Shorkie

A Shorkie is a cross between the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier. Shih Tzus were first bred in China, crossing the walls of the Forbidden City in the 17th century from the monasteries of Tibet. They are derived from the Lhasa Apso and Pekinese breeds. Originally, they were called Lhasa Lion Dogs. They were first seen in Western countries in the 20th century. Yorkshire Terriers were originally ratters, effective at keeping vermin out of factories. (Hence digging instincts.) Small enough to fit in their owner’s pocket, they were later beloved by society ladies. The Shorkie can have any combination of the two breeds in appearance, behavior, and temperament.

The Shorkie can vary in appearance and behavior, depending on the temperament of the Yorkshire Terrier and Shih Tzu parents. Owners should be prepared to invest time, money, or both in grooming, as the silky, glamorous coat of the Shorkie requires regular maintenance. While they appear to be little lap dogs, Shorkies do enjoy a fair amount of training and exercise, so families willing to put in the work are best. Child-free homes or homes with older children are better for these pint-sized pups as small children might cross the dog’s boundaries.

More of an academic than an athlete, a Shorkie only needs about half an hour’s worth of walking a day to be content. They do, however, require lots of mental stimulation in the form of playtime, games, or puzzles.

Small spaces aren’t a problem for these cheerful little charmers—Shorkies can get by easily in apartments and smaller homes so long as they have access to the outdoors for walks and potty trips.

Their long and silky coats may or may not have a thick undercoat, and they may or may not mat easily. Shorkies likely won’t shed much, but don’t be surprised if they do. Their coats require time, money, or both to be kept trim, glossy, and glamorous. Find a good local groomer who can look after your Shorkie’s coat or teach you how to do it yourself.

These clever dogs might surprise you with how quick they are when their scent instincts kick in, so it’s important to leash-train them or teach them recall, lest they go chasing after the neighbor’s cat at full speed. They appreciate socialization and will gain confidence the more you expose them to the world. These independent thinkers might give you attitude or push back when training, but be patient with them.

The Shorkie dog makes a fun companion but they are small and delicate. They’re best suited to families with older children or no children. They form extremely strong bonds with their primary caregiver, although they can get along with other family members or pets.

The cost of a Shorkie 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.