Chorkie Dog Breed: Characteristic, Health & Fun Facts!

A small but very strong Yorkshire terrier and Chihuahua cross result in Chorkies. The Chorkies may be little, but they don’t act it, just like their parent breeds!

They make fantastic companion animals for just about everyone—single professionals or families with children, those who live in apartments or those who own large homes, first-time dog parents, or seasoned dog owners—thanks to their outgoing personality and a ready supply of affection for their owners. These friendly, versatile canines will happily travel with their owners.

These lovely puppies also make a perfect match for big families and make great apartment pets for active individuals. The Chorkie puppies could be the ideal dog for you if you’re seeking a little dog with a big personality that loves to be in the spotlight.

About The Breed

Dogs of mixed breeds are Chorkies. Unlike their Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier parents, they are not purebred animals.

Chorkies typically come in shades of brown, white, silver, blue, and black. Sometimes they have solid-colored coats, while other times, they have a variety of hues.

Although it’s difficult to say for sure, Chorkies often have a minimal shed coat and are hypoallergenic. Your dog may shed a little bit more if they have more Chihuahuas in them.

The Chorkie is a little dog and is susceptible to injury. Older children or people who know how to play with them gently tend to fare better with Chorkies.

Similar to both parent dogs, the chorkie puppies may experience anxiety when left alone for extended periods.

Chorkie Dog Breed History

Although no one knows when or by whom the Chihuahua and Yorkshire terrier were initially crossed, it is thought that this breed gained popularity in the United States of America in the nineteen nineties when more people were looking for this little dog breed to call their own.

The parent breeds of the Chorkie have long been loved as pets. According to the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America, breeders in the northern English counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire started breeding different Scottish terriers with English terriers around the middle of the nineteenth century.

In mills of textile and mines of coal, they were first bred as ratters or dogs that could flush out mice and other small animals. Later, they were popular lap dogs for Victorian women.

Chorkie Dog Breed Job Card/Overview

Dog BreedChorkie
Type of Dog BreedMixed Breed Dogs
OriginUnited States of America
Breeds of parentsThe medium-length coat that is silky
Height Six to nine inches 
WeightEight to fifteen pounds
Expected lifespanTwelve to fifteen years
Coat TypeThe medium-length silky coat
Usual HuesBlack, blue, silver, white, and brown.
Needs for groomingModerate
TemperamentAmiable, gregarious, and fun
Living in an apartmentFor apartment living, recommended
Animal FriendlyYes
Requirements for ExerciseLow
Propensity to droolLow 
Level of IntelligenceModerate
Level of StrengthModerate
ActivityHigh
What To Know
• Chorkies are a cute and small dog breed that’s a mix of a Chihuahua and a Yorkshire Terrier.
• These little dogs are known for their energetic and friendly personalities, making them great companions.
• Chorkies require regular grooming to keep their long, silky fur in good shape and to prevent matting.
• They are a playful bunch and love to interact with their owners, so be ready to provide plenty of love and attention.
• Chorkies can sometimes be a bit stubborn when it comes to training, so early socialization and positive reinforcement are essential for a well-behaved pet.

Characteristics 

Chorkie Dog Breed


Adaptability

Adaptability in Chorkie dogs is a crucial factor to apprehend whilst welcoming those pets into your house. These pint-sized companions are acknowledged for his or her ability to adjust to diverse dwelling environments and their family situations.

Chorkies are flexible and may adapt nicely to town apartments or country homes. They also can get at the side of other pets and revel in the business enterprise of kids, provided they receive proper socialization.

Just keep in thoughts that they may need time to evolve to a new environment, so be patient and offer a strong and loving surrounding to help your Chorkie thrive in any setting.

Adaptability

Adaptive to Apartment Living

Suitable for New Owners

Sensitivity Scale

Comfortable Being Alone

Comfortable with Cold Weather

Comfortable with Hot Weather

Friendliness

These tiny companions tend to be warm and affectionate, making them amazing for households in search of loving pets.

They experience social interplay and thrive on the companionship in their human family individuals. Chorkies are frequently pleasant with different pets, but early socialization can help make sure their comfort with other animals.

All About Friendliness

Lovable with Family

Kid-Friendly

Dog-Friendly

Frank with strangers

Personality 

The lively, humorous, and fiercely devoted pets that many Chorkie owners describe them as may often become aggressive towards strangers. Always keep them on leashes in public areas.

Similar to both parent dogs, the Chorkie may experience anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Multiple dogs in the house might be beneficial in this regard.

These puppies would need to live with someone who is constantly moving or occupied around the house because of their energy.

They like to observe your activities and would happily join you for walks, play dates, or even to watch you tidy up or mend anything around the house.

Temperament

Friendly with Children

Chorkies, typically, make superb partners for households with youngsters. With their small size way, they are now not too intimidating for little ones. These puppies are regarded for their playful and affectionate nature, making them desirable playmates for children. However, usually supervise interactions to make sure of secure and nice surroundings for each canine and youngsters.

Amicable to Other Pets

Chorkies can be quite social with other pets, along with dogs and cats, if they may be nicely socialized from a younger age. It’s crucial to introduce them to other animals progressively and ensure they discover ways to coexist peacefully. With persistence and supervision, Chorkies can become first-rate pals along with your different furry family participants.

Barking Tendencies

Chorkies can be vocal little dogs. They may additionally bark to warn you to anything uncommon or as a reaction to their surroundings. Training and constant high-quality reinforcement can assist in controlling immoderate barking. Keep in mind that their small size makes their barks less intimidating as compared to large breeds.

Possibilities of Staying Alone

Chorkies are social creatures and might not like being alone for extended intervals. Separation anxiety may be a subject. To assist them in coping, start with brief departures and step by step enlarge the time they spend alone.

Provide toys and a comfortable space to keep them engaged and content while you are away. Remember, each Chorkie is particular, so their potential to stay by themselves might also vary.

Pros And Cons Of The Chorkie Dog Breed 

Pros

  • Cute and lovable small size.
  • Great companion and lap dog.
  • Low shedding and easy grooming.
  • Playful and full of energy.
  • Ideal for apartment living.

Cons

  • Can be a bit stubborn in training.
  • May need socialization with other pets.
  • Requires regular exercise and playtime.
  • Fragile due to small size, handle with care.
  • Potential health issues in hybrid breeds.

Male Vs. Female Attitude

Generally, male Chorkies may additionally show off more dominance and territorial conduct, whilst women might be a piece extra independent and less liable to marking territory.

However, each dog’s character varies, and upbringing and education play an enormous position in their behavior.

It’s critical to provide love, steady schooling, and nurturing surroundings no matter their gender, ensuring a satisfied and properly adjusted Chorkie companion that fits your way of life and choices.

Chorkie Dog Breed

Appearance

General Appearance

Chorkies usually have a small frame with a mixture of traits from both discern breeds. These little canines regularly have expressive, darkish eyes and an adorable button nose. Their coat is usually silky and might be available in diverse colorings.

You’ll locate that their tails can be directly or curled, adding to their appeal. Chorkies have an energetic and alert expressions, making them an adorable addition to any circle of relatives.

Coat Color And Grooming

The coats and colors of Chorkies are frequently a combination of those of their Yorkshire Terrier and Chihuahua parents. Chorkies typically come in shades of brown, white, silver, blue, and black. Sometimes they have solid-colored coats, while other times, they have a variety of hues.

The typical coat of a Chorkie is light in color, silky, and medium length, and it has distinguishing eyebrows.

Chihuahuas are not hypoallergenic, but Yorkies are. Although it’s difficult to say for sure, Chorkies often have a minimal shed coat and are hypoallergenic. Your dog may shed a little bit more if they receive more chi.

Size

There aren’t many size guidelines for the Chorkie because it’s a novel mixed breed. Given that your Chorkie is a hybrid of a Chihuahua and a Yorkie, it is reasonable to expect that it will be very tiny since its parents are also small.

Most are between eight and fifteen pounds in weight and six to nine inches tall at the shoulder. Nevertheless, some people may be smaller or larger than usual.

Health 

The average lifespan of Yorkshire terrier dogs is eleven to fifteen years; however, they can have certain health difficulties. Patella luxation, hypothyroidism, collapsing tracheas, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and portosystemic shunts are among the some of the common diseases this breed is susceptible to.

They share similar dental problems to other tiny breeds, which can result in loss of teeth, decay, and dental disease. Because of this reason, daily teeth brushing, as well as routine examinations and cleanings at the vet, are very important.

The Chihuahua, his other parent breed, has an average life of ten to eighteen years. Although chihuahuas are often in good condition, several health problems can also affect these little puppies.

Chihuahuas are prone to patellar luxation, much as Yorkies. Additionally, they might have hypoglycemia, epilepsy, folic acid deficiency, and heart disease.

Health And Grooming Requirements

Shedding Quantity

Drooling Capability

Effortless to Groom

Overall Health

Capable of Gaining Weight

Size

Maintenance And Care

With smaller breeds, anal gland expression is frequently required as well. Your dog might need to have their anal glands expressed if you notice them “scooting” or dragging its bottom on the ground often. You may either ask for this to be done at a grooming visit or do it yourself. Though not often, groomers may carry it out automatically. So that this unpleasant chore doesn’t get avoided.

The tear glands of the Chorkie are prone to overactivity, which can result in tear streaks close to their eyes. Tear stains may be greatly reduced by keeping a clean hanky or cloth close by and dabbing them occasionally.

Food And Nutrition

Although they must consume small amounts of food more frequently due to their small stomachs, toy dogs have very quick metabolisms, which means they burn energy at a very high rate.

The diets of a Small-breed are made with smaller kibble sizes so that they can fit their smaller mouths and adequate quantities of vital nutrients. Additionally, this promotes chewing and enhances digestion significantly.

All of the major nutritional categories should be properly balanced to achieve good health in your dog’s food, along with a steady supply of clean drinking water.

To maintain your dog in top form, it’s vital to regularly assess physical condition, and don’t forget to feed them at least twice daily a day and under the feeding instructions of their specific food.

Exercise And Activity Level 

Chorkies are typically active little puppies, desiring daily physical activity. Aim for around half an hour of exercise, like brisk walks or interactive playtime, to preserve the content material.

Morning and evening are frequently the first-class times to interact with them in the bodily pastime, as Chorkies are extra energetic at some point in those durations.

Be attentive to their strength ranges, adjusting workout as a consequence. While they experience play, avoid overexertion and take note of their small size. Balance is key to keeping your Chorkie’s tail wagging and their health in take a look at.

Physical Requirements

Energy range

Intensity

Exercise Requirements

Capable for Playfulness

Trainability

Training a Chorkie is a worthwhile revel in. Start early to set up good behavior conduct. Consistency and endurance are key.

Keep training classes quick and amusing, as Chorkies may have brief interest spans. Use effective reinforcement like treats and rewards to encourage desired behaviors.

Basic instructions like sit, stay, and come are an excellent vicinity to begin. Socialize your Chorkie with different puppies and people to help them become well-adjusted.

Trainability

Effortless to Train

Smartness

Capable for Mouthiness

Tendency to Attack Prey

Urge to Howl or Bark

Wanderlust Ability

Children And Other Pets

Cookies typically get along nicely with other pets at your home and other animals. Keep your dog on a leash if you’re out since Chorkies can be aggressive against unfamiliar canines.

As long as they are not left alone for extended periods, Chorkies like receiving plenty of love and attention as well as being the only pet at your home.

Rescue Groups

Because Chorkies are mixed breed dogs, it could be challenging to find a rescue that just works with that breed. Try Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier breed-specific rescues instead, as they frequently take in mixed breed animals. You can also try some of the following rescues:

  • Chihuahua Rescue & Transport
  • Save A Yorkie Rescue

Explore More Dog Breeds…

FAQs On Chorkie Dog Breed…

What issues do Chorkies face?

A. Common Health Problems in Chorkies: Chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers are also prone to many of the same health problems as Chorkies. This includes hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, skin conditions and allergies, and more. Among skin, issues include dry skin and itchy skin brought on by allergies.

Are children and other pets friendly to Chorkie?

A. Due to their friendly attitude, intelligence, and tiny stature, Chorkies can make excellent first-time canines. They are content in most settings and get along with kids.

Was this article helpful?

Leave a Comment