Chorkie

The Chorkie, a tiny companion dog, is a mix of the Chihuahua (which can have either a long or short coat) and the Yorkshire Terrier. These little bundles of energy come in different sizes, shapes, colors, and types of fur. Above all, they love being around their owners.

Quick Info

Size
6 to 9 inches
Colours
Brown, white, silver, blue, black, steel blue, and tan; solid or mixed colored
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Height
8 to 14 pounds
Type
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
Family

Personality

As with many mixed breeds, a Chorkie's character is influenced by its parent breeds and their upbringing. However, both parent breeds are known for being loving and forming strong connections with their humans. One thing is clear: these small bundles of joy are full of energy, often acting as if they are much larger than they really are. These little adventurers love to explore, learn new tricks, and play games, and you might find them digging in the yard, a trait inherited from their Yorkshire Terrier lineage. Generally, they prefer to join their owners in whatever activity is happening.

History

The Chorkie is a mix of a Yorkshire Terrier and a Chihuahua, and it probably started in the United States during the early 1990s. These dogs have become popular because they offer a lively and spirited personality in a compact size, making them ideal for people with limited living space who still want to shower a pet with affection. The Chihuahua, which comes from Mexico, is famous for being one of the tiniest and most beloved dog breeds, possibly going back to the time of the Aztecs as pets for the elite. There’s also a belief that they were first developed in the Middle Ages by mixing Spanish lapdogs with smaller breeds, or even in China, which explains the long-haired types. While their exact origins are unclear, they gained fame in the 19th century in Mexico, where travelers discovered them and brought them to the U.S. On the other hand, Yorkshire Terriers have a clear background; they originated in England and Scotland as small rat-catching dogs that could easily fit in a factory owner's pocket. They became favorites among wealthy women in the late 1800s, and breeders aimed to create even smaller versions for companionship. Interestingly, even as these dogs shrank in size, their coat length remained the same, leading to the long fur often seen in show dogs. The Chorkie can display a mix of traits from both parent breeds in its looks, behavior, and personality.

Ideal Owner

This charming crossbreed is expected to be smart, lively, and energetic, so they require an owner who can keep up or at least handle their energy. The best owners will know how to use gentle and effective training to stimulate their Chorkie’s mind and help them learn to behave well around other dogs. They thrive when they spend most of the day with their owners. These small and delicate dogs can fit well into family life, but it’s better if there aren’t young children nearby who might confuse them with a plush toy.

Exercise Needs

Many Chorkie owners find it surprising how energetic these little dogs can be. However, they only need around thirty minutes of walking each day to feel happy and fulfilled. For mental engagement, they enjoy light games and spending time with their owners, and they also appreciate training sessions where they can learn new skills.

Space Requirements

All these tiny troublemakers require is a way to get outside for exercise and bathroom breaks.

Training

Don’t overlook their intelligence: Chorkies are much brighter than most believe. They love to learn, participate in training, and play games. It’s important to teach them how to walk on a leash and harness, as well as how to return when called. This breed requires early and continuous socialization to build their confidence around people and other dogs.

Grooming

Chorkies can have different types of fur, ranging from long and smooth to short and charmingly messy, based on the Chihuahua breed. A skilled groomer in your area can groom them gently or show you how to do it on your own.

Suitability for Family Life

The Chorkie is usually too tiny and fragile, particularly when they are puppies, to be an ideal family pet, especially for homes with young kids. They often bond closely with one person and show strong loyalty to them, which can make it hard for them to adjust to family life. Young children might scare them or treat them like toys, and Chorkies do not handle that well.

Did You know?

The Chorkie, which is sometimes called the Yorkiechi, Chiyorkie, Yorkie-chi, Yorkchi, York-chi, Chiorkie, or York Chi, is a clever dog breed. They learn new things fast! However, they can be quite chatty and enjoy barking, so some training is necessary to help reduce their loudness.

Similar Breeds

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Need to Know

Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
Basic training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys active walks and needs under an hour of walking a day
Some drool
Requires grooming daily
Chatty and vocal dog
Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual