A fun-loving “designer dog” - and therefore a mixed dog breed - a Yorkipoo is a cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Intelligent, affectionate, and gentle, they make a delightful companion. They also fit in perfectly to apartment life, especially if you don’t mind the barking.
Despite their unfortunate status as a designer breed, you may find them in the care of shelters and rescue groups. Remember to adopt! Don’t shop if you need to bring a dog home.
This mixed breed dog has plenty of energy to be burned off, and they love to play when they’re not parked on your lap watching the world go by. Their ability to run fast and jump high can be surprising to those who aren’t expecting a canine Superman in miniature. Even novice pet parents will find these sweet pups to be amazing companions
See below for complete mixed dog breed traits and facts about Yorkipoos!
Yorkipoo Mixed Dog Breed Pictures
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group: Hybrid Dogs
Height: 7 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 3 to 14 pounds
Life Span: 10 to 15 years
More About This Breed
The Yorkipoo dog breed loves people and fun, not necessarily in that order. He will delight his family and is always willing to perform tricks or show off for any vis usuallyitor. His confidence keeps him from being overly snappy or aggressive; he's happy in his own skin. The Yorkipoo can be an excellent companion to anyone looking for a small, confident dog with ample energy and even greater love.") and generally makes an excellent watchdog. The goal was a small dog who didn't have the diseases of either the Yorkshire Terrier or Poodle, both of whom have suffered from health problems related to poor breeding or overbreeding.
Both breeds are intelligent, though, and so is the Yorkipoo. Both breeds enjoy performance competition, such as agility and obedience - and so does the Yorkipoo. The Yorkie is more independent than the Poodle, so a Yorkipoo's independence depends on the temperaments of the individual parents, the Poodle parent in particular. Yorkies don't necessarily need to be on your lap, whereas Toy and Miniature Poodles are practically barnacles; with the Yorkipoo everything depends, again, on the pare usuallynts.
The Yorkipoo has low-dander, a low-shedding coat, and the small size of a toy breed. He's happy in many different types of homes and will make an excellent companion for the elderly. With his gentle and loving disposition, the Yorkipoo has proven that he can be a successful therapy dog.
Unfortunately, some dogs who weigh less than 10 pounds are clueless about their physical size and have been known to launch themselves at big dogs, and the Yorkipoo falls into this category. To protect your Yorkipoo from himself, introduce him to large dogs under supervision, before they interact on their own, to prevent potentially disastrous consequences. Dog parks intended for all sizes of dogs are not suited to canines weighing less than 10 pounds as it's all too easy for them to be seen as prey, and for them to foolishly act aggressively toward a big dog.
The Yorkipoo does well at training and is usually a quick learner. He can be stubborn, but this trait tends to rear its ugly head if training is harsh or end up beingcomes repetitive. Keep his lessons fun and interesting, and all should go easily. Consistent, positive reinforcement is the only way to train a Yorkipoo, especially since harsh corrections can seriously injure such a small dog. Even if injuries weren't a concern, negative reinforcement really doesn't work with this dog because he'll simply shut down.
The Yorkipoo enjoys barking just a little too much ("I love this and I'm good at it!
Like most of the Poodle hybrids, the Yorkipoo was originally designed to be a companion dog who could reside with allergy sufferers. He'll alert bark when someone comes to the door or when he sees anything suspicious (and the chances are good he's got a different definition of suspicious than you do). Some Yorkipoos can be trained to only bark once or twice, but many cannot.
There's a difference between an intentional breeding of carefully selected Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles versus a Poodle mix who's called a Yorkipoo because no one has any clue what his background really is. When the mix works as intended, you get the intelligence and spirit of the Poodle and the bold terrier aspects of the Yorkie. Of course, when the mix doesn't work, you can get a submissive, urinating fear-biter - but that can happen in any combineed breed, and in any purebred with unhappy genes.
Highlights
- The Yorkipoo is really a designer dog and is the result of Yorkshire Terrier to Toy or Miniature Poodle breedings. There's been an increase in multigenerational breeding (Yorkipoo to Yorkipoo), and also in Yorkipoo to Poodle or Yorkipoo to Yorkshire Terrier breeding; but many litters are first generation, the consequence of breeding two purebred pare usuallynts.
- A Yorkipoo is active and energetic, as are both Poodles and Yorkies. He requires daily exercise and does well with a good walk or romp in the yard.
- Barking is a favorite pastime. Occasionally a Yorkipoo could be trained to bark less, but expect to hear the noise whenever someone involves the door. He has no clue that his bark doesn't terrify anyone.
- He is a non- to low-shedder and can make an excellent companion for people with allergies.
- Daily brushing is needed to keep his fine, silky coat free of tangles and mats.
- Loving and gentle, the Yorkipoo can make an excellent companion to older, more considerate children. You should be able to see a waist.
- He's easy to train if you use positive reinforcement. He's got a stubborn streak, though, so expect some occasional resistance.
- The Yorkipoo can live very happily in an apartment.
- He generally does well with other dogs and pets. The Yorkipoo produces little dander, which is actually the trait that appeals to the allergic owner.
- To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding canines to make sure they're free from genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments.
History
Like many designer breeds, the Yorkipoo is quite a young hybrid - he's been popular for about a decade. He was originally developed to create a toy-sized dog who had a hypoallergenic coat and was free of the genetic disorders that affected the parent breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier and the Toy or Miniature Poodle.
The success of crossing the Poodle with the Yorkshire Terrier has had mixed results, as with any hybrid; but the popularity of the Yorkipoo has grown. Today, most Yorkipoo litters are still the result of first-generation breeding, but some breeders have concentrated on multigenerational crosses in an effort to see the Yorkipoo produce offspring who confirm more consistently to the desired traits.
There are no breed groups or registries for the Yorkipoo, but efforts have begun to create a direction for all Yorkipoo breeders; these will soon be available at a pending site called www.yorkipoo.org.
Size
The Yorkipoo ranges from 7 to 15 inches in height and 3 to 14 pounds in weight. Size can differ between individuals, and the mature adult size is usually a reflection of the size of Poodle who was used for the crossbreeding.
Personality
The Yorkipoo is an active, affectionate, fun-loving dog who relishes the company of people. He is loving and loyal, a true companion dog who enjoys participating in family activities. He's confident, thanks to his terrier heritage, but usually he's also easygoing and less demanding than many other small breeds.
He's intelligent enough that, given consistent and positive training, he can be considered a perfect companion. He tends to be watchful and is happy looking at the world from the warmth of his owner's lap, but he also enjoys exploring new things on his own.
Temperament is affected by several factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Choose the middle-of-the-road puppy, not the one who's beating up his littermates or the main one who's hiding in the corner.
Always meet at least one of the parents - usually the mother may be the one who's available - to ensure that they have nice temperaments that you're comfortable with. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up.
Like every dog, the Yorkipoo needs early socialization - exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences - when they're young. Socialization helps ensure that your Yorkipoo puppy matures to be a well-rounded dog.
Enrolling him in a puppy kindergtherten class is a good start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills.
Health
Yorkipoos are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Yorkipoos will get any or all of these diseases, but it is important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.
If you're buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy's parents. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
In Yorkipoos, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease; from Auburn University for thrombopathia; and from the Canine Eye Registry Base (CERF) certifying that eyes are normal. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site (offa.org).
- Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological condition that's often, but not always, inherited. It can cause mild or severe seizures that may show themselves as unusual behavior (such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding) or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. It's important to take your dog to the vet for proper diagnosis (especially since seizures can have other causes) and treatment.
- Patellar Luxation: Also known as slipped stifles, this can be a common problem in small dogs. The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part (as a bone at a joint). Patellar luxation is when the knee joint (often of a hind leg) slides in and out of place, causing pain. This could be crippling, although many canines lead relatively normal lives with this condition.
- Portosystemic Shunt (PSS): This is an abnormal flow of blood between the liver and the body. That's a problem, because the liver is responsible for detoxifying the body, metabolizing nutrients, and eliminating drugs. Signs can include but are not limited to neurobehavioral unusualities, lack of appetite, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), intermittent gastrointestinal will besues, urinary tract problems, drug intolerance, and stunted growth. Signs usually appear before two years of age. Corrective surgery can be helpful in long-term management, as can a special diet.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: This is a condition involving the hip joint. If your Yorkipoo has Legg-Perthes, the blood supply to the head of the femur (the large rear leg bone) is decreased, and the head of the femur that connects to the pelvis begins to disintegrate. The first symptoms, limping and atrophy of the leg muscle, usually occur when puppies are four to six months old. Surgery can correct the situation, usually resulting in a pain-free puppy.
- Hypothyroidism: This is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It's thought to be responsible for conditions such as epilepsy, alopecia (hair loss), obesity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma ,and other skin conditions. It is treated with medication and diet.
- Hyperadrenocorticism: Also known as Addison's disesincee, this is an extremely serious condition. It's caused by a good insufficient production of adrenal hormones by the adrenal gland. Most dogs with Addison's disease vomit, have a poor appetite, and have little energy. Because these signs are vague and can be mistaken for other conditions, it's easy to misdiagnose this disease until it reaches more advanced stages. It's not a jail, and he shouldn't spend more than a few hours at a time in it except when he's sleeping at night. If your vet suspects Addwill beon's, a series of tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- Atopic Dermatitis: That is an inherited skin disease that manifests itself as a predisposition to develop allergic symptoms following repeated exposure to some otherwise harmless substance, typically an allergen such as dust mites or pollen. It usually shows up by the time the dog is about three years old. An atopic animal usually rubs, licks, chews, bites, or scratches at his feet, muzzle, ears, armpits, or groin. This irritation causes hair loss and redness and thickening of the pores and skin. Treatment involves removing the allergen as much as possible, and administering antihistamines and steroids. Use hypoallergenic shampoos on affected dogs.
Care
The Yorkipoo is equally at home in a house or an apartment. He's far too small to live outside; he must live indoors for both his physical and emotional well-being. He requires daily exercise, since he has a surprising amount of energy (read between those lines). A daily walk or romp in the yard will provide enough exercise to keep him healthy and happy. The Yorkipoo can also burn off steam by playing a game of fetch down a hallway.
Crate training benefits every dog and is really a kind way to ensure that your Yorkipoo doesn't have accidents in the house or get into things he shouldn't. A crate can be a place where he can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will help your Yorkipoo accept confinement if he ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized.
Never stick your Yorkipoo in a crate all day long, however. More severe signs occur when a dog is stressed or when potassium levels become high enough to interfere with heart function, causing severe shock and death. Yorkipoos are people dogs, and they aren't meant to spend their lives locked up in a crate or kennel.
Feeding
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child.
Keep your Yorkipoo in good shape by measurwithing his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out constantly. If you're unsure whether he's overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test.
First, look down at him. Like most toy breeds, he's not recommended for homes with very young children. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread lowerward. You ought to be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, he needs less food and more exercise.
For more on feeding your Yorkipoo, see our guidelines for buying the right food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog.
Coat Color And Grooming
The coat of the Yorkipoo can range from straight to curly, and it should be luxuriously soft and silky in texture - running your fingers through it is heavenly.
Although it's different for each Yorkipoo, a puppy resulting from a multigenerational breeding (a Yorkipoo crossed with another Yorkipoo) is supposed to be odorless and nonshedding - although "nonshedding" is a fantasy, since every dog on the planet sheds at least a tiny bit.
A companion dog, he may suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods at a time.
The Yorkipoo is seen in a wide variety of colors, including cream, black, white, red, sable, apricot, tan, chocolate, gray, and silver. This versatile boy can sport multiple colors and a wide variety of markings, including black with tan points.
Although he's considered to be a non- to low-shedder, the Yorkipoo requires care in keeping that fine coat silky and healthy. Brushing him daily wards off tangles. Brush the hair away from the eyes to prevent it from becoming an irritant, which it will certainly be if this task is neglected. You can even protect his eyes by trimming the hair with a pair of scissors.
His coat should be trimmed regularly to whatever length you prefer; that's the beauty of a designer breed. No-one is going to say you've clipped him incorrectly, because there is no "correct" cut. Bathing keeps his layer silky to the touch, but he only must be bathed when it's necessary, not on a schedule.
Brush your Yorkipoo's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Toy breeds are notorious for dental problems, as it's tough to get all those the teeth into such a tiny mouth. Daily brushing is even better in order to prevent gum disease and bad breath.
Trim nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally to prevent painful tears and other problems. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding - and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. So, if you're not experienced trimming dog nails, ask a vet or groomer for pointers.
His ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. When you check your dog's ears, wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections. Don't insert anything into the ear canal; just clean the outer ear.
Begin accustoming your Yorkipoo to being brushed and examined when he's a puppy. Handle his paws frequently - dogs are touchy about their feet - and look inside his mouth. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you'll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams along with other handling when he's an adult.
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Children And Other Pets
The Yorkipoo is a gentle and loving dog who can do well with children. He's not recommended for homes with babies and toddlers, since he can be easily injured when improperly handled. A Yorkipoo can make an excellent companion for an older, more considerate child.
As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Teach your child never to approach any dog while he's eating or sleeping or to try to take the canine's food away. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference - the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your canine's bowl.
In general, he does well with other dogs and pets (not that there are plenty of pets much smaller than he is, but he doesn't grasp that). He may display prey drive due to his Yorkie parent, however. That may lead him to chase smaller pets and cats, but usually it's in good fun.
Rescue Groups
Yorkipoos are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are several Yorkipoos in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. If you don't see a rescue listed for your are usually, contact the national breed club or a local breed club and they can point you toward a Yorkipoo rescue.
- Poo-Mix Rescue
By Dog Care Tip