Chorkie

Chorkies are mixed-breed dogs, the result of a hybrid between Yorkshire terriers and Chihuahuas. Another name for this designer dog breed is the Yorkiechi. They are playful, energetic dogs that love to go on walks. Chorkies are very devoted to their owners and will often prefer the company of their people to other dogs. If bred from a teacup chihuahua, they may be among the tiniest of designer dog breeds.

History And Origin

The exact origin of when the Chorkie came to be is not entirely known but it is believed to have started in the United States in the 1990s when more people had a desire for smaller dogs. The parent breeds of the Chorkie, the Yorkshire terrier, and the Chihuahua, both have a longer history. The Yorkshire terrier can be traced back to the middle of the 19th century when breeders started to cross various English terriers with Scottish terriers. Developed as ratters to chase and flush small mammals and rodents out of mills and mines, they later became beloved lap dogs. The chihuahua is believed to have evolved from a small, mute dog called the Techichi, which was kept by the Toltec people of Mexico as early as the 9th century.

3 Pros And Cons Of Owning Chorkies

Size And Weight

Chorkies tend to be very small. They average 8-15 pounds and are around 6-9 inches in height. If bred from a teacup Chihuahua, they may be even smaller than this, as a full-grown teacup chihuahua can weigh as little as 5 lbs.

Common Health Issues

Chorkies are predisposed to many of the same health issues are chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers. This includes but is not limited to skin problems and allergies, patellar luxation, and hypothyroidism. Skin problems may include dry skin, and irritated skin caused by allergies. Allergies may cause the dog to scratch excessively. Patellar luxation is a problem with the knee caps, where the bone slides out of place when the knee is flexed. And hypothyroidism may cause weight gain, laziness, and seizures in a Chorkie.

In short, the top 3 health problems that Chorkies may experience are:

• Skin issues/Allergies
• Patellar luxation
• Hypothyroidism

Temperament

Chorkies are very energetic for their size. They are playful, intelligent, and overall pleasant dogs with good temperaments. They can be stubborn and will need constant training, starting as puppies.

Chorkies love their owners but are not always fond of other dogs. This means that they will need to be socialized with other dogs to set a precedent for good behavior. They are very brave and protective, making them great watchdogs for a home.

How To Take Care Of Chorkies

Chorkies make for very adorable puppies, and a loving, portable pet. Their small size means they can be prone to under-exercising and becoming overweight, so a good diet is key. They will need to be taken to the groomer quite frequently depending on what kind of coat they have.

The Best Dog Food For Chorkies

Chorkies should have a regular feeding schedule to avoid becoming overweight. Because they are prone to weighing too much, they should receive a limited number of treats.

Chorkie puppy food: Because these dogs can so easily become overweight and develop health issues, consult your veterinarian when choosing the right food to feed your Chorkie puppy. As they transition into adulthood, Chorkie puppies will need to alter their diets.

Adult Chorkie Food: Full-grown Chorkies will benefit from food with a good source of protein. Chorkies should eat food that is specially formulated for small dogs. They will also need their teeth brushed often, as Chorkies are prone to dental issues. High-quality foods are important for all dogs but especially smaller, designer dog breeds.

Adequate nutrition is essential for all dogs, but for dogs like Chorkies who experience allergies and are prone to thyroid problems, it’s especially important to choose the right food. Organic food can be a safe bet, and there are limited-ingredient dog foods to help avoid allergy-causing ingredients.

The A-Z Animals choice for Chorkies is Canidae PURE Petite Limited Ingredient Premium Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food Grain Free, Premium Clean Proteins.

This dog food’s first ingredient is salmon, a high-quality source of protein and omegas. Your Chorkie will get all the right vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients for peak health. Plus, there are no fillers such as soy, wheat, or corn, that could exacerbate thyroid issues and be a sneaky source of allergies.

Check Chewy or Amazon for this product.

CANIDAE PURE Petite Puppy Small Breed Grain-Free with Salmon Dry Dog Food

• Crafted with 8 key ingredients, starting with real salmon.
• Grain-free freeze-dried kibble raw coated with real salmon for the wag-worthy taste dogs love.
• The small kibble size is specially designed for petite puppies.
• Contains omega-6 and -3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a lustrous coat.
• Good for pets, people and the planet.

Check Chewy Check Amazon

Maintenance And Grooming

Chorkies are not frequent shedders; however, they do require attentive haircuts. They should be brushed regularly with a pin brush and a two-in-one comb. They should also be given baths every one to two weeks. Hair cuts may be more or less frequent depending on the type of coat that the Chorkie inherits from its parents.

Smaller breeds like Chorkies may also need other grooming considerations other than simply haircuts. They may need their anal glands expressed, which some groomers will do automatically or owners can learn to do it themselves. They are also prone to tear stains, so wiping their eyes occasionally with a warm, clean cloth will help keep them at bay.

Training

Chorkies should be trained early and consistently. In addition to obedience, they should be socialized with other dogs to help combat their aggressiveness. Owners will need to train their Chorkie to deal with separation anxiety from an early age, as these dogs are prone to shaking, barking, and otherwise panicking when separated from their owners for a long period of time. Rewarding positive behavior will be key in training your Chorkie and preventing them from developing bad habits.

Exercise

Chorkies require daily exercise. Short walks of mild to moderate difficulty will be perfect for this breed. They enjoy playing for short amounts of time. They will prefer indoor living and may be good for apartments or small homes.

Puppies

Chorkies are very high-energy puppies and will require regular walks and playtime. They should also be trained consistently while young. Chorkie puppies should be socialized around other dogs early on. They will be especially prone to barking. It costs between $400-$800 to buy a Chorkie puppy.

Chorkies And Children

Chorkies are not great dogs for families with young children, as they are very small dogs. Children may not know how to handle them, and they are easily injured if mishandled. They can work well for families with older children who understand the responsibilities of owning a dog.

Dogs Similar To Chorkies

• Chihuahuas – Chihuahuas are bred to create Chorkies and are also an adorably small addition to any household. Chihuahuas love to spend time with their owners, just like Chorkies do.
• Yorkshire Terriers – Another dog that contributes to the Chorkie hybrid breed, these dogs are also small and full of personality. Their coats are hypoallergenic.
• Chinese Crested – These dogs shed very little, as they are mostly hairless. They are also prone to gaining weight.

Popular Names For Chorkies

Below is a list of popular names for the Chorkie hybrid breed:

• Milo
• Riley
• Buddy
• Piper
• Molly
• Coco