Are you looking for a pint-sized pooch with plenty of personality? Despite its diminutive stature, the Yorkiepoo is big in character. A cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a toy or miniature Poodle, the Yorkiepoo is both confident and playful.
While small dogs are generally easier to manage than their bigger counterparts, choosing the right breed for your lifestyle is still important.
The Yorkiepoo may look like a lapdog, but it’s an energetic, intelligent dog that needs plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
Breed history
As a crossbreed, the Yorkiepoo is a relatively new dog. Originating in the US, they are also known as a Yoodle, Yorkipoo, and Yorkiedoodle.
The Yorkiepoo combines the Yorkshire Terrier’s tenacity and the energetic, fun-loving character of the miniature Poodle.
Both the Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier’s roots are as tough working dogs. So, their breed history is an excellent place to start to gather information about the personality of the crossbreed Yorkiepoo.
Yorkshire Terrier
Like many dogs, the exact origins of the Yorkshire terrier are unclear. It’s thought that they are descendants of imported Halifax Terriers and the local terrier-type dogs of Yorkshire that were native to the UK.
First appearing in the 1850s, Yorkies were used as hunting dogs. Yorkshire Terriers were hugely successful ‘ratters,’ as their small size meant they could run under heavy machinery used in the textile mills to catch their prey.
Not only that, but their courageous and determined nature often saw them hunting underground for much larger prey than themselves, like foxes and badgers.
Poodle
The Poodle, on the other hand, originated in Germany and was later developed in France. Bred to retrieve game and birds from water, the Poodles are a part of working breed group their fancy looks belie its hardy nature.
These dogs are acknowledged to be one of the most intelligent of dog breeds, available in three sizes, standard poodle, miniature poodle, and toy poodle.
Gentle and energetic the Poodles low-shedding coat makes them a popular choice for allergy sufferers and has made them the go-to dog for poodle mix crossbreeds.
Yorkie poodle mix appearance
The appearance of a dog resulting from cross-breeding is not always predictable. Genetics are complex.
Although the expectation is that the looks of the offspring will fall somewhere in between the parents’ looks, that’s not always true. Often crossbreeding produces unexpected results.
Standing between 6 and 10 inches tall and weighing anything between 5 and 16 pounds, the Yorkipoo is a small dog, although there’s quite a wide range of variation in size.
Yorkiepoos tend to be on the leggy side, a trait inherited from their toy Poodle parent. Ears can be erect or floppy, and the face moderate in length.
While they are not as finely boned and fragile as their Yorkie parent, they are still delicate-looking dogs.
A Yorkie poodle mix coat is variable. Although it does tend to fall somewhere between the Yorkie’s long silky coat and the Poodles water-resistant curly fur, all variations are possible. Common coat colors are
- Black
- White
- Red
- Sable
- Apricot
- Cream
As well as the various coat colors, the Yorkiepoo sometimes also share the colored ‘points’ of their Yorkshire Terrier parent, making their appearance unpredictable and fun.
Yorkie poo temperament
The Yorkiepoo has a lot to offer and is adaptable enough to cope well in various homes. They are intelligent dogs and eager to please.
The Poodle’s playfulness offsets the Yorkshire Terrier parent’s feistiness, making the Yorkie poodle mix a lively and affectionate companion and a great family pet.
The Yorkiepoo are people dogs at heart and love to entertain. They are cheeky, sometimes with a stubborn streak inherited from their terrier parent.
YorkiePoo at its best Mischievous, affectionate and easy-going. An energetic and fun companion
However, the Poodle’s desire to please and their inherent trainability softens the Yorkie’s determined nature, resulting in a mostly obedient dog breed. They love to be included in family activities and don’t do well if left alone for long periods.
While their small size makes the Yorkiepoo attractive to apartment dwellers, they may not be suitable. They often inherit the vocal and territorial nature of Yorkshire terriers, making them prone to barking. However, these small dogs respond well to positive reinforcement training if you’re willing to put in the time.
It’s also worth remembering that although Yorkiepoos tend to get along with other pets, both parent dogs were bred to hunt. For multi-pet households, the Yorkiepoo may prove too enthusiastic in their interest in other animals.
Confident, affectionate, and fun, the Yorkiepoo is easy to train and is a loyal and easy-going companion that loves to be involved in family life.
YorkiePoo at its worse Stubborn, independent and easily bored. A frequent barker and destructive when left alone
Yorkiepoo exercise
Despite the Yorkiepoo’s small size, they are energetic dogs. As they come from working breed parents, the Yorkiepoo is high-energy and has stamina and energy to spare.
Regular walks and playtime are essential. Although the Yorkiepoo doesn’t need a lot of exercise, they need more than a walk around the block. At least thirty minutes of activity a day.
As they share DNA with the ultra-smart toy Poodle, keeping your Yorkiepoo’s mind active is also vital. Training, agility, interactive games, and feeders will help engage your dog’s brain and prevent them from becoming bored.
Yorkiepoos can become both destructive and nuisance barkers when bored or left alone for extended periods. This designer dog breed does best in company with plenty to do.
Yorkiepoo grooming
As neither of the parent breeds shed, the Yorkiepoo has a coat that continues to grow. While it varies from straight to curly, it should always be fine and silky.
Often the coat is mid-length and wavy and needs brushing several times a week to keep it tangle-free. What’s more, your Yorkiepoo will likely require frequent trips to the groomers unless you learn to do it yourself at home.
Keeping your dog’s coat short and well-groomed is the simplest way to keep it looking good.
Yorkiepoo health issues
Although generally healthy, Yorkiepoos can be prone to the health issues of the parent breeds. If buying a puppy, a good breeder can provide you with evidence of both parents’ health clearances.
Of course, not all Yorkiepoos may suffer all or any of these health problems, but it’s important to be aware of the possible risks.
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Retinal dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Addison’s disease
- Thyroid issues
- Hypoglycemia
- Collapsed trachea
- Legg-calve Perthes disease
- Patellar luxation
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Atopic dermatitis
While it looks like a long list of health problems, some of these conditions are rare, and Yorkiepoo’s have a long lifespan of between 10 to 15 years.
Yorkiepoo highlights
It’s hard not to like this fun-loving and affectionate dog. Confident and devoted to their family Yorkiepoo’s are natural entertainers.
The Yorkiepoo is charming, cheeky, and gentle but don’t let that fool you; this mix breed is a lot of dog for their size. If you want a lively companion that’s loving, loyal, and full of energy and fun, the Yorkiepoo could be your perfect partner.
Remember to check your local rescue centers to give a Yorkiepoo a second chance.