Shorkie
Hybrid / Designer Dog · Silky, Sweet & Spunky · The Tiny Two-Breed Lap Champion
7–16 lbsWeight
6–11"Height
11–16 yrsLifespan
Shih Tzu + Yorkshire TerrierParents
★★★☆☆Family Dog
Hybrid / Designer Dog · Silky, Sweet & Spunky · The Tiny Two-Breed Lap Champion
The Shorkie is a cross between the ancient Shih Tzu — bred for centuries as Chinese royal companions — and the Yorkshire Terrier, the spunky terrier from northern England. Unlike most popular hybrids, the Shorkie contains no Poodle genetics. Instead, it combines two naturally low-shedding, silky-coated companion breeds to create a small, devoted, long-lived lapdog with an interesting personality blend.
Shorkies are known for their beautiful floor-length silky coats, compact size (7–16 lbs), and a temperament that balances the Shih Tzu's calm affection with the Yorkie's lively, curious spark. They are popular among seniors, apartment dwellers, and anyone who wants an elegant, low-shedding small companion that truly lives to be with its people.
Real Shorkies — browse photos showcasing their look, size, and personality.
Shorkies have a wonderfully mixed temperament — the Shih Tzu brings warmth, gentleness, and a love of leisure, while the Yorkie contributes curiosity, alertness, and just enough terrier spunk to keep things interesting. The balance between these two parent temperaments can vary significantly, but most Shorkies land in a pleasant middle ground: affectionate but not fragile, playful but not exhausting.
Shorkies are light exercisers. They enjoy short daily walks and indoor play sessions, but are not demanding in their physical needs. About 20–30 minutes of gentle daily activity keeps them healthy and content. Their small size and moderate energy level make them excellent apartment dogs and ideal companions for less active owners or seniors.
Shorkies are superb travel dogs. At 7–16 lbs, they qualify for in-cabin airline travel on most airlines and fit comfortably under the seat. Their calm, adaptable nature means they settle quickly in new environments. Their silky coat requires brushing after travel, but they are otherwise low-maintenance on the road. Excellent companions for traveling seniors.
The Shorkie's silky, flowing coat is undeniably beautiful — but it is also the breed's most demanding trait. Without daily brushing and regular professional grooming, the coat mats badly and quickly. Most owners choose to keep Shorkies in a shorter "puppy cut" for practical reasons, though the full-length traditional Shih Tzu-style coat is breathtaking for those willing to maintain it.
Shorkies are intelligent enough to learn basic commands quickly, but they can inherit stubbornness from both parent breeds. Neither the Shih Tzu nor the Yorkie is famous for eager obedience — they were bred for companionship, not working tasks. Patient, positive, food-motivated training sessions work best. Early socialization and house training routines should begin from day one.
Shorkies are generally healthy with good hybrid vigor from combining two genetically distinct breeds. Health concerns from the Shih Tzu side include brachycephalic (short-nose) issues (in Shorkies that inherit a flatter face), dental crowding, and eye problems. From the Yorkie side: hypoglycemia, tracheal collapse, and luxating patella. Dental disease is the most prevalent long-term concern for both parent breeds.
Shorkies are ideal for seniors, singles, couples, and apartment dwellers who want a small, low-shedding, devoted companion that is calmer than many toy dogs but still has enough personality to be entertaining. Their main requirements are daily grooming, gentle exercise, consistent companionship, and diligent dental care. Not recommended for very active owners or families with young children.
Shorkies are small dogs with modest food requirements. Feed a high-quality toy or small-breed kibble formulated for their life stage. Both parent breeds are prone to dental disease, so dental-specific kibble or raw feeding approaches can help. Avoid overfeeding — Shorkies can gain weight easily, which stresses their tiny frames. Split meals into 2–3 daily portions.
| Life Stage | Daily Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy (2–12 mo) | 1/4 – 1/2 cup/day | 3 meals/day; small-breed puppy formula; watch for hypoglycemia in tiny pups |
| Adult (1–10 yr) | 1/4 – 3/4 cup/day | 2 meals/day; dental-health kibble beneficial; avoid high-fat treats |
| Senior (10+ yr) | 1/4 – 1/2 cup/day | Soft food if dental disease is present; reduce if less active |
Always provide fresh water. Keep treats to ≤10% of daily calories. Avoid chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol — all toxic to dogs.
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Puppy from Breeder | $500 – $1,800 |
| Monthly Food | $25 – $45 |
| Annual Vet Care | $350 – $800 |
| Professional Grooming | $50 – $90/visit (every 6–8 weeks) |
| Dental Cleanings | $150 – $350/year (critical for both parent breeds) |
| Daily Grooming Supplies | $30 – $60 (quality brush and detangler essential) |
Shorkies are moderately priced hybrids. Look for reputable breeders who health-test both parents. Grooming and dental care are the primary ongoing costs. Investing in a high-quality slicker brush and learning basic home grooming techniques can significantly reduce professional grooming frequency and cost over your Shorkie's lifetime.
Shorkie generations describe the Shih Tzu-to-Yorkshire Terrier ratio. Unlike Doodle crosses, the Shorkie has no Poodle influence, so "generations" primarily affect the balance between the calm Shih Tzu temperament and the spirited Yorkie character. Both breeds have naturally low-shedding coats, so shedding remains minimal across all generations.
| Generation | Makeup | Shedding | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | 50% Shih Tzu + 50% Yorkie | Very Low | Perfect blend; silky-wavy coat; ideal temperament balance |
| F1B | 75% Shih Tzu + 25% Yorkie | Very Low | Calmer personality; rounder face; more Shih Tzu coat texture |
| F1B (Yorkie) | 25% Shih Tzu + 75% Yorkie | Very Low | More spirited; finer, silkier coat; stronger terrier personality |
| Multigen | Multiple Shorkie generations | Very Low | Most consistent; established lines with reliable temperament |
For the most balanced blend of calm Shih Tzu affection and Yorkie sparkle, an F1 Shorkie is the classic choice. If you prefer a calmer, gentler personality, choose F1B with more Shih Tzu. If you want a more alert, active dog with a finer coat, choose F1B with more Yorkie. Both are equally low-shedding.
The Shih Tzu was bred exclusively for Chinese emperors and was so prized it was illegal for commoners to own one for centuries. The Yorkshire Terrier, though born in working-class England, quickly became a Victorian-era fashion accessory for high society. The Shorkie combines two breeds with remarkable aristocratic histories.
Both the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier have among the most luxurious coats in dogdom — fine, silky, and nearly shed-free. The Shorkie inherits the best of both: a flowing, lustrous coat that produces minimal dander and almost no fur on furniture or clothing. It is one of the finest coats of any hybrid breed.
The Shorkie is one of the most geographically interesting hybrids: the Shih Tzu traces its origins to ancient Tibet and imperial China over 1,000 years ago, while the Yorkshire Terrier was developed in mid-19th century northern England. Few hybrid breeds unite such dramatically different cultural and geographic origins.
Shorkies that take more after their Shih Tzu side are remarkably calm and serene — suitable even as unofficial therapy dogs. Shih Tzus were bred specifically to be harmonious companions, and this trait passes strongly to Shorkies. They are often described as having a settling effect on anxious or stressed owners, simply by their peaceful presence.
Both Shih Tzus and Yorkshire Terriers are among the breeds most prone to dental disease — overcrowded teeth, early tartar buildup, and tooth loss. Shorkies inherit this vulnerability. Daily tooth brushing is not optional for this breed; it is the single most important preventive health practice a Shorkie owner can establish from puppyhood.