The phrase “small but mighty” might as well have been written for the Shorkie breed because it perfectly describes these characterful little dogs. The Shorkie is a relatively new mixed breed created in the United States through crossing the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier breeds.
This hybrid breed comes in a wide range of coat colours and lengths, with longer-haired dogs needing regular grooming sessions. As a small breed, they can live comfortably in a small house or flat but need a secure garden as they can jump surprisingly high.
Shorkies love to play, and their loyalty can lead to separation anxiety if left alone too often. Shorkies can also be noisy, especially if something startles them.
Here’s everything you need to know about the charismatic and alert little breed.
Breed Characteristics
- Size: 15-35cm
- Weight: 2-7kg
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Breed group: Sporting
- Activity level: 3
- General noise level: 2
- Ideal house size: 3
- Suitable for first-time dog parents? 3
- Good with strangers? 2
- Drooling: 0
- Good with dogs: 4
- Good with kids: 3
- Good with cats: 2
- Shedding: 0
- Easy to groom: 3
- Easy to train: 3
Shorkie Breed Appearance
As a mixed breed, A Shorkie’s appearance can vary quite a bit, either strongly resembling one of their parent breeds or combining both breeds into one. What’s guaranteed, though, is that Shorkie puppies are incredibly cute. Once mature, most Shorkies are small and compact, standing around 15-35 cm high at the shoulder and weighing 2-7 kg.
As both parent breeds, the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier, have long, soft coats, most puppies share this characteristic, although some do have shorter coats. Their coats come in a wide range of colours, from white with patches to cream, black, and everything in between! Shorkies have soft, low-shedding coats that are sometimes described as hypoallergenic.
Shorkie Personality
Geoff Wood, breeder at The Home of Shorkies, mentioned that Shorkies generally have a mild nature but can be noisy if something startles them. He explained that for this reason, they’re classed as alert dogs.
That means they’ll often be on the lookout for what’s happening in their neighbourhood. You’ll always know when someone walks past your house or a parcel is being delivered!
“Shorkies are known as loving, playful pets that bond closely with their owners,” said veterinarian Dr. Alex Crow. Their active and alert nature means this breed loves to play, whether that’s a game of hide-and-seek in the house or an outing to the dog park.
“Shorkies are usually friendly towards people and make good family dogs or pets for individuals wanting a small but affectionate companion,” added Dr. Crow. They also bond extremely strongly with their pet parents and don’t enjoy being left on their own for long periods. Once they’ve had their exercise for the day, they’re more than happy to curl up and chill out.
Ideal Environment for a Shorkie
As a small breed, Shorkies are well-suited to homes of all sizes. “The Shorkie’s small size and moderate energy mean they can live in apartments if given daily walks and playtime,” said Dr. Crow.
You will need a securely fenced garden, though, as Wood mentioned that this breed “can jump a three-foot barrier with ease.” Even then, they shouldn’t be left unsupervised as their sense of mischief and adventure means they may look for other ways to escape.
Shorkies usually tend to get along well with other pets, including other dogs and cats. In terms of exercise requirements, “as they’re not a large dog, a daily short walk is fine for them,” said Wood.
Ideal Human for a Shorkie
What makes the ideal human for a Shorkie? “Shorkies are best suited to families that can spend time with them, not leaving them alone for more than two hours,” explained Wood. This is because they can often suffer from separation anxiety and don’t enjoy being left alone for long periods.
The Shorkie’s alert and intelligent nature means they do well in families with small children. This breed loves nothing better than hanging out with their family and joining in your daily activities.
As a small breed, they suit shorter walks a few times a day, so suit active families who like getting outdoors but don’t expect their dogs to hike or walk long distances.
Shorkie Health
Before getting a puppy, it’s important to research if the breed is known for any specific health conditions. Research shows mixed-breed puppies generally suffer from fewer genetic disorders than their purebred counterparts.
However, potential new pet parents should still be aware of some health issues. “Small dogs often get dental issues, so Shorkies need regular teeth cleaning to stop gum disease and tooth loss,” explained veterinarian Dr. Alex Crow. He also added that low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can be an issue, too, especially in smaller Shorkies. This needs management with steady feeding times and good food.
“Shorkies can also have breathing problems from their short nose inherited from Shih Tzus,” advised Dr. Crow. “Eye issues may be passed down, too, such as cataracts or retinal problems,” he added. Regular checkups with your veterinarian can help keep these issues monitored and under control.
Dr. Crow added that joint problems like kneecap issues and hip dysplasia are also relatively common. And as Shorkies get older, their bones and joints need more attention. “Regular exercise, keeping a healthy weight, and balanced nutrition help take care of their bones and joints,” suggested Dr. Crow. You may decide to give your Shorkie a joint supplement like glucosamine, and of course, regular vet visits are key.
Shorkie Feeding Guide
Wood feeds his Shorkies a mix of dry kibble and vegetables, plus the occasional treat. If possible, try to feed your new puppy the same food used by the rescue centre or breeder, to minimise the risks of any digestive problems. If you want to transition your puppy onto another brand or type of food, make the switch slowly over around a week.
As a small breed, Shorkies mature quickly and will reach their full adult size between six and eight months. During this stage, it’s best to choose a food that’s formulated for this growth and development stage and contains all the vitamins and nutrients they need.
Once your puppy matures, you can transition them onto a food designed for small-breed adult dogs. Shorkies can eat dry kibble, wet food, or raw food, so your decision will come down to your dog’s preferences!
Shorkie Training
“Like any dog, training and socializing Shorkies as pups lead to well-behaved adult pets,” said Dr Crow.
Shorkies might look small and cute, but “if they are not trained, they can try and be the boss of the house and other pets in some cases,” explained Wood. He also mentioned that pet parents need patience and plenty of short training sessions, as they can be a little feisty sometimes!
That means consistent training sessions are crucial, with training methods using positive reinforcement being your best option. Signing up for puppy training classes will give you and your dog a great foundation to work on.
As we’ve already discovered, Shorkies can suffer from separation anxiety. It’s a good idea to show your puppy that it’s okay for them to be left alone for short periods from a young age. If your Shorkie does develop signs of separation anxiety, working with a professional dog trainer may help.
Shorkie Grooming
“Shorkies have long, silky fur that needs regular grooming to prevent matting or tangling,” said Dr. Crow. If you leave your dog’s coat long, they’ll need daily brushing sessions.
A more popular option is to get your Shorkie’s coat trimmed into a puppy cut every six weeks, which makes it more low-maintenance for everyday care. Shorkies only tend to need a bath when they get particularly dirty, but if you do get your Shorkie’s coat trimmed, your groomer will usually bathe them, too.
Their teeth, ears, and nails should be checked once a week and cleaned or trimmed as necessary. Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth also helps keep plaque at bay and reduces the risk of dental disease, which can be a problem for this breed.
Getting a Shorkie
Getting a new dog is a serious decision, so make sure you’ve done your research to determine whether this is the right breed for you.
It’s worth talking to breeders and rescue centres to find out if they have any available Shorkies. They’ll also be able to answer any queries or concerns and advise you if your lifestyle will suit this breed.
Why the Shorkie May Not Be Right For You
Sometimes, as much as you love a certain breed, they might not be the right choice for you. Shorkies thrive with families who can spend a lot of time at home, so if you work away a lot or have to be in the office every day, they may struggle to cope.
Their small size also means that while they need regular exercise, this doesn’t need to be extreme. If you’re looking for a companion for long hikes or runs, a Shorkie isn’t the best choice.
Shorkies are alert and intelligent, which means pet parents need to be prepared to live with a dog who’s always on the lookout! Whether barking at passing cars or figuring out whether they can escape from your garden, Shorkies are constantly active.
Breeds like the Shorkie
If you love the idea of a Shorkie but aren’t 100% sure you’d be able to offer what they need, consider these breeds instead:
- French Bulldog: Packed with character, this small breed needs minimal exercise, is relatively quiet, and loves hanging out with their owners.
- Poochon: This sweet mixed breed combines the Bichon Frisé and a toy or miniature Poodle into a small, affectionate dog that loves to play.
- Cavoodle: Combining the best of the Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, these adorable dogs can be small to medium-sized and are gentle, loyal, and sociable.
- Pomeranian: This small breed is happy and fun-loving and doesn’t need a great deal of exercise. They’re suitable for city living but need gentle handling due to their tiny size.
If you’re sure the Shorkie is the right breed for you, it’s worth reaching out to rescue centres in your local area. If you decide to get a puppy from a breeder, check they’re reputable. Ask to visit the puppies and parent dogs in their home, assess which health checks they carry out, and enquire about any recommendations from previous purchasers.