Pros & Cons of Life with a Yorkipoo: Could This Be the Breed for You?

Rocky Kanaka |

Apr 20, 2023

If you’re looking for a pint-sized dog with a giant personality, the Yorkipoo could be your perfect dog breed! But, big personalities come with some extra responsibility, and the Yorkipoo isn’t the right dog for just anyone. Don’t let their small stature fool you—Yorkipoos need owners who are willing to work with them, set boundaries, and create a small-dog-safe environment where they can be confidently themselves.

In this guide, we’re covering all the ins and outs of the breed. By the end, you should have a pretty good idea of whether or not you need a Yorkipoo in your life!

Meet 5 Yorkipoos from Instagram

1. Crosby

Crosby the Yorkipoo — *^Source:*^{@TheChroniclesOfCrosby}

Crosby is a Yorkipoo from Minnesota whose absolute favorite activity is napping! When he musters the strength to go outside, Crosby is always on the lookout for squirrels and other yard intruders.

2. Cheese

Cheese the Yorkipoo — *^Source:*^{@Coco_And_Cheese}

Cheese is a delightfully curly little Yorkipoo who lives in Virginia with his much bigger brother, Coco! A rescue dog adopted into a loving home, Cheese is still getting used to the good life!

3. Hop Apollo

Hop the Yorkipoo — *^Source:*^{@Hop_TheYorkipoo}

Hop is a Yorkipoo from New Jersey with quite the reputation as a sock thief! This little criminal might look like a teddy bear, but he’ll gladly cause a little mischief if he has to.

By the way, if you’re getting sick of full-grown Yorkie Poo pictures (hah—as if!) you’re in luck: Hop Apollo has tons of adorable puppy pics on his Instagram. Like this one from when he was just 3 months old!

4. Bibi

Bibi The Yorkipoo — *^Source:*^{@Bibi_The_Yorkiepoo}

A stunning all-black Yorkipoo living in Dublin, Bibi takes full advantage of Ireland’s natural beauty by going on lots of walks, hikes, and outdoor adventures!

5. Blanche Dogereaux

Blanche The Yorkipoo — *^Source:*^@Blanchiepoo

Blanche’s humans describe her as “devastatingly gorgeous” and we must say we agree! This stunning little lady is such a cheerful pup and total model material.

Yorkipoo Basic Info

The Yorkipoo is a mixed-breed dog, typically the direct offspring of a purebred Yorkshire Terrier crossed with a miniature or toy Poodle. The Yorkie Poodle mix was one of the earliest “designer” crossbreeds to gain some popularity, and was first introduced by breeders in the late 1980s and early ‘90s. Favored for their small size and adorable teddy bear appearance, Yorkipoos also became a favorite among dog owners seeking low-shedding dogs.

Despite being a fairly well-established hybrid breed, the breeding of Yorkipoos is unregulated, and there are no breed standards. This means that Yorkipoos vary enormously from individual to individual, and it can be difficult to predict exactly what yours will be like both in looks and personality. Of course, there are still some commonalities amongst individuals of this breed, which we’ll cover here.

Yorkipoo Temperament

Though some people may associate small dogs with shyness and dainty behavior, the Yorkipoo shatters these expectations. Gregarious, courageous, and alert, Yorkipoos often think of themselves as fearsome protectors and guardians to their humans. Quick to bark or react, Yorkipoos aren’t always the fluffy teddy bears they seem to be, and may not be the right breed for inexperienced dog owners.

Yorkipoos are known to attach themselves to one or two humans in the home, sometimes acting standoffish toward other members of the family. Though they can be excellent with children, some Yorkipoos may feel vulnerable and stressed around younger children who are naturally louder and more unpredictable. Because they are small, it’s easy for Yorkipoos to feel threatened or accidentally become injured, and an experience like this can cause the Yorkipoo to hold a grudge.

Moderate to low-energy, Poodle Yorkie mixes don’t need much physical exercise, but they do enjoy plenty of mental stimulation when they’re awake. Thanks to their Yorkshire Terrier ancestry, Yorkipoos often enjoy a good foraging game, chasing prey, or doing doggy puzzles.

How Big Do Yorkipoos Get?

Yorkipoos are considered small dogs, with some individuals remaining so small that they technically qualify as “teacup” dogs. Standing at just 6—15 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 5—16 lbs, the Yorkipoo is best described as a toy designer mixed breed.

Yorkipoo Health

The wide popularity of the Yorkipoo has been in part because they are often quite healthy and long-lived. Sturdy little dogs, Yorkipoos also have the advantage of being a mixed breed, which are always less likely to inherit genetic conditions and breed-specific health problems than purebred dogs. Of course, Yorkipoos can still be susceptible to health issues, and knowing a bit about their ancestry can help you know what to look out for.

Yorkshire Terriers and Miniature Poodles have similar health concerns, so Yorkipoos may inherit these issues from either or both sides of their parentage. Some common Yorkipoo health problems include:

Luxating patellas
Hip issues
Vision and eye problems
Dental disease

To protect your Yorkipoo’s hips, knees, and elbows, avoid allowing them to jump on and off of furniture, or put unnecessary strain on their joints.

Where To Buy a Yorkipoo Puppy

Because the Yorkipooo is an unregulated breed, it can be difficult to know where to look for a puppy.

Yorkipoo puppies can often be found at pet stores selling puppies, but we do not recommend going this route. Most pet stores selling puppies source their pups from backyard breeders and puppy mills.

Yorkipoo puppies are also often advertised for sale on websites like Craigslist. This, again, is not a good way to buy a puppy.

If you are interested in purchasing a Yorkipoo, we recommend starting by asking someone you know with a Yorkipoo where they got theirs. Finding a reference is often the most reliable way to connect with reputable breeders, though you can also independently research breeders in your area.

Once you have found a breeder you are interested in, follow these rules to make sure they are treating their dogs well and breeding ethically:

Ask to meet the parents. Most breeders will be happy to introduce you to at least one of the parents. If they decline, this is a possible sign that they are not treating their breeder dogs well, or not using the dogs they claim they are using.
Ask for health records. A reputable breeder will always keep complete records of their parent dogs and puppies. If you’re not sure if the documents are complete, consider bringing them to a veterinarian to look over.
Ask for proof of genetic and reproductive health testing. Ethical breeders ensure their parent dogs are in good health and are compatible as a breeding pair. This process involves extensive genetic testing, which the breeder should be happy to share with you.

The best way to bring a Yorkipoo into your home is to search for one at your local shelter! Because this designer hybrid is relatively common, Yorkipoos are also relatively common in shelters and animal rescues.

What Are the Pros & Cons of Owning a Yorkipoo?

Let’s get down to business—owning a dog isn’t always easy, and it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting into. Here are just a few of the pros and cons of owning a Yorkipoo to help give you an idea of their dynamic personalities.

Pros of Owning a Yorkipoo

Let’s start with the undeniably good stuff! These are the things that make the Yorkiepoo great.

Yorkipoos are super affectionate. Once a Yorkipoo decides they like you, you’ll have a permanent shadow and snuggle buddy! These little dogs form deep bonds with their humans and are loyal to the core.
Yorkipoos are curious. If you like to go on adventures and want a little furry friend to go with you, a Yorkipoo might be the perfect dog. Interested in getting into everything and confident despite their small frames, Yorkipoos are always game for a new experience.
Yorkipoos have big personalities. With a Yorkipoo in your home, you’ll always be laughing, shaking your head, and marveling at how ridiculous your little pup is.

Cons of Owning a Yorkipoo

If you’re a dedicated Yorkipoo lover, you might not agree with our list of cons. In fact, if you’re a dog lover in general, you might just see these as totally reasonable responsibilities of dog ownership. This said, some people aren’t prepared for these parts of owning a dog and would prefer not to do them at all if possible.

Here are some of the more difficult parts of owning a Yorkipoo.

Yorkipoos need daily grooming. If you own a Yorkipoo, you’ll need to brush them daily to maintain their coat. Both Yorkies and Poodles require daily grooming at home, and regular visits to professional groomers, so it’s only natural that Yorkipoos would be the same. Without regular brushing and professional grooming, Yorkipoos can become dangerously matted, causing skin issues and discomfort.

Remember, getting your Yorkipoo groomed costs money! Grooming isn’t inexpensive, but it’s a necessity if you’re a Yorkipoo owner.
Yorkipoos can be reactive. Thanks to their Yorkshire Terrier parentage, Yorkipoos are often highly alert and quick to react to stimuli. Sounds, new people, new dogs, strange objects, small animals, passing trains, etc. can set off a Yorkipoo, and some may react aggressively to protect themselves or their people. Because of this, Yorkipoo owners will need to do close work with their pups to establish a routine, rules, and boundaries.
Yorkipoos are sometimes stubborn. Though intelligent, Yorkipoos aren’t always eager to please and can be difficult to train as a result.

Yorkipoo FAQ

Did we miss something in our guide to the Yorkipoo? Don’t click away yet! We’re answering a few more questions about the breed here.

Do Yorkipoos shed?

Yes. Most Yorkipoos will be low to moderately low shedders, but they will still shed some fur and dander. Yorkipoo fur grows continuously and requires regular brushing and trimming. The bulk of your Yorkipoo’s shedding should happen while they are groomed, and not while they’re playing in your home.

Are Yorkipoos hypoallergenic?

No. However, Yorkipoos are often low shedding and may be less likely to trigger allergies in some people allergic to dog dander. Remember, many people with dog allergies are allergic not to the dander, but to the saliva and urine. These individuals will not see any difference when around low-shedding dogs. If you are allergic to dog dander, a low-shedding dog may not trigger your allergies noticeably.

If you are especially allergic to dogs, ensuring that your Yorkipoo is groomed every 6 weeks is a good way to reduce the amount of shed hair and dander in your home.

How much are Yorkipoo puppies?

Because of the lack of regulation of the breed, the price of Yorkipoo puppies varies enormously. Some pet stores will sell these pups for as little as $300, while some greedy breeders will advertise their pups for upwards of $2,000.

A reputable breeder should charge around $450—$1,500 for a Yorkipoo puppy, while a shelter/rescue will ask for an adoption fee of around $100—$300.

Do Yorkipoos bark a lot?

Yes! Yorkipoos are known to be barkers, and might not be the best choice for apartment dwellers because of this. Similarly, families with small children may want to reconsider a Yorkipoo for this reason, since these little dogs can make quite a lot of noise, even if your kiddos are trying to nap.

What is the lifespan of a Yorkipoo?

10–15 years is the average lifespan of a Yorkipoo. Lifespan depends enormously on the individual, breeding standards, and quality of life, but most Yorkipoos live well into their teen years.

What is the best food for your dog?

The three foods that are super healthy and that almost every dog loves, even the pickiest dogs, are:
1. The Farmer’s Dog.

This is a fresh-frozen food that’s delivered to your home in just the right amounts for your dog. There are a number of fresh frozen dog foods available on the market and I tested them all. The Farmer’s Dog came up the winner with my picky dogs. You can see the fresh frozen food test here.

Save 60% on your first order
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2. Sundays Food For Dogs

This is an air-dried food. It has the convenience of kibble (just pour it in the bow) but is much much healthier. It’s like little pieces of jerky, so dogs go crazy for it. There are a number of air-dried foods on the market. My dogs tested 3 of them. You can see the results of the air-dried food test here.

Get 35% off your first order + free shipping w/ code ROCKY35

3. We Feed Raw.

This raw food for dogs comes delivered to your home is perfectly sized portions for your pup. They primarily source their ingredients from trusted U.S. farmers, with two exceptions: venison and lamb. These ingredients are sourced from New Zealand, where some of the highest-quality and most ethically raised venison and lamb can be found. Pasture-raised and grass-fed and finished, we highly recommend trying these formulas if you’re interested in the best-quality ingredients. Save 25% on your first order.

Supplements:

I highly recommend using a supplement on your dog’s food, not matter what you feed them, to ensure the meal is balanced and they are getting all the right supplements to help them stay healthy. The supplement I use is called The One from Front of the Pack. It has 12 ingredients that have been clinically-proven to keep your dog’s joints, skin, heart, digestion, and even their breath in tip-top shape. It’s also a powder, so easy to sprinkle on your dog’s food. For a limited time, when you buy one month you get a second month free.

Now that you know a little more about the Yorkipoo, why don’t you get to know some other small Doodles? The Cavapoo is small like the Yorkipoo, but a little calmer and more laid back.

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