Shorkie – Everything You Need to Know About The Cute Shih Tzu Yorkie Mix

The Shorkie is the adorable cross between the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier and has developed into one of the most popular hybrid dogs around.

This Shih Tzu Yorkie mix is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club, but it is well on its way to becoming a breed of its own.

The epitome of a “big dog in a little dog’s body”, a Shorkie can be fearless and protective, yet loyal and loving to their families. 

In this blog, we’ll look at all the fascinating facts about one of the most adorable designer dog breeds. We’ll cover everything from its breed characteristics to the potential health issues you have to watch out for. 

History of The Shorkie

Also known as the Shorkie Tzu or a Yorkie Shih Tzu mix, this hybrid dog was developed in the United States only in the last decade or so, when the popularity of designer dogs skyrocketed.

To understand the history of the mixed breed, understanding the origins of the two parent breeds would be helpful. 

The Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier originated from northern England.

These workers bought their dogs called Clydesdale Terriers to catch rats and other small animals in the mills and factories. The Clydesdale Terriers were the ancestors of Yorkshire Terriers. 

These dogs were likely crossed with the English Black and Tan Toy Terriers, Sky Terriers, Waterside Terriers, and the Maltese to create the small, loving sweetheart Yorkies we all love today. There are lots of beautiful Yorkie colors and they can have long and short coats.

The first Yorkie named Belle was officially registered in 1885 by The American Kennel Club.

The Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a toy dog breed that is known to be originated in China. The exact origins of the breed are unknown, but it is thought to be a cross between the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. 

The Shih Tzu was a favorite of Chinese royals and was often given as a gift to visiting dignitaries. This Chinese dog breed eventually made its way to Europe, where it became popular with the nobility. 

Today, the Shih Tzu is one of the most popular toy breeds in the world. They are known for their cheerful dispositions and their friendly, easy-going natures. 

Shih Tzus make great companions, and they are well-suited for life in small spaces. Thanks to their long history of being bred as companion dogs, Shih Tzus are very devoted to their owners and thrive on human companionship.

Appearance of A Shorkie

Because a Shorkie Tzu is a mixed breed dog, it is difficult to predict its size and appearance as it depends significantly on which of the parent breeds it takes after.

Size

Shorkie dogs can weigh anything between 7 to 15 lbs and stand 6 to 14 inches at the shoulder.

Looks

The head of Shorkie dogs should be round with wide-set eyes and floppy ears.

A Shorkie puppy may also have a shorter snout and an underbite which is characteristic of the Shih Tzu parent.

The Shih Tzu is a brachycephalic dog, which means it has a short snout and a flat face. 

Other brachycephalic dogs include Boxers and Pugs, and while they have a distinctive adorable appearance, it also makes them prone to respiratory problems. 

Coat

The coat color of a Shorkie puppy could be a combination of either of the parent breeds and come in a wide range of colors including black, white, fawn, and brown, even from the same litter. There are many different Yorkie and Shih Tzu coat color possibilities!

Their straight, silky coats are low-shedding and hypoallergenic, and a hypoallergenic dog is good news for people with allergies! 

Temperament of Shorkie Dogs

Shorkie dogs may be small, but these adorable companion dog can be mighty! The Yorkshire Terrier, or “Yorkie” is the perfect example of a big dog in a little package. Sassy, protective, and possessive, a Yorkie can be a handful! 

A Shih Tzu, on the other hand, is likely to be calm, mellow, and highly affectionate. They were bred for centuries as the ideal companion dog, and to this day, the Shih Tzu is a small dog that can fit into most households that want a perfect family pet. 

A Shorkie’s personality will depend on which parent breed it takes after, but since both parents are affectionate toy dogs who bond closely with their owners, their offspring is likely the same.

Shorkie puppies are often referred to as a “velcro dog”, so don’t be surprised if yours follows you into the bathroom!

They are also intelligent dogs that are easy to train, but get easily bored and distracted so you might want to keep training sessions short.

Some Shorkies have also been known to inherit the stubborn streak of the Yorkshire Terrier parent. Early and extensive socialization is key to having happy, balanced Shorkie dogs.

Although they make great apartment dogs, Shorkie puppies can also be yappy dogs that will warn you of intruders or if anything is amiss.

While excessive barking is annoying, some vocalization is normal and your Shorkie is simply doing its job as a guard dog.

Exercise Needs Of A Shorkie

Because the Yorkie was originally bred to hunt vermin, Shorkie dogs might have a high prey drive and chase squirrels and other animals, so you must keep your Shorkie on a leash until fully trained with a 100% reliable recall. 

Because of their diminutive size, Shorkies have modest exercise needs and will do well with a walk for about 30 minutes daily.

They are playful and affectionate dogs and will appreciate tons of playtime throughout the day as well as interactive toys like treat-dispensing balls. 

Yorkies have high energy levels and Shih Tzus have moderate levels, so your Shorkie likely will have moderate to high. 

Like all dogs, a bored Shorkie is never a good thing!

It can exhibit undesirable behaviors like excessive barking and destructive chewing, so you’ll need to be sure your Shorkie has adequate mental and physical stimulation. You can also get them an indestructible dog toy to keep them entertained!

Feeding A Shorkie 

The feeding schedule for a Shorkie is different than the diets of larger dogs because they should be fed smaller, frequent meals.

They also cannot go long without a meal or else they may suffer from low blood sugar but also they shouldn’t be over-fed as they can gain weight quickly. 

A few factors should be considered when planning a diet for your Shorkie, such as energy level, weight, and medical conditions.

As your dog grows from a Shorkie pup to an adult dog, its nutritional needs will also change so it’s best to discuss with a vet what your dog’s specific diet plan should be. 

Shorkies tend to be gluttons and will mercilessly beg for food but treat sparingly.

Snacks should constitute only about 10% of their daily caloric intake. Instead of low-quality, high-fat snacks, think about healthy snacks such as cucumber, broccoli, and celery. 

Grooming Needs Of A Shorkie 

While a Shorkie dog is small and relatively low maintenance when it comes to training and exercise, the breed also has moderate to high grooming needs. 

Coats 

Shorkie dogs have a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat that makes this designer dog breed popular with people that have allergies.

However, their long, silky coats will still need to be brushed almost daily to keep out the mats and tangles. If you want a Shih Tzu mix that doesn’t need so much brushing, think about the Shih Tzu Poodle mix!

In addition, they’ll need an occasional trip to the groomer to trim their coats to keep them looking their best.

You’ll also need to bathe your Shorkie every few weeks and ideally, use both shampoo and conditioner and consider a sensitive shampoo to stop irritation.. 

Eyes and Ears 

Shorkies are prone to eye problems, so be sure to clean their eyes regularly with a vet-approved solution and keep the area free of dust, grime, and debris. 

In addition, they have floppy ears and dogs with floppy ears tend to be more prone to ear infections.

Just like humans, dogs need to have their ears cleaned regularly. Otherwise, wax and debris can build up, leading to infection. 

Cleaning your dog’s ears is a quick and easy process. Start by gently lifting the ear flap. Then, using a soft cloth or cotton ball, wipe away any wax or debris that you see. 

Be sure to avoid using anything sharp, as this could damage the delicate tissue of the ear. When you’re finished, give your dog a treat and a good ear scratch! 

Nails 

Like all dog’s nails, Shorkies need to have their nails trimmed regularly. If left untrimmed, nails can become overgrown, making it painful for your dog to walk.

In addition, long nails can make it difficult for your dog to grip toys or food, and they can also get snagged on carpets or clothing. 

Teeth

Small dogs are notoriously prone to dental problems, and Shorkies ARE small dogs! Plaque and tartar can build up on their teeth, leading to gum disease and other oral health problems.

Not only does it help to keep their teeth and gums healthy, but it also helps to prevent bad breath.

In addition, tooth brushing is a great way to bond with your dog and give them extra attention. Just be sure to use dog-safe toothpaste and brush gently to avoid irritating their gums. 

Training A Shorkie 

Shih Tzus are gentle, ideal companion dogs but Yorkshire Terriers were once working dogs and to this day, remain a bundle of sass. 

Depending on which parent a Shorkie takes after, they can be intelligent, playful, and obedient, but they also can be easily distracted and have a stubborn streak.

Early socialization and firm, consistent training is key to having a well-behaved Shorkie.

In addition, they are sensitive dogs that will only respond well to positive reinforcement and never harsh punishment.

A Shorkie that feels unfairly punished or treated can turn fearful and distrustful and this might lead to fear aggression. 

Health of A Shorkie 

A healthy Yorkie can live for 11 to 15 years if they are properly cared for.

However, like most hybrids, Shorkies can inherit the genetic conditions of both the parent breeds. Some of the health problems of Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus include: 

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a condition that can affect dogs of all ages and breeds. While hypoglycemia is most commonly seen in young puppies and senior dogs, it can occur in any dog. 

Symptoms of hypoglycemia include weakness, lethargy, shaking, and seizures. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can be fatal.

The best way to prevent hypoglycemia is to maintain a healthy diet and avoid abrupt changes in food or feeding schedule.

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog may be suffering from hypoglycemia. 

Lens Luxation

This condition happens when the supporting ligament of the eye lens breaks or weakens which causes the lens to dislocate from its actual position. 

When it falls forwards then it blocks the drainage of fluid from the eye resulting in glaucoma. This is extremely painful for dogs and can cause permanent blindness.

Glaucoma 

While most people are familiar with glaucoma in humans, fewer are aware that this eye condition can also affect dogs.

Just like in humans, glaucoma in dogs is usually caused by an increase in intraocular pressure. This can lead to pain, inflammation, and ultimately, vision loss. 

Symptoms of glaucoma in dogs include squinting, red eyes, and sensitivity to light.

If you suspect your dog may be suffering from glaucoma, it is important to take them to the vet for a diagnosis as soon as possible. 

Collapsed Trachea

A collapsed trachea is a condition that affects dogs and is characterized by the weakening and collapse of the cartilage that makes up the trachea, or windpipe.

This can lead to difficulty breathing, a chronic cough, and even respiratory failure. 

Collapsed trachea is most common in small breeds of dogs like both the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier. There are two main types of collapsed trachea: primary and secondary. 

Primary collapsed trachea is thought to be caused by a genetic defect, while secondary collapsed trachea is typically the result of long-term damage to the trachea.

Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment for collapsed trachea often includes weight management, medications, and surgery. 

Some Shorkie Tips 

1. Frequent Health Exams

As with all dogs, it is important to take your Shorkie to the vet regularly so that you can detect any health concerns before they develop into something dangerous.

Professionals can detect problems much faster than we can, and what is apparent to them may not be so obvious to us. 

2. Obesity

Shorkies are also prone to gain weight quickly so it’s essential to keep them active and not feed them too much.

However, because of their size, they shouldn’t be over-exercised as this would put them prone to other problems like respiratory complications or joint issues. If you’re concerned, chat to your vet about a regulated fresh dog food diet.

3. Potty Breaks

In addition, keep in mind that they have small bladders so they will have to take frequent potty breaks.

If you are unable to take them out several times a day, you might want to think about using puppy pee pads. Shorkies are small dogs and can use pee pads successfully without creating a mess in your place. 

4. Extreme Weather

Shorkies aren’t very fond of any extreme weather so they’ll need a coat for the winters, and you will need to apply sunscreen to the ears, nose, and sensitive areas where there’s little fur coverage in the warm summer months.

Final Thoughts 

Playful, affectionate, and loyal, Shorkies are the perfect addition to many households, including those with seniors and children.

Because of their happy-go-lucky, affable personalities, they also suit first-time or inexperienced dog owners.

However, they do have some maintenance needs and will not suit owners that don’t have the time for training sessions or to socialize them.

We hope this sheds some light on these popular designer dogs and helps you decide whether a Shorkie dog is the one for you! 

You might also be interested in the Chorkie – the wonderful Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier mix!