Yorkie Poo: Quick Stats
LIFESPAN:
12 – 15 years
WEIGHT:
5 – 15 lbs
HEIGHT:
7 – 15 inches
DO I SHED?
No
Personality:
Good-natured, playful, happy-go-lucky, high energy
Common Health Problems:
Atopic dermatitis, portosystemic shunt, Cushing’s disease, epilepsy
Help prepare for unexpected vet bills
Yorkie Poo: How Do I Look?
The dog breed Yorkie poo (sometimes also spelled as Yorkipoo or Yorkie-poo) is a compact blend of a Yorkshire terrier and a miniature or toy poodle. There isn’t a standard Yorkie poo look, but you can expect a dog that won’t exceed 15 inches and 15 pounds. Yorkie poos typically live an average of 12 to 15 years, remaining active and playful well into adulthood.1
Coat Type and Colors
There aren’t official colors for these designer dogs yet, but the most common Yorkie poo colors are:1
- Apricot
- Silver
- Cream
- Chocolate
- Light brown
- Red
Yorkie poo coats can be solid colors or a pattern of multiple colors.1
Shedding and Grooming
The type of coat a Yorkie poo has depends on what they inherited from their parents.1 They typically have long and dense wavy to curly fur that can be silky.2 Some folks recommend brushing their coat daily, but this may not be necessary if you keep their fur trimmed short.1
Ears
Yorkie poos’ ears tend to be floppy and covered in fur. It’s important to keep their fur well-groomed and their ears clean to avoid ear infections because dogs with droopy ears are more prone to ear infections.3
Drooling Level
Yorkie poos aren’t known for drooling like larger breeds.
Yorkie Poo: Personality Traits
What My Adoption Bio Would Say:
All I want is someone who gets me, my sense of humor, and my need for adventure. I’m an extroverted pup who’s looking for a family to have fun with. Hopefully, that’s you!
Behavior
Poodles and Yorkshire terriers are extremely intelligent dogs and their offspring are no different. Yorkie poos are known for learning quickly, which makes them simultaneously easy to train and difficult to keep up with. They’re high-energy dogs who love to socialize with their humans and strangers. Expect it to always be a good time with these socialites around.1
Trainability
Yorkie poos can pick up on routines and simple commands very quickly, but they can be stubborn. Positive reinforcement is key to correcting unwanted behaviors. Rest assured that this breed will learn new commands quickly as long as pet parents keep their routines consistent.2
If you’re interested, this breed may enjoy dog sporting competitions just like their poodle parent does. Consider advanced training courses after you’ve covered the basics. Your dog may surprise you with their skills.
Exercise Needs
Due to their high energy, the Yorkie Poo dog breed will need regular exercise. Expect to spend at least 30 minutes a day walking them or vigorously playing in the backyard.1 Experiment with different toys to see if they like to chase, burrow, or retrieve items. Once you figure that out, you’ll have plenty of options to keep their minds and bodies in top shape.2
Good With Kids?
If you have little humans, they will love a Yorkie poo for their high energy and comedic personalities. Coupled with this breed's love of play, Yorkie poos make excellent family dogs.2
Good With Other Pets?
Yorkie poos aren’t known for being aggressive toward other dogs.2 Your Yorkie poo temperament may be different from the norm, so make sure to socialize your pets well and be patient. They will get along sooner than you think.
Barking Level
Barking levels will vary from dog to dog, but Yorkie poos tend to be more vocal than average.2 However, keeping them well exercised and engaged may cut down on this behavior.
Yorkie Poo: Fun Facts
Yorkie poos are one of the most popular designer breeds to hit the U.S. dog scene.2 Here are some quick and dirty facts about this breed:1,2
- Are Yorkie poos hypoallergenic? Yes, they are! They inherited their human-like hair from their Yorkie parents so they rarely shed, making them a good choice for allergy-prone humans.
- Other names for Yorkie poos may include: Yoodle, Yorkappo, or a Yorkiedoodle. This may help while you’re looking for a puppy.
- Yorkie poos aren’t big fans of being alone for long periods. They prefer to be around people and other household pets.
Every breed is special. Get care tips for yours.
Yorkie Poo: Health Issues
The dog breed Yorkie poo may experience a variety of health issues, including:1,2,4,5
- Atopic dermatitis: This is the inflammation of the skin caused by poor hygiene or allergies.
- Legg-Calve Perthes disease: This is the breakdown of the head of the femur that meets the hip, which can lead to lameness.
- Portosystemic shunt: This is an abnormal blood vessel in the liver that stops nutrients from filtering properly.
- Cushing’s disease: This is a potentially life-threatening condition that affects the adrenal glands.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: This is the irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Periodontal disease
- Patellar luxation: This is the dislocation of the kneecap.
- Epilepsy
Yorkie Poo: Health Issues
The dog breed Yorkie poo may experience a variety of health issues, including:1,2,4,5
- Atopic dermatitis: This is the inflammation of the skin caused by poor hygiene or allergies.
- Legg-Calve Perthes disease: This is the breakdown of the head of the femur that meets the hip, which can lead to lameness.
- Portosystemic shunt: This is an abnormal blood vessel in the liver that stops nutrients from filtering properly.
- Cushing’s disease: This is a potentially life-threatening condition that affects the adrenal glands.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: This is the irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Periodontal disease
- Patellar luxation: This is the dislocation of the kneecap.
- Epilepsy
Yorkie Poo: Costs
If you’re looking to buy a Yorkie poo from a breeder, they can cost anywhere from $800 – $2,500 or more. If you’re adopting one from a shelter or rescue, there’s typically a fee associated, which could be between $75 – $300.6
Outside of the actual purchase of your new pup, there are other costs to consider when getting any dog. Lifetime costs for a dog can reach $16,440 for a small dog. Costs can include spaying/neutering, vet exams, vaccinations, food and treats, toys, and grooming and cleaning supplies.7
How MetLife Pet Insurance Can Help Yorkie Poos
While Yorkie poos can live up to 15 years, those 15 years will likely include trips to the vet, regardless of your dog’s overall health. These breeds can inherit minor issues, like inflammatory bowel disease, or major health issues that affect their organs. It may be a good idea to purchase dog insurance that could help you save thousands of dollars over your pet’s lifetime.
Cushing’s disease
If you choose to cover your Yorkie poo as a healthy puppy, MetLife Pet won't consider breed-specific diseases pre-existing conditions. An example is Cushing’s disease, a disease caused by a tumor in the pituitary or adrenal gland, which can affect how your Yorkie poo’s body handles various functions. It creates an imbalance in hormones that causes problems like a bloated belly, panting, thick skin, and an inability to heal.4
The good news is that pet insurance works to help you cover the cost of the treatment. Veterinarians may decide to treat the disease with medication or choose surgery to remove the tumor. With dog insurance, money won’t be the deciding factor between you and a few more years with your pup.
Your dog deserves great care. Get it with the help of MetLife Pet.