Yorkie Mixes: Popular Yorkshire Terrier Crossbreeds

The Yorkshire Terrier: Foundation of Every Yorkie Mix

Before we explore what happens when you cross a Yorkshire Terrier with another breed, you need to understand the Yorkie blueprint. The Yorkshire Terrier, recognized by the AKC since 1885, is a toy breed weighing 4–7 lb (1.8–3.2 kg) and standing 7–8 inches (18–20 cm) tall. They carry a long, silky, single-layer coat that grows continuously — similar to human hair — and produces minimal dander, which is why they frequently appear in "hypoallergenic" breed lists.

Yorkies are bold, vocal, and intensely loyal to their primary person. They rank 34th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, meaning they learn new commands in 15–25 repetitions but may require extra motivation to comply consistently. Their terrier heritage means high prey drive, wariness of strangers, and a willingness to confront dogs many times their size. These traits don't disappear in a cross — they simply blend, dilute, or occasionally amplify depending on the other parent breed.

Popular Yorkie Mixes at a Glance

There's no single "yorkie mix" — the term covers dozens of crosses. Below are the most commonly available designer crosses you'll encounter from breeders and rescues, along with the key data you need to compare them.

Mix Name	Other Parent	Weight Range	Height	Coat Type	Shedding
Yorkipoo	Toy/Miniature Poodle	5–15 lb / 2.3–6.8 kg	7–15 in	Wavy to curly	Low
Morkie	Maltese	4–8 lb / 1.8–3.6 kg	6–9 in	Long, straight/silky	Very low
Yorkichon	Bichon Frise	6–12 lb / 2.7–5.4 kg	8–12 in	Soft, curly/plush	Low
Chorkie	Chihuahua	4–10 lb / 1.8–4.5 kg	6–10 in	Short to medium, variable	Low to moderate
Snorkie	Miniature Schnauzer	8–16 lb / 3.6–7.3 kg	9–14 in	Wiry, medium length	Low
Shorkie	Shih Tzu	7–15 lb / 3.2–6.8 kg	6–14 in	Long, flowing	Low

The wide weight ranges in this table aren't a typo — they reflect genuine unpredictability. An F1 Yorkipoo can land anywhere from 5 lb if they inherit the Yorkie's toy frame, to 15 lb if the Miniature Poodle parent's genetics dominate. You won't know for certain until the dog reaches 8–10 months of age.

Parent Breed Breakdown: What Each Side Contributes

Every yorkie mix is a genetic lottery between two distinct breed profiles. Understanding both parents gives you the best shot at predicting what you'll live with for 12–16 years.

Yorkshire Terrier Traits (Consistent Across All Mixes)

• Size contribution: Toy-class frame, typically pulling weight down. Yorkies rarely produce oversized offspring unless the other parent is substantially larger.
• Coat contribution: Single-layer, hair-like (not fur) coat that grows continuously. This trait, when inherited, produces low-shedding dogs but requires regular grooming.
• Temperament contribution: Alertness, vocality, territoriality, strong bond with one person, terrier prey drive (squirrels, rodents, small fast-moving objects trigger chase instinct).
• Health contribution: Patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, portosystemic shunt (liver shunt), dental overcrowding, hypoglycemia risk in puppies under 4 lb.

Common Other Parent Contributions

Poodle (Yorkipoo): Adds intelligence (ranked #2 in working/obedience intelligence), athletic ability, and a tightly curled coat. Poodles tend to moderate the Yorkie's stubbornness, producing a more trainable dog. However, Poodles also carry risk for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

Maltese (Morkie): Doubles down on the silky, low-shed coat and small size. Maltese contribute a gentler, less terrier-driven temperament, but they also bring tear staining predisposition and dental disease risk. Morkies are often the most "lap dog" of all yorkie mixes.

Bichon Frise (Yorkichon): Adds a cheerful, sociable disposition and a plush curly coat. Bichons are notably more outgoing with strangers than Yorkies, which can produce a friendlier dog — but Bichons also carry higher separation anxiety risk, which combined with a Yorkie's velcro tendency can create a dog that struggles being alone.

Chihuahua (Chorkie): Amplifies boldness, wariness of strangers, and territoriality. Both breeds are vocal and confident, so Chorkies tend to be the most opinionated and "big personality" mixes. Coat can be short and smooth (Chihuahua-dominant) or longer (Yorkie-dominant).

Miniature Schnauzer (Snorkie): Adds sturdiness, a wiry double coat, and a more even-keeled temperament. Schnauzers are less yappy than Yorkies but still alert. Snorkies tend to be the sturdiest and most active of the small yorkie mixes.

Trait Variability: What You Can and Cannot Predict

This is where many first-time designer dog owners get frustrated. Unlike purebred dogs, where generations of selective breeding produce reliable trait ranges, F1 yorkie mixes are genetic coin flips. Here's what falls on each side of the predictability spectrum.

The practical implication: meet the actual puppy's parents if possible. If both parents are calm, sociable, and have a coat type you can manage, the odds tilt in your favor. If you're buying sight-unseen from a breeder who won't let you meet the dam, you're accepting maximum uncertainty.

Health Considerations: The Hybrid Vigor Myth vs. Reality

Let's address the most persistent claim in the designer dog world: that mixed breeds are automatically healthier than purebreds due to "hybrid vigor." The reality is more nuanced.

Hybrid vigor (heterosis) is a real genetic phenomenon — it refers to the reduced likelihood of recessive genetic disorders when two unrelated gene pools combine. If a Yorkie carries a recessive gene for portosystemic shunt and the Poodle parent does not, the F1 offspring will not express that condition. This is genuine benefit.

However, hybrid vigor does not protect against:

• Conditions both breeds share: Patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, and dental disease are common in both Yorkies and many of their cross partners (especially Poodles, Chihuahuas, and Maltese).
• Structural issues from size mismatches: When a 4 lb Yorkie is bred to a 15 lb Miniature Poodle, the resulting puppies may inherit skeletal proportions that predispose them to joint problems.
• Conditions with complex inheritance: Tracheal collapse, for example, involves multiple genes plus environmental factors. A mix is not "immune" just because it's mixed.
• Acquired conditions: Obesity, dental disease, and injuries from falls have nothing to do with genetics and everything to do with care.

Health Conditions to Screen For by Mix Type

Condition	Prevalence	Most At-Risk Mixes	Screening/Cost
Patellar luxation	Common — up to 20% in toy breeds	All yorkie mixes	Orthopedic exam; surgery $1,500–$3,500 per knee
Tracheal collapse	Moderate — especially in dogs under 10 lb	Morkie, Chorkie, Yorkipoo (smaller individuals)	Radiographs ($200–$400); stent surgery $3,500–$6,000
Portosystemic shunt (liver shunt)	Low-moderate — higher in Yorkies specifically	All mixes (from Yorkie side)	Bile acids test ($150–$300); surgical correction $3,000–$7,000
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)	Low — but irreversible when present	Yorkipoo (from Poodle side)	CERF/OFA eye exam ($50–$150); genetic test $65–$120
Dental overcrowding/disease	Very common — 80%+ of toy breeds by age 3	All yorkie mixes (small jaws)	Professional cleaning $300–$800; extractions $150–$600/tooth
Hypoglycemia (puppies)	Moderate risk in puppies under 4 lb	Morkie, Chorkie (smallest crosses)	Preventive: frequent feeding; emergency vet visit $100–$400

Responsible breeders of yorkie mixes should perform the same health screenings on both parent dogs that purebred breeders do: OFA patella evaluations, CERF eye exams, and cardiac clearance. Ask for documentation — not just verbal assurances. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, patellar luxation screening is a baseline expectation for any small-breed breeding program.

Grooming, Coat Care, and the Hypoallergenic Question

Most yorkie mixes inherit some version of a low-shedding coat, which is a primary reason people seek them out. But "low-shedding" and "low-maintenance" are not the same thing.

Coat Type Scenarios

Depending on which parent's coat genetics dominate, your yorkie mix will likely fall into one of these categories:

• Silky/straight (Yorkie or Maltese dominant): Long, fine hair that tangles easily. Requires daily brushing with a pin brush and comb. Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks ($50–$90 per session). Most common in Morkies.
• Wavy/loose curl (F1 Yorkipoo typical): Soft waves that mat if not brushed 3–4 times per week. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks ($55–$95). The most common Yorkipoo coat.
• Tight curl (Poodle or Bichon dominant): Dense curls that require brushing every 2–3 days to prevent mats at the skin level. Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks ($60–$100). Most common in F1B Yorkipoos and Yorkichons.
• Wiry (Schnauzer dominant): Harsh outer coat with soft undercoat. Needs hand-stripping or clipping every 6–8 weeks. Least prone to matting but requires specific grooming technique. Most common in Snorkies.

Is a Yorkie Mix Hypoallergenic?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic — the term is a marketing shorthand. What yorkie mixes typically offer is reduced dander and hair shedding, which means fewer allergenic proteins (primarily Can f 1 and Can f 2) circulating in your home environment. According to the Mayo Clinic, no breed eliminates allergic reactions entirely, and individual dogs within the same breed can produce varying levels of allergenic proteins.

If you have dog allergies and are considering a yorkie mix:

1. Spend at least 30 minutes with the specific dog before committing — allergic reactions can take 15–30 minutes to manifest.
2. F1B crosses (backcrossed to Poodle or Bichon) tend to produce the most consistent low-allergen coats.
3. Regular bathing (every 2–3 weeks with a gentle, veterinary-formulated shampoo) reduces surface dander more effectively than any breed choice.
4. HEPA air filtration in rooms where the dog sleeps can reduce airborne allergens by 50–70%.

Temperament Range: Best Case to Challenging Scenarios

Yorkie mixes span a meaningful temperament spectrum. Here's what the range actually looks like in practice, based on the most common crosses.

Best-Case Scenario

Your yorkie mix inherits the Poodle's trainability and the Yorkie's loyalty without the terrier sharpness. They greet visitors warmly after a brief alert bark, settle quickly on command, enjoy 30–45 minutes of active play, and are comfortable being left alone for 4–6 hours with proper conditioning. This outcome is most common in F1 Yorkipoos and Yorkichons from well-socialized parents.

Challenging Scenario

Your yorkie mix inherits full terrier intensity plus the Chihuahua's wariness. They bark at every sound, lunge at unfamiliar dogs, nip at strangers who reach toward them, and develop separation anxiety if left alone for more than 2–3 hours. Resource guarding (food, toys, favorite person) may emerge between 6–18 months. This outcome is most common in Chorkies and in any mix where early socialization was inadequate.

Training Approach

Regardless of where your dog falls on the spectrum, force-free, positive reinforcement methods are the only recommended approach. Yorkie mixes are small and physically sensitive — aversive tools like shock collars or prong collars can cause tracheal damage and worsen fear-based behaviors. Use high-value food rewards (small pieces of freeze-dried liver or boiled chicken), keep training sessions to 5–10 minutes, and prioritize:

1. Recall (critical for a dog small enough to be preyed upon by larger animals)
2. Quiet/settle cue (manages barking without suppressing alert behavior entirely)
3. Handling desensitization (grooming, nail trims, vet exams — small dogs who resist handling become veterinary nightmares)
4. Alone-time conditioning (start at 5 minutes and build gradually to prevent separation anxiety)

Cost, Availability, and Where to Find a Yorkie Mix

Purchase Price from Breeders

Mix	Low Range	Typical Range	High Range
Yorkipoo	$800	$1,200–$2,500	$3,500+
Morkie	$600	$1,000–$2,000	$3,000+
Yorkichon	$700	$1,000–$2,200	$3,000+
Chorkie	$500	$800–$1,500	$2,500+
Snorkie	$600	$900–$1,800	$2,800+
Shorkie	$500	$800–$1,600	$2,500+

Prices in the "low range" typically come from backyard breeders or accidental litters with no health testing. The "high range" reflects established breeders who perform OFA health clearances on parent dogs, provide early neurological stimulation (ENS), and offer health guarantees. Extremely low prices (under $400) should trigger suspicion of puppy mill sourcing.

Rescue and Adoption

Yorkie mixes appear regularly in breed-specific rescues and general shelters. The ASPCA estimates that approximately 25% of shelter dogs are purebred or recognizable designer mixes. Adoption fees typically range from $150–$400 and usually include spay/neuter, initial vaccinations, and microchipping.

To find a yorkie mix through rescue:

• Search Petfinder.com with filters for Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle/Maltese/Bichon mixes
• Contact Yorkshire Terrier rescue organizations — they frequently take in mixes
• Check local small-breed-specific rescues, which often have Yorkie crosses
• Adult dogs (2+ years) give you a known quantity: size, coat type, and temperament are already established, eliminating the puppy unpredictability problem

First-Year Cost Estimate

Beyond the purchase price, budget for these first-year expenses:

• Initial veterinary exam and vaccination series: $200–$500
• Spay/neuter (if not included): $300–$700
• Grooming (6–8 sessions/year): $350–$700
• High-quality small-breed food (AAFCO complete-and-balanced): $200–$400/year
• Pet insurance (recommended for designer mixes): $30–$60/month ($360–$720/year)
• Supplies (crate, harness, grooming tools, dental care): $200–$400

Total first-year investment: $2,500–$5,500+ depending on purchase price and your region.

Who Should (and Shouldn't) Get a Yorkie Mix

Best Fit

• Apartment dwellers and urban residents: Small size and moderate exercise needs make them well-suited to condos and apartments, provided barking is managed with training.
• Older adults or work-from-home individuals: These dogs thrive on companionship and do poorly with 8+ hours of daily solitude.
• Families with older children (10+): Yorkie mixes are fragile — a 6 lb dog can suffer a broken leg from being dropped or stepped on by a toddler. Older children who understand gentle handling are fine.
• First-time dog owners (with caveats): Small size makes management easier, but the temperament variability means you must commit to training classes regardless of what personality you get.
• Allergy-sensitive households: F1B Yorkipoos and Yorkichons are among the better choices for mild-to-moderate dog allergy sufferers.

Poor Fit

• Families with toddlers or very young children: Injury risk to the dog is real and significant.
• People who work long hours away from home: Separation anxiety and excessive barking are near-certain outcomes.
• Those seeking a predictable dog: If you need to know exactly what size, coat type, and temperament you're getting, adopt an adult dog or choose a well-established purebred instead.
• Households with cats, rabbits, or small pets: The Yorkie's terrier prey drive may or may not be diluted by the cross — it's a gamble with small animals' safety.
• Anyone unwilling to budget for grooming: A neglected low-shed coat becomes a matted, painful mess that requires a full shave-down and potential veterinary treatment for skin infections underneath.

Frequently Asked Questions

What two breeds make up a yorkie mix?

A yorkie mix always has a Yorkshire Terrier as one parent. The other parent varies — the most common crosses are with Toy or Miniature Poodles (Yorkipoo), Maltese (Morkie), Bichon Frise (Yorkichon), Chihuahuas (Chorkie), Miniature Schnauzers (Snorkie), and Shih Tzus (Shorkie). Always confirm both parent breeds with the breeder or rescue organization.

How big will a yorkie mix get?

Most yorkie mixes fall between 4–16 lb (1.8–7.3 kg) and 6–15 inches (15–38 cm) at the shoulder. The exact size depends heavily on the other parent breed and which parent's size genes dominate. Morkies and Chorkies tend toward the smaller end (4–10 lb), while Snorkies and some Yorkipoos can reach 12–16 lb. You typically cannot predict exact adult weight until the dog is 8–10 months old.

What will the temperament be like?

Expect an alert, loyal, and moderately vocal dog. The specific temperament depends on which parent breed's traits dominate and — critically — on early socialization (weeks 3–14 of life). Yorkipoos and Yorkichons tend to be the most sociable and trainable. Chorkies tend to be the most territorial and strong-willed. Morkies often land closest to a classic lap dog. All yorkie mixes benefit from structured positive-reinforcement training starting in puppyhood.

Is a yorkie mix hypoallergenic or low-shedding?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but most yorkie mixes are low-shedding. They typically inherit hair-like coats (rather than fur) from the Yorkie side, which trap dander close to the skin rather than releasing it into the environment. F1B crosses backcrossed to Poodles or Bichons tend to have the most consistent low-shed coats. Regular bathing and brushing further reduce allergen exposure.

What health issues might a yorkie mix inherit?

Common inherited conditions include patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation), tracheal collapse, dental overcrowding, and portosystemic shunt (a liver blood vessel abnormality). Yorkipoos may also inherit progressive retinal atrophy from the Poodle side. While hybrid vigor reduces the risk of some recessive conditions, it does not eliminate health risks — especially conditions both parent breeds share. Request OFA health clearances for both parent dogs from any breeder.

How much does a yorkie mix cost?

Purchase prices range from $500–$3,500+ depending on the specific mix, breeder reputation, and health testing performed. Most well-bred puppies from health-tested parents fall in the $1,000–$2,500 range. Adoption through rescues typically costs $150–$400 and includes veterinary care. First-year total costs (purchase + veterinary care + grooming + supplies + insurance) range from $2,500–$5,500+.