Small in size but big on fun, the Chihuahua-Yorkie mix is an excellent dog to have around. It has all the desirable characteristics of a small dog, and it is also hypoallergenic! DogAppy provides some facts about the Chorkie dog.
It’s a Barker!
The Chorkie needs to be around people, and should not be left alone for a long time. This dog is naturally prone to barking, and boredom can result in increased noise levels for even the smallest of reasons. However, on a better day, it makes for a good watchdog.
Who doesn’t love a small, cute dog which is friendly, loyal, and very loving? Add to that, the fact that it is courageous, sheds very little, and loves to snuggle, and you have for yourself an amazing pet. There is one mix breed that meets these criteria, and that is the Chorkie! A power-packed combination of the Chihuahua and the Yorkie, this little guy makes for a wonderful and fun pet.
Chorkies originated around the 1990s, when the craze for small designer dogs boomed greatly, and after that, there was no turning back for this breed. It has the royal demeanor of a Chihuahua, which walks around with its head held high, despite the fact that it is a miniature little thing. From the Yorkie, it inherits its fluffy cuteness and playful attitude. The following paragraphs provide some information about the Chihuahua-Yorkie mix breed.
Meet the Family
Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier
1 month old Chorkie puppy
3 months old Chorkie puppy
Personality Traits
The Chorkie has a positive temperament, and is silly, happy, friendly, and playful. It is extremely loyal to its family, and like its parent breeds, and often forgets about its small size. It will most likely take on a big dog or suspicious-looking stranger to protect you. It likes to sleep around a lot too, and prefers laps the most. It likes playing and running around with kids, but remember that this is a small breed that can get injured due to the rough play of small kids. Hence, it is suitable for families with older children.
It is also weary of strangers and can get scared of specific kinds of people or animals. Hence, socializing a Chorkie puppy with all kinds of people and other pets, right from an early age, is very important. Due to its small size, there is a possibility that it may get aggressive with strangers. Hence, getting it used to the people around is required. Otherwise, this dog is a lot of fun to have around.
Appearance
The Chorkie is a small-sized dog, which is not more than 5 to 8 pounds in weight; it doesn’t get very big. Its height can differ depending on its genetic makeup. It may have short legs, or it may be taller. Its ears may be floppy or erect. It has a small face with a short muzzle. The eyes are big and expressive, and are typically black or brown in color.
The coat is medium in length and quite fluffy. Eyebrows are a shade lighter than the rest of the coat. Coat colors are various, and can be white, gray, black, tan, or red. Some individual dogs will change the coat colors either as they grow, or every season. For example, some dogs may alternate between a black and gray coat. The hair around its muzzle begins to gray with age, which is a noticeable characteristic. Due to its small size, it tends to prance instead of walk.
Diet
This dog must not be fed too much, since it is a small breed. It is prone to obesity like the Yorkie. Hence, feeding twice a day is sufficient. However, this is a general number, and you should visit your vet and chalk out a feeding schedule for your Chorkie.
Grooming
This is a low-shedding, hypoallergenic breed; good news for those with allergies to dog hair. However, it still needs regular grooming because its fur is prone to matting. Also, it tends to get dirty easily and smell, so bathing is equally important. But too much bathing can harm its delicate skin, so a regular wipe-down with a clean, wet cloth is better, along with a monthly bath. Also remember to keep the hair around the eyes, inside the ears, and around the nails properly trimmed. Trimming its nails on a regular basis is also important.
Training
The Chorkie is an intelligent dog that loves pleasing its family and making them laugh. Thus, training this breed is not that difficult. However, like most dogs, it is also prone to being stubborn at times. But yelling and punishing won’t help and is wrong; positive reinforcement such as lots of praises, a reward system, and a gentle and respectful (yes) tone will work best.
Exercise
Rigorous exercise is not recommended for such a tiny dog. The Chorkie is an active and playful breed, but too much of workout can cause severe exhaustion. Hence, medium walks twice a day are fine. If you are taking your dog for a long walk, then carry it for some of the way. It will be playing the whole day anyway. (It is prone to getting overexcited.)
Living Conditions
This breed is suitable for apartments. It does not require much space and can do in almost any kind of house. It does not require a yard to play in. However, it is extremely intolerant to cold, so make sure that its living space is warm.
Health
Although crossbreed dogs are typically stronger than their purebred parents, there are always chances of genetic health problems being passed on. Some health problems that may affect the Chihuahua and Yorkie, and are common to a Chorkie, are skin issues, eyes problems, and joint issues. This is a rather delicate breed that needs to be taken proper care of. The lifespan of a Chorkie is between 10 to 15 years.
Other Names
Chia-Yorkie, Yorkiehuahua, Yorkie-Chi.
The Chihuahua-Yorkie mix is a good family dog. It is a lot of fun to have around and a great companion dog. Its small size, cute looks, and sunny attitude will make you fall in love with it, you may never want another breed again!