The Yorkiepoo, Yorkipoo, or Yorkie Poo?
And there’s more: Yoodles, Yorkiedoodles, and Yorkepoos. Which is right? Well, take your pick! Any of these names will do, as they all refer to this adorable ball of fluff.
We’ll stick to the main three in the above heading, try them out for size, and see which you think is best at the end.
Whichever name or spelling you prefer, these designer dogs have experienced a surge in popularity since they first appeared around ten years ago. If you’re not familiar with them and want to know more, then you’re in exactly the right place.
We’re going to put the Yorkiepoo in the spotlight, so you can see what all the fuss is about.
What Is A Yorkiepoo?
This loveable pooch is a cross between a Toy Poodle or a Miniature Poodle and a Yorkshire Terrier. Occasionally, they can be the offspring of two Yorkie Poodle mixes.
Regardless of gender, these pint-sized pets will measure between 7 and 15 inches in height and weigh between 3 and 14 lbs, depending on which of the parent breeds the pup takes after.
The average weight is between 8 and 10 lbs. If you’re looking for a small dog, then you won’t get much smaller than the Yorkiepoo!
There are three sizes: toy, mini, and teacup. As Standard Poodles are rarely used, if ever, there isn’t a Standard Yorkipoo.
It’s not only their size that makes them so adorable, though. These perfect little companions will keep a smile on your face with their constant antics. They’ll bounce around the yard chasing a ball one minute, then be snuggled on your lap the next.
They are ideally suited to most homes, whether in the city or country, grand house or small apartment. Even though they are high-energy dogs, they don’t need a lot of exercise. However, their tiny legs do like to have a run each day.
Photo from: @adventureswith_kirby
This is a wonderful little companion dog that will be with you for a while. They have a lifespan of between 12 and 15 years, possibly longer. One of the biggest dangers to their life is their small size: you need to take great care when they get under your feet!
Even so, being so small has its advantages when it comes to grooming. Their curly or wavy hair needs brushing, but this will hardly be a taxing process as they are so tiny!
Longer coats might need a good trim now and then, and if you don’t feel up to it, you can always employ a professional groomer to do the job for you.
This coat can come in a wide variety of colors, including sable, apricot, cream, white, black, chocolate, gray, tan, red, and silver!
But it doesn’t stop there, as they can have multiple colors and a mix of markings. Those that take after the Poodle parent may have tufts of fur that hang down from the legs. They truly are unique hybrid dogs.
As a crossbreed, they aren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
White Yorkie Poo
Why does this dog have a section to itself? Well, white Yorkshire Terriers are extremely rare, so the idea of an all-white Yorkie mix appeals to a lot of people.
However, it’s a tragic fact that many white dogs are needlessly destroyed every year. Why is this? Because of a myth that says white dogs are a sign of genetic defects and that the dog will be deaf!
The field of genetics is complex, and the genes that determine color can be associated with certain illnesses.
However, there is no truth in the assertion that white dogs, especially Yorkie Poos, will be deaf or have any other health conditions.
Yorkie Poo Black
Black dogs also have their share of problems, though not connected with genetics.
Ever heard of ‘black dog syndrome’? It’s a real thing. For some reason, there’s a long-held belief that black dogs are somehow inferior or not as pretty as other colors.
Some people even hold negative associations, possibly even related to superstitious beliefs.
Whatever the reason, if you visit a rescue center or shelter, you’ll see mostly black dogs. And many of these will be euthanized if they can’t find a forever home.
The majority of dog lovers will be appalled by this, and rightly so. Black Yorkie Poos are just as loving and loyal, just as beautiful and brilliant as any other color.
One final note is that black Yorkie Poo pups will change color slightly as they mature. The deep black will soften to what is known as ‘blue’ in terms of dog coat colors.
Is A Yorkie Poo A Good Dog?
A good dog? It’s an exceptional dog!
They have big hearts and huge personalities for such tiny animals. They will win you over with their charm in a matter of minutes, guaranteed.
What are they like? Confident and calm. They love attention but are at the same time independent. They are alert and intelligent, making them great watchdogs.
That’s not to say that they will be much good should you have a real intruder. For one thing, their size works against them. Also, they’re not aggressive by nature, so they are more likely to take the intruder a toy and ask them to join in playtime than warn them off!
One look at that cute little face, though, and you’ll be sure to forgive them.
As with all dogs, socialization is always a good idea. When this is done properly and at an early age, it gets your dog used to other animals and people. The difference with the Yorkiepoo is that it doesn’t take its size into account.
These cheeky pooches will boldly confront dogs ten times their size, so they need to learn how to behave properly around them. They may also retain the prey drive of the parent breeds and will be prone to chasing smaller animals.
Because they are so small, you might imagine that they wouldn’t mind being picked up. The thing is, some Yorkiepoos don’t like it very much.
For this reason, it’s best to avoid leaving them alone with small children, as the kids might think of them as little teddy bears and try to pull them around.
There’s also a chance that a child will drop them, which could cause them injury. Older children should be fine, as they will understand the rules.
That’s not to say that these little beauties don’t love human company and cuddles. They’re a true lapdog that loves nothing better than to curl up on your knee.
They’re easy to train as they just want to please you and are very intelligent.
Finally, they are charming, affectionate, and gentle, making them the perfect choice as therapy dogs.
Yorkie Poo Puppies
There are few things as happy and uplifting as a crate full of puppies. And it’s hard to say which breed is the cutest, although the Yorkie Poo is surely up there in the top ten.
Most Yorkie Poo moms give birth to between two and five pups, and whelping can be a challenging and risky experience, especially in very small dogs.
They often need a C-section, but many can’t cope with anesthesia. This only adds to the fact that each pup is a little miracle.
How many puppies can a Yorkie have? Usually, they have an average of 3.3 in each litter but can have between two and five pups. They face similar problems due to their size. For Poodles, you can expect around seven pups in a litter.
All pups are fragile and need special care and attention, the Yorkie Poo puppy even more so. They are bold and fearless and will act like, well, puppies! There’s nothing so cute and funny as watching pups ambling about happily, but you need to keep a careful watch on them.
Puppies have two growth plates in the long bones of their legs. These are soft and flexible when they are young but start to harden as they develop. When the pup is mature, the tissue calcifies and becomes solid, at which point the puppy stops growing.
However, if the bone is exposed to excessive exercise during its flexible phase, it can result in permanent injury or affect the dog’s growth rate. Likewise, if they fall or jump from a height, they can injure themselves. And they do like to jump!
Puppyish behavior is lovely to see, but at some point, it’s good for your dog to calm down and start to mellow out a bit. As for when this is, it’s too difficult to say.
Some of this will depend on the individual dog’s character. Most of us have known dogs well into their twilight years who refuse to grow up!
Yorkie Poo Full Grown
Yorkie Poos usually reach their adult size between 8 and 15 months. Once you pass this point, that’s as big as it’s going to get!
Many factors will decide this, including the size of the parents, amount of nutrition it has received, activity levels, health conditions, its lineage, and whether it has been spayed or neutered (although the overall effects of the latter are minimal).
This is why there’s such a wide difference in weight, somewhere between 3 and 14 lbs. If you want to have a better idea of your pup’s adult weight and size, it’s best to discuss it with the breeder, as they will be able to guide you.
On average, they’re going to weigh between 7 and 10 pounds, with a matching average height of 7 to 10 inches.
Do Yorkie Poos Bark A Lot?
Actually, they revel in it. Seriously, they love barking. They’ll bark whenever they spot something they think is a danger to them, you, or your home. You will probably not see eye to eye on what is regarded as a danger.
To them, this might be someone calling at the front door, a cat passing through the yard, a truck parked on the street, or a leaf blowing across the garden.
It’s hard to stay mad at them, partly as they’re so cute, but they’re just looking after you!
If all that yapping becomes a problem, then you might want to get some help to curb it. Training sessions can be a good way of controlling this.
You won’t stop it completely, and you shouldn’t want to; this is your dog’s way of communicating with you. However, your furry companion will soon learn to be silent when you ask them.
Most dog experts and animal welfare organizations endorse the use of positive reinforcement methods these days. It is a much more humane way of training, encouraging our dogs to behave how we want them to without the need for punishment.
Smacking a dog or tugging hard on a leash is now viewed as being counterproductive as well as cruel.
Most dogs are very keen to please you. Reward-based training is the best way to use this trait in your favor.
When your dog learns to shush on command, then give them a treat and make a fuss of them. They will learn very quickly that when they stop barking, it makes you happy.
Yorkiepoo Breeders
Sadly, not all dog breeders are equal. Responsible, reputable breeders have the dog’s welfare at heart and will always invest in this. However, some are only in it for the money.
Puppy mills and backyard breeders are infamous for keeping dogs in inhumane conditions. The idea is to produce puppies as quickly as possible and sell them quickly.
They won’t use genetic screening procedures like reputable breeders do, meaning that your pup may have serious health conditions.
They won’t provide health guarantees or paperwork either, and they’ll be reluctant to answer too many questions. They will be keen to take your money and send you on your way as soon as possible.
Check reviews on online forums to get a feel for a breeder. Word-of-mouth recommendations are often the best indicator of how trustworthy and reliable a business is.
One good sign is if the breeder asks you questions! Don’t take offense if they ask personal questions about your lifestyle; they are showing an interest in your pup’s welfare.
They need assurance that you are a suitable owner for the puppy and that you’ll provide the right environment and care for them properly.
Yorkie Poo Price
As always, it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact price as there are several variables to consider.
They usually sell for between $400 and $1,000, with an average of $700, although some breeders will charge as much as $5,500 or more.
Prices will differ greatly according to your location and how many Yorkiepoo breeders there are nearby.
If demand is high in your area and there is only one breeder, then the price is going to be at the upper end of the scale.
Of course, you can (and should) shop around if possible. But you need to keep in mind travel and transport costs if you buy from a breeder in another state.
Yorkie Poo Adoption
If you can find a Yorkipoo in a shelter or rescue facility, then you’ll save yourself a bunch of money. Adoption prices are usually in the low hundreds of dollars.
It’s hard to believe that anyone would abandon one of these adorable creatures, but it does happen for many different reasons. However, they usually get snapped up the same day, so you’ll need to be quick!
Each rescue or adoption center will have its own rules and procedures to ensure that the dog is going to a safe, loving, forever home. Some will come to your home to check how secure your fences are.
They may check with groomers and vets to find out about any previous fur babies you might have owned. They may even scrutinize your finances to see if you are able to take on the responsibility of looking after a dog.
Some may also set an age limit and won’t allow anyone under 25 to adopt.
If this seems intrusive and a touch excessive, just remember that all of this is to protect the dog and ensure that it never ends up back at the shelter.
Can Yorkie Poos Be Left Alone?
Miniature Poodles have a bit of a reputation for being clingy. They really don’t do well when their owners leave them, and separation anxiety can be an issue.
On the other hand, Yorkies are known to be more independent. So, which way does the Yorkiepoo go?
The truth is, it can be either! You’ll soon find out which, as your pup will be sure to let you know. However, there’s a chance that the independent streak will win through.
If not, then they will be very unhappy and may take out their frustration on your home.
It should be stressed, though, that leaving any dog at home alone for long periods is not a good idea and is not fair to the animal. Opinions vary as to how long you should leave your dog, although most people agree that it should be no longer than four hours.
It has been suggested that some breeds can be left for as long as eight hours, but this is not ideal.
Most dog breeds are social animals and will not be happy at being on their own for long periods of time. Some dogs will become destructive and may develop behavioral problems.
Training your dog from an early age will go a long way towards getting them used to being alone for a short time. There are also some tricks you can use to make it seem normal.
You know that when you get your coat or put on your shoes, your dog’s ears immediately prick up. Try putting on your coat or shoes, picking up your keys, then sitting on the sofa.
Your furry companion will stop associating your actions with possibly being left alone. This takes away some of the anxiety and anticipation.
When you do go out, make as little fuss as possible. And when you return to a whirlwind of affection and kisses, play it cool.
Wait until they have calmed down, and then give them some love. They will soon learn that being left alone for a short while is not a big deal.
Teacup Yorkie Poo
This isn’t a separate breed, just a Yorkiepoo that’s bred using a Toy Poodle and a Yorkshire Terrier. It’s something to be aware of, as labels are often used to mislead people into thinking they are getting a rare breed.
As such, you’ll be charged a higher price when, in fact, all you’re getting as a particularly small dog.
In general, the Yorkipoo is a healthy breed. However, the smaller you go, the more likely that they will have health problems. The main issue will be with their bones, which can be very fragile.
To class as a teacup dog, it has to weigh between two and five pounds, and measure under 17 inches, according to the AKC. Toy breeds include any dog under 15 lbs, meaning that teacup dogs can also qualify as toys!
Are Yorkiepoo Hypoallergenic?
The good news is that both the Poodle and the Yorkshire Terrier are known to be hypoallergenic dogs! This means that your beautiful mixed-breed pup will be less likely to aggravate any allergies you or your family suffer from.
Allergens, in the form of proteins in dog saliva and dander (dry flakes of skin), cause allergic reactions. It is not, as many people still believe, the hair or fur itself that you may be allergic to.
This is just one more point in the Yorkie Poo’s favor.
Do Yorkie Poo Shed?
Yes, they do shed, but not seasonally like many other breeds.
This is because of the type of coat both dogs have. The Yorkie has a fine coat, similar to human hair. The Poodle’s coat is much the same, except that it is curly.
When Poodles shed, the loose hairs become trapped in the coat and can be brushed out.
Because of this, you don’t get dog hair lying about your home, which means you stand less chance of being exposed to allergens.
Yorkiepoo Health Problems
All dog breeds have health issues of one kind or another. Purebred dogs are more prone to these because of the limited gene pool. Mixed breeds are not exempt from illness but may be generally healthier because of hybrid vigor.
This term is used to describe the introduction of fresh genes into the mix, which is said to improve overall health. However, there are no guarantees, and your dog will still be at risk of some of the following conditions:
• Patellar luxation – a frequent concern in little dogs. This is a painful condition where the kneecap shifts out of place while the dog is walking.
The kneecap sits within a groove, but in dogs with patellar luxation, it slips out of this groove. Although it can be caused by trauma, this condition is usually inherited.
• Portosystemic shunt – a blood vessel abnormality that diverts blood from the abdominal organs to the heart, bypassing the liver. This can be serious, as the liver filters out toxins, makes blood safe, and extracts nutrients.
If blood doesn’t pass through the liver, then essential nutrients will be lost, and toxins will pass through the body. Treating and managing this condition is complex and tricky, involving surgery and a great deal of aftercare.
• Hypothyroidism – the thyroid produces hormones that perform a range of functions in the body. Without them, the body won’t work as it should. Dogs with an underactive thyroid will be lethargic, depressed, gain weight, and experience changes in their skin and coat.
The good news is that, unlike in humans, hypothyroidism is relatively easy to treat in dogs.
• Epilepsy – there are several causes of epilepsy in dogs, including head trauma, poisoning, and organ failure.
However, the most common form of epilepsy is not understood. Known as idiopathic epilepsy, it is usually inherited from the parents.
This condition can be controlled with medication that the dog will need to take for the rest of its life.
• Perthes disease – due to poor blood supply to the hip’s ball joint, the bone dies and starts to crumble. This is very painful and causes the dog to limp and eventually become lame.
It usually only affects one hip and will lead to arthritis. There is no cure, as the cause is not fully understood. However, some vets will recommend surgery that removes the dead bone, allowing fibrous tissue to form a false joint.
This won’t be as flexible as the original, but the dog will be free from pain, especially when treated with anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Atopic dermatitis – many dogs have allergies that express themselves through the skin. Instead of sneezing, dogs usually get dry, itchy skin.
The most common causes are food allergies, flea and tick allergies, contact allergies, inhalant allergies (such as pollen or dust mites), and even allergic reactions to naturally occurring bacteria or yeast organisms on their own skin!
Dogs will scratch or bite at these itchy areas and make the problem worse.
• Hyperadrenocorticism – also known as Cushing’s disease, is a problem connected with the pituitary gland. The stress hormone cortisol is produced in large amounts.
This is the fight or flight hormone, and it is only meant to be produced in small amounts for short periods.
The usual cause of this abnormality is a benign tumor on the pituitary gland. Symptoms include muscle wastage and a pot-belly, as well as excessive thirst, thin skin and coat, and diabetes.
Although there are several others, they are of lesser concern than the ones listed here. The best way to avoid them is to buy your dog from a reputable breeder, have them checked at the vet regularly, and feed them the best quality dog food.
Yorkie Poo Lifespan
Every pet owner wants the best for their chosen companion. Animals rarely have a lifespan that matches our own, and dogs generally don’t live longer than 15 years. So, we do all we can to make that time as long and as special as possible.
Small breeds generally have the advantage of living longer than large ones. The reasons for this aren’t clear, but it could be that big dogs need to grow quickly, which makes them age faster.
Whatever the reason, by choosing a tiny dog, you automatically have a better chance of keeping your precious pooch around for longer.
But this doesn’t mean you can sit back and relax when it comes to care!
Caring For Your Yorkie Poo
For a small dog, the Yorkipoo has a pretty high energy level. This shouldn’t be too much of an issue, as your pup can easily wear itself out running around your home. Ideally, they should have about 30 minutes of exercise each day, including playtime.
The amount you feed them will depend on their size, age, and activity level, but on average, they’ll need between 1/4 and 1 cup of high-quality dry dog food each day.
Also, you can add some human foods to their diet to provide them with the necessary nutrients they need. Foods such as peppers, figs, basil, scallops, jicama, and turnips are all great sources of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Daily brushing with a pin brush is a good idea to avoid tangles and matting, but this won’t take long. You should carefully trim the hair around the eyes occasionally to stop it from making them sore.
There’s no need to bathe them much at all, as they’re pretty clean little furballs. Of course, if they track through a muddy puddle or discover something unpleasant to roll in, then you’ll want to get them into that bath as soon as you can!
Bathing too frequently can dry out their skin, leading to irritation and infection.
One thing that some dog owners don’t take into account is that dental problems can quickly escalate. Dogs can become seriously sick if their teeth aren’t kept in good condition.
For this reason, you should brush your dog’s teeth with a special dog toothpaste that removes tartar. Brushing their teeth daily will reduce the chances of gum disease and bad breath and will help to keep your dog healthy.
Other than this, if you take them to the vet two or three times a year for a health check, then all you need to do is enjoy their company and give them the love and affection they crave and deserve.
Yorkiepoo Haircuts
Whether you want your pooch to be cool in a fashion sense or cool in a literal sense, you can clip their coat to suit either! As they don’t really shed at all, they will need clipping regularly anyway, so why not make the most of it?
The puppy cut is one of the simplest: trim the hair to about 1/2 inch and 1 inch around the snout and head. It’s easy for you to maintain at home and will keep the dog cool in the hot summer months.
The best part is that you can do this yourself with dog clippers, which is good for those on a budget who want to avoid the expense of professional dog grooming.
Using scissors instead of clippers, you can trim the coat to 2 inches to get a teddy bear look.
A kennel cut leaves the hair longer on the head and legs but trims the rest close to the body. This is ideal for very hot weather and will cut down the need for brushing.
You can even trim their fur to resemble a Schnauzer if you prefer. There are many different styles, each with its own appeal and degree of difficulty.
Your choice of cut will largely depend on whether your dog has straight or curly hair. But why not try some out and get your Yorkie Poo looking his very best?
The Last Word On Yorkipoos
A seriously cute teddy bear dog who is affectionate, trainable, loyal, charming, friendly, and obedient. What more could you ask for?
Their exercise needs are minimal, they don’t eat a lot, they fit in just about anywhere, and are highly adaptable. After a good run around, they love nothing better than snoozing on your lap or watching the world go by.
Yes, they will bark. They might bark a lot. That’s their way of keeping you safe, warning you that danger might be lurking nearby.
If you look after them, they’ll be your loyal friend for a good 15 years. Be careful where you get yours from and avoid puppy mills – they really don’t deserve the business.
So, when it comes to this small dog with a big heart, which name did you decide on, Yorkie Poo, Yorkipoo, or Yorkiepoo? Which do you think is more popular?
The internet isn’t much help here, as it shows that the same number of people use Yorkie Poo as they do Yorkiepoo! In the end, though, it doesn’t matter all that much.
We all know which dog we’re talking about, and its multiple names and spellings just add to its appeal.
