The Chorkie is a mixed dog breed, a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Chihuahua. The Chorkie is intelligent and perky, just like its parent breeds. Its small size make it a great apartment pet. It is affectionate with its owners but tends to be suspicious of strangers, can be aggressive with other pets, and is not recommended to keep with small children. It makes a good watchdog though, because it tends to alert its owners to anything out of the ordinary. When selecting a Chorkie, look out for respiratory problems.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Canidae
- Genus: Canis
- Species: lupus familiaris
Common Name(s)
Chorkie, Chia-Yorkie, Yorkie-Chi, Yorkiehuahua
Breed Type
The Chorkie is a mixed breed, the product of a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Chihuahua. This breed is sensitive to cold temperatures, so it is best suited to a warm climate.
Background
Chorkies have only recently become a popular hybrid. Recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Chorkie is usually not bred beyond the first generation to preserve hybrid vigor.
Description
Chorkies usually have mid-length or long hair. Their ears may or may not stand erect. A number of colors are possible, but they are often tan or steel blue and tan. Chorkies are usually around 7 inches tall and weigh 5-7 pounds.
Care and Feeding
Chihuahuas sometimes have food sensitivities, so it is important to be aware of how well your Chorkie tolerates his diet. Weight gain may be a problem if not fed lightly. Chorkies need regular brushing and occasional baths to look their best. Teeth should be cleaned regularly, and dry food will keep them healthy between cleanings.
Chorkies need regular checkups. Vaccinations are due as follows:
- 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
- 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
- 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
- Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster
Chorkies are average shedders. Regular vacuuming is necessary.
Housing Your Dog
Chorkies need to be kept indoors, and they make great apartment dogs. Avoid keeping their environment too chilly.
Social Behaviors
Chorkies are sometimes aggressive with other pets, including dogs that are larger than them. They are not recommended for homes with small children, because they could get hurt or become defensive during rough play. They tend to be suspicious of strangers.
Handling and Training
The Chorkie is very smart, but it can be stubborn. Patience and positive reinforcement go a long way in training.
Activities
Chorkies are active, and they need plenty of opportunity to play outdoors. They also need a daily walk.
Breeding/Reproduction
Chorkies are rarely bred to one another, but are sometimes bred back to members of their parent breed. When selecting a mate for your Chorkie, check bloodlines for eye, joint and back problems.
Common Health Problems
Because Yorkies and Chihuahuas have few similar hereditary health problems, Chorkies are normally quite healthy. They may, however, have respiratory difficulties if their faces resemble that of the Chihuahua.
Availability
Chorkies can be hard to find locally, but should be fairly easy to find online. Prices vary.
References
“Chorkie“, Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
“Chihuahua“, Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
“Yorkshire Terrier“, Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
Cusick, William D., “What to Feed a Chihuahua“, Referenced online, 2008
Cusick, William D., “What to Feed a Yorkshire Terrier“, Referenced online, 2008
“Chorkie Hybrid Breed Information and Pictures“, Tiny Tracks, Copyright 2001-2006
Featured Image Credit: Ian McGlasham, Shutterstock
