Yorkiepoo: Choosing a Yorkiepoo

Yorkiepoo… a fun name for an adorable, little bundle of joy. The Yorkiepoo is a mixed breed dog derived from the Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) and the Poodle. Though very popular, this mixed breed, also referred to as a designer breed or hybrid, is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Because Yorkiepoos are not purebred, there is significant variance in the dog's traits, as they can have any combination of the Yorkie's and Poodle's characteristics.

History and Origin

The Yorkshire Terrier originated during Victorian times in Yorkshire, England. Developed from dogs such as the Manchester Terrier, Maltese, and Skye Terrier, the Yorkie was bred to hunt rats. In 1878, this breed made its way to the United States where it has many enthusiasts and is one of the most popular of the AKC's toy breeds.

The Poodle is believed to have originated around the 13th century in Germany as a water retriever. The breed received its name from the German "pudeln," which refers to splashing in the water. Poodles are famous for carrying supplies and messages during World War II and performing in circuses and French dog playhouses. The AKC recognizes three sizes of the poodle, the toy (AKC's toy group), the miniature, and the standard (AKC's non-sporting group).

Appearance and Size

Because the Toy or Miniature Poodle is used in Yorkiepoo breeding, the Yorkiepoo is a small dog. He generally stands 6 to 15 inches in height at the shoulder and weighs 3 to 15 pounds. The Yorkiepoos coat can come in many varieties of colors and can be wavy, curly, or straight. The ears can be floppy like a Poodle's or erect like a Yorkie's.

Personality

The Yorkiepoo can acquire any of the traits of both the Yorkie and the Poodle. The Yorkie is a highly affectionate breed who loves (and may even demand) attention from his owner. They are sometimes stubborn and tend to think they are large dogs. Yorkies are alert to their surroundings and can make good guard dogs, despite their small stature. Both the Poodle and the Yorkie are intelligent, easy to train, good with kids, and loyal to their families.

Home and Family Relations

The Yorkiepoo would do well in a house or an apartment and with children or the elderly. They can easily burn off energy with the opportunity to run around the house a bit. When tired, they love a lap for snuggling.

Special Care

Because both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Poodle's coats are low-shedding, the Yorkiepoo may be ideal for families with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems.

Yorkiepoos require regular brushing and grooming to prevent matting. They also need the hair around their eyes cleaned regularly to prevent tear stains and buildup of debris.

Common Diseases and Disorders

Listed below are diseases and health problems that the Yorkshire Terrier and/or the Poodle commonly acquire.

Patellar Luxation is a disorder affecting the kneecap.

Urolithiasis is a condition affecting the urinary tract resulting in the formation of bladder stones.

Cataracts cause a loss of the normal transparency of the lens of the eye. The problem can occur in one or both eyes and can lead to blindness.

Portosystemic shunt is a malformation of the blood flow associated with the liver. The blood is shunted away from the liver, resulting in accumulation of blood toxins and subsequent profound illness.

Epilepsy is a seizure disorder which develops between the ages of 2 to 5 years.

Because of this breed's size, they may also be prone to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.

The Yorkiepoo's average lifespan is 14 – 18 years.