The Chorkie is a charming mix of a Chihuahua and a Yorkshire Terrier, also known as a Yorkiechi or Chiyorkie. It’s a relatively new breed in the dog world, and not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). However, it’s quickly gaining popularity for its unique blend of the two parent breeds’ best qualities.
Due to its newness, Chorkies can be quite varied in both personality and looks. But by looking at the established traits of Chihuahuas and Yorkies, we can get a pretty good idea of what to expect from a Chorkie.
What to Expect from a Chorkie
Both parent breeds are small, typically standing less than 10 inches tall and weighing under 10 pounds. So, it’s safe to assume that a Chorkie will be a tiny dog with a feisty, energetic, and terrier-like demeanor. This breed is ideal for cozy laps and city apartments, where their small size and big personality fit right in.
Caring for Your Chorkie
Chorkies inherit the city-friendly nature of both parent breeds. They don’t need much space to be happy, and their moderate exercise needs can often be met with indoor play. But it’s important to socialize Chorkies early and train them with positive reinforcement, as their alert nature can make them a bit suspicious of strangers. Without proper guidance, they might develop a tendency to bark—a lot!
While they are adaptable and affectionate, Chorkies might not be the best choice for households with very young kids or large dogs, as their small size makes them vulnerable to accidental injury.
Grooming needs can be a bit of a wildcard with Chorkies, depending on whether they inherit more from their Chihuahua or Yorkie side. Yorkies have a high-maintenance coat that requires daily brushing and regular baths, while Chihuahuas have simpler grooming needs, often only requiring a weekly brush.
Common Health Issues in Chorkies
Like all dogs, Chorkies can face specific health challenges. Both Chihuahuas and Yorkies are generally healthy breeds with decent lifespans—Chihuahuas live about 14–16 years, and Yorkies about 11–15 years. But they can pass down certain genetic issues to their Chorkie offspring, so it’s crucial to work with responsible breeders who prioritize health over profit.
Patellar Luxation
This is a common condition in small breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkies. It occurs when the kneecap shifts out of its normal position. In mild cases, dogs may not experience any issues, but severe cases could require surgery. Watch for signs like limping, bunny-hopping, or a popping sound in the knee joint.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
PDA is a congenital heart defect that affects some Chorkie puppies. It happens when a blood vessel that’s necessary in fetal development fails to close after birth, disrupting normal circulation and potentially leading to heart failure. Surgery to close the vessel can be life-saving if done before congestive heart failure develops.
Periodontal Disease
This condition, common in small dogs, involves bacteria building up in the mouth and damaging the gums, jawbones, and other tissues. Symptoms range from bad breath and swollen gums to loose teeth. Regular dental care, including frequent tooth brushing and professional cleanings, can help prevent this disease.
Tracheal Collapse
Chihuahuas and Yorkies are also prone to tracheal collapse, where the windpipe loses its structure and partially collapses. This condition can cause a honking cough that gets worse with exercise or stress. In many cases, medication can manage the symptoms, but severe cases may require surgery.
Feeding Your Chorkie
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to feeding a Chorkie. It’s best to work with a veterinarian to establish a balanced diet that suits your dog’s age, weight, and health needs. Pay attention to kibble size—Chorkies have tiny teeth, so they need small-sized food.
How Often Should You Feed a Chorkie?
Chorkie puppies need to eat frequently—three to four meals a day—to avoid low blood sugar. Once they’re full-grown, you can reduce the feeding schedule to two or three times a day. Your vet can help create the right feeding plan for your dog’s age and lifestyle.
How Much Should You Feed a Chorkie?
Check the feeding guide on your dog’s food bag as a starting point, but consult your vet for a more accurate recommendation. Keep in mind that Chorkies can gain weight easily, so factor treats into their daily calorie intake. Treats should make up no more than 10% of their diet.
Training and Behavior Tips
Chorkie Personality
Chorkies have inherited the classic terrier personality: confident, sassy, and full of energy. Despite their small size, they have big hearts and love companionship. They’re loyal and affectionate, making them excellent lap dogs.
Although they are small, Chorkies are active and need daily exercise. Short walks and indoor play can meet their needs. However, their small stature makes them vulnerable to rough play, so interactions with young children or big dogs should be closely supervised.
Chorkie Behavior
Both Chihuahuas and Yorkies are known for being alert and can exhibit watchdog tendencies. It’s important to help them manage their natural wariness of strangers to avoid excessive barking. Chokies don’t like to be left alone for long periods, and boredom can lead to unwanted behavior like chewing or nonstop barking.
Chorkie Training
Early socialization is key for Chorkies. Expose them to different people, animals, and environments during the first 16 weeks to help them grow into confident and well-adjusted adults. A positive reinforcement training approach is recommended to build trust and encourage good behavior. Keep training sessions fun and use rewards like treats, toys, and praise to motivate your pup.
Fun Activities for Chorkies
- Short walks around the neighborhood
- Puzzle toys
- Basic obedience training
- Learning fun tricks
- Fetch games
Grooming Guide for Chorkies
The grooming needs of a Chorkie depend largely on their coat type. If they take after the Yorkie side, they’ll need daily brushing and regular grooming. A Chihuahua-like coat is easier to maintain, requiring only occasional brushing. No matter the coat type, Chorkies shed minimally.
Skin Care
Proper coat maintenance is crucial for good skin health. Regular grooming prevents tangles and matting, which can trap dirt and irritate the skin. Bathing frequency varies, so ask your vet for guidance. Overbathing can strip natural oils, leading to dry, itchy skin.
Coat Care
If your Chorkie has long hair, daily brushing is essential to prevent mats. Short hair requires less maintenance. In colder weather, a sweater may be needed to keep them warm.
Eye Care
The Chihuahua’s lineage means Chorkies can be prone to eye conditions like cataracts or dry eye. Keep an eye out for redness or discharge and trim the hair around their eyes to avoid irritation.
Ear Care
Regular ear cleaning is a must. Use vet-approved products, and watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or bad odor.