chorkies do enjoy cuddling, especially after playing or going for a walk. Due to their need to constantly be close to their favorite person, a Chorkie is not the most ideal dog for somebody who works long hours outside the home or travels a lot. They tend to experience separation anxiety.

What is the lifespan of a Chorkie?

Many small dogs have very long lifespans. It is estimated that the lifespan of a Chorkie is about 12 to 15 years. Anybody wanting to adopt a Chorkie puppy should be aware of this, as it is a long time to commit to caring for one.