Yorkipoo

6-15 lbs
4-14"
United States
Yorkie
Poodle
Yoodle, Yorkapoo, Yorkerpoo, Yorkiepoopoo, Yorkiedoodle

The Yorkie-Poo is a mixed crossbreed, a blend of the lively and feisty Yorkshire Terrier and the fun-loving Poodle. Because of the various combinations of mix and parentage, one Yorkie-Poo can look different to another in terms of size and coat color. A small companion dog, they make a great pet.



If you’ve just become the pet parent of a Yorkie-Poo, be sure to have comprehensive pet insurance in place. Explore quotes from leading providers in seconds with our online tool. Already have pet insurance? See how your plan compares with others and get the best deal.




Read our guide and become a Yorkie-Poo expert in minutes, learning:

  • A small breed, the Yorkie-Poo loves indoor living
  • Requiring less exercise than some breeds, they’re ideal for older pet parents
  • It has minimal shedding, so it’s allergy-friendly
  • Possible health issues include Legg-Calve-Perthes, a hip joint disorder 


Yorkie-Poo breed overview

Ah, the Yorkie-Poo. Is there a dog breed out there with a more amusing name? If there is, we’ve not heard it. (Not everyone calls them Yorkie-Poos, actually; people who may find that name a little too silly call them Yoodles. Porkies would also be acceptable.) 

As well as boasting a fantastic name, the Yorkie-Poo is an exemplary dog with great intelligence and character. A relatively young breed, this is a small dog with a brilliantly expressive face. Being a Yorkie-Poodle mix, it has two proud, hard-working breeds from which to draw its traits.


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

Yorkipoo Health

Average Size
Male Yorkipoo size stats
Height: 4-14 inches Weight: 6-15 lbs
Female Yorkipoo size stats
Height: 4-14 inches Weight: 6-15 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Epilepsy
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Atopic Dermatitis
  • Portosystemic Shunt
  • Hyperadrenocorticism
  • Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
Minor Concerns
  • Cushing's Disease
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Periodontal Disease
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Occasional Diagnoses
  • None Known
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination
  • Blood And Urine Analysis
  • Heart Analysis

Yorkipoo Breed History

So, how did this Yorkie-Poodle come about? Yorkie-Poos are the result of two breeds – and you can probably guess which; the Yorkshire Terrier and the Poodle. The latter is one of the oldest dog breeds on the planet. Poodles, who hail from Germany originally, are what are known as water dogs – you might not know this, but the Poodle is called the Poodle thanks to the word ‘puddle’. Although Poodles weren’t very popular in the US until 1935, they are now a favorite fancy dog here and abroad. 

By contrast with the Poodle, which can be very large indeed, the Yorkshire Terrier is a minuscule breed. Alleged to be Queen Victoria’s favorite dog (though the Pomeranian might have something to say about that), the Yorkshire Terrier is, unsurprisingly, from Yorkshire (in the north of England). A little more of a recent phenomenon than the Poodle, the Yorkshire Terrier is similar in that historically it has played a clear role in society: in the 19th century it proved its mettle by hunting rats that spread disease and ruined crops. It was in 1872 that the breed was introduced to North America, and since then it has proved an enduring and popular breed.

So we know where Yorkshire Terriers come from and we know where Poodles come from, but the exact history of the Yorkie-Poo is shrouded in a little bit of ambiguity. In the 1980s and 1990s breeders began to create this ‘designer dog’, making a breed that was inevitably a bundle of charisma. Unlike some breeds, there doesn’t seem to be an individual breeder bold enough to claim to have bred the first Yorkie-Poo. But the inspiration seems to have been the desire for a non-malting companion dog that would be comfortable in less expansive urban homes and environments. 

Taking up a tiny amount of space, the Yorkie-Poo fits the bill perfectly and, since the turn of the century, has become increasingly popular - especially with people for whom space is something of a luxury…

Yorkipoo Breed Appearance

One of the first things you’ll notice about a Yorkie-Poo is its, shall we say, diminutive stature. A full grown Yorkie-Poo is a tiny sight to behold. It stands at between seven and 15 inches, with precious little size difference between males and females. It is, in fact, one of the smallest dog breeds, weighing in at around seven pounds. 

Yorkie-Poos have a long, curly, wiry coat that can come in a wide range of colors: apricot, red, brown, black, gray, you name it. They have an adorable little button nose and the fluffiest ears around.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Yorkipoo eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Yorkipoo nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
silver Yorkipoo coat
Silver
cream Yorkipoo coat
Cream
brown Yorkipoo coat
Brown
brown Yorkipoo coat
Brown
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Yorkipoo wavy coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Yorkipoo Breed Maintenance

From the moment you take home one of your Yorkie-Poo puppies, you’ll fall in love with the way that the dog blends into your life. In terms of maintenance, this is not a hugely complex dog. Unlike the bigger breeds who prefer multiple walks and a large house and garden in which to prowl, Yorkie-Poos are more than happy in smaller apartments, going for short walks, and staying inside for the most part. 

They need fresh air, of course, and you should give them daily exercise, but at a recommended 30 minutes a day, they do not need as much as larger breeds like Huskies. 

This makes them ideal for people with mobility issues and people who may be more senior in age; the Yorkie-Poo won’t necessarily be dragging you around the park or constantly scratching at the door, demanding to be walked. 

A Yorkie-Poo’s majestic coat should be brushed daily to prevent tangling and matting. Because of its minimal shedding, people often ask, is a Yorkie-Poo hypoallergenic? For the most part they are indeed considered hypoallergenic and are therefore a fantastic pet for people who may have mild allergies. The breed is said to have been designed originally, in fact, with people with allergies in mind. (You should be aware that, while Yorkie-Poos are about as hypoallergenic as they come, it is always impossible to entirely eliminate any allergy risk.)


Yorkie-Poo health risks

A typical Yorkie-Poo lifespan is in the 10 to 15-year range. A healthy Yorkie-Poo is a happy Yorkie-Poo and the breed isn’t any more likely to fall ill than any other dog. Small dogs can have more dental issues than larger breeds, so maintaining oral hygiene - brushing your dog’s teeth, in other words - is an absolute must with a Yorkie-Poo. It’s never a bad idea, with nails and teeth, to ask a trained professional to take care of this. 

The other conditions to which the breed is more prone are hypoglycemia, patellar luxation, allergies on the skin, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease .

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a condition where there isn’t enough glucose in the blood. It can lead to low energy, trembling, twitching, loss of appetite and other symptoms. These can become more serious if left untreated.

Patellar Luxation

The Poodle and the Yorkshire Terrier are two of the breeds most commonly affected by patellar luxation, which is when the kneecap is dislocated or displaced. A dog can be born with this condition, or develop it in later life.

Skin allergies

Skin allergies can appear for a number of reasons, and can affect many different dog breeds. Symptoms of a skin reaction to an allergy include raised bumps, reddened skin, itching and hair loss.

Legg-Calve-Perthes

Legg-Calve-Perthes, or LCP, is a hip joint disorder that is a common health issue in toy breeds like the Yorkie-Poo. It causes stiffness and pain, and often occurs when a dog is relatively young, within the first year of its life.

In order to comprehensively take care of your Yorkie-Poo – or whichever breed of dog you own – make sure you have the best possible pet insurance cover. In addition, a wellness plan can help you manage routine vet appointments.


Feeding a Yorkie-Poo

In terms of pet nutrition, you can never become complacent. It goes without saying that you should be giving your Yorkie-Poo the best possible food, to keep it healthy and happy. Our friends at Dog Food Advisor have plenty of guidance on the best-quality food for your dog, and, though they don’t have specific Yorkie-Poo recommendations, they do list the best foods to give a Yorkshire Terrier

The dog will need a protein-rich mix of meat, offal, bone, and a little plant in its diet. The food is best served in its raw state, and the dog will need around a cup, divided into two meals over the course of the day.

As well as this protein, remember that this breed requires essential omegas and fatty acids; a little carbohydrate; natural minerals and vitamins; food that is high in moisture; and plenty of drinking water, of course. Because ear infections are quite common in Yorkie-Poos, you could ask your vet about hypoallergenic foods that would stop the flaring-up of any allergy that might have caused the infection in the first place.

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

Yorkipoo Temperament

We’ve got good news: a Yorkie-Poo’s temperament is a joy. This is an intelligent, sociable, affectionate and kind dog, with parents who have a long history of helping human beings. So wedded to helping humans are they, in fact, that Yorkie-Poos don’t love being left alone for long periods of time. You could say this of most dogs, of course, but the ideal Yorkie-Poo pet parent would be someone who is at home a lot and able to give it regular attention. 

Though it doesn’t require tons of exercise, it does need a good deal of stimulation. Children will be able to provide this stimulation but be careful: while Yorkie-Poos are excellent with children, like a lot of tiny dogs they may not tolerate excessive petting. 

One thing to be aware of as the parent of a Yorkie-Poo is that it won’t take a great deal to make them bark. This can scare young children, so be sure to supervise time with any particularly small infants, and train your dog to bark as little as possible (easier said than done, we know, but the Yorkie-Poo is relatively easy to train, and we’ve got plenty of dog training advice for you).

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

Yorkipoo Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.00 - $1.20
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $35.00
food bag monthly cost

Yorkipoo Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Yorkipoo size stats at six months
Height: 5.5 inches Weight: 5.0 lbs
Female Yorkipoo size stats at six months
Height: 4.5 inches Weight: 5.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Yorkipoo size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 7.0 lbs
Female Yorkipoo size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 7.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Yorkipoo size stats at 18 months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 10.0 lbs
Female Yorkipoo size stats at 18 months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 10.0 lbs

Yorkipoo Owner Experiences

Goliath
9 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running
Watching tv
Playing with cats
Walk
barking
Very clingy, cute and cuddly. A vocal dog who loves to hang out with bigger dogs (my gsd) as well as being mischievous.
2 years, 2 months ago
Pudge
1 Year
4 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks, hikes, car rides, cuddling, hugs, etc.
He is the best dog I've ever had, he is my constant companion! I've had him from 5 weeks of age, and realized from the get go that love, and loyalty were never going to be in question! He is so smart... too smart sometimes, playful, cuddly, and he gives the best hugs which he will initiate! He uses his paws like hands to get your attention, move your hands, or even move something to where he wants it! He is not a barker, but will warn me if something is not right, or someone is close by he doesn't know! His fur is super soft, a bit curly, and does grow like crazy so I keep him bathed weekly, and trimmed bimonthly! He does not like to be left home, and does chew up my chapsticks when I leave to punish me for going without him! Which isn't often because he loves to go, and is great in the car, and on our adventures! But other than that he has chewed nothing since his teething days! He very quickly became my baby, we call him Son, and if you ask him he is just our furry child! Lol He does get a bit distracted at moments when outside but its because this boy has the worlds greatest smeller! I'm convinced, he can find that smell wherever it is! He loves the snow, and jumps around like a maniac in it! He gets super excites when he looks outside, and sees it snowing its the funniest thing to witness! I could go on, and on about him, and not just because I love him! He really is the best, and there is not one thing about him that I would change! Except maybe the fact that he is a bedhog, and I've lost most my bed, and pillow space to my little heat seeker! This really is a great breed, a very enjoyable, love you beyond measure, easy going, perfect best friend! I would recommend them to anyone that is looking for a pet to love! = )
6 years, 7 months ago
Juan Julio
1 Year
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Zoomies
Running buck wild!
If you are reading this because you are considering getting a yorkiepoo, just do it! Yes! Yes! Yes! Best decision I’ve ever made. I could go in to detail or I could give you reassurance you need, yes get the yorkiepoo!
5 years, 2 months ago
Molly
5 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is the most intelligent one I have ever had!! Extremely attached to my husband and I. And we don't mind it a bit..
4 years ago
Boo
9 Years
5 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Car rides
My best friend! Loves car rides. Bad listener
3 years, 9 months ago
Lilo
14 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Teaching tricks
Walking
Playing fetch
Lovable friendly dog. Easily trained. Independent with no separation anxiety. Loves to play. Enjoys long and short walks. Crate trained. Fussy eater.
3 years, 6 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd