What You Should Know About Shih Tzu Yorkie Mix Puppies

Shih Tzu Yorkie Mix Puppies are what are often referred to as designer dogs. Designer dogs are essentially mixed breed dogs that are a mix of two specific breeds.

What Is a Shorkie Puppy?

A cross between a shih-tzu parent and a Yorkshire terrier parent also referred to as Shorkie Tzu or a Yorkie Tzu. These dogs can be the result of a cross between a purebred Yorkie and a purebred shih-tzu, or they can be a cross between two Shorkies. Although sometimes spelled Shorki, this is not the preferred spelling.

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What Do I Need to Know about Designer-Dogs?

The important thing to understand about designer dogs is that type is not as fixed as a purebred dog. Type referrers to the set of distinguishing characteristics, physical and temperamental, that make a breed of dog recognizable. Therefore, the physical and temperamental characteristics of a designer dog will be a combination of the traits of the parent breeds.

The following are some characteristics of the parent breeds, and some projections on how your dog is likely to display those characteristics. All traits will vary from dog to dog, even within the same litter.

How Big Will My Puppy Get?

The AKC standard for a Yorkshire Terrier says that the dog should be between 4-7lbs, not to exceed 7 lbs. shih-tzu standards have a wider range, at 9-16lbs. A Shorkie will usually be a toy-sized dog, with some dogs coming in closer to the 4-5lb mark, whereas others will be stockier and tend towards the higher end of the shih-tzu range.

What Will the Coat Be Like?

Both shih-tzu dogs and Yorkshire Terriers are famous for their long, silky coats. Yorkie coats are supposed to be perfectly straight, whereas a shih-tzu is permitted to have a slight wave to the coat. You can expect your dog’s coat to be long and potentially quite thick, and to require regular upkeep.

Are There Any Specific Coat Concerns I Should Be Aware Of?

Because the typical coat will be long and very thick, regular grooming is necessary. Many toy breed dogs require regular cleaning around their eyes, mouth, and ears to keep the surrounding hair from becoming dirty and smelly.

A popular cut for these breeds is the puppy trim, or puppy cut. Groomers use the term puppy cut to describe a trim that is the same short length overall. A puppy cut is very flattering to these Shorkie pups, as it emphasizes their fluffy soft coat.

What Will It's Personality Be Like?

Nobody can tell you what an individual of any breeds personality will be like for sure. However, Yorkie/Shih Tzu crosses are intended specifically to be loyal, affectionate, and have a cheerful disposition. Both parent breeds are known to be exceptional companion dogs.

How Much Exercise Will My tau-shih Need?

The activity level of a Yorkshire Terrier is usually quite a big higher than that of a Shih Tzu. Happily, the toy breeds are small enough that a daily romp around the yard or a brisk walk for a few blocks is usually sufficient.  A tired dog is a good dog, so do keep your tiny friend exercised as much as your schedule permits.

What Are Common Health Concerns?

Veterinarians find heart murmurs in Shih-Tzu breeds frequently, with the degree of severity varying quite a bit. Because this is a common health issue found in Shih Tzu dogs, owners of Shih Tzu crosses should be aware of the potential signs and symptoms.

Shih Tzu and Yorkie mix puppies are occasionally found to have renal dysplasia, a disorder of the kidneys. This disease is genetic, and for that reason, a parent affected with renal dysplasia could pass the disease on to their offspring. Reputable breeders do not breed from animals that carry a family history of congenital illnesses.

Both  breeds are prone to problems with their eyes. Conjunctivitis often occurs when proper grooming is neglected, and the facial hair irritates or scratches the eyes. Corneal dystrophy is a disease of the eye that causes clouding and partial loss of sight, and sometimes affects both Shih Tzu dogs and Yorkies.

 

How Do I Know If These Dogs Are Right for Me?

The best way to get an idea of whether or not these dogs are right for you is go ahead and visit some. If you do not know anyone who has one, try going on the internet to visit chat rooms or forums dedicated to the breed. Find out if Shorkie puppies are right for you before you buy that cute little teddy bear dog!