What is a Shorkie?
The Shorkie is a designer dog breed created by crossing a Shih Tzu with a Yorkshire Terrier. This mix has become popular because it combines the best qualities of both parent breeds. Shih Tzus bring affectionate and playful personalities, while Yorkshire Terriers contribute their bold and confident nature.
Most Shorkies weigh between 7 and 12 pounds and stand 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder. Their lifespan ranges from 12 to 17 years with proper care. Because this is a mixed breed, individual dogs can vary quite a bit in appearance and temperament depending on which parent they take after more.
If you are considering adopting or buying a Shorkie, understanding both parent breeds helps you prepare for what to expect. Use our breed quiz to see if a Shorkie fits your lifestyle, or check the calorie calculator to plan their nutrition.
Parent Breeds at a Glance
| Trait | Shih Tzu | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small | small |
| Weight | 9-16 lbs | 4-7 lbs |
| Height | 9-10" | 7-8" |
| Lifespan | 10-18 yrs | 13-16 yrs |
| Activity | Low | Moderate |
| Grooming | High | High |
| AKC Group | Toy | Toy |
Shorkie Temperament and Personality
The Shorkie typically shows a blend of personality traits from both parents. Common traits include being affectionate, playful, outgoing, bold. Individual personalities can lean more toward one parent, so meeting the specific puppy before committing is always a good idea.
Early socialization plays a big role in how any dog develops. Expose your Shorkie puppy to different people, dogs, sounds, and environments during the first 16 weeks. This builds confidence and reduces the chance of fear-based behaviors later in life.
Health and Common Conditions
Mixed breeds often have fewer health problems than purebreds because of increased genetic diversity. That said, Shorkies can still inherit conditions from either parent breed. Regular vet visits and preventive care go a long way in keeping your dog healthy.
Health issues to watch for:
- ● Brachycephalic Syndrome
- ● Eye Problems
- ● Dental Problems
- ● Liver Problems
- ● Patellar Luxation
- ● Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- ● Legg-Calve-Perthes
- ● Tracheal Collapse
Ask for health clearances from the breeder before buying a Shorkie puppy. Responsible breeders test both parent dogs for hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and breed-specific genetic disorders.
Grooming Needs
Grooming level: High
Shorkies require regular brushing (3-4 times per week minimum) and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Their coat can mat easily if neglected.
Check our grooming schedule tool for a personalized plan.
Exercise Requirements
Activity level: Moderate
About 30-45 minutes of daily exercise works well for most Shorkies. A couple of walks and some playtime usually meets their needs.
Use our calorie calculator to match food intake with activity level.
Feeding Your Shorkie
A Shorkie weighing 7 to 12 pounds typically needs about 105 to 180 calories per day, depending on age and activity level. Puppies need calorie-dense food split into 3-4 meals. Adult dogs do well with 2 meals per day.
High-quality protein should be the foundation of your Shorkie's diet. Check our best food for Shih Tzus and best food for Yorkshire Terriers for brand recommendations that work well for this mix. For puppies, our puppy weight calculator helps track healthy growth.
Shorkie FAQ
How big does a Shorkie get?
A full-grown Shorkie typically weighs between 7 and 12 pounds. Size can vary depending on which parent's genes are more dominant.
How long do Shorkies live?
The average Shorkie lifespan is 12 to 17 years. Mixed breed dogs often benefit from genetic diversity, which can reduce certain breed-specific health risks.
Are Shorkies good family dogs?
Shorkies tend to be great family dogs. They inherit traits from both Shih Tzus and Yorkshire Terriers, which often includes a friendly and loyal temperament. Early socialization is still important for any dog.
Do Shorkies shed a lot?
Shedding depends on which parent's coat the Shorkie inherits. Shih Tzus have high grooming needs, while Yorkshire Terriers have high grooming needs. Your Shorkie's coat type will determine how much brushing is required.
How much exercise does a Shorkie need?
Shorkies need regular daily exercise. With a Shih Tzu parent (Low energy) and a Yorkshire Terrier parent (Moderate energy), expect your Shorkie to need at least 30 to 60 minutes of activity per day.
What health problems do Shorkies have?
Shorkies can be prone to health issues from both parent breeds, including Brachycephalic Syndrome, Eye Problems, Dental Problems, Liver Problems. Regular vet checkups and a balanced diet help prevent many of these conditions.
How much does a Shorkie cost?
Shorkie puppies typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000 from a reputable breeder. Prices vary based on the breeder's location, parent pedigree, and coat color. Adoption from a rescue is a more affordable option and usually costs $200 to $500.
Are Shorkies easy to train?
Both Shih Tzus and Yorkshire Terriers are known for their intelligence, which usually makes Shorkies responsive to training. Positive reinforcement methods work best. Start training and socialization early for the best results.