Yorkie and a Shih Tzu Mix: The Shorkie Breed Profile & Care Guide

If you've been researching small designer dogs, you've likely come across the yorkie and a shih tzu mix — often called the Shorkie, Shorkie Tzu, or Yorkie Tzu. This crossbreed pairs the spirited Yorkshire Terrier with the laid-back Shih Tzu, producing a compact companion dog that typically weighs between 7 and 16 pounds. But because mixed-breed dogs inherit traits unpredictably, no two Shorkies look or behave exactly alike.

This guide breaks down what you can realistically expect from a Shorkie, including the traits that tend to carry over from each parent breed, the health conditions worth screening for, and the real costs of ownership in 2026. Whether you're talking to a breeder or browsing rescue listings, you'll have the data you need to make an informed decision.

Parent Breed Breakdown: Yorkshire Terrier Meets Shih Tzu

Understanding a Shorkie starts with understanding its two parent breeds. Each brings distinct characteristics to the mix, and knowing which traits come from where helps you anticipate what your dog might be like.

Yorkshire Terrier vs. Shih Tzu — Parent Breed Comparison

Trait	Yorkshire Terrier	Shih Tzu
AKC Group	Toy	Toy
Weight Range	4–7 lb (1.8–3.2 kg)	9–16 lb (4.1–7.3 kg)
Height	7–8 in (18–20 cm)	9–10.5 in (23–27 cm)
Coat Type	Long, silky, single coat (hair-like)	Long, dense double coat
Shedding Level	Very low	Low to moderate
Energy Level	Moderate to high	Low to moderate
Trainability	Moderate — intelligent but independent	Moderate — eager but stubborn
Barking Tendency	High — alert and vocal	Moderate — less alarm-oriented
Lifespan	11–15 years	10–18 years
Original Purpose	Ratting in mills and mines (England)	Companion to Chinese royalty

The Yorkshire Terrier, recognized by the AKC since 1885, carries terrier drive and boldness in a tiny frame. The Shih Tzu, an ancient breed with roots in Tibetan and Chinese imperial courts, was bred purely for companionship — no working drive, no prey instinct, just a desire to sit on your lap. When you cross these two, you get a dog that usually lands somewhere between "alert and spunky" and "chill and cuddly."

Generations Explained: F1, F1B, and Multigen Shorkies

Most Shorkies sold by breeders are F1 crosses. The F1 generation tends to show the widest variety of appearances within a single litter, which is both the charm and the challenge of designer dogs. If a breeder advertises F1B or multigen Shorkies, ask specifically which parent breed was used in the backcross — it significantly affects expected size and coat type.

Size, Build, and Physical Appearance

Because the parent breeds differ in weight by up to 12 pounds, Shorkie size can vary considerably even within the same litter.

Shorkie Size Range (Typical, Based on Parent Averages)

Category	Weight	Height at Shoulder
Small End (Yorkie-dominant)	7–10 lb (3.2–4.5 kg)	7–9 in (18–23 cm)
Average	10–13 lb (4.5–5.9 kg)	8–10 in (20–25 cm)
Large End (Shih Tzu-dominant)	13–16 lb (5.9–7.3 kg)	9–11 in (23–28 cm)

Build varies from the Yorkie's fine-boned, compact frame to the Shih Tzu's sturdier, slightly longer body with a broader chest. Some Shorkies inherit the Shih Tzu's brachycephalic (short-muzzled) face; others get the Yorkie's slightly longer muzzle. This matters for health — brachycephalic dogs are at higher risk for breathing issues, especially in heat and humidity.

Ear shape also varies: expect either the Yorkie's small, erect V-shaped ears, the Shih Tzu's large, floppy drop ears, or something in between. Drop-eared Shorkies need more frequent ear cleaning to prevent infections.

Coat Types, Colors, and Shedding Expectations

Coat inheritance is one of the most variable traits in this mix. Here's what's possible:

• Yorkie-type coat: Long, fine, silky, single-layered. Grows continuously like human hair. Very low shedding. Requires daily brushing to prevent tangles.
• Shih Tzu-type coat: Dense double coat with a softer undercoat. Moderate shedding, especially during seasonal changes. Needs brushing every 1–2 days minimum.
• Blended coat: Most common outcome — a medium-length, wavy-to-straight coat with some undercoat. Shedding is typically low to moderate.

Common coat colors include black and tan (Yorkie classic), gold, cream, liver, brindle, and parti-color (white with patches). Puppy coat color can change significantly as the dog matures — Yorkies are born black and tan and lighten with age, and this color-shifting gene can carry into the mix.

Temperament: What to Expect (and What Might Surprise You)

Shorkie temperament sits on a spectrum. In the best-case scenario, you get a dog that is affectionate, playful, alert without being neurotic, and adaptable to apartment or house living. In more challenging cases, you may see:

• Terrier stubbornness: The Yorkie side can bring a "what's in it for me?" attitude toward training.
• Alert barking: Yorkies were bred to sound the alarm. Some Shorkies bark at every doorbell, footstep, and passing dog.
• Velcro-dog tendency: The Shih Tzu side craves constant companionship. Shorkies left alone for long hours often develop separation anxiety, manifesting as destructive chewing or nonstop barking.
• Small-dog syndrome (owner-created): Because they're tiny, owners often skip basic training. An untrained Shorkie can become snappy, resource-guardy, or overly protective.

Socialization is critical. Expose your Shorkie puppy to varied people, surfaces, sounds, and other dogs between 8 and 16 weeks of age. Use positive reinforcement methods — treats, praise, play — and avoid punishment-based tools like shock collars or prong collars, which can increase fear and aggression in small dogs.

Health Considerations: Inherited Risks From Both Parent Breeds

A common misconception is that mixed-breed dogs automatically enjoy "hybrid vigor" — the idea that crossbreeding eliminates genetic health problems. The reality is more nuanced. While genetic diversity can reduce the risk of certain recessive disorders, a Shorkie can still inherit any condition that affects either parent breed. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the following conditions are relevant:

Health Conditions to Screen For in Shorkies

Condition	Inherited From	Prevalence Notes	Screening Method
Patellar Luxation	Both breeds	Common in toy breeds; kneecap slips out of place	Orthopedic exam by vet
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)	Shih Tzu	Affects short-muzzled individuals; breathing difficulty, snoring, heat intolerance	Physical exam, airway assessment
Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt)	Yorkshire Terrier	Yorkies are among the most predisposed breeds; congenital blood vessel abnormality bypassing the liver	Bile acids test, ultrasound
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)	Both breeds	Gradual vision loss leading to blindness	DNA test (prcd-PRA), veterinary ophthalmologist exam
Dental Disease	Both breeds	Toy breeds have crowded teeth; periodontal disease often begins by age 2–3	Annual dental exam, dental radiographs
Hypoglycemia	Yorkshire Terrier	Low blood sugar, especially in puppies under 4 months; can cause seizures	Blood glucose monitoring
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye)	Shih Tzu	Reduced tear production; causes irritation, corneal damage if untreated	Schirmer tear test

Reputable breeders should provide health clearances for both parent dogs — specifically OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) patella evaluations, a recent ophthalmologist exam, and bile acids testing for liver shunts. Ask to see documentation, not just verbal assurances.

Always consult your veterinarian about an appropriate screening schedule for your individual dog, especially if you adopted and don't know the parent health history.

Grooming, Exercise, and Daily Care

Grooming: Plan to brush your Shorkie at least every other day, daily if the coat is long and silky. Mats form quickly behind the ears, under the legs, and around the hindquarters. Most owners opt for a "puppy cut" (1–2 inches all over) maintained by a professional groomer every 6–8 weeks. Expect to pay $50–$85 per grooming session in most U.S. markets in 2026, which adds up to roughly $400–$700 annually.

Additional grooming tasks:

• Eye cleaning: Shih Tzu-influenced Shorkies with prominent eyes and facial folds need daily wiping with a damp cloth or veterinary eye wipe to prevent tear staining and fold dermatitis.
• Ear care: Check and clean ears weekly with a vet-recommended ear cleanser, especially in drop-eared individuals.
• Dental care: Brush teeth daily or at minimum 3–4 times per week using enzymatic dog toothpaste. Toy breeds are notoriously prone to periodontal disease, and professional dental cleanings under anesthesia cost $300–$800 per procedure.
• Nail trims: Every 2–4 weeks. Overgrown nails alter gait and contribute to joint stress.

Exercise: Shorkies need roughly 30–45 minutes of activity per day, split into two or three short walks plus indoor play. They are not endurance athletes — overexertion, especially in hot weather, is a risk for brachycephalic individuals. A harness (not a collar) is recommended for walks to protect the trachea, as toy breeds are prone to tracheal collapse.

Nutrition: Feed an AAFCO-certified small-breed formula. Adult Shorkies typically eat ¼ to ½ cup of high-quality kibble per day, split into two meals. Puppies under 6 months should eat three to four small meals daily to prevent hypoglycemia. Avoid free-feeding — obesity stresses tiny joints and worsens breathing issues in brachycephalic dogs.

Cost and Where to Find a Shorkie

Shorkie Pricing and First-Year Cost Estimate (2026)

Expense	Estimated Cost
Puppy from a breeder	$800–$2,500 (varies by region, breeder reputation, and parent health testing)
Adoption from rescue/shelter	$150–$500
Initial veterinary exam + first vaccines	$200–$400
Spay/neuter	$300–$600
Annual vet care (wellness, vaccines, preventives)	$500–$900
Grooming (6–8 sessions/year)	$400–$700
Food and treats	$250–$450
Supplies (crate, harness, bed, toys, dental kit)	$200–$400
Estimated first-year total	$2,800–$6,000+

Shorkies are not as widely available as Labradoodles or Goldendoodles, so you may need to search beyond your immediate area. When evaluating a breeder, look for:

• Health-tested parent dogs with OFA or equivalent clearances (not just "vet-checked")
• A written health guarantee of at least one year
• A take-back clause requiring you to return the dog to them if you can no longer keep it
• Willingness to let you visit and meet the mother dog
• Proof of early socialization practices (introduction to household sounds, surfaces, handling)

For adoption, check breed-specific rescues for Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus — these organizations sometimes take in mixed-breed dogs as well. Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet allow you to search by mix type.

Who Is the Shorkie Best Suited For?

The Shorkie works best in these living situations:

• Apartments and condos: Their small size and moderate exercise needs make them excellent urban dogs, provided you manage barking with early training.
• Single adults and couples: Shorkies bond closely and thrive with people who are home often or work from home.
• Families with older children (8+): Their small size makes them fragile around toddlers and young children who may accidentally drop, squeeze, or step on them. Always supervise interactions.
• Seniors and retirees: A Shorkie's companionship drive and manageable exercise needs make it a good match for less active households.
• First-time dog owners: With commitment to training and socialization, Shorkies are manageable for beginners — but their grooming demands and potential stubbornness require patience.

The Shorkie is not ideal for households where the dog will be left alone for 8+ hours daily, families with very young children who cannot handle a small dog gently, or anyone unwilling to commit to regular grooming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What two breeds make up a Shorkie?

A Shorkie is a cross between a purebred Yorkshire Terrier and a purebred Shih Tzu. Both are AKC-recognized toy breeds, though the Shorkie itself is not recognized by the AKC. It may be registered with designer breed registries like the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) or the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC).

How big will a yorkie and a shih tzu mix get?

Most Shorkies weigh between 7 and 16 pounds (3.2–7.3 kg) and stand 7 to 11 inches (18–28 cm) tall at the shoulder. The exact size depends on which parent breed's genes are more dominant and whether the dog is an F1, F1B, or other generation.

What will the temperament be like?

Expect an affectionate, alert, and playful companion. The Yorkie side contributes boldness and vocal tendencies; the Shih Tzu side contributes calmness and a strong desire for physical closeness. Early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are essential to prevent excessive barking or small-dog behavioral issues.

Is this mix hypoallergenic or low-shedding?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Shorkies with Yorkie-type single coats shed very little and may suit people with mild allergies. Those inheriting a Shih Tzu double coat will shed more. You cannot predict coat type with certainty in an F1 cross.

What health issues might a Shorkie inherit?

Key risks include patellar luxation, liver shunts (from the Yorkie side), brachycephalic airway syndrome (from the Shih Tzu side), progressive retinal atrophy, dental disease, and hypoglycemia in puppies. Request health clearances from the breeder and discuss a screening plan with your veterinarian.

How much does a Shorkie cost?

Expect to pay $800–$2,500 from a breeder in 2026, or $150–$500 through a rescue. First-year ownership costs typically range from $2,800 to over $6,000 when including veterinary care, grooming, food, and supplies.

Do Shorkies bark a lot?

Many do. The Yorkshire Terrier's alert-barking instinct is strong, and without training, a Shorkie may bark at doorbells, passersby, and unfamiliar sounds. Consistent positive reinforcement training and desensitization to common triggers can significantly reduce nuisance barking.

Are Shorkies good with other pets?

Generally yes, especially when raised together or properly introduced. The Yorkie's terrier drive may cause some Shorkies to chase small animals like hamsters or rabbits, so supervise interactions with pocket pets. Dog-to-dog introductions should be gradual and positive.