The Chorkie – Everything You Need To Know About The Chihuahua Yorkie Mix 

If you’re in the market for a small, furry companion, you’re on the right path looking at the Chorke dog.

Chorkies are a cross between two of the world’s smallest dog breeds with two of the biggest personalities. So, while the Chorkie may be a darling dog to look at, he may not be the best dog for every household.

Before you decide to invest in this pint-sized pup, it’s best to do your research. Today, we are talking about the Chorkie dog in an effort to help you decide if this would be the right mix for you.

Let’s get started.

Meet The Chorkie – The Chihuahua Yorkie Mix

The Chorkie, a Chihuahua Mix, is a cross between the tiny chihuahua and the Yorkshire Terrier.

Type: Crossbreed

Parent Breeds: The Yorkshire Terrier and the Chihuahua

Height: 6 to 10 Inches

Weight: 5 to 10 Pounds

Temperament: Intelligent, Active, Comedic, Vocal, Bossy, Affectionate

Lifespan: 10 to 15 Years

Health Issues: Dental Disease, Tracheal Collapse, Skin Issues, Allergies, Hypothyroidism, and Patellar Luxation

Chorkie Breed Overview:

Sometimes referred to as a designer dog, the Chorkie is the epitome of what many crossbreed dogs are created to be. Small, potentially hypoallergenic, friendly, and affectionate, the Chorkie crosses two of the world’s most popular and smallest purebred dogs.

He is an intelligent hybrid with tons of energy, and if he inherits his Chihuahua parent breed’s temperament, it’s likely the Chorkie could be somewhat humanlike in personality. What the Chorkie wants the Chorkie gets, and he can be prone to bossy temperaments.

His small size makes him the ideal dog for those living in small spaces or in apartments, although this little pup can also be prone to using his voice.

Like many toy breed dogs, the Chorkie is unaware of how small he is. He can have a high prey drive and a demanding temperament, and this could get him into trouble with larger dogs.

It’s best to keep an eye on your Chorkie and avoid leaving him outside on his own. His small size could make him vulnerable to predators like coyotes and larger birds of prey.

The ideal home for a Chorkie would be with families, singles, seniors, and retirees. Though friendly, the Chorkie will do best with older, more respectful children. His small size could mean he is easily prone to injury if handled too roughly. Furthermore, the Chorkie could be impatient with youngsters trying to play with him and may be prone to nipping and biting if he feels threatened.

Is the Chorkie the right dog for you? Let’s take a deeper dive into this unique hybrid and find out.

But First, What Is The Deal With The Designer Dog Debate?

Chorkie dogs are mixed breed dogs, and they do come with a bit of controversy because of this.

When considering investing in a Chorkie dog, you’re considering investing in a crossbreed. While crossbreed dogs like the Chorkie are becoming increasingly popular throughout the United States and even the world, there is still some controversy surrounding these types of mixed breeds and the buying and selling of newer generations.

With that noted, it’s time to talk about the designer dog debate.

Also known as a hybrid, crossbreed, or mixed breed, a crossbreed dog is a dog that is the offspring of two specifically chosen purebred parent breeds. Crossbreed dogs are different from mutts because they have been “designed” to inherent specific characteristics from two particular breeds.

Mutts, on the other hand, have not been purposefully bred and oftentimes have a multitude of different breeds in their DNA.

Of course, even this is a topic for some debate. Many naysayers claim that there is no difference between a crossbreed and a mutt. Others point out that, like purebred dogs, crossbreed dogs have been specifically “designed”.

Designer dogs like the Chorkie are nothing new. Crossbreeding dogs has been an ongoing practice for centuries, and it’s believed that most purebred dogs we are familiar with today are actually the direct result of generations of crossbreeding over centuries.

Though the practice of crossbreeding has been occurring since the beginning of the human-dog relationship, it has only recently become a popular trend amongst breeders in the marketplace over the past two decades.

Originally, crossbreeding was used to create working dogs. It takes generations of crossbreeding and perfecting before a mixed dog can be considered a purebred dog.

The reason for this is that first, second, and even third-generation crossbreed dogs are oftentimes unpredictable when it comes to their appearance, temperament, and health.

This is another part of the controversy with crossbreed dogs. Many modern-day breeders are selling crossbreed dogs for as much as their purebred counterparts without the added benefit of their predictability.

There is also controversy surrounding the idea of hybrid vigor. Hybrid vigor is the idea that crossbreed dogs may be healthier than purebred dogs due to their widened gene pool.

Because many purebred dogs have been overbred for centuries in an effort to maintain their breed standard, this theory does seem plausible. Purebred dogs have a very small gene pool and are therefore quite susceptible to genetic ailments.

Crossbreed dogs like the Chorkie, on the other hand, have a widened gene pool that may make them less susceptible to the specific genetic health issues of their parent breeds.

On the flip side, there are those that point out that genetics are genetics and are difficult to predict. This could mean that a crossbreed dog could be just as susceptible to any and all of the same genetic health issues of his purebred parent breeds. What’s more, crossbreed dogs may also have a longer list of health issues to contend with, as they are the offspring of two different breeds.

Alas, all of this information is important to consider if you’re considering a crossbreed dog like the Chorkie. But should it sway you?

We don’t think so. There are plenty of benefits of choosing to invest in a hybrid dog, and the Chorkie is quickly growing in popularity.

So, without further ado, let’s learn more about the Chorkie in particular.

The Appearance Of The Chorkie – What To Expect

The appearance of your Chorkie could vary depending on his genetics.

When dealing with a crossbreed dog, there are certain traits that can be difficult to predict. This is especially true when it comes to the appearance of the Chorkie.

A mix between two very different looking purebred dogs, the Chorkie’s look could vary from a short, smooth coat to a hypoallergenic coat that doesn’t shed or produce as much allergy-inducing dander.

However, it will be difficult to guarantee any type of specific look or coat type in your Chorkie unless you are able to obtain a later generation Chorkie from a reputable source. Of course, this dog’s coat type isn’t the only thing that could vary greatly from one Chorkie to the next.

To get a better idea of what the Chorkie might look like, we should take a closer look at this hybrid dog’s parent breeds.

The Chihuahua Appearance

The Chihuahua is considered the world’s smallest purebred dog. Growing no larger than 10 inches and often weighing no more than six or seven pounds, the Chihuahua is known for its small body, very large ears, and large, round eyes.

Chihuahua dogs come in two types, including the apple-head Chihuahua and the deer head Chihuahua. Your Chorkie could look differently depending on which type of Chihuahua he is the offspring of.

Chihuahuas also come in two coat types, including short or long. Both coat types shed, and it could be possible that your Chorkie could be a shedding dog as well. But what if he inherits more of his Yorkie parent breed’s appearance?

Let’s find out.

The Yorkshire Terrier Appearance

The Yorkshire Terrier is considered the smallest of the Terrier types, and one of his most popular features is his hypoallergenic coat. This dog’s coat is described more like hair than fur, growing as long and flowing as it is allowed to grow.

This hair-like coat is also considered hypoallergenic, which means it sheds less and produces less allergy-inducing dander than dogs with shedding coats like Chihuahuas.

Like the Chihuahua, Yorkie dogs are quite small. They often grow no larger than 10 inches and weigh no more than 8 pounds.

The Appearance Of The Chorkie

Knowing what we know about the Chorkie dog’s parent breeds, we can predict a few characteristics with certainty. For example, we know that the Chorkie is going to be a small dog that weighs between six and ten pounds. We can also predict that this dog will have pointed ears and a long tail, as both the Chihuahua and the Yorkie have these characteristics.

The rest will be left up to chance and genetics. As we mentioned above, if you do have your heart set on a Chorkie of a certain appearance, it’s best to go through a reputable breeder with a history of breeding these types of crossbreeds and who is offering Chorkie dogs that are later generation crossbreeds.

Another great way to get your hands on a Chorkie with a specific look is to adopt a Chorkie hybrid that is over one year of age, as their height, weight, and coat will have been determined by then.

With all that said, remember that you are investing in so much more than a dog with a specific coat type and look.

The Chorkie is chock-full of personality, and it’s important to make sure his temperament and your temperament will mesh.

Keep reading to learn more.

The Chorkie Temperament And Personality Traits

Chorkie dogs are known to be sassy, outgoing, and clever.

The Chorkie comes from two parent breeds that may be small, but both have huge personalities.

The Chihuahua, for example, is the national dog of Mexico, and for good reason. This tiny purebred is believed to have survived the fall of the Aztec Empire, surviving on their own for decades in the Mexican jungle.

They are witty, curious, affectionate, and bossy. Chihuahuas are often described as having human-like temperamental traits when it comes to their love for attention. These dogs sometimes do best when raised in single-dog households, though they can get on well with other pets when properly trained, raised, and socialized.

However, we should note that Chiuahaua dogs may not always be patient with youngsters. In fact, Chihuahuas are known to nip and bite if they feel threatened, and this could include if a child is attempting to pick them up or cuddle them too roughly.

For this reason, the Chorkie mix may not be the ideal dog for households with small children. But what if your Chorkie is more like his Yorkshire Terrier parent in temperament?

Yorkie dogs were once bred ratting dogs in the city of Yorkshire, England. For this reason, they have a very high prey drive and will often go after anything smaller than themselves. They are clever, independent, curious, and mischievous.

Yorkshire Terriers are also known to be somewhat vocal and bossy. With all that noted, they are also quite affectionate. They adore their families and enjoy being cuddly lap dogs.

Active and outgoing, Yorkies can get along well with almost anyone, though they do best in homes with older, more gentle children. Like the Chihuahua, Yorkies can growl, nip or bite if handled too roughly.

With all this noted, it’s easy to predict that the Chorkie mix will be an active, friendly, outgoing hybrid. He will likely be quite affectionate and family-oriented, though he could also be prone to having a high prey drive and may not tolerate small children playing with him too roughly.

For this reason, we suggest working with small children and family members on respectful ways to interact with the Chorkie to ensure everyone is getting along.

Training And Socializing The Chorkie

Chorkie Dogs are smart and active. They need routine exercise each and every day.

Just as you’ll want to work with children and family members on the most respectful ways to interact with your Chorkie dog, you’ll also want to work with your Chorkie to ensure he is properly trained and socialized.

Like all dogs, Chorkie dogs can be prone to anxiety, depression, and even fear-based behavioral issues if not properly raised, trained, and socialized at an early age.

Socializing Your Chorkie Mix

Properly socializing a dog should begin early, preferably during puppyhood. Socialization should include introducing your puppy to as many new sights, sounds, people, places, things, and events as possible to help acclimate him to the world around him.

Along with exposing your dog to new situations and experiences, it’s important to try and ensure these first impressions are positive for your dog. Refrain from forcing your Chorkie into a situation that he is clearly frightened of.

Instead, encourage him gently using treats and praise and allow him to explore the world at his own pace and comfort level.

Training Your Chorkie

Training and socialization go hand-in-hand, and it is never too early or too late to begin training a dog of any kind. The Chorkie is a very intelligent little hybrid and he will enjoy learning from you, but it’s important to train your Chorkie using positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise.

Avoid using force, fear, or punishment during training, as this can cause your Chorkie to shut down during training and may even harm the bond built between the two of you.

When training your Chorkie, invest in quality training treats that are small, smelly, and highly palatable.

Zuke’s Training Treats

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Some of our favorite training treats are the above Zuke Training Treats. These treats are made with natural ingredients and come in a variety of flavors and recipes based on your unique dog’s taste.

They are specifically designed for training, which means they will be considered high-value to your dog and help to hold his attention during training routines.

Each order includes a 5-ounce bag, and the treats are rich in DHA and EPA specifically for brain development of puppies. These treats are also grain-free and gluten-free.

The Exercise And Mental Stimulation Needs Of The Chorkie

The Chorkie needs routine exercise and mentals stimulation.

Though small, the Chorkie is an active and intelligent hybrid dog that is going to require plenty of training and socialization in order to stay happy and healthy.

The good news is that the Chorkie can have his exercise needs met in a number of ways. He only needs about thirty to forty minutes of routine exercise a day, and this can be met with brisk walks through the neighborhood, romps in a securely fenced yard, or even games of fetch or tug of war in the house.

When you are walking your Chorkie outdoors, be sure to invest in a quality dog harness and leash. Remember that the Chorkie is likely to have a high prey drive, and this could result in him taking off after smaller animals like rodents or birds when outside. This could put your Chorkie at risk, especially if he is not on a leash and you are walking near a busy street.

The Voyager Step In Dog Harness

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The Voyager Step In Dog Harness is the ideal dog harness for small breed dogs. It fits them snuggly and comfortably while reducing pressure on your Chorkie dog’s sensitive throat and trachea.

You can order this dog harness in different sizes depending on your Chorkie’s measurements. It also comes in a wide variety of colors. The mesh is made to withstand the elements and it includes a hook and loop fastener for extra security when walking.

Mental Stimulation Of A Chorkie

Along with routine exercise, it’s important to provide your Chorkie with proper mental stimulation. This is a very clever little dog that can be prone to destructive behaviors like chewing, barking, and marking if left to become bored.

He can also be prone to suffering from separation anxiety, so it’s a good idea to provide your Chorkie with plenty to do while you are gone at work or school throughout the day.

The Chorkie will enjoy toys that play to his natural instincts. This could include puzzle toys that encourage him to solve puzzles to get to treats. He will also enjoy a small KONG for small breeds filled with dog-safe peanut butter or other goodies.

Grooming Your Chorkie – Tips And Tricks

Grooming your Chorkie is important. This dog can grow long hair and can be prone to mats.

Though the Chorkie hybrid is not eligible for show by most major breed clubs, keeping him groomed is very important. Most Chorkie owners prefer to keep their dog’s fur cut in a puppy cut, as this type of haircut is easier to maintain and is less prone to developing mats and tangles that can be difficult and even painful for your Chorkie to remove.

If you do prefer to grow your Chorkie dog’s hair out, it will be important to brush your Chorkie once a day to keep mats and tangles at bay. If your Chorkie has a puppy cut, he will only need to be brushed once a week or so.

We also recommend bathing your Chorkie once every few weeks using a dog-safe shampoo that is made with quality ingredients and that will not strip your dog’s skin of the oils it produces that help to keep the fur healthy.

Stay away from shampoos that contain parabens, dyes, alcohol, or other ingredients that could be unsafe or harmful to your dog’s skin and coat. Remember, the Chorkie can be prone to some skin issues including skin sensitivities, hot spots, and allergies.

A hypoallergenic dog shampoo with soothing ingredients like oatmeal and chamomile will help ease skin issues and ensure your dog’s coat is healthy and soft.

Chorkie dogs can also be prone to suffering from dental issues, so it’s very important that you work to maintain your dog’s dental health. Brushing your Chorkie dog’s teeth once a day with a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste will help keep dental disease at bay.

Arm And Hammer Dog Oral Care Kit

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For small dogs, we recommend the Arm and Hammer Dog Oral Care Kit listed above. This dental care kit includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a finger brush to help make brushing your dog’s teeth easier.

Along with brushing, bathing, and tooth brushing, it’s also wise to keep your dog’s nails trimmed routinely to keep them from cracking and splitting during play.

A routine visit to the groomer can help maintain your Chorkie dog’s nails, but you can also learn to trim your dog’s nails yourself using a quality dog nail trimmer or grinder.

Does The Chorkie Have Any Health Issues?

Like all dogs, Chorkies can be prone to some unique health problems.

Though the Chorkie does have the propensity for hybrid vigor, it’s still important to consider that he could be predisposed to any and all of the same genetic health issues of his purebred parent breeds.

With a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, the Chorkie dog could be predisposed to the following health conditions:

• Dental Disease
• Tracheal Collapse
• Skin Issues
• Allergies
• Hypothyroidism
• And Patellar Luxation

You can help combat particular health issues in your Chorkie by considering having him health screened at an early age. A canine DNA kit will not only be able to provide you with a long list of interesting information about your dog, but it can also give you some insight into what your dog may be predisposed to.

Along with having your dog health screened, it’s important to keep your Chorkie on a quality dog food.

The Chorkie should eat a dog food that is specified for his age, weight, and activity level. A small breed dog food will be best for this dog, and this dog food should be free of additives, dyes, corn, soy, wheat, or gluten.

Stick with dog foods that contain real meat animal protein, carbs, fatty acids, vitamins, nutrients, and a dog food that is a good source of water.

Ensuring you get your Chorkie from a quality source can also help combat potential health issues down the road.

The Chorkie is a newer crossbreed, but he is growing quickly in popularity. Avoid backyard breeders, online sellers, or those attempting to sell a Chorkie dog for much more or much less than you know him to be worth.

Look for breeders that have a history of breeding healthy dogs and a breeder that understands the importance of responsible breeding practices.

Reputable breeders should be able to provide you with proof their dogs have been screened and cleared of any serious health issues. You may also be able to meet your puppy’s parents to get a better idea of what your Chorkie will grow up to look like.

Another option is to rescue a Chorkie. Many breed-specific rescues can provide Chorkie mix dogs for a fraction of the cost of going through a breeder.

Furthermore, you may be able to find a Chorkie that has already been trained and socialized, or a Chorkie that has already been spayed, neutered, or microchipped.

Do You Have The Ideal Home Type For A Chorkie?

Chorkies may be difficult to find at a rescue, but it is possible. (https://unsplash.com/photos/UwWe5qBYhdM)

Are you considering investing in a Chorkie?

Remember, this is a crossbreed dog that is small, friendly, outgoing, and affectionate. This pup does best in homes with owners who have a flexible schedule and owners who are able to devote time and attention to him.

Chorkie dogs also do best with families who have older, more gentle children. They are great apartment dogs, though they can be vocal and bossy from time to time. When properly trained and socialized, the Chorkie can do well with other pets like cats and dogs. However, the Chorkie does have a high prey drive and should not be left alone with pets like rodents, birds, or reptiles.

Though small, the Chorkie needs routine exercise and mental stimulation. He is an active, happy little dog that could be prone to a number of health issues, and you might consider having your Chorkie health screened at an early age.

So, is the Chorkie the right dog for you? Tell us what you think about this adorable crossbreed in the comment section below.