Bred by combining two toy dog breeds, the Chihuahua Yorkshire Terrier mix or Chorkie for short, is a spunky little dog with lots of personality. Chorkies are generally very small, falling in the toy dogs category, but this little one seems to forget her size whenever she lets out a sharp and resounding bark, alerting everyone around her. With the combination of the feisty and aggressive demeanour of the Chihuahua, paired with the energy and spunkiness of the Yorkshire Terrier, you never know what to expect with this pup. In order to make an estimation however, here is a keen look at the characteristics of both parent breeds, to provide a deeper understanding of how your Chorkie is.
The Chihuahua
Native to Mexico, Chihuahuas are small companion dogs with an attitude that is entirely too big for their small size. It’s fiery temper is felt by everyone around them, and so they may not be ideal for living with other pets. They are also very intelligent which makes them great in training and following instructions, but they can also be naturally stubborn, therefore early socialization is a necessity. They love and abide with their owners, but they can also become a bit possessive at times when they are not getting enough attention. Ultimately, the Chihuahua is a small companion dog that enjoys the love and adoration of its owner, and is generally more sweet to them, but can easily snap or become aggressive when exposed to different circumstances and other pets.
The Yorkshire Terrier
Almost completely a contrast from the Chihuahua, the Yorkshire Terrier is generally a lot more friendly and approachable. While displaying characteristics of possessiveness like the Chihuahua, Yorkies tend to be a bit more laid back in their approach. They are also highly intelligent but more easily trained than the Chihuahua, and loves to snuggle up with their owners at all times of the day. They tend to get along well with other pets, but they also display an innate character to lead whenever they are put in an environment where there are more animals than usual. Yorkies are the sweetest companions, but also one of the most loud and intelligent dog breeds out there.
What to expect from your Chorkie dog
With the characteristics and temperament of both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Chihuahua in mind, it is possible to see the kind of dog you should be getting when you adopt a Chorkie. Though you never know exactly what you’re getting in the dog, as one parent tends to be more dominant than the other, it is important to have an idea of what you will be getting, to determine if the Chorkie is the ideal fit for you.
Features of the Chihuahua Yorkshire Terrier mix
Before you head out and adopt your new pet, here are 5 features of the Chorkie that you should take into consideration.
1. Chorkies are very energetic
Much like the Yorkshire Terrier and the Chihuahua, Chorkies are very high spirited and jolly. They enjoy running around and playing with their owners, and sufficient exercise will have them stay their joyful and dedicated selves. The flipside to this however is that a lack of exercise can cause issues for this dog, especially physically and emotionally and may result in them becoming less joyful and happy versions of their true selves. In order to ensure that your Chorkie gets enough exercise, be sure to take them for daily walks, but be careful as their tiny frame can only handle so much at one point.
2. They come in a variety of different colors
Chihuahua Yorkshire Terrier dogs range in man different colours, from black to tan but this trait is normally inherited from their Chihuahua parenthood. Yorkshire Terriers only come in a limited number of colours, most commonly in grey, black and tan, but Chihuahuas come in a wide variety of colours making the Chorkie as colourful as possible. Many Chorkies are predominantly one colour all round, but many are also parti coloured dogs.
3. Training can go both ways with your Chorkie
Because both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Chihuahua are highly intelligent dogs on their own, the Chorkie inherited this trait from both parents. The more intelligent and understanding a dog becomes, the easier they are to train, and Yorkies are no exception, The only flaw concerning the mental capabilities of this breed would have to be the stubbornness that may present itself at any point. This trait is normally inherited from the Chihuahua, and can be found in a majority of Yorkies worldwide.
4. Grooming is a breeze with the Chihuahua Yorkshire Terrier mix
Because none of the parent breeds shed excessively, neither does the Chorkie. For grooming, you need only to brush the fur of your dog daily to prevent excessive buildup of dirt and grime. When it comes to bthing, ensure you bathe your Chorkie as needed to keep them clean, but also as little enough to prevent skin irritations. Apat from these 2 activities, a simple step to the dog groomer’s once per month would be ideal to maintaining good dental hygiene.
5. They come with health issues but generally live long lives
With an average lifespan of around 10 – 15 years, the Chorkie may seem lie the ideal dog for you, but despite long life, they have some health issues that need to be addressed. Though health issues associated with their size such as knee dislocation and tracheal collapse are possible, they are also prone to other illnesses specific to their breed. These are:
- Hypoglycemia – Also most commonly referred to as low blood sugar, this may cause unconsciousness, and if left undetected, may result in death.
- Allergic Reactions – These include skin allergies, food allergies and even air borne allergies. This can cause infection and even severe itching in your pet.
- Obesity – Most commonly known as overfeeding your Chorkie, obesity can easily develop. Ensure your dog gets adequate food and exercise to prevent this health condition.
So there you have it, all the facts you need to know about the Chihuahua Yorkshire Terrier mix and more. Now you can make an informed decision on whether this dog is ideal for you.
