Yorkie Poo: Guide to Owning a Yorkie Poodle Mix

Last Updated on April 13, 2023

The Yorkie Poo is a new designer dog that showcases traits inherited by crossing a Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy Poodle. 

Small, but packed with personality, this crossbreed is gaining popularity as a favorite companion dog, whose size and demeanor make it versatile to fit with many different lifestyles.

To learn all about the vibrant Yorkie Poo, read on!

What in the World is a Yorkie Poo?

The Yorkie Poo is a fairly new hybrid that originated in the US in the 1990s. Since it is a crossbreed, this breed is not recognized by the AKC.

Designer toy-sized dogs have rocketed in popularity over the past few decades, mainly due to how tiny and adorable they are. 

Unfortunately, they also have a reputation for suffering from weak health and behavioral issues due to poor breeding. 

By crossing the Mini or Toy Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier, there were 3 main goals associated with the final result: reduced genetic disorders, low shedding/low dander fur, and companionship. 

Is the Yorkie Poo the superstar lap dog that was hoped for?

In order to learn about this cute little canine, we must first have a look at the parents to get a clear picture of what to expect when it comes to inherited genes.

Meet the Yorkshire Terrier

This pint-sized purebred comes from England, prized for a glossy, smooth coat that is hypoallergenic. 

The Yorkshire Terrier is also widely used in dog shows. Intelligent, confident and active, she loves to play and please. 

Dog lovers who are looking for an entertaining pal enjoy this breed’s company because she is friendly and outgoing, learning new tricks without any qualms. 

A confident nature can sometimes be challenging, though. Yorkshire Terriers are known to bark a lot and show dominant behavior towards small rivals. 

That means if you have a small toddler, he might accidentally get knocked over by an excited pup that wants to play.

These traits can pass on to the Yorkiepoo, which is why training and socialization from a young age are imperative to foster good behavior.

Meet the Toy/Miniature Poodle

The Poodle is one of the most popular parent breeds used for the creation of new designer dogs, for multiple reasons. 

It’s the second smartest dog behind the Border Collie, it’s hypoallergenic and is a phenomenal show/work dog that does great with children and other pets.

Originating from England in the 18th century and celebrated as the National Dog of France, the history of this purebred is nothing short of glorious. The Poodle meets challenges head-on, learns quickly and excels.

This purebred comes in different size variations (all considered to be the same breed), but for the Yorkie Poo, the Miniature or Toy Poodle is used to maintain a small size. 

The Yorkie Poo Looks Like a Real-Life Teddy Bear

Having a fab personality is one thing, but the cute factor with this breed is out of this world. 

Dark, round eyes that you get lost in, a tiny button nose and floppy ears make this little bear cub difficult to resist! Short legs, a short tail, and a petite frame are to be expected.

What is the Yorkie Poo’s full-grown size?

Growing to a height of around 7 inches (18 cm) to 1-foot and weighing between 3 to 14 lbs (1 to 6 kg), the Yorkie Poo stays petite as can be (thanks to petite parents). 

Because the Yorkipoo is small-sized, indoor living is recommended. She likes to play outside, but don’t count on leaving her out on a permanent basis. This is a great dog for small apartments or houses.

If you travel frequently and like to bring your dog, the Yorkie Poo is also the perfect size to travel in the cabin of an airplane or in a car.

The Yorkipoo’s coat of many colors

This breed can exhibit many different types of color markings and coat lengths. It all depends on the genes inherited by the parents!

With that being said, the diverse coat of fur will either be straight, wavy or curly. The Yorkie Poo comes in different colors such as white, sable, cream, apricot, silver, tan, black, chocolate, and gray.

Temperament 101: This Dog Is Ready For Anything!

The label “lap dog” does apply to the Yorkipoo, but to an extent. She is not a nervous or shy little pooch!

One of the best attributes of this hybrid is how versatile she is. The Yorkie Poo is quite observant, content to sit with you and watch the world spin by. Or, she will go about on her own, because she is curious and independent.

How versatile is the Yorkiepoo? This breed is always up for a new adventure or activity. This video will give you an idea about how high the Yorkie Poo can jump, as well as how she turns into a little fishy when tempted with a swim session in the pool!

She was bred to be the perfect companion

The Yorkie Poo is naturally affectionate and calm, making her a suitable companion for families, singles and elderly folk. She also gets along easily with children and other pets. 

Coming from parents that are widely used in dog shows and for work, the Yorkie Poo’s role as your canine best friend can be varied. This breed makes a great therapy dog.

She has a tendency to bark to the point of annoyance, but it’s only because she gets excited. Relentless barking can be curbed with training.

Her confident nature can be a bit much when larger dogs or babies are around. The Yorkipoo is a skilled jumper, and won’t hesitate to “pounce” on pets that are double her size. 

It’s not an aggressive act- she just wants to play. Keep in mind that it might not be well reciprocated by another dog.

The Yorkie Poo doesn’t need a ton of space to exercise

One of the great low maintenance factors with this breed is how easy it is to keep her active. 

The Yorkie Poo is a highly energetic canine that gets bored easily, so daily mental and physical stimulation is recommended.

Since she is small, stick to 20 or 30 minutes of playtime per day. Whether you live in an apartment or a house with a yard, it doesn’t take much to tire her out. Try these playtime activities.

Chew toys: Having toys on hand gives your dog something to do when the weather is unsuitable for outside play or you just don’t have one-on-one time when life gets busy. As well, it helps combat destructive behavior. 

For the Yorkie Poo, this toy will challenge her intelligence while she works off energy.

Walking: A brisk walk around the neighborhood is always an easy, fast workout.

Obstacle course: Yorkie Poos love to jump, so a mini home obstacle course will allow her to run, crawl and hop to her heart’s content. Invest in a couple of simple pieces to get started, such as a tunnel or small hurdle.

Fetch: This is an easy way to get 20 minutes of exercise with your Yorkie Poo. Instead of the classic stick, try a small tennis ball or frisbee.

How to train your Yorkie Poo like a pro

This dog comes from parents who are smart, easy to train and love to perform. That already gives you a huge advantage when planning a training regime for the Yorkie Poo.

Whether you choose to hire a professional dog trainer or do it yourself, behavior training, crate training and socialization are all suitable options to give your Yorkie Poo what she needs to thrive.

As with all dog breeds, once you implement training, you’ll want to stay consistent to see results. For the Yorkipoo, you won’t have to be firm or harsh. She does best when encouraged with positive reinforcement.

This breed gets bored easily, so come at her with commands and games that are fresh and interesting. 

Don’t be afraid to challenge her! The Yorkipoo’s Poodle roots will have her going at complicated training methods with true grit.

Yorkiepoo fun fact: she’s a dog that acts like a cat

Some Yorkie Poo owners report cat-like behavior from their little fur babies.

This isn’t a hallucination! Since she can jump and climb, you might find her perched up on the mantle of a fireplace, and scratch your head wondering how on earth she got up there.

Also, the Yorkipoo might be more comfortable when she’s on your shoulder than lounging on your lap. This breed is known for being flexible, agile and a pro at balancing.

Yorkie Poo Care: Low Maintenance All-Around

Small dogs are generally a low maintenance pet choice. With a Yorkie Poo by your side, this is especially true.

Grooming a Yorkie Poo? Put the vacuum away!

One important trait of the Yorkie Poo coat is that it is hypoallergenic since both parents have the same low dander, low shedding gene. 

That makes this breed an excellent choice for dog lovers that suffer from allergies.

You won’t have to worry about annual blowouts and fur covering your furniture The incredibly soft fur of the Yorkipoo is odorless. 

Grooming is a choice for Yorkie Poo owners that is purely aesthetic. You may prefer long, straight hair or a light trim that keeps curls tight and tame. 

It is recommended to wash the Yorkie Poo once every 3 weeks and brushed daily to keep her tangle-free.

The hair around the eyes and mouth can get long and make it difficult for Yorkipoo to see properly, so keep the face trimmed to make it easier on your dog.

A small dog means a smaller appetite

Feeding your dog a well-rounded diet is important because it can help ward off certain health issues, such as allergies and obesity. 

The recommended Yorkie Poo diet is ¼ to 1 cup of high quality, dry dog food. Protein should be the primary ingredient, such as fish, chicken, turkey or lamb.

To help maintain the Yorkipoo’s shiny fur and to ward off skin allergies, add a fish oil supplement (Omega 3 fatty acids) to the daily feeding regime. 

Since the Yorkiepoo is prone to hip and joint issues, keeping obesity in check will ensure no unnecessary pressure is put on the joints. 

Choose foods that don’t contain a bunch of mystery additives and fillers. Carbohydrates should also be kept at a minimum.

As part of the training, rewards are encouraged for the Yorkie Poo. If you frequently give treats, opt for healthy options, such as bits of cheese or cooked vegetables.

The Yorkie Poo Lifespan is 10 to 15 Years

This pooch was bred to be a hardy little chap! With numerous diseases plaguing small designer dogs, the Yorkie Poo was seen as the answer to producing a healthy lap dog with longevity.

Of course, with crossbreeds, you can’t pinpoint what genetic disorders a mixed puppy will have. But, you can look at the most prominent diseases that are common with the parent breeds.

Patellar Luxation: This is a common ailment inherited from the Yorkshire Terrier, where the kneecaps are prone to dislocation.

Epilepsy: A serious condition, this is the occurrence of seizures with no known cause or trigger. 

Atopic Dermatitis: Severe skin allergies that cause flaking, itching and discomfort.

Portosystemic Shunt: A vein issue that creates an abnormal connection between the portal vein and another vein, which affects liver function.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: A steady disintegration of the hip joint that leads to inflammation. It’s caused by disrupted blood flow to the hip bone.

Hyperadrenocorticism: This is a malfunction of the pituitary gland that leads to benign growths or other issues.

Hypothyroidism: when the immune system attacks the thyroid, other health issues arise if left untreated, such as obesity, anemia and corneal ulcers.

All About Buying a Yorkie Poo Puppy

Be prepared to dish out $400 to $1000 for Yorkie Poo puppy price! To get the best pup for your buck, you’ll need to take your time and do your homework to find a reputable Yorkie Poo breeder.

Here’s the thing: new hybrids are all the hype. I feel like I’m hearing about a tinier version of a breed or another cute “stuffed animal” looking mix every year.

Hybrids may turn heads, but they also inspire puppy mills to go into business. These inhumane places turn the passion of fine dog breeding into a sick factory. 

Bitches are kept chained and bred until they drop from exhaustion. Bloodlines and diseases aren’t regarded. 

Many puppies die from sickness or are sold with no prior medical history. This results in dogs with more health and behavior problems. This weakens the breed standard as a whole.

How can you avoid puppy mills? Keep these vital tips in mind when choosing a breeder.

Pay more for a reputable breeder. Choose quality when it comes to puppy shopping. When you pay more, you’re paying for pure bloodlines, medical clearances and a puppy born into a loving environment.

Read testimonials. This is one of the sure proof ways to get past the flashy websites and swanky marketing to see how real customers feel about a breeder.

Plan a visit. A serious breeder will invite you to the puppy premises to take a tour, meet the dogs and see where it all takes place. Puppy mills (or sketchy breeders) will not give you the opportunity.

Meet the parents. This is especially important with hybrids! Learning all that you can about the parents is the only way to get some insight into how a puppy MIGHT look or act.

Look for red flags. Do not listen to breeders who promise that their Yorkie Poo puppies are a certain size or are a special color. No one can predict how a hybrid will mature!

Ask for the health clearances of the parents. The breeder should be able to provide clearances from a vet that guarantees the parents’ bloodlines are indeed pure and free of genetic diseases that can be passed to the litter.

Monitor the puppies. Yes, they’re all too cute, but first impressions say a lot. If a puppy is scared or aggressive, this is considered abnormal. 

Go for a pup that is confident, happy and curious. Look for signs of physical distress, such as limping or runny, bloody stools.

Don’t freak out too much about beginning your Yorkie Poo breeder search. Take your time and look at a few instead of going with the first one you find. 

Budgeting with a Yorkipoo

The good news is, since the Yorkipoo is a toy-size, you will budget less than if you have a large dog. Here is a list of annual expenses you can expect once you bring your new furball home.

Training: $110
Crate: $60
Supplies (leash, food bowls, collar): $100
Health Insurance: $225
Annual Medical: $235
Spay/Neuter: $200
Food: $120
Misc: $100

To get the best price for a Yorkie Poo puppy, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is the breeder you decide to buy from. 

Buying a puppy is a lot harder than just relying on intuition and good faith. We’ll share a list of some of the best Yorkie Poo breeders and rescues next.

Yorkie Poo Breeders

Here’s a list of some of the YorkiePoo breeders to get you started on the right track.

• Breeders Club: USA
• Rolling Meadows: Iowa
• Amanda’s Yorkie Poos: Georgia

You Can Adopt a Yorkie Poo for Less $$

If buying a new Yorkipoo puppy is out of your price range, there are Yorkie Poo rescues that are looking for loving owners to adopt their dogs.

People who don’t do their research before purchasing a puppy discover that the responsibility of owning a pet is more than they can handle. These doggies end up in shelters, pining for love and affection.

By adopting a Yorkie Poo, you not only pay less for your dream dog, but you make one little pooch incredibly happy. 

Take a look at these Yorkie Poo shelters for options. Some are Yorkshire Terrier focused, but you can find mixes up for adoption as well. 

• Save a Yorkie Rescue: PA
• United Yorkie Rescue: WI
• Poo-Mix Rescue: USA

There are Many Mixes Similar to the Yorkipoo

After reading our full guide about the Yorkiepoo, you may either have fallen in love or are now second-guessing if this is the dog for you.

Luckily, there are plenty of small hybrids and teddy bear dogs similar to the Yorkie Poo. They either share the Poodle parent or the Yorkie parent, which means certain attributes can be inherited, depending on what you’re looking for. 

Check out these cute hybrids- one might tug at your heartstrings!

Lovable Poodle Mixes

First up, let’s look at 3 of the most popular Poodle mixes out there.

Yorkie Poo vs. Cavapoo

The Cavapoo is a lovely little cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Toy/Miniature Poodle.

This is an older designer dog, dating back to the 1950s. It was also bred for the low shedding, hypoallergenic qualities that both parent dogs have.

Cavapoos and Yorkie Poos are small-sized, with gentle, playful temperaments that make them great companion dogs. 

Cavapoos are like the Yorkie Poo when it comes to energy level, intelligence, and versatility.

Cavapoos may exhibit a higher prey drive and need more socialization to play nice with other pets.

Yorkie Poo vs. Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is an adorable mix between the Poodle and the Cocker Spaniel. When we compare these two breeds, both are smart with friendly demeanors.

The Cockapoo is more high maintenance than the Yorkipoo.

This breed can inherit the thick, long coat of the Cocker Spaniel, which makes grooming a necessary responsibility. It also means that this designer dog may NOT be hypoallergenic. 

If it inherits the coat of the Poodle though, this reduces shedding and dander considerably.

Yorkie Poo vs. Maltipoo

This Poodle mix is another winning companion dog, featuring the loving traits of the Maltese.

The Maltipoo is small, gentle and kind- just like the Yorkipoo.

Maltipoos are versatile, doing well in houses or apartments. They are fine with children and other pets, so adaptability is easy all around.

Maltipoos can be clingy, suffering from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. This is different from the independent Yorkie Poo, who yearns to explore and amuse herself.

If you work long hours or travel frequently, the Maltipoo may not be the right fit.

If you’re an older person who spends a lot of time at home, this is the perfect furry friend to keep you company.

Adorable Yorkie Mixes 

If you are more of a Yorkshire Terrier fan, these hybrids offer Yorkie characteristics that you are looking for in a canine companion.

Yorkie Poo vs. Morkie

 

Here comes the Morkie, who boasts the combined superpowers of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese.

The Morkie shares many similarities with the Yorkie Poo. Both are small, sweet-tempered and confident.

They both excel at agility and need daily exercise to get enough physical and mental stimulation. 

What sets these breeds apart is price. The Morkie is an expensive puppy, with the cost ranging between $1500 and $3000. 

It’s more expensive than the Yorkie Poo because it is a rare hybrid.

The Morkie is a new designer dog, so you won’t find many breeders out there. This factor jacks up the initial purchase price considerably. 

Also, the Morkie is fearless in a way that makes her a substantial guard dog.

Like the Yorkie Poo, she likes to bark a lot but needs socialization to keep dominating traits at a low level.

Yorkie Poo vs. Shorkie

When you take a Shih Tzu and cross it with a Yorkshire Terrier, you get the Shorkie– the brave and loyal lap dog.

Compared to the Yorkie Poo, the Shorkie is friendly towards strangers but extremely loyal to her one owner. While the Yorkie Poo loves to socialize with everyone, the Shorkie will follow her owner around like a shadow.

The Shorkie is known for being a skilled watchdog. This comes from the tenacious and brave Yorkshire Terrier. Like the Yorkie Poo, you can expect this hybrid to bark a lot, so training is in order if you want to curb this habit.

While the Yorkie Poo is independent, the Shorkie can be clingy, so this might not be the dog for you if you are away from home for long periods of time. 

On the other hand, if you are looking for a full-time companion that always has your back- go for the Shorkie. She is a wonderful choice for elderly people or someone who lives alone.

Yorkie Poo vs. Chorkie

Is that a fluffy mouse? No- it’s a Chorkie, the irresistible Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier mix.

When comparing the Yorkie Poo to the Chorkie, the biggest difference is in size. The Chihuahua is the smallest dog in the world, weighing in at 5 lbs (2.5 kg) while the Yorkshire Terrier is the 2nd smallest dog weighing in at 7 lbs (3.2 kg).

If you want the smallest lap dog that is loyal, yet full of spunk, this is the hybrid for you. The Chihuahua, though tiny, is renowned for its watchdog reputation. 

Like the Yorkshire Terrier, this breed tends to forget its size, and will not hesitate to chase and bark at a stranger.

This makes the Chorkie more feisty than the Yorkie Poo, who gets laid back, calm genes from the Poodle.

The Chorkie will take longer to warm up to strangers than the extroverted Yorkie Poo. Therefore, you’ll need to focus more on socialization with the Chorkie. 

If you have a family with older children or you live in an apartment, the Chorkie is an ideal choice. They don’t do well with smaller children, who may pester them by being too rough during playtime.

The Yorkie Poo is a highly adaptable lap dog, suitable for any type of family or living situation. 

Basically, if you want a cute mix that stays tiny, the Chorkie is a suitable option.

Conclusion: Is the Yorkie Poo the Pup for You?

The Yorkie Poo is the ultimate lap dog. Small and even-tempered, you can count on her to be low maintenance.

This designer dog is best suited for families with children, other pets, elderly folk, allergy sufferers, singles and house or apartment living. This is one of the most versatile breeds out there!

Always remember that with crossbreeds it’s important to be open to how it can look or act. As well, be especially careful when choosing a breeder. 

Newer hybrid dogs don’t have a set breed standard like purebreds. Do your research and don’t believe promises from sketchy breeders.

What’s good and bad about Yorkie Poos? We’ve summarized breed pros and cons down below.

Pros

1. Hypoallergenic
2. Small size (less annual budget)
3. Intelligent- easy to train
4. Gentle with kids
5. Excels at dog shows
6. Healthy disposition

Cons

1. Barks a lot
2. Overly confident (jumps on toddlers, other dogs)
3. Stubborn (makes potty training a challenge)
4. Gets bored easily (needs daily exercise)

What do you think about the Yorkie Poo? Tell us in the comments!