Shorkie Tzu

7-15 lbs
6-14"
United States
Shih Tzu
Yorkshire Terrier

Shorkie Tzus are cute new dogs who are the offspring of a Yorkie and a Shih Tzu. These dogs are one of many new designer breeds that have been becoming more and more common throughout the past few decades. They are calm and sweet dogs that are easy to care for, which makes them a good choice for people who are inexperienced and want a good family pet. Because of their small size, these dogs are also well suited to apartments and houses without big yards. Their appearance can vary, since some characteristics may be developed from one parent and other traits will come from the other.

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

Shorkie Tzu Health

Average Size
Male Shorkie Tzu size stats
Height: 6-14 inches Weight: 7-15 lbs
Female Shorkie Tzu size stats
Height: 6-14 inches Weight: 7-15 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Collapsed Trachea
Minor Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Allergies
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • MRI
  • CT Scan
  • Physical Examination
  • Ultrasound
  • Radiographs
  • Urinalysis
  • Blood Tests
  • Chemical Analysis
  • Electroretinogram

Shorkie Tzu Breed History

The Shorkie Tzu is one of many new hybrid breeds that have been created recently in the United States. These designer dogs, along with all the others, are still in development. At the moment, the Shorkie Tzu is a dog who is created from a Shih Tzu and a Yorkie. However, in a few years time, the goal is to create a whole generation of Shorkie Tzus that will be bred with themselves to create a new pure breed. The Shih Tzu is a dog that has been shown in paintings and documents all the way back to the 16th century. They are thought to be the descendants of the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso or Tibetan Mountain Dog. They were a favorite choice of Chinese royals and were exclusively kept in China up until 1930s, when the first pair was finally sent to England and was discovered by English soldiers during the Second World War. They made their way to Britain in 1946. The Yorkie, or the Yorkshire Terrier, is a breed that was created by working men from England. 

They were originally used as ratters for mice and rats that would infest mine shafts and clothing mills. They are hunting dogs that could make their way into fox and badger burrows. Although they are not a very old breed, the origin is not known for sure. It is thought that Scotsmen who were searching for work in Yorkshire mills had brought along several terrier type dogs, such as the Skye Terrier, Dandie Dinmont, Maltese, Manchester Terrier and the Paisley Terrier, which is now extinct. These breeds had crossed with some local dogs and consequently made the Yorkshire Terrier. 

These dogs were originally much larger than the breed that we know today, but selective breeding has made the Yorkie much smaller over the years.

Shorkie Tzu Breed Appearance

The Shorkie Tzu is a designer breed that will have an appearance that can vary between individuals, since they can be born with characteristics from both parents. These dogs have relatively long and silky fur that can come in a variety of colors. Some traits can be developed from the Shih Tzu parent, which is a small and sturdy dog that is bigger in length than in height. They have round heads that widen between the eyes. Their short muzzles have defined stops, with teeth that meet in a scissors bite. The eyes are large and round, and the low set ears are large and pendant. Shih Tzus have level backs, straight and muscular legs and high set tails that are carried over their backs. Yorkshire Terriers are also a small breed that have flat little heads. 

These dogs have medium sized muzzles and teeth which also meet in a scissors bite. Their eyes are medium sized and the ears are erect and in a v-shape. The legs appear straight from a legs appear straight from the front and the feet are round. The tails, which are held slightly higher than the back, are usually docked and end up being medium in length. Your Shorkie Tzu will be a sturdy little dog with sparkling eyes that highlight his cute personality. His stance will be perky and proud, and he will carry himself with confidence.

Eye Color Possibilities
blue Shorkie Tzu eyes
Blue
brown Shorkie Tzu eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
blue Shorkie Tzu nose
Blue
black Shorkie Tzu nose
Black
brown Shorkie Tzu nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
white Shorkie Tzu coat
White
red Shorkie Tzu coat
Red
black Shorkie Tzu coat
Black
blue Shorkie Tzu coat
Blue
fawn Shorkie Tzu coat
Fawn
brown Shorkie Tzu coat
Brown
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Shorkie Tzu straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Shorkie Tzu Breed Maintenance

The Shorkie Tzu has a long and silky coat that makes daily brushing a must. This will keep the coat free of uncomfortable tangles and knots. Some owners choose to get their Shorkie Tzus groomed and trimmed by a professional which should be done around once every 6 weeks. These dogs will need to be bathed occasionally when they start to smell. In most cases, once every two months is a good bathing frequency. 

The Shorkie Tzu, along with all other breeds, will require some dental care as well. The teeth should be brushed around two or three times a week minimum to keep the teeth and gums healthy. Their nails should be clipped when they get too long, which is usually once or twice a month. Lastly, you will need to wipe your dog’s ears clean once a week. If you don’t, your dog will have a higher chance of developing ear infections.

Insuring your Shorkie Tzu puppy as soon as “pawssible” is essential for preventing high vet care costs. Start comparing insurance plans from leading insurers like Healthy Paws and Embrace and save over $270 a year.

Brushes for Shorkie Tzu
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Scissors
Scissors
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Shorkie Tzu requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Shorkie Tzu Temperament

These sweet dogs are well suited for families that have children, single people or seniors. This breed, with its energetic and playful nature, gets along well with people of all ages. They are also good choices for people who live in apartments or homes that don’t have a yard. This breed is loyal and dedicated to their family, as well as playful and loving. They love to spend time playing or cuddling with their loved ones. Although these dogs are small in size, they think that they are big and have the attitude of a large dog. They are too small and cute to be guard dogs, but they still make good watch dogs since they will alert you when a stranger is approaching. They love pleasing their owners but can also be stubborn and therefore, might be a challenge to train. They have short attention spans which is why it might take them a bit longer than average to learn. Training sessions should be short and sweet, with positive reinforcement. Never be harsh to a Shorkie Tzu, as they are sensitive and will shut down if they don’t feel respected.

Shorkie Tzu Activity Requirements

Although these dogs are active, they are not too demanding and will be content with several short walks per day. Even better is to give them some time to run and play in a yard or some other safely fenced in area, like a dog park. The Shorkie Tzu is a good choices for apartment dwellers since this hybrid can get rid of their energy indoors as well, and a yard is not necessary. These dogs are moderately active, and since most of their energy can be spent running around inside the house, around 30 minutes of daily activity should be enough.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
4 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Shorkie Tzu Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.80 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Shorkie Tzu Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Shorkie Tzu size stats at six months
Height: 4.5 inches Weight: 5.0 lbs
Female Shorkie Tzu size stats at six months
Height: 4.5 inches Weight: 5.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Shorkie Tzu size stats at 12 months
Height: 6.0 inches Weight: 6.5 lbs
Female Shorkie Tzu size stats at 12 months
Height: 6.0 inches Weight: 6.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Shorkie Tzu size stats at 18 months
Height: 8.0 inches Weight: 8.5 lbs
Female Shorkie Tzu size stats at 18 months
Height: 8.0 inches Weight: 8.5 lbs

Shorkie Tzu Owner Experiences

Too
6 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Barks a lot, very stubborn
1 year, 3 months ago
Abby
11 Weeks
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing flesh
My puppy is very smart, she is 11 weeks and she is very alert on sounds, knowing her surroundings, and know where here food comes from. She watch me to see what am doing and pays close attention.
3 years ago
Kobe
7 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Kobe has been in our lives since 2012 and is the most dedicated and loyal little dog! Back legs were paralyzed and he was wheelchair bound for 6 months... He has recovered and is healthy and happy... However he has some itchy skin issues
5 years, 1 month ago
cooper
5 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
He is a great pup smart playful sweet
6 years, 7 months ago
Ginger
2 Years
4 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing fetch
taking walks
Running
Sleeping
She is great, just a ball of energy. They are so protective and think that they are bigger than they actually are, it's so cute!
6 years, 2 months ago
nico
9 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Play
Running
Playing in the snow
my shorkie doesn't like hot my shorkie like cold and love to play with snow so much and he is a alway happy dog
6 years, 2 months ago
Bryzzo
10 Months
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Road trip
Fetch
Walk
Play
Visiting
It has been perfect. He is wonderful, loving, loyal, playful and has a great personality.
6 years, 2 months ago
Pepper
5 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
This is our second Shorkie. He has an older Shorkie housemate. The two dogs get along well. I’m finding it more difficult to house train the male puppy than his female counterpart. He is lively and loving.
6 years ago
cuddles
4 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing
very stubborn, smart, and loves to be center of attention, very posseive
5 years, 9 months ago
Chiquis
7 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Nap
Walks
Off-leash
Amazing she's everything to me. She has a wonderful personality and gets a lot great with people. She is very relaxed but gets very hyper when we go out for walks. Enjoys car rides, and loves puppies.
5 years, 8 months ago
Beebee
5 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
everything!
She's my best friend and goes everywhere with me. She's so well behaved and friendly everyone loves her!
5 years, 7 months ago
Louie
1 Year
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Road trip
Groom
Tug-of-war
Play
Chase
Difficult to train but persistence is the key to success. Louie is so lovable and compassionate and friendly to everyone, dogs, cats, and humans. He just wants to be loved but is ok on his own too. Definition of a lapdog.
5 years, 4 months ago
Charlie Barton
8 Weeks
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I love, love love him. Gets along well with my 11 year old Yorkie and 2 cats.
4 years, 7 months ago
Finn
7 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Teeth are an issue. virtually impossible to get in there to brush them. Also...his house trying STILL slips from time to time.
4 years, 6 months ago
Kbani Kingdom-Grier
10 Weeks
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very like able,loyal, friendly, a huge snuggler, very loyal (cries if I leave the room, training is moderate. Spoiled rotten!
4 years, 4 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

Is it ok to take a shorkie on a plane and travel

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

Is are there extra health issue in a Shorkie Tzu with on blue eye

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
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