The Chorkie is a hybrid dog breed that combines the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier. This mix can inherit traits from both parent breeds, including their appearance, temperament, and health concerns. The Chihuahua can be traced back to ancient Mexico, where a dwarf pet dog was kept as a companion. On the other hand, the Yorkshire Terrier was originally bred in northern England for its ratting and hunting abilities in mines and mills. The exact breeds that contributed to the development of the modern Yorkie are unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of several terrier breeds.
The Chorkie is a small and adorable dog that is known for being joyful, friendly, aggressive, vivacious, loving, loyal, protective, and social. It requires minimal grooming as it sheds very little. With its mixed heritage, this hybrid dog breed can vary in terms of its appearance and characteristics. However, one thing is certain – the Chorkie is a delightful companion that brings joy to any household.
Ahead, we look at Chorkie dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Chorkie, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Chorkies!
| Dog Breed | Chorkie |
| Size | Small |
| Weight | 8-15 lbs (average) |
| Height | 6-9″ (average) |
| Location | United States |
| Ancestry | Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier |
| Date of Origin | Early 1990’s |
| Group | Companion, Watchdog |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years |
| Price | $300 – $400 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
Your Chorkie family pet is a hybrid breed that results from breeding a Chihuahua with a Yorkshire Terrier. This means that your Chorkie can display characteristics from either or both parent breeds. The Chihuahua breed has a mysterious history that dates back to the 9th century in Mexico. It is believed to have descended from a small, mute dog called the “Techichi,” which is depicted in ancient carvings and resembles our modern-day Chihuahua. When the Aztecs invaded Mexico in the 12th century, they brought a small, hairless dog that was bred with the Techichi, resulting in the Chihuahua breed we know today. These tiny dogs were even believed to have a spiritual effect on their owners’ afterlife and were buried with them.
On the other hand, the Yorkshire Terrier originated in northern England and was originally used to hunt and kill rats and other rodents in mines and cotton mills. During the 19th century, Scottish people moved to England to establish their textile operations and brought their own nondescript terrier with them. This Scottish terrier was then bred with the Waterside Terrier found in northern England to create the Yorkshire Terrier. Other breeds that may have contributed to the Yorkshire Terrier’s ancestry include the Maltese Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Skye Terrier, Black-and-Tan English Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Paisley Terrier, long-haired Leeds Terrier (now extinct), and Clydesdale Terriers.
The Chorkie hybrid breed originated in the United States in the early 1990s. It is recognized by several canine organizations, including the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America Inc, and the International Designer Canine Registry.
🐕 Chorkie Appearance
Your Chorkie, a cross between a Chihuahua and a Yorkshire Terrier, may resemble any or both of its parents in terms of looks. Although the appearance of the puppies might vary from pup to pup, the following traits tend to be those that are most frequently shared: The average weight of these small dogs is between 8 and 10 pounds; their bodies are typically rectangular with the longer tail of the Chihuahua parent breed; their heads, which are typically shaped like those of their Yorkie parents, though it’s possible that your pup may have the typical apple-shaped ears from the Chihuahua side; and their ears, which are typically pricked but may also be drop-eared. The charming face of your Chorkie will be finished with strong teeth that can form an underbite, a little black nose, and huge, brilliant, and clear black or dark brown eyes. He can be almost any hue, especially if the dominant gene in the pup’s gene pool belongs to the Chihuahua father, although you should expect that the color may be slightly grizzled (from the Yorkie side). It’s crucial to be aware that as Yorkies become older, their coats typically become gunmetal gray. Depending on whether the Chihuahua parent has long or short hair, or a combination of the two, the coat can be medium-length, longer, or a combination of the two. Expect the coat to have a smooth or silky feel, while some have a somewhat coarser texture than others. The nails will be strong, and the feet will be tiny and compact.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Black, Brown, Silver, White, Fawn |
⚡ Fun Fact: Chorkie dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Chorkie
The personality qualities of one or both of the parent breeds can also be inherited by the Chorkie. Your Chorkie may be outgoing, chatty, talkative, fun, clever, silly, affectionate, devoted, gentle, and energetic. They may be highly violent against outsiders since they are so devoted to their owners. For this reason, it’s crucial to keep them on a leash when dog walking in public areas https://wagwalking. com/dog-walking. They are wonderful family dogs, but families with young children should avoid getting one since they may get aggressive when handled violently, as can young children. They get along nicely with other pets, yet occasionally when dealing with larger creatures they might be a little size blind. They are quite easy to train, bright, and ready to please their bonding owners. However, watch out for those obstinate moments. Although they have a lot of energy, their tiny size makes it simple to meet their exercise requirements in an apartment, condo, or family home.
🤝 Are Chorkies Friendly or Aggressive?
Chorkie dogs tend to get along well with other pets and are generally friendly towards strangers. However, they are not considered to be kid-friendly dogs and are not recommended for families with children. Although they are cat-friendly, Chorkies may not be the most dog-friendly dogs, so if you are looking to have multiple dogs or participate in dog meetups, this breed may not be the best choice. Additionally, Chorkies are not recommended for elderly individuals.
This breed is known for being:
- Loving
- Protective
- Affectionate
- Loyal
- Lively
- Social
- Aggressive
- Cheerful
🐩 Chorkie Care & Maintenance
Your Chorkie pet is classified as a low shedder, therefore he will just need occasional maintenance on his grooming. He will require brushing at least once per week and bathing no more than twice per month. Every two weeks at the very least, his ears will need to be examined and cleaned, with the long hairs removed to prevent infections. His eye region has to be cleaned periodically to prevent dirt from matting and fostering an infection. To avoid periodontal disease and the subsequent tooth loss, his teeth should be frequently examined and cleaned, ideally monthly. It’s crucial to have your Chorkie puppy insured as soon as “pawssible” to avoid having to pay a lot for medical treatment. Compare insurance packages from reputable companies like Healthy Paws and Embrace to start saving over $270 annually.
Chorkie dogs have a very low shedding tendency, meaning that they do not shed much or even at all. This is great news for those who are worried about their furniture or car seats being covered in dog hair. If you are someone who cannot tolerate dog hair, a Chorkie dog could be the perfect choice for you. Additionally, these dogs only require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend 1 cups daily, costing you about $0.80 – $1.00 daily, or approximately $25.00 – $30.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Chorkie dogs exercise need is very minimal. If you live a lazy life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 5 miles per week, which equates to about 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Chorkie dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn’t the perfect choice for you.
❤️🩹 Chorkie Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Chorkie Dog Breed can be:
- Allergies
- Skin Problems
While minor concerns include:
- Ear Infections
- Eye Problems
🤧 Important: Is Chorkie hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Chorkie.
⚡ Chorkie Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Chorkie a great choice for families with young children?
The Chorkie is not a great choice for families with young children because they can be snappy when played with too roughly.
Is the Chorkie breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
Yes, the Chorkie breed is considered suitable for apartment living due to their small size and exercise needs.
How much exercise does a Chorkie require compared to other breeds?
Chorkies require moderate exercise compared to other breeds. Their small size allows their exercise needs to be easily accommodated in various living environments.
Is the Chorkie breed known for being good with other pets?
Chorkies are generally good with other pets, although they may be size blind when interacting with larger animals.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Chorkie?
Other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Chorkie include the Maltese, Shih Tzu, and Pomeranian.
What are the common health issues that Chorkies are prone to?
Common health issues that Chorkies are prone to include dental problems, patellar luxation, hypoglycemia, and eye conditions.
Are Chorkies known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Chorkies are intelligent and eager to please, making them fairly easy to train compared to other breeds. However, they can have stubborn moments.
Are Chorkies more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Chorkies can be prone to separation anxiety if not properly trained and socialized from a young age.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Chorkie that are suitable for people with allergies?
Dog breeds similar to the Chorkie that are suitable for people with allergies include the Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Chinese Crested.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Chorkie are best for individuals or families with limited space?
Sizes of dogs similar to the Chorkie that are best for individuals or families with limited space include toy breeds such as the Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, and Pomeranian.
Is the Chorkie breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Chorkie breed can be good with children with special needs, but careful supervision and training are necessary to ensure a positive interaction.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Chorkie?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Chorkie are minimal. They are low shedders and require minimal grooming maintenance, making them a low-maintenance breed compared to others.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Chorkie dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
