Want to know more about the Yorkipoo, a popular designer dog? Then check out today’s guide for all you need to know about this adorable little hybrid.
Height: 7-15 inches
Weight: 1-6 kilos
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Pedigree? (registered with the KC?): No, this breed isn’t registered with the Kennel Club.
Positives and Negatives
Check out the pros and cons of the Yorkipoo below:
Pros:
- Ideal for first-time owners
- Intelligent and easy to train
- Suitable for apartment living
- Minimal shedding and drooling
Cons:
- May bark excessively
- High grooming maintenance
- Prone to separation anxiety
- Small in size, susceptible to injuries
Overview
The Yorkipoo is a designer dog that is crossed with a Yorkshire Terrier and Minature or Toy Poodle. They have been popular breed choices for hybrid lovers and are suitable for apartment living and city life.
Although small, these dogs have lots of needs that potential dog owners must consider.
Like many hybrids, the Yorkipoo was bred to breed out the hereditary conditions their parents suffer. They were also bred to be hypoallergenic, making them a better choice for allergy sufferers.
Their coat is low shedding and can be found in a variety of colours. These include cream, white, black, silver, sable, tan, apricot, red, grey, and chocolate.
Just like their parent breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier x Poodle is prone to separation anxiety. They will become increasingly stressed if left alone regularly.
Destruction and excessive barking are typical responsive behaviours. Some dogs may experience this severely by refusing to eat, trembling, and depression.
As the two Poodle varieties differ in size, the Yorkipoo will also vary in height and weight. Yorkipoos bred by Toy Poodles are smaller and more fragile making them prone to injuries.
For this reason, they should be kept away from larger dogs during play.
Most designer dog breeds will be expensive to source and a Yorkipoo puppy will be no different! The cost can start from £1,000 upwards.
It is important to find a reputable breeder that conducts proven health tests on their parent dogs. As a mixed breed, it is impossible to know which traits a puppy will inherit.
History
Yorkipoos are fairly new to the dog world, just like many other hybrids. They are believed to have originated from the United States around two or three decades ago.
It is unknown as to when the Yorkipoo was cross-bred for the first time. They are one of the more popular designer breeds.
The Yorkshire Terrier originated from Yorkshire, England during the mid-1800s. They were used as ratters and because of this, have a strong prey drive.
However, their working life didn’t last long. Yorkies quickly became popular companions for females and received their Kennel Club recognition in 1886.
The standard Poodle is the oldest out of the three varieties. They originate from Germany although, their development took place in France. Standard Poodles were used as water retrievers and would often flush upland game.
Miniature Poodles were created by French circus workers in the 19th century.
Their smaller size made them much easier to take on tour. Toy Poodles arrived in the 20th century for companion purposes only. The Poodle is the National Dog of France.
Yorkipoos aren’t recognized by any official organizations. Despite being new to the world, not much is known about the Yorkshire Terrier Poodle mix.
Health, lifespan observation, and other breed-related studies need to be conducted for a better understanding.
Personality
Yorkipoo Temperament:
The Yorkiepoo dog is affectionate, gentle, loyal, loving, fun, and confident. Some dogs may inherit more traits from one parent as opposed to the other. So, it isn’t always possible to predict a puppy’s behaviour.
Attention is all the Yorkipoo desires and they can be a perfect fit for even first-time owners.S
These canines love being involved in the fun and won’t allow themselves to be pushed out! Despite their small size, the breed is energetic and is always looking for somebody to play with.
Their Terrier background provides the perfect balance in behaviour when mixed with the Toy or Minature Poodle.
Recommended: The Shetland Sheepdog is a kind, sweet, and gentle dog that looks like the smaller version of the Rough Collie.
Are Yorkipoos Good with Strangers?
Yes, this breed does well with strangers, provided they have received early socialization. Yorkipoos love attention and will accept petting from friendly strangers. They will instinctively alert their owners to any newcomers at the door.
Are Yorkipoos Good with Children?
Yes, Yorkipoos are great companions for children however, due to their small size they can injure easily. Especially Yorkipoos bred by the Toy Poodle. For this reason, homes with older children are better suited. This breed loves interactive play thanks to its energetic side.
Are Yorkipoos Ok with Other Dogs?
Yes, Yorkipoos are a sociable breed and love meeting other dogs. Again, due to their small size, avoid playtime with larger dogs. Injuries could happen albeit accidentally.
These canines can live alongside dogs and cats. Some Yorkipoos do have a strong prey drive and may chase after smaller animals.
Exercise
They may be small, but Yorkipoos have a lot of energy! Ideally, 30 minutes each day should be dedicated to outdoor activities. Interactive games such as fetch and tug of war are a great way to burn off energy.
This breed is suitable for apartment and city living, but a garden is an ideal way for them to let off steam.
Make sure any enclosed space is completely enclosed. This small pooch can easily fit through the smallest of holes, quickly escaping into the big wide world.
Their Terrier gene may also portray signs of territorial behaviour, but never aggression.
Some Yorkshire Poodle mixes require mental stimulation. Games that involve thinking, like ‘hide and seek’ or ‘find the treat’ are good ways to keep the mind ticking over. It’s also a way to prevent boredom thus reducing repetitive barking.
Recommended next: Do Cairn Terriers make good pets? Find out in our guide.
Health
Hybrids like the Yorkipoo are generally healthy. Below are the conditions that have been linked to the Yorkie-Poodle:
- Hypothyroidism- The thyroid glands don’t produce enough hormones. This reduces a dog’s metabolism. Symptoms include weight gain without an increase in appetite, decreased desire to exercise, dull coat, and hair loss.
- Patella Luxation- A luxating patella is a term used for a kneecap that moves in and out of place. The dislocation is temporary although dogs won’t be able to fully extend the affected joint.
- Atopy- A skin condition that lasts a lifetime. Owners will need to learn how to manage the symptoms as there is no cure.
- Hip Dysplasia- One or both of the hip joints develops poorly. This leads to pain, swelling, and inflammation. Eventually, arthritis will follow.
- Lens Luxation- This genetic defect causes the lens zonules to deteriorate. These are threads that hold the eye into place. The condition is inherited.
- Legg-Perthes Disease- A painful condition resulting in the deterioration of the hip joint/s. Eventually, as time progresses, the hip joint will collapse.
- Cataracts- A change of lens causes abnormal cloudiness to appear. If big enough, this can prevent light from reaching the retina. Overtime, blindness will occur.
Intelligence & Training
Both parents of the Yorkipoo are remarkably intelligent, so it’s no surprise the Yorkipoo has also inherited this trait. These canines love pleasing their owners so praise is one of their favourite forms of reward.
Overall, the breed is a good choice for first-time owners, especially since they’re easy to train.
Housebreaking a Yorkipoo doesn’t need to be difficult. A routine and consistency will help the Yorkipoo learn much faster.
Stick to a specific feeding schedule so it’s easier to estimate when your dog will need the toilet. Dogs living in apartments will need to go outside multiple times a day and may take a little longer to learn.
For small dogs like the Yorkipoo, crate training can work wonders. It helps to prevent toilet accidents inside the home and is also used as a comfort space.
Crates should never be used as a form of punishment. It is a place where a dog can feel safe.
Despite their natural sociability, Yorkipoos will still need regular socialization during their early years.
Dogs that have the Toy Poodle as a parent, may feel more anxious and fearful due to their size. Introduce them to new people, canines, and places. It is important they experience a variety of sounds as well.
Recommended: The Cavapoochon is described as a tri hybrid, a mixture of three different breeds in one.
Grooming
Yorkipoos are prized for being hypoallergenic, making them a better breed choice for allergy sufferers. Yet no dog can 100% be promised to inherit this feature. Due to their low shedding coat, regular grooming maintenance will be needed.
Silky in texture, the Yorkipoo coat will need a daily brush to prevent knots and tangles from forming. A pin brush, followed by a slicker brush are the best tools to use.
Baths can be given monthly, be sure to always brush through the coat before wetting fur. Use a low heat setting to dry the coat as high heat can damage the coat.
Ears will need a weekly clean to prevent any bacteria from growing inside the canal. Nails should be filed or trimmed every fortnight however, these may file naturally on their daily walks.
Vets recommend teeth are brushed daily, so focus on their dental hygiene at least three times a week.
