Carkie

10-15 lbs
8-12"
Unknown
Cairn Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier
Carkie Terrier

Playful and energetic, the Carkie is an excellent companion choice for families. The Carkie is a hybrid breed that was developed from the Cairn Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier. While its exact time of origin is unknown, the result of the mix is wonderful. With his social and intelligent personality, the Carkie is a favorite with children and adults alike. Despite the small stature of this breed; he is spunky, alert and comfortable in his surroundings. Although the Yorkshire Terrier is known to bark, the Carkie is a relatively quiet breed that will use his vocal abilities when there is a stranger nearby. His soft, medium-length coat requires regular grooming maintenance while his high energy level demands constant action and exercise.

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Cairn Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier

Carkie Health

Average Size
Male Carkie size stats
Height: 8-12 inches Weight: 10-15 lbs
Female Carkie size stats
Height: 8-12 inches Weight: 10-15 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hypothyroidism
Minor Concerns
  • None
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
  • Reverse Sneezing
  • Cryptorchidism
Occasional Tests
  • Physical Examination
  • Urinalysis
  • Serum Chemistry
  • Complete Blood Count
  • T4 Concentration Test

Carkie Breed History

While the Carkie is a relatively recent breed, its origin is murky and not well-documented. There is no known credit to the development of the breed. The Carkie originated from its parent breeds – the Cairn Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier. It is thought that the Cairn Terrier has existed since the 15th century. Originally, the curious canine was eager to hunt foxes, badgers, and otters. He was considered to be part of the Scotch Terriers until 1873. At that time, the Cairn Terrier became part of the Skye group. It wasn't until 1912 that the Cairn Terrier was finally called by his modern name. While many of the early Cairn Terriers were white, white was not a favored color in the 1920s. The breed gained popularity after the release of “The Wizard of Oz” in which Toto, the Cairn Terrier, was Dorothy's companion. In 1913, the Cairn Terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Yorkshire Terrier descended from another breed – the Waterside Terrier. This elegant canine was a product of the working class with the original purpose of catching rats. At first, the Yorkshire Terrier was not desired amongst the upper class. In 1872, the first Yorkshire Terrier was born in America. It was found that the breed greatly varied in sizes. Fanciers preferred the Yorkshire Terrier with the small build and long coat. The Yorkshire Terrier was officially registered in the books of the American Kennel Club in 1885. The Carkie stems from two wonderful companions with favorable dispositions.

Carkie Breed Appearance

The Carkie resembles both the Cairn Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier. He has erect ears with featherings surrounding the ears. Standing between 8 to 12 inches and weighing anywhere from 10 to 15 pounds, his stance is one of determined curiosity as he is always on the move. His body is slightly longer than it is tall and sports a tail with a plethora of hair that is carried high. His soft coat is medium to long in length and is not water-repellent. Colors may be black, gray, brown, and sable. At times, the paws may be darker in color than the rest of the coat. The Carkie's smiling eyes are rounded and dark brown or hazel.

Eye Color Possibilities
hazel Carkie eyes
Hazel
brown Carkie eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Carkie nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
sable Carkie coat
Sable
brown Carkie coat
Brown
black Carkie coat
Black
gray Carkie coat
Gray
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Carkie straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Carkie Breed Maintenance

Both of the Carkie's parent breeds – the Cairn Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier – are said to be hypoallergenic. This breed contains low shedding levels, does not drool, and contains no significant odor. The Carkie requires a regular grooming routine in order to help reduce the likelihood of mats and keep the coat looking smart and clean. Your fluffy canine will likely have a medium-length coat which will require daily brushing (firm bristle brush) and combing (Greyhound comb). Bathing should be limited to every 6 to 8 weeks to prevent overproduction of oils in the skin. Ears should be plucked every 4 to 6 weeks and cleaned weekly. The toenails and teeth are part of the care of your dog; brush the teeth each day and check the length of the nails often. Cracks and tears can be painful.

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Brushes for Carkie
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Carkie requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Carkie Temperament


The Carkie is intelligent, energetic, and always playful. This adventurous breed is always looking for places to go and for people to see. He loves being the center of attention and prefers to be in the company of other people. This lively canine has high energy levels that require intense play to take place. The Carkie is more than welcoming to his owners and strangers alike. He can become overexcited in the process of meeting others but practise with socialization can most likely calm this trait. If left alone for a few hours, your playful dog will also become anxious and may suffer from separation anxiety. This breed is known to form incredible bonds with its family and loves to cuddle. The Carkie would benefit from consistent training with rewards in order to accept other animals. Early training would also help curb behaviors related to separation anxiety. Due to his high energy level, your affectionate and caring canine would appreciate running around the park, participating in agility activities, and basically, hanging out with you.

Carkie Activity Requirements

Despite its small size, the Carkie has energy to burn and then some. Daily walks are a must. An ideal environment for the Carkie would be an apartment or house with access to a yard and the outdoors. Being able to run around will make your dog happy. He is curious; your Carkie will want to explore his surroundings and move fast. Ensure your dog has at least 45 to 60 minutes of play per day. Taking him to the dog park will increase his socialization skills and allow him to meet other canines on neutral ground. Time must be made for entertaining the Carkie; not providing the necessary exercise will increase the likelihood of property destruction caused by boredom.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
8 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Carkie Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Carkie Owner Experiences

Pepper
13 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My Pepper was a rescue that my wife seen when he first arrived at the pound and had to wait for a week before he was available for adoption. He was about 2 mos. old. She brought him home to be her dog but the moment we met we were buddies and he has been my best friend since. He has the sweetest temperament and everyone that meets him loves him. He sleeps with me on the bed and greets me with kisses when I get home. I love him to death. If you have the chance to have one as a friend they will be a joy in your life.
3 months, 1 week ago
Pepper
13 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My Pepper was a rescue that my wife seen when he first arrived at the pound and had to wait for a week before he was available for adoption. He was about 2 mos. old. She brought him home to be her dog but the moment we met we were buddies and he has been my best friend since. He has the sweetest temperament and everyone that meets him loves him. He sleeps with me on the bed and greets me with kisses when I get home. I love him to death. If you have the chance to have one as a friend they will be a joy in your life.
3 months, 1 week ago
Georgia Peach
6 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks
Our dog sadly has some health issues. Since age 3 treated for seizures but now neurologist thinks it may be something called paroxysmal dyskinesia. She also had surgery to remove kidney stones and suffers from occasional pancreatitis. She is loving and loyal and fun!
2 years, 7 months ago
Holly
4 yrs
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play
Tug of war, catch ,
She is adopted, very jealous, sweet, needs lots of LOVE and company, not very friendly with others dogs
6 years, 10 months ago
Marlo
5 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Marlo is the best dog we’ve ever had. She is so smart and loves to cuddle.
4 years, 11 months ago
Zahara
10 Weeks
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Tug-of-war
Hide & Seek
She is so fun and playful. She loves belly rubs and will roll over every chance to be patted. She loves her human companions so much! She is so adorable.
6 years, 6 months ago
Pee'wee
9 Months
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch,
Tug-of-war
Hide & Seek
He is so intelligent funny personality very loving loves to lay under me also loves his treats out doors an his walks I just love him 😘
6 years, 5 months ago
Elsa
1 Year
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Lovely breed. Very playful, full of energy and excitement although has a tendency to suffer from separation anxiety and not very good around other dogs but is improving gradually.
6 years, 4 months ago
Zoe
10 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
LOVE her personality! Great with adults and kids. Our Carkie will let you do anything to her. She is extremely tolerant...we can even take food out of her mouth and she will not protest. Wasn't a lapdog initially, but she is now. Likes to sleep with her humans. Barks at other dogs unless she knows them. Will chase any small animal.
6 years, 4 months ago
Missy
8 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She loves to cuddle. It took a few weeks for her and our other dog to get along. Now they are best friends. She is a rescue and has been extremely difficult to potty train. She only likes to be picked up by me, which makes it difficult when young children are around. We love her so much!
6 years, 3 months ago
Penny
4 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
It took me years to figure my Carkie out and after three years she became my best friend
6 years ago
Austin
4 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tug of war and Fetch
Best dog we ever had. Most loving and affectionate. Suffers from seperation anxiety and isnt too accepting of other dogs. Has the largest personality and is overexstatic to see us when we arrive home.
5 years, 9 months ago
Bella May
13 Months
5 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Bella is a very fun loving and excitable pup. She's a daddies girl 100% but is also completely bonded with me. She is very tolerant and loves to play with our 2 kids. She a bit of a barker but calms quite easily. She's friendly with other dogs and is very spunky. She has made our family complete!
5 years, 6 months ago
DOM
4 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is an awesome dog, very sweet and smart, love attention and gets jealous if your paying attention to anything but him!!
5 years, 4 months ago
Kane
7 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cuddling
Car rides
Play
Walks
talking
I have had two carnies before getting what we were told to be a yorkie. He is loveable, needs to be the center of attention loves to play with his sister a golden retriever who is 11. Love kids but will take a break if needed. He obeys well. When off leash he stays close and listens well.
5 years, 4 months ago
Kane
7 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Play keep away
Tag
wrestling
Kane is a great dog. He love to talk knows how to whisper. Loves his people. Has a fur sister who is a golden retriever 11 years old they play all the time they cuddle kane gives her kisses all the time. When we are not home he lays on our shoes. I have had 2 carnie terriers and kane was sold to us as a yorkie but obviously was not which we would not trade for the world. Great with babies & small kids will take a break when needed. Everyone comes over to see him & his sister never for us humans.
5 years, 4 months ago
Chunk
4 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We raised a full breed Cairn from 8 weeks to 13 years. He died in 2017. We recently rescued a Carkie whose owner had passed away. He has the most gorgeous eyes and is so calm. It’s been a joy having another pet in the family.
5 years, 3 months ago
Cleopatra
12 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cleo is very intelligent, affectionate and enjoys almost any social activity. She quickly learned the Feline rules for play and engagement, plays with her two feline siblings constantly. She lives to make me giggle every day. I love my little monster!
5 years, 1 month ago
Pi Alexander Richard Lee Parker Boies
6 Years
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We adopted Pi when he was 7 weeks old after being surrendered at a shelter with his 5 brothers & sisters, due to his owner being shipped out with the Navy. We fell in love immediately and have enjoyed every single minute with our loving fur baby. Pi enjoys playing as much as he loves napping and especially loves his chew bones and his babies (toys). Our Carkie is the center of our lil family and we hope to have many more years with him.
4 years, 9 months ago
GiGi
2 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very wonderful pet to own! Super sweet and affectionate and has a personality all of her own!
4 years, 5 months ago
Gidget
2 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play fetch,
tug rope
Go for walk
run with kids
Snuggle on couch
Gidget is the best of both dog worlds. She’s a playful, fun dog and also a little snuggle buddy on the couch. She loves kids and adjusts her play for their age. She’s very smart and easily trained with positive reinforcement and treats. Her coat is soft and not smelly between her six weeks grooming appointments. We love our little Carkie!
4 years, 2 months ago
Milo
1 Year
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Snuggles
Adventures
Car rides
playing keep away
Tag
wrestling
Fetch
Picking on siblings
playing with water
racing
Dog Parks
My boy Milo is the most energetic, playful and very affectionate pup. He loves his fur-blings and is definitely all about friends and family. When we adopted him we were told he was a Yorkie which he was not, but we wouldn’t have wanted any other pup. He is super cute and the perfect size for a first pup. He loves his warm baths, getting new toys, getting groomed and cuddles. He has 3 feline sisters and an older chihuahua sister. He has the zoomies almost all day everyday, we have to take his toys away for him to sleep haha. He has a game of taking all the treats we give him and finding spots to hide them, just took undig them and eat them. Although, if you get in his way of doing something he wants he gets angry and extremely territorial.
3 years, 8 months ago
Duke
1 Year
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is so loveable and sweet. High energetic and loves his daily walks. Trains easily. He's a big cuddler.
3 years, 4 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd