Shih Tzu Yorkie Mix: Shorkie Care, Size & Costs Guide 2025

Shih Tzu Yorkie mix is a delightful cross between two pint-size breeds with long, silky coats: the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier. Also called the Shorkie or Yorkie Tzu, this designer dog is new enough that the AKC has no official breed standard. That means each Shorkie can look and act a bit differently, but its parents give us good clues.

Shih Tzus were once royal companions in ancient China. Their name means “little lion,” yet they are gentle and friendly. Yorkies come from 19th-century England, where they worked in mills and mines to catch rodents. This gives the Shorkie both loyalty and spunk.

Though small—often under 11 inches tall—a Shorkie’s personality is big. They love being close to you but also enjoy exploring. Their long, soft hair needs daily brushing or a groomer’s care every month. If you want a pint-size dog with royal roots and a lively spirit, the Shih Tzu Yorkie mix could be your perfect match.

Breed Overview Table:

Shih Tzu Yorkie Mix Origin

The Shorkie first appeared in the early 2000s when breeders in the United States crossed Shih Tzus with Yorkshire Terriers on purpose. These designer dogs blend traits from both parents to make friendly, small companions.

Shih Tzus have a royal history. They came from Tibetan “lion dogs” and lived in China’s palaces as early as the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Emperors loved them for their long, flowing coats and gentle nature. Their name even means “lion dog” in Mandarin.

Yorkshire Terriers began in 19th-century England. Scottish millworkers needed small dogs to catch rats in mills. By the 1870s, breeders created the modern Yorkie: a tough little ratter with a silky blue-and-tan coat. Though built for work, Yorkies soon became popular lap dogs in Victorian England.

When you mix these two breeds, you get a Shorkie: a tiny dog with royal roots, ratter grit, and a big heart. Each Shorkie may look more like one parent or the other, but all share loving, lively spirits and a history that spans centuries.

Shorkie Temperament: Big Personality in a Tiny Body

Shorkies are small dogs with huge hearts. They mix the Shih Tzu’s loving loyalty with the Yorkie’s playful spunk. Expect a devoted friend who barks to let you know someone is at the door.

Velcro-Dog Loyalty

Shorkies form strong bonds with their families. They love to follow you from room to room. These pups will curl up on your lap and lean in for pets any chance they get. Their need for constant company means they may feel anxious if left alone too long.

Watchdog Barking

Don’t let their size fool you—Shorkies can be mighty barkers. They’ll alert you to strangers, odd noises, or even a squirrel outside the window. Their sharp bark makes them excellent little guards. To keep barking in check, teach a quiet command and give them plenty of toys and games to burn off extra energy.

Great with Families and Other Pets

Shorkies fit well in many homes. Older kids who know how to handle small dogs gently make good playmates. Seniors will love a Shorkie’s lap-snuggling ways and easy exercise needs. With early socialization, Shorkies can live peacefully with other dogs and calm cats. Always watch young children and small animals together to avoid accidental rough play.

Preventing Separation Anxiety

Shorkies crave human company. Left alone too often, they may cry, pace, chew furniture, or bark nonstop. Help them feel safe by:

• Starting solo time slowly. Leave them alone for a few minutes, then add more time each day.
• Giving them a cozy spot, like a crate with a favorite blanket and toy.
• Offering puzzle toys or treat balls to keep their minds busy.
• Keeping goodbyes and hellos calm and low-key to cut stress.

With steady training, socializing, and lots of love, your Shorkie will shine as a loyal, alert, and playful companion. Their small size holds a huge personality that fills any home with joy.

Shorkie Appearance & Size

Shorkies are tiny pups with big personalities. Most stand 6–11 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 5–15 pounds. Whether they look more like a Yorkie or Shih Tzu, you’ll get a small dog that fits easily in your arms.

Coat colors vary a lot. You might see:

• Black and tan or blue and gold mix, like Yorkies
• Cream, gold, or brown shades from Shih Tzu roots
• Parti-colors, with white plus patches of black, tan, or gold
• Silver or gray, which can darken as your pup grows

Fur textures also differ. Some Shorkies have straight, silky hair like a Yorkie. Others sport soft, wavy locks like a Shih Tzu. Both types shed very little and feel more like human hair than dog fur.

Many people with mild allergies do well with Shorkies. Their coats lack a thick undercoat, so there’s less loose hair and dander. To be sure, spend a few minutes with a puppy before you adopt.

Exercise & Mental Stimulation Needs

Shorkies need about 30–60 minutes of activity each day to stay happy and healthy. A short walk in the morning and another in the evening work well. Inside your home, play games that make your pup think.

Puzzle feeders and treat toys keep your Shorkie’s brain busy. Hide tiny treats around the room or teach a new trick in five-minute sessions. These games help stop boredom and prevent chewing or barking when you’re away.

Watch the weather, too. Shorkies often have short snouts from their Shih Tzu side. On hot days, walk early or late when it’s cooler. Bring water and watch for heavy panting or coughing—signs your dog needs a break.

Tips for a happy routine:

• Mix two daily walks with indoor play like tug or scent games.
• Use treat-dispensing toys to challenge your dog’s mind.
• Give rest breaks, especially in warm weather.
• Try new activities each week, like short indoor obstacle courses.

With regular exercise and fun brain games, your Shorkie will stay fit, calm, and well behaved. Always adjust activities to your dog’s age and health, and talk to your vet if you see breathing or heat worries.

Grooming Guide for Low-Shedding Coats

Shorkies have long, silky hair that mats easily without regular care. Their coat sheds little, but daily brushing and routine trims keep it healthy and tangle-free.

Daily Brushing to Prevent Mats

Brushing every day stops tangles before they form. Use a slicker brush to gently remove loose hairs and debris. Follow with a wide-tooth comb to work through any knots:

1. Hold your Shorkie securely on your lap or a non-slip mat.
2. Spray a light coat conditioner if the fur feels dry.
3. Starting at the neck, brush in the direction of hair growth.
4. Comb each section—legs, belly, and tail—first with wide teeth, then finer teeth.
5. Reward your dog with treats and praise to build positive associations.

Professional Grooming Schedule and Cost

Most Shorkies need a full groom every 4–8 weeks to trim hair around the eyes, paws, and sanitary areas. A typical small-dog session—including bath, blow-dry, haircut, nail trim, and ear cleaning—ranges from US$40 to $75 per visit. Mats that require de-matting may incur extra charges.

Step-by-Step Home Brushing Tips

1. Set up a calm space
   Choose a quiet spot and gather a slicker brush, wide-tooth comb, detangling spray, and treats.
2. Divide the coat into sections
   Work on small areas—head, back, sides, legs—so you don’t miss hidden mats.
3. Use the wide-tooth comb first
   Gently lift the hair at the roots and comb from skin to tip. This loosens larger tangles without pulling.
4. Switch to the slicker brush
   Lightly stroke with the slicker in short motions to smooth the coat and remove fine debris.
5. Check for hidden mats
   Feel along the skin for lumps. Spray detangler and hold the hair close to the roots before combing out the tangle.
6. Finish with a final comb-through
   Ensure no snags remain, and brush in the direction the hair naturally lies.

With daily brushing, monthly professional trims, and positive reinforcement, your Shorkie’s low-shedding coat will stay soft, shiny, and mat-free—making grooming a bonding experience rather than a chore.

Nutrition & Feeding Schedule

Shorkies and other toy breeds have high energy needs for their size. To keep your pup healthy, follow these simple guidelines:

Caloric Needs by Weight

• Dogs under 5 kg (11 lb) need about 40–55 kcal per kg of body weight each day.
• For a 5 kg Shorkie, that’s roughly 200–275 kcal daily.
• Adjust portions if your dog is very active or prone to weight gain.

Toy-Breed Kibble Portions

• Choose a small-breed formula: kibble pieces under 5 mm help tiny mouths. These diets are calorie-dense so your pup eats less volume to meet needs.
• Check the label: if a kibble provides 350 kcal per cup, a 5 kg dog needs about ¾ cup per day, split into meals.
• Divide food into three to four meals daily to keep blood sugar steady.

Hypoglycemia Prevention in Puppies
Puppies, especially small ones, can suffer low blood sugar if meals are skipped.

• Feed at least four times a day until six months old.
• Keep a glucose gel (like Nutri-Cal) on hand. Offer a pea-sized amount after play, in the morning, and before bed.
• Watch for signs: weakness, trembling, or lethargy. If you suspect hypoglycemia, rub a little corn syrup on their gums and contact your vet immediately.

Safe Treats & Weight Management
Treats should be under 10% of daily calories to avoid excess weight.

• Offer low-calorie snacks:
  – Baby carrots (4 kcal each)
  – Green beans (3 kcal per bean)
  – Blueberries (1 kcal per berry)
• Reserve high-value treats (freeze-dried chicken, fish pieces) for training only. Reduce meal portions on days you give extra treats.

By matching calories to weight, feeding small, frequent meals, and choosing low-calorie treats, you’ll fuel your Shorkie’s lively spirit while keeping them fit and free from blood sugar dips.

Common Shorkie Health Problems

Shorkies are generally hardy, but their mixed heritage can leave them prone to several issues. Knowing what to watch for—and when to call the vet—helps you keep your pint-sized pal healthy and happy.

1. Dental Disease
Small breeds often suffer dental crowding and gum disease. Shorkies’ narrow jaws can trap food and plaque, leading to periodontal disease, bad breath, and early tooth loss.

• Prevention: Brush daily with dog-safe toothpaste.
• Vet care: Professional cleanings under anesthesia remove tartar and check for loose teeth.

2. Patellar Luxation
A slipped kneecap (patellar luxation) causes intermittent lameness or a “skipped” step. Up to 7 percent of small dogs face this genetic trait.

• Signs: Limping, hopping, or bowlegged stance.
• Treatment:
  – Mild cases may improve with weight control and controlled exercise.
  – Surgery repositions the kneecap in moderate to severe cases.
• Cost: Moderate risk surgery runs $1,500–$3,000 per knee.

3. Hypoglycemia
Tiny puppies can’t store much energy. Skipped meals or strenuous play can trigger dangerous low blood sugar.

• Signs: Weakness, trembling, seizures.
• Prevention: Feed puppies four small meals daily. Keep a glucose gel on hand for early symptoms.

4. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
Shorkies often inherit a short snout from their Shih Tzu side. Narrow nostrils, an elongated soft palate, or everted laryngeal saccules can make breathing noisy or labored, especially in heat or excitement.

• Signs: Snorting, heavy panting, intolerance for exercise, collapse in hot weather.
• Treatment: Surgical widening of nostrils (stenotic nares) or trimming of the soft palate.
• Cost: Variable—$2,000–$4,000 total for combined airway surgeries.

5. Eye Issues
Bulging eyes from both parent breeds can sit unprotected and dry, leading to corneal ulcers, infections, or tear-staining.

• Signs: Excessive tearing, redness, cloudiness, squinting.
• Care: Keep face hair trimmed, clean tear stains daily, and have the vet evaluate any eye changes.

Preventive Vet Checks & Genetic Testing

Annual exams catch early signs of these conditions. Your vet may recommend:

• Dental evaluations with cleanings every 1–2 years.
• Orthopedic screening for patellar grading in puppies.
• Airway assessment before heavy exercise or breeding.
• Eye exams to detect early corneal changes.
• Genetic testing panels for luxating patella and other inherited disorders.

By staying proactive—brushing teeth, feeding small meals, keeping up with vet screenings, and considering genetic testing—you give your Shorkie the best chance at a long, playful life.

Training & Socialization Tips

Training a Shorkie takes patience, consistency, and lots of positive reinforcement. These tiny dogs can be stubborn, but with the right approach they learn quickly and bond deeply.

Positive Reinforcement for Stubborn Streaks

Use treats, praise, and play to reward good behavior. Break lessons into short, 5–10 minute sessions so your Shorkie stays focused and eager. For example, teach “sit” by holding a small treat above their nose, moving it back over their head, and as their bottom hits the floor, say “sit” and give the treat immediately. Consistency and timing help your pup link the command with the reward.

House-Training Challenges & Pee-Pad Strategy

Shorkies have tiny bladders and can hold only about one hour per month of age. To ease house training:

• Establish a routine: Take your Shorkie to the same spot—inside or outside—every 1–2 hours and after meals or naps.
• Use pee pads: In apartments or for very young pups, place pee pads in a quiet corner. Gradually move the pad closer to the door, then outdoors, so your dog learns where to go.
• Crate training: Dogs avoid soiling their sleeping area. Use a crate sized so your Shorkie can stand, turn, and lie down. Keep crate time short at first and always reward calm behavior when you let them out.

Bark Control and Crate Training

Shorkies bark at strangers, noises, or boredom. To curb excessive barking:

• Teach “quiet”: When your dog barks, wait for a pause, say “quiet,” and reward silence with a treat. Repeat until they learn to stop on cue.
• Provide mental outlets: Puzzle toys and chew items keep them busy and reduce alarm barking.
• Crate training as safe space: Make the crate inviting with a soft bed and toy. Use it for short rests, not punishment. A happy crate builds confidence and offers a calm retreat when guests arrive or during storms.

Early socialization is also vital. Expose your Shorkie to new people, gentle dogs, and varied environments in short, positive sessions. This builds confidence and prevents fear-based behaviors. With gentle guidance, treats, and patience, your Shorkie will grow into a well-trained, social companion who thrives on learning and love.

Living With a Shih Tzu Yorkie Mix

Shorkies adapt well to apartment life thanks to their small size and moderate exercise needs, but their lively bark can carry through thin walls. To keep neighbors happy, establish a quiet-command (“quiet”) and offer daily play and training to curb unnecessary alarms.

A sample daily routine might look like:

• Morning: 15–20 min brisk walk to burn off energy.
• Midday: 10 min indoor puzzle-feed session and gentle grooming (daily brushing prevents mats).
• Evening: 15–20 min walk plus 10 min play—tug or fetch indoors.
• Night: Quick brush before bed and a calm “crate time” for rest.

When traveling, choose a well-ventilated, forward-facing carrier sized so your Shorkie can stand and turn comfortably (about 6–11 in tall). To reduce motion sickness, travel on an empty stomach, break up long rides with rest stops, and bring familiar toys or a blanket to ease anxiety.

Costs: From Puppy Price to Lifetime Care

Shorkie puppies typically range from $700 to $2,000, depending on breeder reputation and demand. Rescue fees may be lower ($300–$500), and “teacup” or rare-color pups can cost over $3,000.

First-year expenses often hit $2,000–$4,000, including:

• Adoption/purchase fees: $700–$2,000
• Veterinary care (vaccines, spay/neuter, exams): $600–$1200
• Food and treats: $300–$500
• Grooming (professional trims every 4–8 weeks): $400–$900
• Supplies (crate, toys, training pads): $200–$400

After year one, annual costs drop to $1,000–$2,000, covering routine vet visits ($400–$600), food ($300–$400), grooming ($400–$700), and pet insurance ($200–$600). Beware unlicensed “backyard” breeders offering unusually low prices—they may skip health testing and warranties, leading to higher lifetime costs.

Adoption vs Breeder: Finding a Healthy Shorkie

When choosing your Shorkie, look for breeders who:

• Provide clear health guarantees and hip/patellar certifications.
• Offer puppy health records, vaccination logs, and genetic testing for luxating patellas and BOAS.
• Encourage home visits and introduce you to both parents.

Red flags include:

• Multiple breeds sold in one litter or too many puppies on site.
• No written health contract or refund policy.
• Puppies immediately available without a waitlist or screening.

Rescue groups and designer-mix shelters (e.g., Petfinder Shorkie listings) offer healthy dogs at lower fees, often including spay/neuter and initial vaccinations. Whether you adopt or buy, prepare questions about lineage, health clearances, and return policies to ensure you bring home a happy, sound companion.

Pros & Cons Summary

Pros:

• Low to moderate shedding suits many allergy sufferers.
• Loyal “velcro” temperament ideal for companionship.
• Compact size fits apartments and small homes.

Cons:

• Daily brushing and regular professional grooming required.
• Tendency to bark and alert—neighbors may complain if untrained.
• Potential health costs for dental cleanings, patellar surgery, and BOAS treatment.

Conclusion

The Shorkie brings endless love and lively spirit into your home, but remember it also demands time and care. Their long, silky coats need daily brushing or regular professional trims to stay tangle-free. Common health concerns—dental cleanings, patellar luxation checks, and possible airway or eye issues—mean extra vet visits and costs you should plan for.

Before welcoming a Shorkie, talk with your veterinarian about grooming routines, breed-specific health screenings, and budget estimates. Ask your vet which preventive tests and vaccines are key for a mixed-breed pup. If you’re open to rescue, consider shelters or Shorkie-specific rescues—they often include initial vet care in adoption fees and can match you with a loving dog in need of a home.

Ultimately, a Shorkie’s loyal “velcro-dog” nature and playful charm can make every brushing session and vet bill worthwhile. With thoughtful preparation and professional guidance, you’ll give your tiny companion the best start to a happy, healthy life.

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