Wire Torkie

10-11 lbs
10-12"
Unknown
Wire Fox Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier
Torkie

The Wire Torkie is an adorable mix of two beloved breeds with a feisty attitude and inquisitive face. Just like his parents, the Wire Fox and Yorkshire Terriers, the Torkie is filled with spunk and attitude despite his small stature. He is quite the adventurous soul with a love for exploration and cuddles. While he may be inclined to dig up a bit of trouble now and again, he is loyal, loving, and will fill your household with spirit and laughter for all the years to come.

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Wire Fox Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier

Wire Torkie Health

Average Size
Male Wire Torkie size stats
Height: 11-12 inches Weight: 13-11 lbs
Female Wire Torkie size stats
Height: 10-12 inches Weight: 10-12 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Distichiasis
  • Portacaval Shunt
  • Cataracts
  • Lens Luxation
  • Shoulder Dislocation
  • Tracheal Collapse
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Minor Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Deafness
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Occasional Diagnoses
  • None Known
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Knee
  • Hearing
  • Liver Ultrasound
  • Skeletal
  • X-Rays
  • Endoscopy

Wire Torkie Breed History

The exact origin of the Torkie is unknown, but it likely the breed was created due to the recent increase and demand for a variety of hybrid breeds. Hybrids are especially beloved because they contain the best qualities of both breeds of parentage. The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular breeds among small dogs, particularly for its small size, silky fur, and charming demeanor. This is something that has changed significantly from the breed’s origins in the latter half of the 1800’s. Descendent from what was the Clydesdale Terrier - a dog used to catch rodents in English textile mills, -Yorkshire Terriers have grown smaller over time due to the general demand for a small dog that can live and thrive in close quarters. Also trained for small-game hunting in United Kingdom during the 1800’s, the Wire Fox Terrier was a beloved animal of royals and high-class citizens, particular for hunting. Over time, this animal – unlike the Yorkshire Terrier – has decreased in popularity and is less commonly chosen as a family dog, but continues to appear in dog championships around the world. As a mixture of both breeds, the Torkie takes on a combined set of characteristics from his two parents that make him almost irresistible! His stubborn Terrier streak makes him an excellent watch dog, while his desire for your company means many long, relaxing naps together. A mellow, go-with-the-flow attitude maxes out this cute pup’s adorable scale and will have you aw-ing all day long. The strong-willed nature of the Wire Fox Terrier is somewhat calmed by the happy-go-lucky attitude of the Yorkshire Terrier, making this little Torkie the perfect easy-going pal. 

Wire Torkie Breed Appearance

Good luck trying to say no to two adorable, little black eyes that look up at you from golden fur. With colorings very similar to the Yorkshire Terrier, the Torkie’s fur is medium length and straight all over the body. His snout is box-shaped, reflecting that of the Wire Fox Terrier’s, and is shorter in length. His stature is slightly larger than a standard Yorkshire Terrier, with longer legs and bigger paws. When his attention is captured, the Torkie’s ears stand straight up at the top of his head, and these are covered in a layer of short, typically golden, fur. However, unlike both the Yorkshire Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier – both of whom generally have pre-determined coat patterns and colorings, the Torkie can come in a vast array of colorings.

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

Wire Torkie Breed Maintenance

To keep his coat healthy and shiny, the Torkie should be brushed daily to prevent knots and matted fur from forming. Brush his teeth daily to keep those sparkly pearls happy and healthy. Small dogs can be more susceptible to things like gum disease because of how compact their mouths are, so be sure to look out for any discomfort your dog might display while eating. Due to its Terrier genes, the Torkie is considered to be hypoallergenic and sheds very minimally. Because of this, he will need to be bathed and groomed monthly or as needed depending on the dog. 

Brushes for Wire Torkie
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Flea Comb
Flea Comb
Scissors
Scissors
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Wire Torkie requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Wire Torkie Temperament

If you’re looking for dog with a big, charismatic attitude and lots of love to give, then the Torkie is the one for you! A perfect blend of feisty and cute, this precious pup doesn’t often consider his small size, which can sometimes get him in a bit of trouble. Still, his easy overall attitude makes him quite the adapter to just about any environment. Torkies make great companion animals for people young and old due to their laid back personalities. However, because of the dog’s smaller nature and fragile bone structure, children under the age of six should not be left with the dog unsupervised. While the Torkie might love to make you happy, he’s not the most trainable breed out there. His stubborn Terrier streak can often get him in trouble when it comes to listening and recalling commands, so make sure to start training him from a young age. 

Wire Torkie Activity Requirements

The Torkie is the perfect size for apartment-dwellers and homeowners alike. While he has quite a bit of energy, the Torkie will often tire himself out simply from playing indoors, so a large property is not necessary for him to feel at home. However, if you do have a yard, having a fence can be very beneficial as the Torkie’s hunter-based instincts mean he’ll have no problem chasing after small animals or things he perceives as a threat. The Torkie is definitely an indoor dog and does not react well to extreme cold or heat, so make sure that you watch for signs of overheating and ensure your pup always has access to lots of water.

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

Wire Torkie Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1.7 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.00 - $1.20
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$27.00 - $38.00
food bag monthly cost

Wire Torkie Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Wire Torkie size stats at six months
Height: 7.0 inches Weight: 7.0 lbs
Female Wire Torkie size stats at six months
Height: 6.0 inches Weight: 6.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Wire Torkie size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.5 inches Weight: 10.0 lbs
Female Wire Torkie size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 9.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Wire Torkie size stats at 18 months
Height: 11.5 inches Weight: 12.0 lbs
Female Wire Torkie size stats at 18 months
Height: 11.0 inches Weight: 11.0 lbs

Wire Torkie Owner Experiences

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