Black & Tan Chorkie Puppy
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Chorkie Dog Breed

Other names:
Chia-Yorkie
Yorkiehuahua

The chorkie is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Yorkshire Terrier. As a hybrid dog breed, chorkies will have favorable traits of both parent breeds. Not all chorkies will inherit equal traits from each of their parents. Its possible to have chorkies display more physical characteristics of a chihuahua and behavioral characteristics of a Yorkshire terrier or vice versa. This can cause behavior and/or physical variation between chorkie dogs, even if from the same litter, which prevents the breed from meeting the requirements necessary to be considered a purebred dog breed.

Chorkie Breed Details

Below are the details and characteristics of the chorkie dog breed.

Type
Hybrid
Lifespan
11 - 16 yrs.
Height
6 - 9 in.
Weight
3 - 7 lbs
Friendliness
OverallFamily FriendlyChild FriendlyPet FriendlyStranger Friendly
Maintenance
Easy to GroomEnergy LevelExercise NeedsHealthShedding Amount
Behavior
Barks / HowlsEasy to TrainGuard DogPlayfulnessWatch Dog
Ownership
Apartment DogCan be AloneGood for Busy OwnersGood for New OwnersIntelligence

Chorkie Breed Description

Since chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers are both toy dog breeds, you can expect the chorkie to also be a toy dog breed. On average the chorkie is 6-9 inches tall (from ground to shoulder) and weighs between 8-10 pounds. Shier small size makes them great companion dogs as they can easily be carried and brought to places without being a hassle.

You can expect the chorkie to inherit common behavioral traits between chihuahuas and yorkshire terriers. Chorkies are commonly bold and confident dogs with a high amount of energy. They make excellent watch dogs, although pose little threat to any possible intruder due to their small size. They are intelligent, but can be stubborn which can make training a bit more difficult.

Most chorkies inherit the long hair traits from the Yorkshire terrier and the head shape of the chihuahua. Their silky coat can come in a variety of colors due to chihuahua's coloring genetics.

Chorkie Appearance

Exactly what does a Yorkie-Chihuahua mix look like? As a hybrid, the Chorkie can look more like either of its parent breeds--but since the Yorkie and the Chihuahua are similar in size and stature, there won't be a lot of variety in appearance.

The Chorkie head is usually fairly round, with a short muzzle and large ears that often stand erect. The eyes are normally brown (though not always) and round; the chest is wide, torso medium-length, and legs straight (and medium-length as well). The tail is long, curved, and fairly thin.

The Chorkie coat length and texture will largely depend on the Chihuahua parent's coat (short or long)--but this hybrid's coat is most often medium to long, and straight or wavy.

Chorkie Colors

The images below represent the coat colors and patterns associated with Chorkies.

Apricot
Black and Tan
Additional Coat Colors
Blue and Tan

Chorkie Variations

Chorkies will vary in two basic features, size and coat length. Both parent breeds, the Chihuahua and the Yorkie, are often bred down to miniature and teacup sizes. The smaller the purebred parents, the smaller your Chorkie will be. Often times, this down sizing may result in unhealthy pets so if you insist upon a teacup Chorkie, make sure you do your research and find a reputable breeder that offers health certificates and guarantees.

This breed also varies in regards to coat length; it will amost always be somewhere from medium to long. Yorkies are known for having long, silky coats, however, Chihuahuas come in both short and long haired varieties. If the Chihuahua parent was long-haired then your Chorkie will almost surely have long hair, but if the parent was a short-haired Chihuahua, they may have a medium length coat with various longer pieces. Regardless, Chorkies coats will not be hard to maintain but keep in mind they are not hypoallergenic.

Chorkie Temperament

The Chorkie personality will vary quite a bit and depend highly upon whether their inherit more Yorkie or Chihuahua traits. Generally, they will be energetic, attention loving little watchdogs. They tend to be vocal and, while this may be a great alarm against intruders, your neighbors will not appreciate a poorly trained Chorkie. Although smart, they require patience and consistency in regards to training; if not aware of their place they can easily develop small dog syndrome and will behave like a bossy child.

These dogs will be happy to take as much attention and companionship as you will give them (even sleeping in the bed with you) and do well in households with kids and other pets. They will be very active indoors and will enjoy playing with toys and taking daily walks. Due to their small size, they should be supervised around large, energetic dogs. They will likely be timid around strangers at first, but will warm up soon enough. Members of this breed have sometimes been known to be aggressive and overprotective of the owner.

Living Requirements

Overall, Chorkies as pets are wonderful. They're very small, and are better for families with older kids or for people looking for a loving companion. Chorkies can be yappy, and they sometimes develop Small Dog Syndrome (excessive fussiness and attempts at domination) if not trained otherwise. Besides that, these hybrids make affectionate and playful (if sometimes bossy) additions to any household.

In terms of living environments, Chorkies are fantastic apartment dogs. Regardless of the dwelling, these dogs need a good bit of attention--so they'll do best if allowed to live inside with the human family members they love so much.

And are Chorkies hypoallergenic? Usually, they are. The Chorkie hypoallergenic tendencies will depend on the traits inherited from the Chihuahua. The more Chihuahua-like dogs, in other words, will probably shed more and not be good for allergy sufferers. It's recommended that potential owners who are allergic to pet dander, spend time with the Chorkie they choose before bringing the dog home.

Chorkie Health

Below are health issues and concerns most common in Chorkies

Chorkie Health Concerns

Below are potential health concerns associated with Chorkies.

Patellar luxation
Collapsed trachea
Hypoglycemia

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