With some of the most popular dog breeds as parents, it’s no wonder that the Shorkie makes a great companion. Much like their parents, the Shorkie tends to be a small dog with a big personality.

A mix of some of the most affectionate dog breeds, a well-socialized Shorkie is a loving companion breed that thrives on attention, loves being with their family, and bonds closely with them. They tend to be playful and energetic and also get along well with children. They even tend to be open and friendly with strangers once introduced.

Their small size, especially as puppies, means that they can be easily injured by accidental rough play or falls. Because of this, they tend to be a better fit for older children who have better coordination, balance, and motor control and who know how to properly interact with dogs. Any interactions between young kids and puppies should be supervised.

Their tiny size may not make them a good guard dog, but they often make alert watchdogs and will be more than happy to let you know when someone or something is nearby. They can be prone to barking a lot and at everything if they are not trained out of it early on. As such, it’s a good idea to start training your dog to stop barking to keep it from becoming a nuisance.

Shorkies are highly adaptable dogs. Their small size means they are a great fit for apartment living as well as larger homes. They tend to do well in most climates. But, due to their small size, they may need to bundle up to stay warm. Having the right winter dog products on hand can help you keep this tiny dog happy, safe, and warm while out on walks when the temperatures drop.

These little dogs are also sensitive to heat and can be prone to overheating. You’ll want to keep a close eye on them as temperatures rise and keep them cool. It’s not a bad idea to become familiar with the signs of heatstroke in dogs to make sure you never let your little pup get too overheated.

Because they bond so closely with their families, Shorkies do not like to be left alone. They are more prone to developing separation anxiety, so it’s important to start training and socialization early on. You want to make sure this small dog develops some independence and is comfortable when they are left alone for short periods to avoid the attachment issues and destructive behaviors common to separation anxiety.

Potential health concerns to be aware of in Shorkies can include kidney stones, allergies to certain medications and sometimes anesthesia, patellar luxation, collapsed trachea, progressive retinal apathy, hypoglycemia, hip dysplasia, and liver disease.

A mixed-breed dog can inherit the potential health concerns common to one, both, or neither of the parent breeds. There is a chance they could “win the genetic lottery” and inherit none of them, but this is not a guarantee. Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in the health of Shorkie puppies.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Don’t be afraid to ask the breeder about the genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any relevant health tests or clearances.

As a small dog breed, your Shorkie will be more prone to developing dental diseases like gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Practicing good dental care for dogs early and throughout their lives is important for any dog breed, but it is especially important for a Shorkie.

The Shorkie is a moderately trainable dog breed. They are intelligent and do have an eagerness to please their owners, but they are also easily bored, have a short attention span, and they can be quite stubborn.

These dogs respond best to gentle, calm, and consistent training that is focused on rewards and praise. They are sensitive and do not respond well to stricter training methods or harsh tones. Also, training them will require time and a lot of patience, especially when it comes to house training.

Although they can be a good fit for owners of all experience levels, puppy classes are recommended. This is particularly true for first-time owners who may find training this dog to be a challenge. These classes can be a good idea anyway as they often offer opportunities to socialize a puppy.

With one of the fluffiest dog breeds as parents, the Shorkie usually has a low-shedding coat that is silky, soft, and relatively long. Although their coat is low-shedding, it is not low maintenance. Their fur is prone to tangles, which quickly lead to mats, so daily brushing is required. Professional grooming is recommended about every six weeks.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to care for your Shorkie’s nails, ears, and teeth. Cutting your dog’s nails once or twice monthly is usually enough to keep them from growing too long, But, you may need to cut them more often if they grow quickly or just aren’t wearing down as much naturally. If you hear your Shorkie’s nails clicking on the floor, it’s time for a nail trim!

Checking weekly and carefully cleaning your dog’s ears as needed can help prevent ear infections. You are checking to make sure their ears are clean, dry, and free of debris. If you see excess moisture, wax, or dirt, it’s time for some careful cleaning. If you see these things paired with redness, inflammation, or something else, it’s time to visit the vet.

Because a Shorkie is more prone to developing gum disease and other painful dental diseases later in life, good dental care is essential. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste daily, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. From there, you can further support your efforts with a specially-formulated diet you create with your vet. You can also ask your vet for some recommended dental hygiene chews and treats.

Although a Shorkie can be an active little dog and will be energetic when they play, they are also one of the smallest dog breeds and tend to tire out quickly. Because of that, a Shorkie requires minimal exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks and some playtime are usually more than enough for this small pooch.

Playtime with toys, chasing a ball, taking trips to the dog park, and more can be great activities for this dog. They may be small and tire quickly, but they can also have bursts of energy where they’re more than happy to keep playing if you are.

Due to their small size and propensity to mischief, it’s important that they are only let off-leash in securely fenced areas and that they are monitored any time they are outside. Whether indoors or outdoors, your Shorkie will be happy to be active with you.

A fully-grown Shorkie usually stands 6-14 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 5-15 pounds.

Shorkies generally live for 12-15 years on average.

This designer dog breed is most commonly known as a Shorkie, but they are also sometimes called a Shorki, Shorkie Tzu, or a Yorkie Tzu.