Yorkie Meets Shih Tzu: Why Shorkies Are Stealing Hearts Everywhere
Shorkies are small dogs with teddy bear-like features, beautiful silky fur, and social personalities, but what is a Shorkie exactly, and why have you never heard of this dog breed?
Shorkies are mixed-breed dogs with two main parent breeds: Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier. Considered a “designer dog” because they are a deliberate mix and not an accidental mix, Shorkies emerged from the same world as other more common mixes like the Cavachon and the mini Aussiedoodle. Diminutive in size but big in personality, the Shorkie is a lesser-known but still much-beloved mix. Social, affectionate, and deeply loyal to their humans, Shorkies are lovely little dogs that can also give their owners a run for their money.
@bradieboyyy So lucky to be this little guys Mom 💙😭 #shorkie #puppylove #dogsoftiktok #doglover ♬ original sound – Bradie
Mixing two dog breeds doesn’t always yield predictable—or expected—results. Some Shorkies will inherit more traits from their Shih Tzu parent, while others will be more similar to their Yorkshire Terrier side. Some Shorkies might be the perfect mix of Shih Tzu and Yorkie, while others might display few or almost none of the traits of their parent breeds.
This TikTok user was expecting one thing but got quite the other!
@nodaddyash 🐶 #TalkToAnimals #shorkie #xyzbca ♬ unexpected me – Spencer Aitken
“I found with [my Shorkie] that she has a lot of Yorkie Tendencies, more than Shih Tzu,” says a Reddit comment from a Shorkie owner describing his dog’s personality. “She was very high-energy [as a puppy] and still has a lot of energy a year later…very loving but she has a temper as well. She loves people but not other critters. That might just be mine—she has a strong personality.”
Put simply, every Shorkie is an individual, but learning from the experiences of other Shorkie owners, browsing breed guides like this one, and meeting Shorkies in real life can give you a general idea of what life with one of these pups would look like.
Meet 5 Shorkie Dogs
We can’t continue without looking at some Shorkie pictures so you can have a better picture of the dogs we’re discussing. Each of these pups is a mix of Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier and one is on the hunt for a family to call his own. If you’re searching for an adoptable Shorkie, he might be the one!
1. Poochie (Available for Adoption!)
Poochie is an adorable 9-year-old male Shorkie searching for a forever home! Available for adoption through Paws of Love Rescue in Dallas, Texas. Social and gentle, Poochie is a quiet senior dog who loves to be close to his humans and gets along with other dogs and children. Despite having some medical issues, Poochie is full of love that he would like to share with a forever family during his golden years. Poochie has a collapsing trachea that occasionally makes him cough, but he is housebroken, crate-trained, and an all-around good boy.
If you’ve got room for a sweet senior Shorkie and live in or near Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas area apply to adopt Poochie through Paws of Love Rescue!
2. Sophi
Sophi is a five-year-old black Shorkie with a goofy personality and a tongue that is almost always sticking out a little bit!
3. Honey
Adorable Honey lives in the Welsh countryside where she gets to spend lots of time outside exploring and finding the best sticks.
4. Brooklyn
Four-year-old Shorkie Brooklyn has excellent taste in jewelry, but her best accessory is that adorable underbite!
5. Larry
Larry is an adorable adopted Shorkie with a big, playful personality. Living in Ontario, Canada, Larry doesn’t let cold weather or snow stop him—he needs to get his daily romps in regardless of the temperature!
Shorkie Basic Info
Shorkies are mixed-breed dogs with no official breed standards—this means it can be a little hard to nail down their specific traits like temperament, health, and size. Luckily, there are plenty of people who have owned this mix to share their experiences with us, and some educated guesses to be made based on what we know about the Shorkie’s parent breeds.
From how to structure training sessions and what kinds of households Shorkies do best in to full-grown Shorkie size and health details, here’s what you need to know about owning a Shorkie.
Shorkie Temperament
Shorkies are social and loyal little dogs who bond closely with their family members and prefer being with them over almost all else. Some Shorkies are so attached to their humans that they become prone to separation anxiety, so they aren’t a good choice for people who need to be away from their dogs most of the day. Shorkies that take after their Yorkshire Terrier parents may have higher energy than those that take after their Shih Tzu parents, but most Shorkies enjoy light exercise, going for walks, and playing.
“[My Shorkies] are both lovely little dogs, 8 and 8 years old now, and just sleep most of the day. Easy going, low maintenance. Mine don’t need much exercise and are just happy to be on the couch with us,” says a Reddit commenter who owns two Shorkies. “I’ve also had a full Shih Tzu and there’s not much difference, they are just smaller and coats are easier to maintain. They are both barkers but the standard Shih Tzu was too.”
@belle.carmack convinced shorkies are the best dogs 🩷 we love our millie girl 🐶 #shorkie #shihtzu #yorkie #dog #dogsoftiktok #puppy #puppylove #milliemae ♬ Get Ready – Steve Aoki Vocal Radio Edit – 2 Unlimited
Brave and sometimes territorial, Shorkies can be wary of strangers at first and may act a bit like tiny guard dogs. Shorkies may bark to alert and can be vocal to get their points across, and may not enjoy living in apartments or shared spaces with lots of activity. Sometimes stubborn and strong-willed, Shorkies are intelligent and thankfully easy to train with the right combination of positive reinforcement consistency.
Shorkies can be amazing family dogs, but because of their small size and assertive personalities, they are not recommended for families with small children. Early socialization and consistently working on training your Shorkie can make them more adaptable and comfortable in all situations, but keep in mind that these small dogs may be quick to react if they are fearful or not being respected.
Shorkie Size
Shorkies are small dogs that stand 7–11 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 7–16 pounds.
Shorkie Health
Shorkies can inherit genetic health issues from either parent breed but may have a higher rate of health problems than their purebred parents as a consequence of unregulated cross-breeding. Some health problems to consider and keep an eye out for if you own a Shorkie include:
- Joint problems (e.g. patellar luxation)
- Dental issues
- Eye and vision problems (e.g. cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy)
- Ear infections
- Allergies
- Breathing issues (e.g. brachycephalic syndrome)
- Cushing’s disease
Where To Find Shorkie Dogs For Sale
Shorkies breeders are unregulated and typically operate as backyard breeders and puppy mills in the United States. Because of this, it’s best to avoid buying Shorkie puppies from “breeders” and opt for adoption instead. Mixed-breed dogs are endlessly available at shelters and animal rescues, and it’s quite easy to find a mix you’re interested in. Shih Tzu mixes are particularly common thanks to the popularity of the breed, and you can also search breed-specific rescues if your heart is set on a mix of a certain breed.
Shorkie Dogs FAQ
Don’t end your quest for Shorkie knowledge here—there’s a lot more to know about this designer dog. Just look at what others are asking about the Shorkie mix.
How long do Shorkies live?
The average Shorkie lifespan—as determined by looking at the lifespan of the two parent breeds—is 10–18 years.
Are Shorkies recognized by any kennel clubs?
Shorkies are not purebred dogs and are not recognized by any official kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club. Newer, less broadly recognized organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club recognize designer breeds and mixes like the Shorkie but do not list any breed details or standards.
Do Shorkies shed a lot?
No, Shorkies are low to moderate-shedding dogs. Both Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus are low-shedding breeds with mid-length to long coats.
How often do Shorkie dogs need to be groomed?
Shorkies should be groomed every 4–8 weeks to manage coat length, prevent matting, and maintain your chosen Shorkie haircut styles. You can learn to groom your Shorkie at home, but having your dog professionally groomed is often safer and yields better results. Whether or not you get your Shorkie professionally groomed, you should perform regular coat maintenance at home. Daily brushing and regular baths can help keep your Shorkie haircuts looking good between fully grooms.
Remember that Shorkie coats need to be groomed for their entire lives—this is an expense you must be prepared for before you choose this or any other breed with similar grooming needs. Neglecting to groom your Shorkie doesn’t just look bad, it can lead to health issues, discomfort, and pain for your pup.
Groomers often also offer basic dental care which can help keep your Shorkie from developing dental disease, which is common in this small breed.
What is a teacup Shorkie?
A teacup Shorkie is a Shih Tzu and teacup Yorkshire Terrier mix. “Teacup” Yorkshire Terriers are Yorkies that have been deliberately bred to be even smaller than the breed standard but are not an official size. While very cute, “teacup” dogs often suffer from genetic and congenital health issues not associated with their standard-sized counterparts.
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