Chihuahua Yorkie Mix: Guide to Owning a Chorkie Dog

Last Updated on April 24, 2023

Do you know what a Chorkie is? Also known as the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier mix, this crossbreed is an affectionate and playful dog.

What makes owning a hybrid exciting is its unpredictability. You’ll never know how its appearance and temperament will turn out.

Don’t worry, though. We’re here to give you some information about this Chihuahua-Yorkie mix so you can decide if it’s the right pet for you.

Basic information on the Chihuahua Yorkie mix

It was during the 1990s when the first litter of a Chihuahua (Chi) and Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) was born in the United States.

According to the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR), the original intention for crossing a Chihuahua and Yorkie was to create a family companion.

Like most dogs of their size, Chis and Yorkies are known for their loving, loyal nature as lapdogs.

The Chihuahua Yorkie Mix is also referred to as a Yorkie-Chi, Yorkchi, Chiyorkie, Chia-Yorkie, or Yorkiehuahua.

Whatever it’s called, though, one thing’s for sure: the Yorkie is one adorable dog!

Official recognition for the Chihuahua Yorkie Mix

Because the Yorkie-Chi is a crossbreed, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize it as its own distinct breed.

You can still register your Chihuahua-Yorkshire Terrier mix with certain breed clubs and organizations, though.

The IDCR, Designer Breed Registry (BR), American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), or Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC) all accept registrations for the Chihuahua-Yorkie mix.

Do you think the Chorkies have lived up to their purpose of being a great family pet? Let’s find out!

What does a Chihuahua Yorkie mix dog look like?

Having parents with dissimilar appearances, each Chihuahua Yorkie Mix has a distinct look. In some cases, littermates won’t even share the same features.

What most Yorkchis share, though, is their small size. After all, this crossbreed is the offspring of two of the smallest purebreds in the canine world.

Most Chihuahua Yorkie mixes are toy or small-sized dogs with a rectangular-shaped body. Like its parents, some Chihuahua Yorkie hybrids are tiny enough to fit in purses.

A full-grown Chihuahua Yorkie Mix will reach a height between 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 cm) tall. Their adult weight varies between 8 to 15 pounds (4 to 7 kilograms).

Chorkies are considered full grown after six months.

Check out this one minute and a half video of Chihuahua Yorkie Mix puppies growing up:

This crossbreed’s head is small and rounded, with ears that can be pointy like the Chihuahua’s or floppy like the Yorkie’s. Chihuahua Yorkie hybrids tend to inherit the Yorkie’s large, dark eyes and tiny, brown nose.

Many of these cute dogs also inherit the Yorkie’s lengthy coat. Chorkies with long coats usually have thick, soft, and silky fur.

Otherwise, they will have the short to medium-length coat of their Chihuahua parent.

The Chihuahua Yorkie mix’s coat can come in one or more colors. Common coat colors for this crossbreed include black, grey, tan, white, beige, blonde, brown, or dark red.

Is there a teacup variation of the Chihuahua Yorkie mix?

You’ll definitely come across Chihuahua Yorkie mixes marketed by breeders as ‘teacup Chorkies’. These dogs are practically pocket-sized, weighing under 5 pounds (2 kg). They can be a cross between a Teacup Yorkie and a Chihuahua, or a Teacup Chihuahua and a Yorkie.

While these tiny canines are adorable, you should be wary about buying dogs that are this small. Because of their size, they’re at risk of a long list of health conditions.

What’s the personality of a Chihuahua Yorkie mix?

Don’t judge this tiny hybrid by its cute size. These dogs may be small, but they have a big personality.

Being a crossbreed, each Chihuahua Yorkie Mix has a unique set of traits that it inherited from both its parents.

A sweet, cuddly lap dog

What’s great about Chiyorkies is they have the sweetness of a Yorkie, which tempers the sassiness of a Chihuahua. These loving dogs want to give and receive affection.

These designer dogs want to spend time with their families and they hate to be alone. When not lounging on your lap, your Chihuahua Yorkie mix will follow you around wherever you go.

A fun and confident companion

Thanks to the strong-willed nature of its parents, the Chihuahua Yorkie Mix is bold and outgoing. It’s a good thing the feistiness from their Chihuahua parent is toned down by the Yorkie’s bubbliness.

These dogs love to be the center of attention, showcasing their goofy side. They are lively around the family and are always up for some playtime.

A tiny yet fierce watchdog

Chorkies might be small and charming, but they will find ways to defend you. Due to their protectiveness, the Chihuahua Yorkie Mix tends to be aggressive with strangers, another trait it inherited from its parents.

Chihuahua-Yorkie hybrids can be wary and shy around people they’re unfamiliar with, but they will warm up to them once they feel safe.

As both the Chihuahua and the Yorkie bark a lot, these crossbreeds tend to be vocal. This can come in handy in case of potential intruders in your home, but you may have to train your dog to control its barking.

Are Yorkie Chihuahua mixes good dogs?

We think that any dog can be considered ‘good’ – it all depends on whether the Chihuahua and Yorkie cross matches your lifestyle.

Given their clingy, affectionate ways, Chorkies are great dogs for people looking for a little canine companionship.

These hybrids’ more laid-back nature also makes them ideal pets for seniors and other owners with mobility issues.

Chihuahua-Yorkshire Terrier crosses can be excellent family dogs, as well – for a specific kind of family.

Being playful and lively is part of the Chihuahua Yorkie mix’s nature. They love to bond with their human pack. However, these hybrids tend to get annoyed with overly persistent kids. This is something they inherited from the Chihuahua.

Yorkiehuahuas are a better fit for families with older children because these dogs are tiny and fragile. Younger children may accidentally harm the Chihuahua and Yorkie hybrid and vice versa.

These dogs can also be jealous of other animals spending time with their owners. Proper socialization will help your Chiyorkie get along better with other pets.

The perfect apartment dog

The Chorkies have the ideal size and temperament for apartment living.

They prefer a spot on the couch with their favorite toys to a big yard.

Even if they love the indoor life, Yorkchis still need physical and mental stimulation.

Puzzle games and chew toys are great ways to keep your Chihuahua Yorkie mix occupied while indoors.

Is it easy to care for a Chihuahua Yorkie mix?

Good news for busy owners: Chorkies are low-maintenance dogs. These crossbreeds are easier to care for compared to other small dogs.

The amount of grooming a Chihuahua Yorkie mix needs depends on the length of its coat.

A long-haired Yorkie-Chi with a coat similar to the Yorkie’s will need to be brushed at least once a day.

If your Chiyorkie has the Chihuahua’s smooth, short-haired coat, you can brush its coat once or twice a week.

Regular brushing will keep this hybrid’s coat shiny and healthy and prevent tangling and matting.

The great thing is whether they are short or long-haired, Chorkies are low shedders. This is why many consider the Chihuahua Yorkie mix to be hypoallergenic.

A long-haired Yorkie Chihuahua mix will occasionally need haircuts, too, to keep its coat at a manageable length. Trim the hair around their ears and clean their ears at least once a week to prevent infection.

Bathe your Yorkiehuahua at least one to two times a month or when they get dirty or when their fur gets an oily appearance.

These hybrids tend to get oily skin, a trait they inherited from the Yorkie. Make sure to check if their skin is getting dry; if so, reduce the frequency of their baths.

Since Chorkies are prone to dental problems like all small dogs, regularly brush their teeth – once a day if possible.

Also, don’t forget to trim their nails at least twice a month. Untrimmed nails make it painful for your Yorkchi to run around.

What’s the right diet for Chorkies?

Once it’s weaned off its mother’s milk, a Chihuahua Yorkie mix puppy can start transitioning to solid food. Make the kibble easier to chew by soaking it in warm water and blending it to a gruel-like consistency.

Once they reach adulthood, Chiyorkies can be fed premium-quality dry dog food. Make sure you get kibble that’s designed for small dogs.

With their size comes small tummies. Your Chihuahua Yorkie mix will need around 30 – 40 calories per pound of weight per day – so a 10-pound Yorkchi will need approximately 400 calories a day.

Depending on the specific dog food you choose, that amount of calories comes out to about 1 cup of dog food daily. You can adjust your Chorkie’s daily intake based on their activity level and size, but it’s best to consult your vet first.

Try to divide your Yorkie-Chi’s food into two or three small meals. Make sure not to overfeed them because they are prone to obesity, similar to other small dogs.

How much exercise does a Yorkie-Chihuahua cross need?

The Chihuahua Yorkie mix doesn’t require much exercise, but they will need to move to release their energy.

A 20-minute walk twice a day should be enough physical activity for the Chorkie. Make sure to spend some time playing with your dog every day, too.

Giving your Chiyorkie enough exercise ensures that he doesn’t get bored and turn his frustration towards your furniture and belongings.

Training a Chihuahua Yorkie mix: how difficult is it?

You’ll have an easier time if you train your Chorkie as early as possible; this will help correct problematic behavior and undesirable qualities.

Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers are known for being independent, willful dogs, so it’s understandable that their offspring can have a stubborn nature, too.

Start with the basic commands a puppy should learn such as sit, stay, and come. Focus on potty training as well, since Chihuahua-Yorkie mixes have small bladders and will have to relieve themselves more frequently

Since Chorkies tend to be strong-willed, you must position yourself as alpha who is firm but still loving. Don’t let these cute little things control you with their puppy-dog eyes.

Make sure to encourage and praise your pet when he successfully follows your commands. Yorkie-Chis respond better to training when you reward them with tasty treats.

It’s also essential to build their socialization skills. When not socialized properly, the Chihuahua Yorkie mix can be unfriendly to other people and animals.

Check out this Yorkiehuahua who is such a good girl:

Due to their stubborn nature, training an older Chihuahua Yorkie Mix may be more challenging.

If you’re finding it difficult to control your adult Chorkie’s behavior, you can always seek professional help or take your dog to training classes.

A short dog with a long life

With an average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, the Chihuahua Yorkie mix will be spending a long time with you and your family.

Even with its long lifespan, the Chorkie is still prone to various health conditions. Like their personality and appearance, the health of a Yorkiehuahua is affected by its parents, too.

Similar to their parents, these hybrids are susceptible to:

• Obesity
• Ear infections
• Eye infections
• Dental problems
• Skin allergies such as atopic dermatitis or rashes
• Luxating patellas or dislocated knees
• Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
• Collapsed trachea.

If you want your Chihuahua Yorkie Mix to live its full lifespan, take them to the veterinarian for regular checkups.

How much will a Chihuahua Yorkie Mix cost you?

Ready your wallet! The average price for a Chihuahua Yorkie mix puppy is $500 to $800. Some even pay around $1500 for these puppies.

You may find it difficult to find breeders who focus on producing Chorkie litters. What you can do is contact breeders of Chihuahuas and Yorkies to see if they have Chihuahua Yorkie mix puppies for sale.

Here some breeders you can get in touch with:

• ChiChiBabies (Arkansas)
• BonBon Chihuahuas (Texas)
• Artistry Yorkies (Michigan)
• Sagebrooke Yorkies (Iowa)

A responsible breeder provides you with all the information you need before you take home your Chihuahua-Yorkie puppy.

Ask for documentation that the pup and its parents have been cleared of genetic conditions, so you can make sure that you’re taking home the healthiest Chorkie you can get.

If you’re on a tight budget but you still really want to take a Chiyorkie home, you can try adoption.

Check out the rescues and shelters in your area for Yorkiehuahuas you can adopt. One advantage of rescuing an adult Chiyorkie is that its features and personality will have settled, so you can avoid unexpected problems.

Like with breeders, you can get in touch with rescue organizations dedicated to rehoming Yorkies and Chihuahuas:

• Chihuahua Rescue Indiana
• Arizona Chihuahua Rescue
• Yorkie Rescue Houston (Texas)
• Yorkie911 Rescue (New York)

Ready to take home a Chihuahua Yorkie mix?

The Chihuahua Yorkie mix offers the perfect mix of sassiness and friendliness, thanks to its Chihuahua and Yorkie parents.

This outgoing, playful dog can prove to be a great companion. This hybrid will love you and stick to your side throughout his or her lifespan.

If you love the indoor life, the Chorkie is a good match for you. You’re not going to regret getting this low-maintenance dog.

Make sure you have the time to devote to training your Yorkiehuahua. Keep in mind, too, that these feisty little crossbreeds are better suited for families with older kids who know how to handle dogs.

We’d love to hear your stories about the delightful Chorkie! Tell us all about it in the comment section below.

More Chihuahua mixes

• Chipit: Chihuahua Pitbull Mix
• Chiweenie: Chihuahua Dachshund Mix
• Shichi: Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix
• Pomchi: Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix