Yorkiepoo

Canis lupus

Last updated: April 2, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© Tom Feist/Shutterstock.com

The Yorkie-Poo originated from the hybrid poodle phase of the late 20th century


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Yorkiepoo Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Yorkiepoo Conservation Status

Yorkiepoo Locations

Yorkiepoo Locations

Yorkiepoo Facts

Fun Fact
The Yorkie-Poo originated from the hybrid poodle phase of the late 20th century
Temperament
Friendly and energetic
Diet
Omnivore

Yorkiepoo Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Grey
  • Black
  • White
  • Tan
  • Cream
  • Silver
  • Chocolate
Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
12-15 years
Weight
14lbs

Yorkiepoo as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
High
Hypoallergenic
Yes
Separation Anxiety
Moderate
Preferred Temperature
Average climate
Exercise Needs
Moderate
Friendly With Other Dogs
High
Pure bred cost to own
$250 to $1,500, sometimes more
Dog group
Toy
Male weight
3-14 lbs
Female weight
3-13 lbs

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Did you know that a full grown Yorkiepoo is among the smallest types of dogs in the world? Some are so small that they can fit inside of a teacup; hence, the smallest members of this mix are called “teacup” dogs!

The Yorkiepoo is a unique mix between a purebred Yorkshire terrier and a toy or miniature poodle. Both parent breeds are among the most popular in the United States. The Yorkshire terrier is a small, energetic breed, originating from northern England, with a very long coat of elegant dark or brown hair. The poodle is a very skilled and intelligent dog, originating from Germany or France, with long tufts of curly water-resistant hair. When you combined them together, you get the Yorkiepoo (also called a Yorkipoo, Yorkapoo, or Yorkadoodle), a very affectionate and energetic mix.

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First created by breeders in the 1980s and 1990s, the Yorkiepoo is considered to be a type of “designer dog.” This means it’s not just a regular mix. It is purposefully crossed between two different pure breeds to obtain desirable characteristics from both. Since the Yorkiepoo is a cross of two different breeds (and a relatively new one at that), it does not have any agreed-upon standards, but it is generally characterized by a small, petite body and very expressive face. The fur is soft, curly or straight, can be one of a variety of different colors and markings, including apricot, black, gray, white, cream, or chocolate.

3 pros and cons of ownership

ProsCons
Friendly and Affectionate
The Yorkiepoo loves the companionship of people.
Requires Frequent Grooming
Like its poodle and terrier parents, the Yorkiepoo will likely need daily brushings.
Intelligent
The Yorkiepoo is curious, adaptable, and highly trainable.
Tendency to Bark
If you don’t like a very vocal dog, then the Yorkiepoo may not be right for you.
Minimal Shedding
This hybrid mix is a good choice for people who do not want or cannot tolerate a lot of shedding.
Fragile
This dog might be easily injured and requires very careful handling.

Size and Weight

A full grown Yorkiepoo is a small-sized dog with a very thin frame. There is only slight differentiation between the males and females.

Height (Male)7 to 15 inches
Height (Female)7 to 15 inches
Weight (Male)3 to 14 pounds
Weight (Female)3 to 14 pounds

Common Health Issues

May people believe cross-breed dogs to have fewer health issues than pure-breed dogs. However, this is untrue, and mixed breeds may tend to have different or more health issues due to genetic inconsistencies. As a cross between two different breeds, Yorkiepoo puppies of the same litter may inherit very different genetic health vulnerabilities from both of its parents, making it somewhat difficult to predict which health problems may emerge. It is important to keep an eye out for health issues common to both parent breeds.

Health and Entertainment for your Yorkiepoo

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Yorkshire terriers tend to experience hypothyroidism, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease affecting the hip joints, Cushing’s Disease affecting hormone balance, breathing issues such as collapsing trachea, patellar luxation, pancreatitis, bladder stones, and low blood sugar. Degenerative issues of the eyes are also common in Yorkies.

Mini and toy poodles, the other parent of Yorkipoos, experience similar health problems as Yorkies along with epilepsy, eyelid irregularity, and retinal atrophy. Small breeds also experience worse periodontal disease than other breeds, and it is important to maintain dental hygiene in Yorkiepoos.

Although many of these conditions are rare, they can significantly affect quality of life for your pet. Proper breeders screen out health problems early on. In summary, it is important to keep an eye out for these following health issues in Yorkie-poos:

  • Anxiety
  • Atopic Dermatitis
  • Cushing’s Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Hyperadrenocorticism
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Inflammation
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
  • Pain
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Periodontal Disease
  • Portosystemic Shunt (PSS)
  • Separation Anxiety

Temperament

Kind, affectionate, friendly, enthusiastic, and intelligent, Yorkiepoos love to meet new friends and receive attention from people. They have rather carefree and easy-going personalities that make them very approachable and fun to interact with. Since the Yorkiepoo likes to express its big personality vocally, this hybrid is somewhat suitable to be a watchdog. However, this trait may not appeal to people who don’t tolerate barking dogs. The Yorkie poo can thrive in all types of living situations, but its behavior is best suited for apartment or city dwellings.

Care

Despite its small size, the Yorkiepoo does require a moderate amount of maintenance to really get the most out of this mix. A long coat requires much grooming, and you will need to spend some time daily satisfying the dog’s needs for physical exercise and mental stimulation. As a puppy, a Yorkiepoo should have early health checkups and receive all of its vaccinations at the veterinarian’d office. It’s a good idea to return for annual wellness visits after that.

Best Dog Food

Yorkiepoos often suffer from ear infections, which can stem from allergies. So, especially if your Yorkiepoo is experiencing frequent ear maladies, it might be smart to ask your veterinarian about hypoallergenic or limited ingredient foods.

Here’s what A-Z Animals recommends: Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Small-Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with Healthy Grains.

In small bites safe for little dogs, the limited ingredients include fewer common proteins and grains. This cuts out most of the stuff that can cause allergies and ear infections in Yorkiepoos. Plus, this food offers plenty of taurine for eye health.

Check Chewy or Amazon for this product.

An adult Yorkiepoo should eat around a cup of high-quality dog food, divided into two different meals per day. The exact amount may vary slightly with the dog’s age, size, and activity level. It is important to monitor your dog’s weight carefully to prevent further health issues from developing. An ideal body score (weight) is measured by the ability to feel the dog’s ribs under its coat. If your dog starts putting on weight, it may be time to cut back on calorie intake or consult your veterinarian for weight loss options.

Maintenance and Grooming

Despite the fact that the Yorkiepoo barely sheds at all, making it a good choice for a hypoallergenic dog, it still requires frequent brushing almost daily to prevent matting and tangling. It is also a good idea to trim around the eyes and mouth so hair doesn’t obscure your dog’s face. If you are looking for a stylish cut, seek out a professional groomer about once every month or two. Yorkiepoos do a good job of grooming themselves, so only bathe your dog when it becomes particularly dirty. It is necessary to keep your dog’s nails trimmed properly, which may be done by a groomer, veterinarian, or by an owner who has the proper knowledge of nail maintenance. Teeth brushing should also become part of the daily routine in order to prevent build up of dental tartar, which may lead to gum disease and possible loss of teeth.

Training

The Yorkie poo is an intelligent and highly trainable breed that tends to be eager to learn all kinds of commands, from basic to advanced. Like other dogs, Yorkiepoos respond best to positive reinforcement methods in the form of praise and food reward. If you raise your voice or react harshly, this sensitive dog might be more resistant to your commands or become discouraged. Puppies should be trained and socialized as early as possible.

Exercise

The Yorkiepoo is a highly energetic breed that likely needs around 30 minutes of exercise a day, preferably in the form of walking, playtime, or fetch, though these dogs do settle down and rest periodically. With their small frame, this mixed breed might not be well-suited for particularly difficult and strenuous competitions or exercises. The good news is that the Yorkiepoo doesn’t require a lot of room in which to play. It does well with apartment living, and minimal yard space should suffice for some free play.

Puppies

As a hybrid mix, Yorkiepoo puppies can vary quite a bit in appearance and temperament even within the same litter, so it’s always a good idea to take a little extra time to get to know your chosen puppy’s personality before bringing it home. If you can, you should always check the breeder’s reputation and make sure they screen for early health problems. Even though there is no dedicated rescue network for the Yorkiepoo, you may occasionally find this breed in a rescue group or shelter. Rescue groups are very attentive to the health of their dogs and are a good choice when looking to adopt a puppy.

Children

Yorkiepoos are very gentle, loving, and affectionate companions for children of all ages. It is important to be aware that such a small dog may not withstand a lot of rough play from younger children. It may be better to own this small breed in a household with older children who can be taught to gently care for this dog. If you do have younger children and a Yorkiepoo, closely monitor all interactions and be prepared to intervene if the situation becomes dangerous.

Similar Dogs

If the Yorkiepoo is a type of dog that really appeals to you, then the two most similar breeds are obviously its parents, the Yorkshire terrier and the poodle. You also might want to consider looking into the following types of dogs:

  • Pugaoo – The pugaoo is a cross between a poodle and a pug. Like the Yorkie poo, it is a very friendly and affectionate companion dog that works well in a variety of different living situations. The smooth or curly coat of fur can come in black, white, brown, and apricot.
  • Boston Terrier – Originally bred in the United States to hunt vermin, the Boston terrier is a small, short-tailed pure breed dog with very big eyes and a tuxedo-like black and white coat of short hair. Like the Yorkiepoo, this breed has a rather friendly and affectionate personality.
  • Australian Terrier – Developed in Australia from an older English breed, the Australian terrier is a small dog with a shaggy double coat of tan, silver, or black hair. This is an intelligent, alert breed that enjoys interacting with people. It also responds reasonably well to training.

Famous

Since this is a relatively new designer breed, there aren’t a lot of famous examples of them in pop culture. However, its parents, the poodle and the Yorkshire terrier, have been featured prominently. Famous poodle owners include Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Winston Churchill. A famous Yorkie named Pasha was once owned by the Nixons in the White House. Poodles and Yorkies are also very popular within the dog show circuit. For example, Cede Higgins, a Yorkshire terrier, won Best in Show at the 1978 Westminster Kennel Club dog show.

If you’re looking for a good name for your dog, then you might want to consider one of these popular Poodle or Yorkshire terrier names.

  • Baxter
  • Bella
  • Charlie
  • Coco
  • Finn
  • Teddy
  • Buddy
  • Max
  • Jake
  • Lucy

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What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

X-Small
Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes
No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
How intelligent does the dog need to be?
How much chewing will allow?

Yorkiepoo FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is a Yorkie Poo?

A Yorkie Poo is a cross between a Yorkshire terrier and a toy or miniature poodle. This hybrid dog usually has some blending of characteristics between the two parents. However, because some traits are more dominant than others, there won’t be a perfectly equal distribution of traits. That means some characteristics might be difficult to predict just based on the parents alone.

What does a Yorkie Poo look like?

The Yorkie Poo is a small dog with a petite physique, a slight muzzle, and big ears. The long, soft coat of fur can either be smooth or curly with some mixture of black, brown, white, cream, or apricot colors.

Do Yorkie Poo dogs bark a lot?

Yes, the Yorkie Poo is a noisy dog for its size. Because it likes to bark in response to passing cars or knocks on the door, the Yorkie Poo actually makes for a decent watchdog.

Are Yorkie Poos aggressive?

No, the Yorkie Poo is very gentle and affectionate. It will almost never lash out at a person unless provoked or scared.

Do Yorkie Poos shed a lot?

The Yorkie Poo barely sheds at all and has a reasonably good hypoallergenic coat. That should make it suitable for people with allergies.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. All Things Dogs, Available here: https://www.allthingsdogs.com/yorkipoo/
  2. Rover, Available here: https://www.rover.com/blog/yorkiepoo-dog-profile-the-yorkie-poodle-mix-complete-guide-for-new-owners/

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