Yorkinese

5-13 lbs
6-9"
United States
Pekingese
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkingese
Just like its parent breeds, the Pekingese and Yorkshire Terrier, the Yorkinese is a small dog with a huge personality and the hair to match. Unlike many other toy breeds, the Yorkinese is actually quite independent, but that's not to say they don't bask in attention when it's given to them. They are exceptionally loyal to their owners and show quite a bit of affection towards them but often at the expense of others, as they are only moderately good with other dogs and are generally wary of strangers, making them better companions for smaller households and families with less active social lives. But if they receive a proper amount of socialization and training, can be quiet, confident and loving pets with surprisingly outgoing personalities.
purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Yorkshire Terrier and Pekingese

Yorkinese Health

Average Size
Male Yorkinese size stats
Height: 6-9 inches Weight: 5-14 lbs
Female Yorkinese size stats
Height: 6-9 inches Weight: 5-13 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Entropion
  • Portacaval Shunt
  • Tracheal Collapse
  • Skin Fold Dermatitis
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
  • Brachycephalic Syndrome
  • Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome
Minor Concerns
  • KCS
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Eye Disease
  • Mitral Valve Disease
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Occasional Tests
  • Knee
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination
  • Endoscopy
  • Respiratory Tests
  • Heart Testing

Yorkinese Breed History

Given that the Yorkinese is a designer breed really only developed over the last decade or two, its history is a bit limited, but both of its parent breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier and Pekingese, have deep, rich storylines. Immortalized in statues and amulets throughout Chinese history, the Pekingese is one of the oldest dog breeds still populating the earth and surprisingly enough, their DNA has changed very little over nearly 2000 years. There are many legends surrounding the Chinese "Lion Dog." In its origin story, a lion falls in love with a marmoset and begs Ah Chu, the patron saint of animals, to reduce him to the size of a pygmy without changing his lion-hearted character so he can be with his love. Throughout their history, they've been held with great reverence, thought to embody actual lions (and bred to look the part) to serve as protectors of the royal palaces and temples. They were largely kept without outside influence from the 8th century until 1860 when British forces invaded the Imperial Summer Palace and took a few of the dogs back to Queen Victoria. Because of their rarity, few outside of royalty could even afford them after they were initially taken from China but over time, their numbers allowed them into lower income households and  in turn, their popularity rose even if marginally in comparison to other breeds of the time. They were finally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1906 and have since become the basis for many designer breeds. In contrast, the Yorkshire Terrier's history is surely much more blue collar than red carpet, but their existence and development is no less important in the historical timeline. During the Industrial Revolution, Scottish immigrants flooded England as factories and production lines were erected, echoing the promise of steady work. With them, they brought multiple breeds of small canine vermin hunters and what are thought to be the Yorkshire's predecessors such as the Clydesdale and the now-extinct Paisley Terrier. The latter of the two was bred with Waterside, English Black, Tan Toy and even Skye Terriers throughout its heredity timeline until the Yorkshire was cemented and named for its area of origin - Yorkshire, England. They've since made it to the United States and have been met with a fair amount of fanfare for their fluffy faces and affectionate personalities.

Yorkinese Breed Appearance

The Yorkinese only stands an average of 8 inches tall and weighs around 10 pounds, but at least some of that can be attributed to the nearly shell-like coat of fluff that surrounds it. Compared to their overall size, this breed has a considerable amount of hair that often obscures, or even becomes, its features and comes in a variety of colors. They generally sport a semi-square head shape with a short black nose, lively marble-like eyes, and an exaggerated mustache and brow that are a bit lion-like when combined and folded or cocked ears. Even with their small size, their stance regularly emanates power thanks to slightly more well-built forequarters, yet they still usually retain an even back line that terminates in a medium length yet often bushy tail.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Yorkinese eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Yorkinese nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Yorkinese coat
Black
fawn Yorkinese coat
Fawn
cream Yorkinese coat
Cream
brindle Yorkinese coat
Brindle
gray Yorkinese coat
Gray
blue Yorkinese coat
Blue
silver Yorkinese coat
Silver
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Yorkinese straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Yorkinese Breed Maintenance

Because of the cloud of hair that regularly surrounds it, the Yorkinese is definitely a high maintenance breed that requires daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling. A variety of brushes can be used depending on the length and layer, but owners should beware of hair breakage from frequent or too rigorous brushing. If this occurs, consider a light conditioner as a preparatory agent to make combing and brushing easier for both parties - it can also be used in between brushes and baths to help maintain overall coat health. They should also be bathed somewhere between one and two times a month depending on hair length and the activities they're involved with (those who regularly exercise outside or with other dogs will need more frequent bathing for obvious reasons). Ears are another high point of maintenance, as even cocked ears (and many are further folded) are prone to bacteria build up and infection if surrounded by too much hair and should be trimmed and monitored regularly. Eyes should be similarly monitored and wiped to prevent tear stains and eye area should be trimmed clean enough to give them a good line of vision. As with many other smaller breeds, tooth care is another area of importance as brachycephalic-type dogs and related cross breeds are more prone to dental issues. Like any other breed, nails should also be monitored and clipped on an as-needed basis.
Brushes for Yorkinese
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Dematter
Dematter
Scissors
Scissors
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Yorkinese requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Yorkinese Temperament

Both independent and affectionate, Yorkineses make fantastic watch dogs that are endlessly loyal to their owners, but their headstrong attitude does tend to come with a few drawbacks. They can be notoriously stubborn and therefore difficult to train, sometimes even developing Small Dog Syndrome unless their owners quickly assert themselves as the alphas of the family. These types of behaviors are also more conducive to them becoming excessively noisy, which can be a problem in closer living quarters. They do modestly well with children and other dogs but generally prefer smaller families where they can be the center of attention. More than anything, if an owner puts in the time to train and socialize them early on, Yorkineses are smart enough to far exceed behavioral expectations and with the right affection and attention, can become great pets in a variety of settings.

Yorkinese Activity Requirements

Because of their small size, Yorkineses need only a small to medium amount of exercise and are usually satisfied with a good walk and a bit of extra playtime daily. Interactive games and play that engages their brain will also help to tire them out and discourage any unwanted behavior, especially if they take their watch dog duties too seriously. Around six miles of walking a week and 20 to 30 minutes a day should be enough to keep them happy and healthy.
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
30 minutes
activity minutes

Yorkinese Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.80 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$24.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Yorkinese Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Yorkinese size stats at six months
Height: 5.5 inches Weight: 6.5 lbs
Female Yorkinese size stats at six months
Height: 5.5 inches Weight: 6.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Yorkinese size stats at 12 months
Height: 6.5 inches Weight: 9.0 lbs
Female Yorkinese size stats at 12 months
Height: 6.5 inches Weight: 9.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Yorkinese size stats at 18 months
Height: 7.5 inches Weight: 9.5 lbs
Female Yorkinese size stats at 18 months
Height: 7.5 inches Weight: 9.0 lbs

Yorkinese Owner Experiences

Paris
7 Weeks
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing
My dog is very energetic,loves kids so far,such a diva ,and a sweetheart
6 years, 5 months ago
Cooper
8 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
High anxiety, severely afraid of thunder storms and fireworks, and loves to bark/guard his territory; otherwise a good dog.
6 years, 1 month ago
Skye
3 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I am not a little dog person, but my daughter wanted this dog. It latched on to me and I love her. She is so affectionate that I find her sleeping on my chest most nights.
6 years, 1 month ago
Tiger Wu
12 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Narrative role play
Tricks and treats
Chasing kitty
Get the squirrel
Word association
Brushing
Car rides
Walks
Wu is a bold character. He's stubborn, loyal, and silly. We adopted him as a senior, he has little dog syndrome, and he is very selective to what dogs he likes and dislikes. He is a good guard dog, and loves people. He's a Velcro dog. His health is great for a small dog. Full of spunk and energry. Teeth are an issue as he's aging, at 10 he shows caterax. We have his hair cut shorter every 6 weeks to keep maintenance manageable. He loves being brushed (daily). And he doesn't mind baths. Overall an easy dog to own.
5 years, 9 months ago
Ramsey
4 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Tug-of-war
Laser
wrestling
Walk
Ramsey is an excellent family dog! Early on he was a small handful with regulating house etiquette as far as: Diving in trash cans Pulling carpet Biting couch leather and bed sheets But from those aside, he's an excellent family friend and also a great watchdog due to his barking at unfamiliar outside noises or voices. Very protective and territorial, can tolerate other dogs but prefers his own space, loves to play with children but will tire and want to be left alone after a while, very independent but also highly affectionate and clingy, extremely loyal, obedient. He's been a perfect fit for our family and friends to enjoy!
5 years, 8 months ago
Oreo
3 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Walking,
Playing with ball and soft toys
Most beautiful, loveable little boy. Excellent with young children. Very protective of family if doesn't like someone. Playful, friendly, intelligent and inquisitive.
5 years, 8 months ago
Smoo-chi
8 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing fetch
Fetch
catch
Playing fetch and tug.
Everything
Catch ball
Playing in the snow
Loving, smart, loves children, easy to bathe, picky eater now.
5 years, 6 months ago
Dude
11 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I have had my little guy for about 9 years now. He had multiple owners before and then I gave him his forever home. I love this breed, I never expected to own one of his kind but I am truly happy to have him in my life. He makes every day interesting.
5 years, 4 months ago
Freya
2 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase tail
Walk
Tug-of-war
Frisbee
Fetch
I rescued Freya just over a year ago and she is finally starting to warm up to my daughter. When I first got her all she wanted was me. Now every morning she will go and wake up my daughter by licking her somewhere. She finally let me cut her hair enough that it isn't matted. She definitely is very protective over us and anytime she sees another dog outside our window she will bark and scratch at the glass.
5 years ago
Gaga
9 Years
7 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Tug of war
Cuddling
Sleeping
Exploring
This is my childhood dog I am 12 and we got her from my cousins who’s kids Overfed her. We had her for few years now. She is nice and really quiet. Gaga is actually a bit Pomeranian too.
4 years, 5 months ago
Doesn't have one yet
1 Month
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play
Loving
Always want to bite nibble
4 years, 2 months ago
Maya
6 Months
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dog Parks
Walk
Running
Super quiet, only time she whines is when she has to pee. We both work shift work and she adapts well to our sleep schedule. Quite nibbley still but she’s teething so that’s expected. She sheds quite a bit so be ready with a lint roller. Only peed in the house for the first month, now she is able to hold it through the night and sits at the front door when she’s ready to pee. Loves playing with strangers. A little bit more work is needed with respect to her walking as she tends to walk where she wants when on leash as opposed to where we want and lays down when she doesn’t get her way...but we’re getting there. Highly recommend.
4 years ago
Lulu
4 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playdate
Walk
Dog Parks
Play
Ball
Lulu is lovely, clever, very affectionate, loves playing with her furry friends and kids. Great addition to our family. We live in London and Lulu is the first Yorkinese we ever meet. We would love to share pictures if anyone interested. Her furry mum is a Pekingese and Furry Dad a Yorki www.Yorkinese.com
3 years, 5 months ago
Petey
8 Months
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks in dog park
He’s truly convinced he’s the boss. But if planfully ignored he can be convinced that I am his leader
3 years, 4 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd