Yorkiepoo

Appearance: Small Poodle Cross

As the Yorkiepoo is not an official dog breed, but a crossbreed, there is no set standard. Some resemble the Poodle, others look more like the Yorkshire Terrier. Most are an adorable mix with shaggy coats, button eyes and floppy ears.

How Big Does a Yorkiepoo Get?

Yorkiepoos are small dogs. This is mainly due to the Yorkshire Terrier, which weighs up to 3.2 kilograms. Suitable partners include Miniature Poodles with a shoulder height of 28 to 35 centimetres and Toy Poodles with a shoulder height of 24 to 28 centimetres. Accordingly, a Yorkiepoo can reach a maximum height of 35 centimetres and weigh up to 6 kilograms.

Coat and Colour of the Yorkiepoo

A Yorkiepoo often has a shaggy, slightly wavy and fairly long coat. While Yorkshire Terriers have steel-blue fur with tan markings on the chest and head, Poodles come in a much wider range of colours. As a result, the offspring of these two breeds can be wonderfully varied in colour.

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Yorkiepoo Character: A Surprise Package on Four Paws

A Yorkiepoo is a real surprise, as it combines traits from both the Poodle and the Yorkie. What the two breeds share is the reputation of being cosy lapdogs for older ladies. That doesn’t do justice to either the Poodle or the Yorkie – and certainly not to some older ladies! Both breeds are above-average in intelligence, lively and, despite their small size, enthusiastic walkers. As a result, Yorkiedoodles are usually cheerful, spirited companions.

Training a Yorkiepoo

As cute as a Yorkiepoo may look, it needs consistent and knowledgeable puppy training. These little fluffballs are not only incredibly clever but can also be quite stubborn. Loving consistency is key. If you enjoy working closely with your dog rather than just keeping it as a side hobby, you’ll quickly see great progress.

Does a Yorkiepoo Bark a Lot?

Some Yorkiepoos do tend to yap, thanks to their Terrier heritage. As small dogs are often underestimated, owners of little chatterboxes should consider whether their four-legged friend is getting enough physical and mental stimulation. Calm downtime to switch off is just as important. Without the right balance, these adventurous dogs can soon make themselves heard.

Further reading: How can I stop my dog from barking?

Living with a Yorkiepoo: Happiest by Your Side and Outdoors

A well-trained Yorkiepoo is a friendly everyday and travel companion who loves to be involved in everything. It’s just as suited to life in a house in the countryside as it is to a flat in the city.

Is the Yorkiepoo Suitable for First-Time Owners?

Yes, committed first-time dog owners who enjoy being active with their dog can do very well with a Yorkiepoo.

Grooming a Yorkiepoo

The Yorkie’s silky coat meets the Poodle’s curly fur. This combination often requires a great deal of grooming. Most Yorkiepoos need regular brushing or even clipping. Their fluffy coats attract dirt and are prone to matting. Coat texture can vary greatly from one Yorkiepoo to another. As a Yorkiepoo owner, you should also regularly clean your dog’s ears, as the floppy ears filled with fur are prone to ear infections in dogs.

Is the Yorkiepoo a Good Family Dog?

Most of these crossbreeds fit well into family life. Adults should take particular care that children do not accidentally injure or overexert the delicate dog. A protected retreat is important so the Yorkiedoodle can relax away from the hustle and bustle of (young) family life.

Is the Yorkiepoo Suitable for Allergy Sufferers?

No – you can’t generally say that Poodle crosses or Poodles are a suitable dog for allergy sufferers. Allergies are triggered not only by fur, but also by saliva and skin flakes. Anyone with allergies should always consult their doctor before deciding on a dog – even if the breed is said not to shed. What’s more, some Yorkiepoos do lose hair.

How Can You Keep a Yorkiepoo Entertained?

Yorkiepoos may look small and cute, but they don’t just want cuddles! These bundles of energy love being outdoors and enjoy long walks. Many Yorkiedoodles relish tackling tasks together with their human. Always bear their small size in mind. Suitable dog sports include, for example, agility for small dogs, scent work or teaching dog tricks.

You’ll find suitable toys to keep your dog busy at zooplus:

How Healthy is the Yorkiepoo?

As a hybrid dog, the Yorkiepoo can inherit genetic predispositions to diseases from both parents. From the Poodle side, eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts can occur. Both Poodles and Yorkies may be prone to patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place.

Yorkshire Terrier lines may also be affected by eye diseases such as PRA. A genetically caused dry eye – meaning too little tear fluid – distichiasis, where hairs grow into the eye, and glaucoma in dogs can cause problems. Thyroid disorders are also more common in Yorkshire Terriers.

How Long Does a Yorkiepoo Live?

A healthy Yorkiepoo can live to 14 years or more . Many of these four-legged friends remain playful and lively well into old age.

Nutrition for the Yorkiepoo

A Yorkiepoo does not usually require special food. You can offer wet or dry food or alternate between the two, provided your dog tolerates it well. As with all dogs, a high-quality food with a high meat content is recommended. If you choose a dry dog food, opting for one designed for small breeds with appropriately sized kibble makes sense.

You’ll find a wide selection of food for small dog breeds at zooplus:

Origin and History

The history of the Yorkiepoo is also the story of its ancestors, the Yorkshire Terrier and the Poodle. The Yorkshire Terrier originated from targeted crossings of various Terrier breeds in the mid-19th century. The Poodle was originally bred for hunting waterfowl. Today, it is established as a companion dog in four sizes. Both ancestors therefore have hunting in their blood.

The Yorkiepoo as a Doodle

Poodles bring many wonderful qualities: they are intelligent, friendly and do not shed. For this reason, people around the world cross various breeds with Poodles, resulting in numerous “Poos” and “Doodles”. Unfortunately, health and temperament are not always the main focus when breeding these dogs.

Buying a Yorkiepoo: Tips for Choosing a Puppy

If you are set on getting a Yorkiepoo, be very thorough when looking for a breeder. Both parent dogs should have been tested for the breed-specific conditions mentioned above. The puppies should be vaccinated several times and wormed before moving to their new home. The breeder should take plenty of time to answer your questions and, in turn, show interest in the environment their puppies will be living in.

Further reading: Important questions to ask a dog breeder

Similar Breeds

Are you looking for an intelligent, low-shedding and long-lived small dog? Then find out more about the versatile Poodle! Do you find Terriers fascinating? Besides the Yorkie, the Norfolk Terrier is considered an insider tip for Terrier fans seeking a slightly easier-to-train Terrier. Small Bichons such as the Bolognese, the Bichon Frisé or the Löwchen are also low-shedding and suitable for beginners. However, grooming should not be underestimated with these companion dogs.

Conclusion: An Endearing Fluffy Companion

Most Yorkiepoos are thoroughly charming dogs who love accompanying their humans in all aspects of daily life. As many Yorkiepoos come from irresponsible breeders taking advantage of the Doodle trend, choosing the right breeder is especially important.

Yorkiepoo at a Glance

Quick facts:	The Yorkiepoo (also known as Yorkipoo or Yorkiedoodle) is a designer dog created by crossing a Poodle with a Yorkshire Terrier.
Character:	Energetic, intelligent, friendly
Height at withers:	Up to 35 cm
Weight:	Up to 6 kg
Coat:	Shaggy coat, often black and tan
Grooming:	Requires regular brushing and clipping. Many Yorkiepoos shed little or not at all.
Exercise and activity:	Needs size-appropriate physical and mental stimulation and wants to be involved in everything.
Suitable for beginners:	Yes
Barking:	Tends to bark
Life expectancy:	Up to 14 years
Common health issues:	Eye diseases, thyroid disorders, patellar luxation
FCI group:	Not recognised
Origin:	Crossbreed