Have you ever heard of the Porkie? What about the Yorkie Pom or the Yorkoranian?
All of these monikers are nicknames used to label one of the quickest rising stars in the canine kingdom – the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed.
This is a dog that crosses two of the world’s favorite purebred dogs, and two of the world’s smallest to boot.
Porkie dogs are adorable to look at and easy to come by, considering their popularity, so it’s no wonder people are desperately seeking information about this canine cutie.
Are you curious about the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed? Then you’re in luck because he is the star of today’s article.
Contents
What Is A Pomeranian Yorkie Mixed Dog?
The Yorkie Pom is a mix between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Pomeranian.
Type: Crossbreed
Parent Breeds: The Yorkshire Terrier and The Pomeranian
Other Names: The Yorkie Pom, The Porkie, The Yorkanian
Height: 6 to 12 Inches
Weight: 3 to 7 Pounds
Temperament: Intelligent, Devoted, Extroverted, Confident, Spirited, Funny, Affectionate
Best Suited For: Families with older children, singles, seniores, retirees
Lifespan: 12 to 16 Years
Health Issues: Collapsed Trachea, Lymphangiectasia, Cataracts, Portosystemic Shunt, Keratitis Sicca, Bronchitis, Digestive Issues, Dental Disease, Luxating Patella and Alopecia X
Breeds That Recognize The Pomerainian Yorkie Mixed: None
Overview:
The Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed is a family-friendly, pint-sized pup perfect for first time dog owners and those with older or very gentle children. Under ten pounds and sometimes hypoallergenic, the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed is all things adorable and spirited.
Families throughout the United States have fallen head over heels for this darling dog, but that doesn’t mean the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed is right for everyone. Like all canines, there are pros and cons that come with obtaining and raising a Yorkie Pom, and there are controversies surrounding his very existence.
So, what should you know about the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed before you commit? Keep reading to find out!
Why Is A Pomeranian And Yorkie Mixed Dog Called A Designer Dog? Let’s Talk Crossbreeding!
The Yorkie Pomeranian mix is a newer generation crossbreed, which does come with it’s pros and cons.
Crossbreeding is a practice that has been ongoing since the beginning of the human and dog relationship. In fact, most dog breeds we are familiar with today are the result of crossbreeding over centuries.
Although crossbreeding is an age-old practice, it has exploded in popularity over the past 20 years. And over these past 20 years, the term “designer dog” has also come to light.
A designer dog is a crossbreed dog, also known as a hybrid or a mixed breed. However, designer dogs these days tend to have some controversy surrounding their existence.
In the beginning, crossbreeding was primarily done by breeders and canine enthusiasts focused on creating new breeds for working purposes.
However, it takes generations of crossbreeding and perfecting for a hybrid to officially be considered a purebred dog, and most people considered purebreds to be the cream of the crop.
Today, all of that has changed. Crossbreed dogs like the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed are in high demand in spite of being newer generation hybrids.
Of course, because it does take so many generations of breeding and perfecting to lock in a dog’s traits, it should be noted that today’s hybrids, which are generally first and second generation crossbreeds, are often somewhat unpredictable.
Traits like appearance, health and even temperament could be left up to chance and genetics.
And speaking of health, we should also take a moment to discuss hybrid vigor in dogs like the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed.
Hybrid vigor is the idea that crossbreed dogs may actually be healthier than purebreds, though this is a widely debated and controversial topic.
However, the idea goes like this; purebred dogs have been greatly overbred throughout generations, leading to a shrinkage of their gene pool and raising their chances of developing serious genetic health issues at some point during their lifetime.
Hybrid dogs, on the other hand, are a mix between two different breeds. This widens the gene pool and may decrease their likelihood of inheriting certain illnesses or diseases from their parents.
While this does sound promising, it’s important to remember that crossbreed dogs like the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed could still be susceptible to any of the diseases their parent breeds are susceptible to. Furthermore, they may now have a longer list of health issues to contend with as they are the offspring of two different breeds.
So, what’s the consensus? Are crossbreed dogs like the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed good or bad?
It’s difficult to say and can depend on your personal point of view. From where we stand, we feel there is absolutely nothing wrong with investing in a crossbreed dog like the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed, so long as you are aware of the pros and cons and prepared for the commitment these types of dogs require.
Now It’s Time To Meet The Parents! Introducing The Pomeranian and Yorkshire Terrier
There’s something devilishly adorable about the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed, and when you consider who the parents of this tiny pup are, it’s easy to see why. Porkie dogs are the offspring of the purebred Yorkshire Terrier and the purebred Pomeranian.
Both of these dogs are considered some of the most popular in the United States, beloved for their affectionate temperaments and small size.
Of course, they’re also quite different from one another and in order to understand your Pomeranian Yorkie mix, we should look into his parent breeds.
Let’s begin with the Yorkie.
The Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are small vermin catching dogs originally hailing from Yorkshire, England.
The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the smallest Terrier dogs in the world, though that hasn’t put a damper on his big Terrier temperament!
Hailing from Yorkshire, England, the Yorkie was originally bred as a vermin hunting dog. He was the ideal size for factories and ships, and his quick reflexes combined with his ability to problem solve made him a highly sought after dog for homes and farms soon after.
Of course, it wasn’t long before the adorable little Yorkie became known for much more than catching rats.
This dog quickly caught the eyes of families and was soon promoted to pampered lap dog. Yorkies are quite small, often weighing under six pounds. They have long, hypoallergenic hair that is silky and smooth, and endearing, spirited temperaments.
The Pomeranian
Pomeranians are the smallest of the Spitz type dogs.
Like the Yorkshire Terrier, the Pomeranian is considered the smallest of his kind. This is a dog bred down from larger Spitz type dogs like the Husky and the Alaskan Malamute. His dense, double coat reflects this, as most Spitz dogs were bred to withstand harsh conditions like snowy mountain sides.
However, the Pomeranian was bred for no such feat. This is a lap dog and companion through and through. The Pomeranian comes from Poland and Germany, where he was specifically created to be a companion dog.
Relatively healthy and packed with personality, the Pomeranian is a canine favorite. This dog is eager to please and trainable, and his gorgeous coat gives him a show stopping edge in competition.
However, Pomeranian dogs are heavy shedders, and their dense, double coat requires consistent upkeep and grooming.
And since both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Pomeranian have such different appearances and coat types, it can be difficult to imagine what a Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed might look like or require when it comes to grooming.
Let’s learn more.
The Pomeranian And Yorkie Mixed Breed Appearance And Tips On Grooming and Care
The Yorkie Pom’s appearance could vary depending on which parent breed he takes after most.
As we discussed above, the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed can come with some unique traits, and not all of these traits are very predictable.
This is especially true when it comes to your Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed dog’s physical appearance.
While he will be a small dog, weighing around 3 to 7 pounds and standing under 12 inches tall, most other traits will be completely left up to chance and genetics. This is especially true if your Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed is a first or second generation hybrid.
This means there is no guarantee that your Yorkie Pom will be hypoallergenic, or no guarantee that he will inherit his Pomeranian’s plush, dense coat.
In reality, the Porkie could look more like one parent breed over the other, or he could be a perfect mix of the two.
So, what does this mean for grooming?
If your Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed takes most after his Pomeranian parent, you’ll want to invest in a deshedding tool that is designed for small dogs and that is designed to get into the undercoat of your Porkie’s fur.
Brushing should be done at least once a week, and perhaps twice a week during shedding season. If your Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed takes after his Yorkshire Terrier parent, be aware that his fur will be more like hair.
It has the potential to grow out long and silky, and though it is considered hypoallergenic it can easily become tangled and matted.
A dematting comb will be necessary if you decide to let your dog’s hair grow out, as will a slicker brush.
Luckily, the Porkie dog does wonderfully with a puppy cut hairstyle, which allows for his coat to stay clean, mat-free and healthy.
And speaking of clean, be sure to get your Porkie dog on a routine bathing schedule. Bathing can be done once every three to four weeks using a quality shampoo made specifically for dogs.
Along with routine baths, we also suggest you pay special attention to your Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed dog’s teeth. Smaller dogs in general can be more at risk of suffering from dental disease and tooth decay, which can lead to costly medical bills and more serious health issues down the road for your dog.
We suggest brushing your Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed dog’s teeth at least once a day with a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste, or wiping his teeth with doggy dental wipes. You might also consider visiting a canine dentist annually for routine dental cleanings and checkups.
Pet MD Dog Dental Wipes
No products found.
For home dental care, we recommend the above doggy dental wipes by The Pet MD Store. For very small dogs like the Pomeranian and Yorkie, brushing their teeth may be difficult. It may be easier to use a dental wipe and wrap it around your finger, then scrub your dog’s teeth that way.
This will still help to remove the tartar and plaque buildup on your dog’s teeth and gums and can help keep his mouth healthy between dental exams with a professional.
Along with dental disease, the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed dog can also be prone to ear infections, so keep his ears clean and dry, and try and ensure they stay free of waxy buildup, moisture and debris.
Last, be sure you keep your Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed dog’s nails trimmed or ground down. If his nails get too long they could be prone to cracking or splitting. This can lead to pain and infection.
The Average Temperament Of A Pomeranian And Yorkie Mixed Breed
Porkie dogs are people oriented and become very bonded with their family.
If you’re looking for a dog that is adaptable, does great with children and is a companion to the whole family, you’ve found it in the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed dog. This hybrid is all things love and affection.
This dog does especially well with families who have older, more respectful children. While the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed is not aggressive, he is quite small and can be prone to easy injury if handled too roughly.
If you plan on raising your Yorkie Pomeranian dog with children, it’s important not to leave your dog and children unsupervised. We also suggest working with age-appropriate children on the safest ways to handle and interact with small dogs.
You might even consider learning basic canine body language as a family! Being able to better understand when your dog is happy, frightened, stressed or anxious can help reduce behavioral issues and even prevent potential nips or bites.
The Yorkie Pom gets along well with most people and even other pets, however he can be prone to some temperamental and behavioral issues if not properly trained, raised and socialized.
Furthermore, as a companion dog, the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed is known to suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long during the day.
For this reason, the Prokie tends to do better in homes with owners who can be with him often or who have flexible schedules.
You should also keep in mind that the Yorkie Pom may be quite vocal. This could be frustrating for those who live in smaller spaces or apartments with thin walls. Luckily, you can work to help train your Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed dog when to start and stop barking on command.
Tips On Training And Socializing A Pomeranian
Yorkie poms require routine training and socialization beginning at an early age.
Some may tell you that training a smaller dog is more difficult than training a larger dog, and there is some truth to this, especially when it comes to potty training.
However, this does not mean that smaller dogs are less intelligent than larger dogs. In fact, smaller dogs are just as capable of being trained and learning new ques and tricks so long as their owners are consistent and use the right tactics.
Like all dogs, the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed does best with owners who are consistent, patient, and utilize positive reinforcement training techniques like treats and praise.
Refrain from aversive training methods like punishment and fear, as this could cause your Pomeranian Yorkie mix to shut down and may even harm the bond built between you.
We also suggest working with your dog as early as possible during puppyhood to help ensure he is trained and well-rounded.
House training may be difficult for a dog of this size because it can be tough to find accidents and clean them thoroughly since they are so small.
This is why many experts recommend investing in a puppy playpen early on to help confine your Pomeranian and Yorkshire mixed dog to a specific area of the house while you work on potty training until you are sure your dog has gotten it down.
Along with training, it’s also important to ensure your Pomeranina and Yorkie mixed dog is well socialized at an early age.
Socialization should include introducing him to as many new experiences, people and other pets as possible to help reduce fear and anxiety as he gets older.
Dogs who are not socialized are much more likely to struggle with behavioral issues and even fear-based aggressive tendencies regardless of their breed, mix or size.
However, and while it is important that your Yorkie Pom has new experiences and is socialized, it’s equally important that you don’t force your Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed dog into situations he is clearly frightened of.
What Are The Pomeranian And Yorkie Mixed Dog’s Exercise Needs?
Yorkie Pom dogs need at least 30 minutes of dedicated exercise every day.
Though he is one of the smallest dogs in the world, the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed still requires routine exercise each and every day. The proper exercise for a Yorkie Pom would be a dedicated 30 minutes of exercise, along with free playtime in the home or in a securely fenced backyard.
Along with brisk walks throughout the neighborhood, the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed dog can have his exercise needs met with a 30 to 40 minute game of fetch inside the house. He will also enjoy games like chase in the backyard, or fun games of tug of war.
Because they are so social, the Pomeranian and Yorkshire Terrier mix will also enjoy dog park adventures with smaller dogs of the same size.
EcoBark No Pull & No Choke Dog Harness
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For very small dogs like the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed, we recommend investing in a no pull dog harness that is designed to protect their sensitive trachea. As we will discuss further down, smaller dogs like the Porkie can be prone to suffering from tracheal collapse, especially if pressure is put on their throats and trachea during walks.
The above dog harness is a double-padded harness that helps to reduce pulling and refrains from putting pressure on your dog’s throat. It sits low on the chest and is made of soft, breathable mesh for extra comfort.
You can get this harness in several sizes including small and extra small depending on your Pomeranian and yorkie mixed dog’s size, but we do recommend following the measurement guidelines before you order.
The Pomeranian And Yorkie Mixed Dog’s Health And Lifespan
Though relatively healthy, the Pomeranian Yorkie can be prone to some potential health issues.
All dogs can suffer from potential genetic health issues, and the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed is no different.
While he may have the added benefit of hybrid vigor, remember that it’s still possible for the Pokie mix to inherit any of the genetic illnesses common for his parent breeds.
The good news is that a Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed dog is relatively healthy and long lived. The average lifespan for this designer dog is between 12 and 16 years, though some Yorkie Poms have been known to live nearly 20 years.
You can help ensure your Pomeranian and Yorkie Mixed dog is healthy and happy by ensuring you get him from a reputable source, and by having a good idea of what the most common health issues he may be predisposed to are.
These health issues include:
- Collapsed Trachea
- Lymphangiectasia
- Cataracts
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Keratitis Sicca
- Bronchitis
- Digestive Issues
- Dental Disease
- Luxating Patella
- And Alopecia X
If you’re not sure of the health issues your Yorkie Pom may be most at risk for, you might consider having him health tested. Canine DNA kits are a quick and fun way to learn more about your pup, including potential hereditary diseases and issues that you should keep an eye out for.
We also suggest keeping your Pomerainian and Yorkie mixed dog on a quality diet specified for his age, weight and activity level. For small breed dogs like the Yorkie Pom, we suggest dog food for toy breeds made with high quality protein, fatty acids, carbs, vitamins, minerals, and a good source of water.
Avoid dog foods that contain fillers, additives, byproducts, corn, soy, wheat or gluten, or dog foods that don’t contain real animal protein.
Keeping up with routine vet visits can also help ensure your Porkie dog is healthy and long-lived. Like people, dogs should be seen by their veterinarian at least once a year up until the age of seven, at which point many vets suggest bi-annual wellness exams.
So, Is A Pomeranian And Yorkie Mixed Breed The Right Dog For You?
Yorkie Pomeranians make wonderful companions to the right owner or family.
The Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed dog is certainly a fun and adorable combination, but is this really the right dog for you?
Remember, there are pros and cons to raising one of these delightful dogs, and it’s important you consider them before deciding to invest.
The Yorkie Pom is a newer generation crossbreed, which means many of his traits like appearance, temperament and even health can be left up to chance.
This hybrid does great with children, but he is very small and can be prone to easy injury. Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed dogs are also known to be vocal, and this could be frustrating for some owners, especially if they live in smaller spaces.
If you’re a very busy and active individual, we wouldn’t recommend you invest in a Yorkie Pomeranian mix. As we discussed above, these dogs become very attached to their families and can be prone to serious separation anxiety if left alone for too long during the day.
How Much Does A Pomeranian And Yorkie Mixed Breed Cost?
Yorkie Pomeranian dogs can cost between $250 and $1,000 depending on the source you go through to obtain your dog.
If you’re thinking about getting a Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed from a breeder, prepare to fork over a pretty penny.
Though these dogs are not purebred dogs, they can still cost just as much, with some of these pups going for between $500 and $1,000 through a breeder.
However, just because one of these puppies costs more does not mean the breeder is reputable. Before you decide on the breeder you want to go through, it’s best to do plenty of research and ask lots of questions.
Keep in mind that responsible breeders should be able to provide you with paperwork and certification proving their dogs have been screened and cleared of any serious health issues before being placed in their forever homes.
If you would like to rescue a Pomeranian and Yorkie mix, you’re in luck! There are several breed-specific rescues that specialize in Pomeranians and Yorkies as well as their mixes throughout the United states.
Adopting a dog through a shelter is often around $250 to $500, and could include a free initial vet exam. Other hidden savings include potentially getting a dog that has already been spayed or neutered, as well as microchipped.
So, what have you decided when it comes to the Pomeranian and Yorkie mixed breed? Is this your dream dog?
Share your thoughts with us below!
Jen Jones is a professional dog trainer and behavior specialist with more than 25 years of experience. As the founder of ‘Your Dog Advisor’ and the ‘Canine Connection’ rehabilitation center, she applies a holistic, empathetic approach, aiming to address root causes rather than merely treating symptoms.
Well known for her intuitive and compassionate approach, Jen adopts scientifically-proven, reward-based methods, encouraging positive reinforcement over punishment. Jen specializes in obedience training, behavior modification, and puppy socialization. Her innovative methods, particularly in addressing anxiety and aggression issues, have been widely recognized. Jen has worked with many of the world’s leading dog behaviorists and in her free time volunteers with local animal shelters and rescue groups.