Chorkie

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 10-15 years
Mixed breed dogs tend to be healthier than their purebred counterparts because they usually do not inherit hereditary health issues. The Chorkie, half Yorkshire Terrier and half Chihuahua, is no exception. Chorkies are still bred by mixing the two parent breeds, since Chorkies typically do not breed true, and they are not known to be prone to any major health conditions. They may have allergies and skin issues. Eye infections or other eye injuries are a possibility.

Like most small dogs, the Chorkie may be prone to patellar luxation, a condition in which the kneecap slides in and out of place. This dislocation of the knee can cause discomfort and limping and, depending on severity, may result in lameness.

The average life expectancy of a Chorkie is 10-15 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

The Chorkie, a Yorkshire Terrier-Chihuahua mix, did not originate until the 1990’s, but it is now on its way to becoming one of the most popular breeds of designer dogs. Like all mixed breed dogs, the Chorkie may exhibit any combination of characteristics from its parents, so temperament varies. In general, Chorkies are high energy, playful, loving, energetic, and intelligent. They are typically very confident, like both Yorkies and Chihuahuas, as well as being fearless and daring.

Chorkies make excellent house dogs and love to cuddle with their owners. Due to their size, they should not live outdoors. They do well in apartments but, due to their high energy levels, they do need plenty of exercise and play. A long hallway they can run and play in is sufficient, and a couple of short walks each day are recommended as well. They should not be left alone for long periods of time; they will bark excessively and some may become destructive. Chorkies get along well with animals who are of similar size, but they may boldly challenge larger animals. They tend to be shy with strangers, but they do not have a tendency to be aggressive. Some Chorkies do well with children, while others need proper training and socialization first. They are not recommended for families with young children, mostly because of their very small size and fragility. They do bark a lot and can be “yappy.” This quality does make them great guard dogs. Although they are not physically intimidating or able to overpower an intruder, they will surely raise enough noise to alert their owners of danger.

Chorkies are intelligent and trainable, but they can become extremely willful and stubborn if not properly handled. They need an owner who can be an assertive leader and remain calm throughout the training process. It is also important for rules and boundaries to be established very early on with a Chorkie. Otherwise, they are likely to be stubborn and disobedient. Training a Chorkie takes patience and perseverance, but they are intelligent enough to learn from the right trainer. Use positive reinforcement and motivation like extra play time or favorite treats for best results.

Like both parent breeds, Chorkies are notoriously difficult to housebreak. You should begin potty training your Chorkie immediately upon bringing him home. Watch him closely, because they tend to go to the bathroom in hidden places. When your Chorkie inevitably has an accident, do not be overly harsh or critical. Simply tell him, “No,” firmly. Chorkies genuinely want to please their owners, and making it clear that he has displeased you is adequate punishment. Use positive reinforcement when your Chorkie goes to the bathroom outdoors, and be sure to walk your puppy frequently, perhaps every 2-3 hours. With persistence and patience, your Chorkie will eventually be housebroken.

Grooming

Chorkies typically inherit the long, silky hair of the Yorkshire Terrier. They shed very lightly but mat easily. They may require daily brushing and detangling to maintain a well-groomed appearance. However, their tiny size means that this is not an overly daunting task.

Bathe your Chorkie as needed. Their human-like hair does tend to have an odor, so a bath every two weeks may be in order. Bathing too often can dry out your Chorkie’s skin, so simply wiping him with a wet cloth is sufficient on occasion.

Chorkie nails grow quickly and should be clipped every two weeks to avoid cracking and overgrowth. Brush teeth regularly to maintain healthy gums and prevent bad breath. Check the ears for signs of infection. Also be sure to trim excessive ear hair; this may result in ear infections.

Diet

Chorkies require about a half cup to one cup of high quality dry kibble daily. They are very active and playful, so it is important to find a highly nutritious brand. They are prone to weight problems that are dangerous for their small stature, so do not overfeed your Chorkie. Divide their food into several small meals daily. Do not let your Chorkie go too long without eating; his blood sugar levels may drop dangerously.

Ensure that your Chorkie always has access to clean, fresh drinking water.
 

Find A Chorkie Breeder

Chorkie Puppies For Sale

Adopt A Chorkie

Cost

On average, a Chorkie costs $300-700. Some Chorkies are even less expensive, while others cost as much as $950. Cost depends on factors such as gender, parentage, and breeder location.

You can also adopt a Chorkie, with adoption fees typically ranging from $100 to $150.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. The Chorkie ranks a 2. Training a Chorkie can require patience and persistence, and they can be a bit “yappy” and potentially overactive if not exercised properly. However, they have very few health problems, are generally inexpensive, and are low maintenance. They make very loving house pets who can live happily in a home of any size, and they are intelligent and eager to please, making them highly trainable for the right owner.

 

Yorkshire Terrier

Chihuahua

Maltese

Shih Tzu