Let’s talk about another designer breed that is Shih tzu and Yorkie mix also known as Shorkie, shih tzu and yorkie tzu . They result in the cross of shih tzu and Yorkshire terrier. The origin of this smallest breed is the United States, and with time it is becoming popular all around the world. They inherit top notch qualities from their parents.
Shih tzu yorkie love to socialize and they bond with other pets very well. But keep an eye on them when they are with the bigger dogs because they can sometimes harm this tiny breed. Their affection and playfulness make them more lovable and popular among families they live. They know how to grab attention.
As they are a mixed breed, their characteristics depend on their parent breed. The life span of the yorkie shih tzu mix is 11-15 years and healthy breeds usually live longer than 10-18 years. The height of the male and female shorkie ranges from 6-14 inches tall and their weight varies from 5-15 pounds. Moreover, they have silky straight long coats that they need to manage daily. The coat color can be a blend of black, brown blue, white or fawn. The trait that makes them a good choice for the owner is low shedding and less drooling.
Appearance
Shih Tzu is an intelligent and passionate breed. They have a calm personality than the yorkie poo that are known to have an attitude. They weigh no more than 7kg. However, they can be 6-14 inches tall. They have smooth, straight, long coats that can vary in different colors. They are also categorized as hypoallergenic like other hybrid breeds like Maltese yorkie mix, yorkie poo etc.
Due to their low shedding they are a good choice for the people who are allergic to pets because of their coats.
Personality and Temperament
Shih tzu and yorkie mix have very energetic and loyal personalities. They are popular among families due to their affectionate nature. Moreover, they don’t like to be left alone because they make strong connections with their owner and families. They are very intelligent, and they can be easily trained in different skills. Yorkie and shih tzu mix are the attention seekers and if neglected they will lead to separation anxiety, and it may harm their health. They also love to play with interactive toys. They bark a lot when they watch new people or feel something unusual. Shih tzu are the tiny breed that’s why they can easily fit into smaller apartments. They require 30 minutes of walking daily to keep them physically fit.
Shih tzu and Yorkie Mix Grooming
Shih tzu and yorkie mix needs to be groomed daily because of their coats. As they have longer, silky smooth coats, it should be brushed daily to keep them manageable and tangled free. They need a bath after every one or two weeks with the dog shampoo to keep their coats healthy. For overall hygiene their teeth should be brushed, check ears and prevent them from moisture so that it may not cause ear infection and nails must be trimmed. Detailed grooming sessions must be done by their professionals.
Nutritional Requirements
Shorkies require at least 3 meals per day. They need a complete balanced diet mix of all the essential nutrients like protein, fats and vitamins. A complete diet will keep their energy stored throughout the day and promote their healthy growth. Their meal portion should be adjusted according to their activity and weight. As each dog is different and has some unique properties, they must visit their veterinarian to consult how much feed they need according to their body type and metabolism.
Shih tzu and Yorkie Mix Health Issues
Shih tzu yorkie are strong and sturdy dogs despite their size. But they can sometimes suffer with health issues if they are not given proper care. Such as,
Sometimes they might get oral diseases. Some oral diseases include tooth loss, gum diseases or tooth decay. This can be overcome with regular brushing after a meal.
Overfeeding can also lead to obesity that can cause serious health issues. That’s why their portion should be defined by their doctors.
Some other health problems associated with the tiny breed are liver disease, hypoglycemia, collapsed trachea etc.
They are more prone to eye infection and skin diseases if they remain in an unhygienic environment. For their well being and good health, owners should take care of their health and hygiene.
Conclusion
Shih tzu and yorkie mix are very charming little dogs. They are loveable due to their appearance and playfulness. Moreover they are good companions and very loyal with their owners and family members. They are very energetic and highly active. They are self-centered dogs that don’t like to be left alone. As they are hypoallergenic, that means people who suffer with canine allergies can also adopt them because they shed very little. Also, they are the true watchdog who barks a lot and gets alert when anything happens surprisingly.
An informational roller coaster for pet lovers.