BREED SPOTLIGHT
12 – 15 years
5 – 15 lbs
4 – 14 inches
No
Personality:
Good-natured, playful, happy-go-lucky, high energy
Common Health Problems:
Atopic dermatitis, portosystemic shunt, Cushing’s disease, epilepsy
A Yorkie poo (sometimes also commonly spelled as Yorkipoo or Yorkie-poo) is a compact blend of a Yorkshire terrier and a poodle. Becoming popular in the early 2000s, there isn’t a standard Yorkie poo look, but you can expect a dog that won’t exceed 14 inches and 15 pounds. Yorkie poos typically live an average of 12 to 15 years, remaining active and playful well into adulthood.
There aren’t official colors for these designer dogs yet, but the most common Yorkie poo colors are3,4:
Sometimes their coats have multiple colors resulting in a beautifully colored wavy coat. Yorkie poos have long and dense fur but it’s very silky.
Yorkie poos’ ears tend to be floppy and covered in fur. Because their ears hang towards their eyes, it’s important to keep their fur well groomed and clean their ears often to avoid ear infections.
The type of coat a Yorkie poo has depends on what they inherited from their parents. Generally, you should expect a wavy, low-shed coat that requires regular grooming. Some folks recommend brushing them daily, but this may not be necessary if you keep their fur trimmed short.
Yorkie poos aren’t known for drooling like larger breeds.
What My Adoption Bio Would Say:
All I want is someone who gets me, my sense of humor, and my need for adventure. I’m an extroverted pup who’s looking for a family to have fun with. Hopefully, that’s you!
Poodles and Yorkshire terriers are extremely intelligent dogs and their offspring are no different. Yorkie poos are known for learning quickly, which makes them simultaneously easy to train and difficult to keep up with. They’re high energy dogs who love to socialize with their humans and strangers. Expect it to always be a good time with these socialites around.
Due to their high energy, Yorkie poos will need more exercise than a regular Yorkie. Expect to spend at least 30 minutes a day walking them or vigorously playing in the backyard. Experiment with different toys to see if they like to chase, burrow, or retrieve items. Once you figure that out, you’ll have plenty of options to keep their minds and bodies in top shape.
Yorkie poos aren’t known for being aggressive towards other dogs. Your Yorkie poo temperament may be different from the norm so make sure to socialize your pets well and be patient. They will get along sooner than you think.
Yorkie poos pick up on routines and simple commands very quickly. Positive reinforcement is key to correct unwanted behaviors. Rest assured that this breed will learn new commands quickly as long as pet parents keep their routines consistent.
If you’re interested, this breed may enjoy dog sporting competitions just like their poodle parent does. Consider advanced training courses after you’ve covered the basics. Your dog may surprise you with their skills.
If you have little humans, they will love a Yorkie poo for their high energy and comedic personalities. Coupled with this breed's love of play, Yorkie poos make excellent family pets.
Barking levels will vary from dog to dog. Yorkies are typically yappy dogs so your mixed breed may inherit this trait. However, keeping them well exercised and engaged may cut down on this behavior.
Yorkiepoos are one of the most popular designer breeds to hit the US dog scene. Here are some quick and dirty facts about this breed:
This breed may experience a variety of health issues, including3’4:
Even the healthiest of pups can come with unexpected vet costs. Pet insurance can help keep your dog and your bank account happy.
While Yorkie poos can live up to 15 years, those 15 years will include trips to the vet, regardless of your dog’s health. These breeds can inherit minor issues, like inflammatory bowel disease, to major health issues that affect their organs. It may be a good idea to invest in dog insurance that can save you thousands of dollars over your pet’s lifetime.²
If you choose to cover your Yorkie poo as a healthy puppy, MetLife won't consider breed-specific diseases preexisting conditions. An example is Cushing’s disease, a disease caused by a tumor in the dog’s brain, which can affect how your Yorkie poo’s body handles stress. This imbalance in hormones creates problems like a bloated belly, panting, thick skin, and an inability to heal.⁷
The good news is that pet insurance works to help cover the cost of the treatment. Veterinarians may decide to treat the disease with medication or choose surgery to remove the tumor. With dog insurance, money won’t be the deciding factor between you and a few more years with your pup.