
The new age of designer dogs is here. There are many new breeds out there today, each as cute as the other. One such interesting mix is the Yorkie-Pomeranian hybrid or the Yorkie-Pom. DogAppy provides more information about this cute little pooch.
Sweet Treats
The demand for mix-breed dogs is on the rise today. Different pure breeds are being crossed with each other to create dogs that have stronger genes, better health, and traits of both the parents. One such example is the Yorkie-Pomeranian mixed breed, also called a designer dog because of the special and careful crossing of the Yorkshire Terrier with the Pomeranian. Also called the Yoranian, the Yorkie-Pom, and the Porkie, this dog is as diverse in personality as it is in name. Known for its playful nature and sweet disposition, it is great to have as a family member. It will love you dearly and is happy to accompany you wherever you go. Below is some information about the Yoranian, along with some tips on how to care for one.
Appearance
The Porkie is a small breed grows between 6-10 inches tall. Normally weighing only up to 7 pounds this sweet pea has medium to long fur coming from either of its parents. The coat color can have any combinations of tan, white, blue, or black; again, the color gene can be stronger from any side, so it is quite difficult to predict what a pup will look like beforehand. This dog has small, upright ears, and a medium tail. Just like its parents, it will have a small snout, and big, round eyes. All in all, a very cute package!
Temperament
This is one boisterous dog! A lot of energy baked into this tiny package with even more enthusiasm. It is a family-oriented pooch who will want to be involved in everything that you do. It loves cuddles and laps, but be careful not to hug it too tight! In general, a Yorkie-Pom is an intelligent blend coming from two very smart breeds. Inherently curious these dogs tend to get bored quickly, so you will need to give it some mentally-stimulating activities, provide plenty of canine enrichment and walks.
Both the parent breeds are known to be a little frisky around small children, your Porkie may be too. The rough house play of small kids can seriously injure such a tiny dog so always have an eye on your dog and in general keep them away from small children. Be aware of the Pomeranian’s tendency to be noisy and bark. This quality could be inherited but don’t worry because there is always training to fix this issue.
Diet
Kibble for small breeds of canned food is fine for this mixed-breed, but ask your veterinarian if they recommend supplements like fish oil or probiotics. Be observant of food sensitivities or allergic reactions, palatability, and portion size to keep your dog’s gut happy and healthy. Whatever diet you decide to follow be careful you are feeding your little Porkie small-sized pieces so your dog can easily chew and swallow.
Training
Puppies can be challenging during training, especially housebreaking. The Yorkie-Pom is no exception. as with all dogs a Porkie needs to be trained with patience, encouragement, praises and treats. Positive reinforcement all the way. One very important thing to remember is that this is a small dog, vulnerable to attacks by other dogs, cats, and birds. Hence, it is best to train your puppy inside the house; you can use special mats for potty training. Keep this in mind as a general rule; avoid letting your Yoranian outside on its own for a long time.
Exercise
The Porkie has boundless energy, yes, but it is boundless only to the extent of its size. This pooch loves to play; but the kind of exercise that a dog owner will need to give to, say, a Labrador or a Beagle, is not suitable for this mix. Let your pup run around the house and play with you; this exercise will prove to be more than sufficient for it. Remember, when you take your dog for a walk, use a body belt instead of a leash to avoid any injury to its fragile neck from an accidental tug or pull. Two walks in a day are a sufficient workout.
Health
Although a mixed breed is always relatively healthier than its parents, there are some genetic disorders that may be passed down to it. Both the Yorkie and the Pomeranian are known to be affected by eye irritation and insufficient production of tears, tooth decay and falling out of teeth, patellar luxation (kneecaps sliding out of place), and retinal atrophy. Hence, it is always recommended to make regular visits to the vet for general health checks, and also to stay up-to-date with all the vaccinations. The normal life expectancy of this breed is between 12 and 17 years.
The Yoranian is known to be affected by low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which is a common issue with the Pomeranian. If you see symptoms such as lethargy, increased thirst, disorientation or a low appetite consult your veterinarian immediately. Your vet will recommend some supplements to give your dog if this event occurs. Keep them handy at all times.
Grooming
The coat needs regular brushing to prevent it from getting tangled. This is a hypoallergenic dog, so you don’t have to worry about your allergies around it; which is a good thing because its cuteness will make you want to cuddle it all the time! It is a light shedder as well. An important aspect of grooming is keeping the coat trimmed around the back end to prevent the dog’s waste from sticking to the fur. Cleaning the ears and brushing the teeth regularly is also very important.
Living Conditions
A tiny dog like this one will do just fine in an apartment, even a small one. Not known to take up much space, this breed does not need a big house with a yard. However, there is one thing about the Porkie that you should know; it is known to jump and play around you when you are walking or are about to sit. So keep a lookout for your dog as you walk and look around before you settle on the sofa and before you stand up to avoid any injuries or unpleasant consequences.
The Yorkie-Pomeranian mix breed is a wonderful dog with many endearing personality traits. It does not need much space or rigorous outdoor exercise. All it wants is your attention and love, and it will make itself at home anywhere.