The undying popularity of Yorkshire terriers and the desire of breeders and breeders to obtain other breeds of dogs with a similar exterior and character caused the appearance of quite a large number of mixed breeds.
All puppies born as a result of crossing Yorkies with other breeds have their advantages and disadvantages.
In this article we will look at the most common crosses of Yorkshire terriers with other breeds, and also show photos of these dogs.
Popular types of mestizos
To get mixed breed or designer dogs, breeders cross representatives of different breeds with each other, taking into account the main condition - both individuals must be purebred.
Breeds with which Yorkshire Terriers are most often bred :
- Shih Tzu;
- chihuahua;
- Pekingese;
- Maltese dog;
- Spitz;
- chihuahua;
- Toy Terrier.
There are also frequent cases of crossing Yorkies with poodles and shelties.
As a result of all these matings, quite attractive puppies may be born, but this, of course, cannot be confirmed or known in advance.
Feeding your pet
It is not recommended to feed mixed breeds only dry food .
This will cause their tooth enamel to wear away quickly and can also cause kidney problems.
But if owners have no other option, you can soak the dry granules before serving or periodically give the dog wet food.
You can feed the mestizo with natural food. In this case, it is worth excluding harmful and allergenic foods and making sure that the menu is balanced.
Toy Terrier mix
This cross is one of the most controversial among Yorkshire Terriers. The only thing we can talk about with confidence is size. Both Yorkies and Toy Terriers are small dog breeds, so their Torque puppies do not grow to large sizes.
Otherwise, nothing can be said in advance about the appearance of the puppies - they can be either cute or not so cute.
NOTE!
Most often, Torques have a medium-length coat and not too thin limbs, so they are purchased by those who do not want to care for a long-haired Yorkshire terrier, and do not like the toy terrier for its thin and crooked paws.
As for character, these are usually active and independent dogs.
Character
The Chorkie is a very smart, but extremely stubborn dog that is difficult to train, precisely because of its character.
More than anything else, the dog loves to play with people and other animals, but you shouldn’t flirt with it too much; you can get a good rebuff in the form of a bite from sharp teeth.
It is better not to let her near small children; she does not like having her ears or tail pulled, and, as mentioned above, she is capable of biting a child.
Naturally, this does not apply to all Chorkis; among them there are quite peaceful and extremely patient individuals.
Chorkies have absolutely no sense of fear, so when going for a walk with them it is better to hold them by the leash . Since it is possible that she will try to attack a pit bull passing by, or someone else larger.
It is better not to leave your pet alone for a long time, as they tolerate separation very poorly, become nervous and wild, and a long recovery will be required before the dog returns to normal.
In addition, the dog is considered to be very touchy; an attempt to shout at it for any offense may result in a refusal to communicate with the owner throughout the next day.
A similar character trait was passed on to the Chorkie from the Chihuahua.
In general, the character of a mestizo is most suitable for those who lead an active lifestyle, walk a lot and play sports; small dogs will be happy to keep their owner company, not missing the opportunity to have plenty of frolic.
It should be noted that pets are difficult to retrain, so the rules of behavior in an apartment need to be explained to the dog from birth.
Chihuahua mix
The popularity of Yorkshire terriers and Chihuahuas led to the emergence of mixed breeds of these dogs - the so-called Chorkies.
The weight of a Chorkie depends on the weight of its parents and averages 1.5-4 kg. They have a compact, well-built body, a small head and erect ears.
Read about what a Yorkie's weight can be and what it depends on here.
Most often, the wool of mestizos is golden or black, however, this is impossible to determine in advance. There are also individuals with red, fawn or black fur with white spots. Chihuahua genes are usually responsible for the color of the Chorkie's coat .
The length of the coat of puppies resulting from crossing a long-haired Yorkie and a short-haired Chihuahua is also not predictable, but most often mixed breeds have long and straight hair.
These are smart but stubborn dogs that are practically impossible to train. They are fearless, get along well with children and pets and are very attached to their owner; they cannot stand loneliness.
Yorkies passed on a predisposition to hypoglycemia and joint diseases.
Chorks live no more than 15 years.
Jack - Russell
A cross between Yorkshire Terriers and Jack Russells, these are small dogs growing to a maximum of 30 cm at the withers, with a long and soft coat of black-brown or white-black-brown color. Yorkie Russells have a friendly and fearless personality and get along easily with other animals and people. These pets do not tolerate loneliness well and need constant attention from their owners, the lack of which is reported by loud howling and destructive behavior.
These dogs cannot tolerate cold and are not suitable for outdoor living. These are exclusively domestic pets, which, however, require regular walks and exercise. The coat requires careful care, as it tends to get tangled and very dirty after walks. In addition to possible genetic pathologies, Yorkie Russells are prone to dental diseases, which means it is necessary to monitor the condition of the pet’s oral cavity and brush its teeth 2-3 times a week.
Life expectancy is on average 12 - 16 years, subject to proper care and comfortable living conditions.
Maltese mix
Morkies, or Yorkies, are designer puppies obtained by crossing Yorkies with Maltese dogs.
These are hardy and persistent dogs, characterized by an affectionate, friendly disposition, devotion and fidelity.
Morkies have a long, straight and silky coat, the texture and color of which resembles that of Yorkshire terriers.
IMPORTANT!
Disadvantages include early tooth loss and stubbornness, which complicates the training process. Therefore, it is necessary to teach oral hygiene and start training these dogs from early childhood.
Features of maintenance and care
The Yorkie mix does not come in large sizes and feels comfortable in small city apartments. To prevent the dog from feeling loneliness, the bed should be within walking distance of the owner. Dogs are not kept in the yard - they require communication, and they are not adapted to living in unfavorable conditions.
Dogs do not need long walks; they can be taught to visit the cat litter box from early childhood. If desired, walking takes place for half an hour, twice a day. The dog is led on a leash so that it does not get lost or fall under the wheels of a car.
A combination of characteristics of the coat can cause problems with its care. The coat grows quickly, young animals need to be combed daily. To prevent tangles, brushes with a massage effect are used.
The condition of the hair depends on:
- from air humidity;
- diet - if there is a lack of vitamins and minerals, it will become faded, sparse, like in old photographs;
- influence of ultraviolet radiation.
Important! Dogs have their ears and teeth cleaned and their eyes wiped regularly. You can wash your dog no more than once a month.
Spitz mix
One of the most common mixes of Yorkshire terriers are those obtained as a result of mating with Spitz dogs.
Both of these breeds are indoor decorative and have a lot of positive qualities, among which they especially highlight:
- friendliness;
- intelligence and intelligence;
- devotion;
- cheerful disposition;
- ability to learn;
- lack of aggression;
- the ability to capture the owner’s emotions, empathy.
In addition, both Yorkies and Spitz dogs are famous for their beautiful exterior.
Puppies born from such a union take the best qualities from their parents - they inherit the most attractive features of appearance and health. The risk of developing genetic diseases in such dogs is minimal, and experienced breeders claim that mixed breeds have better health and a high survival rate.
As adults, Yorkie and Spitz mixes are small and, less often, medium in size. This is the only thing you can count on in advance, because... the rest of the appearance is impossible to predict - the length, structure, color of the coat can be anything, each puppy has a unique set of characteristics.
The future character of the puppy also cannot be predicted, however, all the shortcomings that may appear in the dog as it grows and develops can be easily corrected during the training process.
Is it worth buying
If a Yorkie mix dog does not belong to the designer group, you can purchase it for a very low fee. Most breeders consider such dogs, even if they are born from purebred parents of different breeds, to be ordinary mongrels. However, mestizos are often very nice. Moreover, it is in this way - by crossing dogs of different varieties - that new interesting breeds are ultimately obtained.
Of course, for those people who want to have a four-legged friend, but do not have enough money to buy a dog with a pedigree, it is worth purchasing an inexpensive crossbreed. It is often impossible to predict what the appearance of a mixed-breed Yorkie puppy will be like from a representative of another breed. But even the ugliest dogs in most cases become real family favorites for many years.
The only thing is that sometimes mestizos can adopt not the best qualities from their parents, but the worst. In this case, the dog may grow up unhealthy. This, as already mentioned, often happens with crosses of Yorkies and Pekingese.
Shih Tzu mix
To obtain designer dogs, breeders also breed Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus. Puppies born as a result of such crossing are called Shorkies.
Distinctive features of these dogs are their compact size, wide but cute muzzle and body type, reminiscent of a Shih Tzu.
Most individuals have the same color as the Yorkshire Terrier, but some individuals have spots of different shades on the coat.
NOTE!
According to some sources, the Shorkie's coat is hypoallergenic.
Dachshund
A cross between a dachshund and a Yorkshire terrier (dorki) is the result of research carried out presumably at the end of the 20th century. breeding work in the USA. The choice fell on these dogs, since both of them belong to decorative and hunting breeds and are suitable for each other in size. Dorks are small rectangular dogs, weighing about 4 kg and reaching a height of more than 30 cm at the withers. They are similar in appearance to dachshunds, but have a wider muzzle and small, semi-erect, triangular-shaped ears.
Today, there are 2 varieties of these mestizos, differing from each other in coat. The first type has long, soft and slightly wavy hair, which is easy to comb and does not tend to bristle in different directions, making the dog look neat. The coat of the second variety is shorter and very hard; caring for it requires regular brushing only with metal brushes and haircuts at least twice a year.
Almost any coat color is allowed, but the most common is black and tan with a little gray.
The hunting blood of Dorks is the cause of some problems in their character:
- stubbornness and willfulness;
- jealousy of other pets;
- the need to dig holes;
- constant barking;
- hunting instinct aimed at small animals.
Any character flaws can be corrected with proper upbringing, socialization and training. In addition, Dorks need regular active walks and games, which help get rid of accumulated energy and extinguish the hunting instinct. Basic care for these pets consists of feeding them a high-calorie diet appropriate for their activity, daily cleaning of the ears and eyes, and trimming their nails as they grow back.
Pekingese mix
Mixed breeds of Yorkshire terriers and Pekingese (Yorkinese) have a very pretty appearance, complemented by an aristocratic character, but they are quite rare, because... These dogs have fragile health.
It is also absolutely impossible to predict what the puppies resulting from such crossing will be like, because the best qualities of their parents are not always passed on to them.
Often an undesirable mixture of characteristics is found in puppies, which is determined by poor coat, squinting eyes, an unformed skull, a non-closed fontanel and other problems.
A little history
No one knows the exact origin of the Pomeranian. But the fluffy baby with a curled tail always brought smiles of affection to passers-by. There is a legend that when the wise men came to the newborn baby Jesus with gifts, they were accompanied by 3 Spitz dogs.
The modern variety comes from the southern coast of the Baltic region of Pomerania. Before becoming a companion dog, Spitz dogs served as guards for peasant sheep. In the 17th century, thanks to Queen Charlotte, the breed came to England, where its selective selection and official registration began.
The Yorkshire Terrier gained its popularity in the 18th–19th centuries in the county of Yorkshire, located in the north of England.
They were also bred by peasants, since in order to stop poaching, they were forbidden to have large dogs. Their main responsibility was to protect buildings from hordes of rodents. Attention! Both breeds have playful, easy-going personalities and are suitable for people of all ages and temperaments.
The breeders had an idea, based on these two popular babies, to breed a cross that would absorb the best qualities of each breed. Particular attention was paid to the health of the mestizo.
What dog breeds are similar to Yorkies?
There are several breeds that are similar in appearance to Yorkshire Terriers:
- Australian Silky Terriers (Silky Terriers). Small dogs, weighing on average 3.6-4.5 kg and about 23 cm tall, have long, silky fawn-blue fur. Silkie Terriers are active, intelligent, loyal and fearless. They love children, are easy to train, and get along with pets;
- Biewer Yorkshire Terriers. A breed that originated in Germany in a litter of regular Yorkies as a result of a mutation in one of the genes. They have a long, straight coat, colored white-black or white-blue on the body and white-golden-blue or black-white-gold on the head. Beavers have a calm character and a stable psyche; they are agile, affectionate, inquisitive and loyal.
IMPORTANT!
A genetic examination carried out by American scientists revealed differences in the DNA of Yorkies and Biewers, which confirms the fact that the blood of other breeds was used in breeding the latter and makes Biewers not just another variant of the Yorkie color, but an independent breed.
Australian Silky Terrier:
Beaver York:
How to choose a puppy?
- Look at the puppy's parents, so you can determine the possible development of the dog;
- You should not take lethargic and motionless puppies, most likely they are unhealthy;
- Observe the Chorkie during the game - how he communicates with his brothers, you will also see defects in the joints, if any;
- Play with the puppy yourself; if he is too excited and aggressive, it is better to choose another one;
- The wool should be clean, without tangles;
- Inspect your dog for ticks and fleas;
- Watch him eat;
- Check your eyes, mouth, and ears for any discharge.
Disadvantages of designer breeding
The main disadvantage of designer breeding is the fact that such dogs are not recognized by any canine organization. Therefore, they are not allowed to participate in exhibitions and other events.
In addition, it is important to remember about the poor predictability of crossbreeding results - there are many supporters of the theory that such dogs may have an unpredictable character, hereditary diseases, etc.
As a rule, crossbreeds of different breeds are not allowed to participate in exhibitions.
Among radical breeders there are those who insist on mandatory euthanasia of non-purebred dogs or their forced castration. However, in the modern world, such statements have less and less chance of being taken seriously by sensible people.
Mini Yorkie
The main feature of mini Yorkies is their miniature size. They weigh about 2 kg.
This causes some difficulties in keeping and caring for such pets:
- they must be constantly monitored and should not be left on beds, sofas and other surfaces elevated above the floor - the dog may fall and damage the bones;
- You should not get a Mini Yorkie if there is a child at home, as children often do not calculate their strength when playing with a pet and can damage the musculoskeletal system;
- There are some difficulties in breeding the breed, so if you are not a professional, then you should not do it.
Important! If you decide to purchase a mini Yorkie, then buy a puppy only from trusted pets. Some dog breeders, in order to breed this subspecies, feed the puppies poorly or do not properly monitor their health. Interestingly, these are not the smallest representatives of the breed! There are also so-called “micro-Yorks” or “super-mini”, which weigh about one and a half kilograms or even less
Interestingly, these are not the smallest representatives of the breed! There are also so-called “micro-Yorks” or “super-mini”, which weigh about one and a half kilograms or even less.
Such small dogs have health problems, most often with the musculoskeletal system. In addition, they live shorter than standard Yorkies.
Baby - face Yorkshire terrier
The peculiarity of this subspecies is that the muzzle does not meet the standards of the Yorkshire Terrier breed.
Here's what it is:
- the head is round in shape;
- the muzzle is shorter than that of a traditional Yorkie;
- ears are below forehead level;
- the eyes are large, protruding, which makes the look seem surprised, a little like a doll’s eyes;
- upturned nose.
Thanks to this, the muzzle looks very cute, hence the name: baby face, because the muzzle resembles the expression of a child, a doll. However, these features cause specific health problems, for example:
- chronic conjunctivitis;
- frequent eye injuries (due to bulge);
- teeth often fall out (so you have to carefully monitor them);
- snoring and grunting (due to improper placement of the nasopharynx).
You can buy this cute pet only with unlimited attention and care.
Family life
These hybrids get along well with other pets and love children very much. To avoid injury, do not leave your child and puppy alone.
Find out which dogs are most similar to Spitz.
They love to walk, so they are suitable for people who prefer an active lifestyle, but they can also adapt to the habits of older people.
When arranging space in an apartment, do not give preference to passage areas or corridors, so as not to step on the dog. They prefer to coexist in the room directly with the owner, then they do not feel lonely.
Description of the pomchi
Chihuahuas are crossed with Pomeranians. Hence the name of this cross, based on the first syllables of the breed name - Pomchi.
NOTE!
The Pomchi is the only mix that has been considered an independent breed since 1998. This dog is an indoor dog and is a companion by nature. The breed has good health and is also people-oriented.
Externally, the dog resembles a long-haired Chihuahua with a neater face. The head is the same rounded as that of the Mexican ancestor, the ears are the same, but more rounded, like those of a Spitz. The tail is curled.
There is an opinion that the Pomchi's blood contains an admixture of Lapland Spitz and Pug.
Breed diseases
Despite the efforts of breeders aimed at improving health, Biewer Yorkies have the following breed diseases:
- Portocaval shunt. Congenital vascular pathology, characterized by growth arrest, vomiting and convulsions.
- Acute pancreatitis. It is provoked by poor nutrition and excess weight of the animal.
- Legg-Perthes disease. Inflammation of the head of the femur and its subsequent necrosis. Accompanied by lameness and atrophy of muscle tissue.
- Tracheal collapse. It is a subsidence of the trocheal rings, which leads to difficulty breathing. The disease cannot be cured completely, but its dynamics can be controlled.
- Inflammation of the gums.
- Early tooth loss.
- Bronchitis.
- Irritation of the mucous membrane of the eye.
In addition, puppies may suffer from herniated discs, which cause paralysis in the hind legs. Due to their low weight, Biewer Yorkies do not tolerate anesthesia well, so any surgical intervention is fraught with death.
Most diseases are hereditary. Before buying a puppy, you need to pay special attention to the pedigree history.
