Crossbreed Group
Shorkie
This crossbreed pairs the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier, two established toy breeds with genuinely different origins — the Shih Tzu descending from Tibetan and Chinese companion-dog lines bred for imperial households, the Yorkshire Terrier developed in 19th-century England originally as a working ratter before its transformation into a purely companion breed — and like most deliberately paired designer crosses, the Shorkie doesn't breed true, meaning puppies from the same litter can genuinely vary in coat texture, size, and temperament depending on which parent breed's traits dominate. No kennel club, AKC included, treats the Shorkie as a fixed, standardized breed with its own closed registry, so there's no official physical or temperament standard the way an established purebred has — an individual breeder's own screening and pairing choices matter considerably more here than they would with a breed governed by decades of standardized selection. The cross has grown popular specifically because it combines two already-popular toy breeds into a genuinely small, low-shedding companion dog, a combination that has found real demand among owners of small apartments and first-time toy-breed owners alike.
Common health predispositions
- Patellar luxation
- Dental crowding
- Portosystemic liver shunt
- Tracheal collapse
Temperament
Affectionate and often quite spirited, the Shorkie tends to inherit a blend of the Shih Tzu's easygoing companionship and the Yorkshire Terrier's real terrier confidence and alertness, though exactly which parent's traits dominate genuinely varies between individual dogs even within the same litter. Most puppies grow into dogs that attach closely to their people and handle children reasonably well, particularly when raised around them, though the toy size means supervision with very young kids matters regardless of temperament. Real terrier-derived alertness sometimes surfaces as barking at unfamiliar noises or visitors, more pronounced in individuals leaning toward their Yorkshire Terrier side. Because there's no fixed breed standard governing temperament here, meeting the actual puppy's parents, when possible, tells a prospective owner considerably more than any general description of the cross can.
Living with a Shorkie
Modest exercise needs suit this small crossbreed well — around 30 minutes of daily activity covers it, reflecting both parent breeds' toy-companion background rather than any working heritage. Coat care is a real, ongoing commitment regardless of which parent's texture an individual leans toward: the long, silky, variably textured fur mats quickly without frequent brushing, and most owners keep it trimmed down on a regular schedule. Health-wise, this small size brings patellar luxation and dental crowding onto the checklist from both parent breeds, along with tracheal collapse risk and, less commonly, portosystemic liver shunt — conditions worth discussing directly with a breeder about both parent lines. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but the Shorkie's coat sheds meaningfully less than many breeds, which is part of its real appeal to allergy-conscious households, best confirmed by spending time with the specific puppy or its parents first. With no governing club overseeing how the cross is bred, finding a responsible breeder who actually health-tests both parent lines takes real diligence, and rescue organizations for either parent breed occasionally place Shorkie mixes too. Grooming costs are the standout recurring expense for this small, low-shedding companion.
FAQ
What two breeds make a Shorkie?
A cross between the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier, two established toy breeds with genuinely different histories — the Shih Tzu from Tibetan and Chinese imperial companion-dog lines, the Yorkshire Terrier from 19th-century English working-ratter stock later refined into a companion breed.
Does a Shorkie shed a lot?
Not much — total allergen-free dogs are a myth, but the coat, inherited from two relatively low-shedding toy breeds, sheds meaningfully less than many crosses, though confirming that with the actual puppy or its parents first is worth doing before assuming.
Is a Shorkie a recognized breed?
No — neither the AKC nor other major kennel clubs recognize the Shorkie with a closed studbook or fixed standard, so puppies from the same litter can genuinely vary in size, coat, and temperament depending on which parent's traits come through.
How much exercise does a Shorkie need?
Relatively little — around 30 minutes daily suits this small toy crossbreed well, reflecting the companion-dog background of both the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier rather than any working heritage on either side.
What health problems are common in Shorkies?
Patellar luxation, dental crowding, and tracheal collapse risk come from both toy parent breeds, while portosystemic liver shunt shows up less commonly — all worth discussing directly with a breeder about health testing on both parent lines.
Do Shorkies get along with other pets in the house?
Generally well once introductions are handled gradually — neither the Shih Tzu nor the Yorkshire Terrier side carries strong prey drive toward cats or other household animals, though the Yorkie's terrier confidence occasionally shows up as bossiness toward much larger dogs that a Shorkie hasn't quite learned to be cautious around.
Related on FetchBreed
Whichever breed fits your life, consider adoption or breed-specific rescue first — many purebred and mixed-breed dogs and cats are already waiting for homes.
General breed information, not veterinary advice — consult a vet for your pet's specific health, diet, and behavior needs.