Chorkie

The Chorkie, a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Chihuahua, likely originated in the United States in the early 1990s. They’ve grown in popularity as a way to have a high-energy, big-personality dog in a small package, especially for owners who are short on space but have lots of love to give. The Chihuahua originated in Mexico and is widely known as one of the smallest and most popular breeds of all time, perhaps dating back as far as the Aztec period as companions of aristocrats. It’s also thought that they could have been first bred in the Middle Ages as a mix between Spanish lapdogs and smaller Spanish breeds, or even in China, which accounts for the long-haired variety. Although their roots aren’t defined, they rose to popularity in the 19th century in Mexico where visitors first saw them and brought them back to America. Yorkshire Terriers have a defined history, coming from England and Scotland as ratters that were small enough to fit into a factory owner’s pocket. They became popular with wealthy women later in the 19th century, bred to make them even smaller companion dogs. Interestingly, while the dogs got smaller, the coat length stayed the same, hence the longer coats you often see on show dogs. The Chorkie can have any combination of the two breeds in appearance, behavior, and temperament.

This adorable little crossbreed is likely to be clever, quick, and full of energy, so they’ll need an owner to match this or at least tolerate it. Ideal owners will understand how to implement kind, effective training both to engage their Chorkie’s mind and teach them to be a safe, polite member of doggy society. They do best when they’re at their owner’s side most of the day. They are delicate and fragile little dogs, so while they can be good family dogs, it’s best that there aren’t small children around who might mistake them for a stuffed toy.

Chorkie owners are often surprised at how active they can be, but they only require about half an hour of walking a day on their tiny little legs to be physically satisfied. For mental stimulation, they love gentle games and interaction with their owners and will enjoy training and learning new things.

Some sort of access to exercise and potty needs is all these little pint-sized pranksters need.

Chorkie coats can vary from long and silky to short and endearingly scruffy, depending on the type of Chihuahua. A good local groomer will be able to carefully and delicately groom them, or teach you how to do it yourself.

Don’t underestimate them: the Chorkie is far smarter than many people think. They enjoy learning, training, and game playing and should be trained to walk on a lead and harness as well as come back when called. This is a breed that needs early and ongoing socialization so they gain confidence with people and other dogs.

The Chorkie is generally too small and delicate (especially as a puppy) to make a good family dog, especially for those with young children. They tend to stick to one person and devote their loyalty to them, so family dynamics might be difficult to navigate for them emotionally. Small children might also frighten them or mistakenly play with them as toys, which Chorkies will not do well with.

The cost of a Chorkie from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.