Chorkie Dog Breed

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

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.

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.

As a mixed breed, the Chorkie will have more color variation than either parent breed. Yorkshire Terriers may usually be black and tan, but Chihuahua are known for coming in a plethora of colors. They may be mostly one shade or they may be several; some colors often seen in the Chorkie coat include: grey, black, tan, brown, red, white, yellow; black and tan is still an oft seen color combination. The coat may also display merle pattern or spotting.

Black & Tan

Blue & Tan

A fully grown Chihuahua and Yorkie mix will be a small to extra small sized dog. Hybrid dogs typically vary more in regards to size than their purebred stock but, typically, Chorkies weigh 8-10 pounds and stand 6 to 9 inches at the shoulder. They may fall outside these ranges, especially considering both parent breeds are sometimes bred in miniature and teacup varieties.

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.

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.

Chorkies do very well in houses with children because they are high energy and love attention. Perhaps kids will be more or a danger to them than vice versa. Your children should be of the appropriate age to be taught how to respectfully and carefully handle a small pet. This breed can be tiny and individuals can be easily injured, which could be costly. As with all breeds, Chorkies should be supervised around babies.

Below are pictures of the Chorkie dog breed.

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.

Below are health issues and concerns most common in Chorkies

• Collapsed Trachea
• Hypoglycemia
• Patellar Luxation

The following dog breed registries and organizations recognize the Chorkie as a dog breed:

• American Canine Hybrid Club
• Designer Breed Registry
• Designer Dogs Kennel Club
• Dog Registry of America Inc.
• International Designer Canine Registry

• Sources
• http://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/chorkie/
• https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/chorkie#/slide/1