A Guide to the Adorable Yorkipoo

Being a small, fun-loving breed, these dogs are a great addition to most families. They are wonderful companion dogs who love people and other animals. However, their small size makes them more vulnerable to injury, so be watchful of them around very small children or larger dogs.

Yorkipoos are confident yet easy-going dogs, traits they get from their Yorkshire terrier parents. This makes them laid back and less demanding than other breeds. Their confidence also makes them great watchdogs, happy to alert their families to anything going on around them.

Yorkipoos can vary in size and appearance, depending on their parents. Their coat can be curly, straight, or anything in between. These dogs come in a variety of colors, including black, cream, white, red, chocolate, apricot, tan, and grey.

The Yorkipoo is a very small breed by design. They range in height between 7 and 14 inches tall to the shoulder and typically weigh between 3 and 14 pounds.

The variation in size in these dogs is due to the size of their parents and is typically a reflection of the poodle used for breeding. Multi-generational Yorkipoos (both parents are Yorkipoos) tend to sit on the smaller end of the scale.

Yorkipoos are fairly low-maintenance dogs, requiring very little professional care. Regular trims are recommended, but there is no specific length that their hair should be maintained at. That said, they should be brushed daily to avoid their curly hair getting tangled. The fur on their faces should also be brushed back away from their eyes or trimmed to minimize irritation.

These dogs only need to be bathed when necessary, so their skin and fur don't dry out. Teeth, however, should be brushed 2 to 3 times a week, and nails should be trimmed once or twice monthly. For ear care, wipe the insides with a gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner on a cotton ball. This will help to reduce the potential for infections.

The Yorkie poo is largely considered a hypoallergenic breed due to their minimal shedding and dander production. Like poodles, their curly hair catches any dander released, making them a good breed for owners with dog allergies.

Multi-generational Yorkipoos are the closest version of a non-shedding dog you can get. As an added bonus, they are also considered odorless.

These dogs tend to be high-energy and very active. They thrive on daily walks and playtime in the yard. For this reason, they do well with lots of activity around them. This also means they don't do well in a crate all day. Crating should be limited to short spans of time and night time for sleep.

For extra recreation, Yorkipoos enjoy trips to the dog park but should be watched closely or taken to parks specifically for small dogs.

Yorkipoos are typically healthy dogs, having been bred with this in mind, but all dogs are prone to certain conditions. Some of these conditions include epilepsy, patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, hypothyroidism, and hyperadrenocorticism.

While some of these disorders can be extremely dangerous, not all Yorkipoos will get all or any of them. To ensure your Yorkipoo is as healthy as possible, request health clearances for your puppy's parents from the breeder.

Like many small dogs, Yorkipoos do not need a lot of food. Typically 1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry dog food per day will suffice. The better the quality of food, the longer it will keep your dog full, and the more nutrients it will provide.

It is a good idea to divide your dog's food up into two equal meals rather than keeping the bowl full throughout the day. This helps to manage the amount your dog is eating.

Because of their compact size, Yorkipoos adapt well to apartment living and can find room to roam and explore in any size dwelling. They are also great for beginner dog owners because of their easy trainability, good nature, and ability to adjust to new circumstances.

If you have neighbors that you share walls with, be warned that these dogs have a tendency to bark.

Yorkipoos, like their parent breeds, are very smart and trainable. While they tend to be a more independent breed, they do enjoy performance competitions, such as agility and obedience.

Due to their intelligence, these dogs can be lippy, asserting themselves when told what to do. They also have an inherent prey-drive that can get them into trouble. Their instinct to hunt and chase may overpower their understanding of their meager size.