Shorkie at a Glance: Quick Facts

Temperament

Loving, playful, and confident with a feisty, stubborn streak. A true companion dog.

Height

6 to 14 inches at the shoulder.

Weight

5 to 15 pounds.

Lifespan

11 to 16 years.

Grooming Needs

High. Their low-shedding coat requires daily brushing to prevent mats.

Exercise Level

Moderate. Daily walks and indoor play are sufficient.

Good With

Singles, seniors, and families with older, considerate children.

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Shedding Level

Low. Considered a hypoallergenic breed, making them great for allergy sufferers.

The Soul of a Shorkie: Temperament and Personality

Puppy little havanese small and cute in white isolated

The Shorkie is a delightful mix of its two parent breeds, resulting in a companion dog with a vibrant and multifaceted personality. They are incredibly loving and affectionate, forming deep, close bonds with their families and thriving on being the center of attention. Sweet as sugar one moment, they can be a little bossy and feisty the next, a charming quirk inherited from their terrier lineage. This bubbly, fun-loving personality makes them incredibly entertaining; they are playful, energetic, and often a bit mischievous.

Despite their small size, Shorkies are confident and courageous, often unaware of how tiny they actually are. This makes them excellent watchdogs; they are highly alert and will happily let you know when someone or something is nearby. This alertness can sometimes translate into a tendency to bark, so early training is key. With proper socialization, they are generally friendly and open with strangers once introduced. They are the epitome of a lap dog that also wants to be your loyal, and sometimes vocal, little guardian.

Is a Shorkie Right For Your Family & Lifestyle?

The Shorkie’s unique personality makes them a perfect fit for many, but it’s important to be honest about whether their needs align with your lifestyle.

A Shorkie is an ideal companion for:

Apartment Dwellers: Their small size makes them perfectly suited for apartment living and other small spaces.

Allergy Sufferers: Their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat is a fantastic choice for those sensitive to dander.

Singles or Seniors: They make wonderful, devoted companions for individuals who can give them plenty of attention.

People Who Are Home Often: They crave companionship and are happiest when they are with their family.

You might want to reconsider a Shorkie if:

You Have Very Young Children: Their small, delicate frame makes them vulnerable to accidental injury from rough play. They are better suited to homes with older children who know how to interact gently with a small dog.

You Can’t Tolerate Barking: They are natural watchdogs and can be prone to barking if not trained out of it early on.

You’re Away for Long Hours: Shorkies are prone to developing separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behaviors if they are left alone too frequently.

You Dislike Grooming: Their beautiful coat is high-maintenance and requires daily brushing to prevent painful mats and tangles.

Caring for Your Shorkie: Needs & Recommendations

Providing the right care is crucial for your Shorkie’s health and happiness. Their needs are specific, especially when it comes to grooming and companionship.

Diet & Nutrition

Due to their small size, Shorkies should be fed a high-quality, nutrient-dense dog food formulated for small breeds. To prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can affect toy breeds, it’s best to feed them multiple small meals throughout the day. A Shorkie puppy should eat about four meals a day. From six months onward, this can be reduced to two or three meals. An adult Shorkie will typically eat between ½ to 1 cup of food per day, total. Always consult your veterinarian to establish the perfect feeding plan for your puppy’s specific age and activity level.

Exercise Requirements

Shorkies have a moderate activity level. They have energetic bursts of playtime but tend to tire out quickly due to their small size. Daily walks and some dedicated indoor or outdoor playtime are usually enough to keep them happy and healthy. They will gladly chase a ball down the hall or enjoy a trip to the dog park. Because they are so small and can be mischievous, they should only ever be let off-leash in a securely fenced area.

 

Grooming

While their coat is low-shedding, it is not low-maintenance. Their silky, relatively long fur is prone to tangles that can quickly turn into painful mats. Daily brushing is required to keep their coat healthy and tangle-free. Professional grooming is also recommended every six weeks for a trim and to maintain their coat’s shape. In addition to coat care, monthly nail trims, regular ear checks, and most importantly, daily dental care are essential. Small breeds like the Shorkie are highly prone to dental disease, so routine tooth brushing is non-negotiable.

Training & Socialization

Training a Shorkie is a unique experience. They are highly intelligent, which means they can learn quickly, but they also possess a stubborn streak and a short attention span. This combination can make training, especially house-training, a challenge that requires a lot of patience. They respond best to calm, consistent training sessions that are short, fun, and focused on positive reinforcement with treats and praise. Harsh tones or methods will be counterproductive. It’s also critical to avoid “small dog syndrome” by coddling them; they need to be taught boundaries and how to interact properly with humans and other animals from a young age through extensive socialization.

Health & Lifespan: What to Expect

Shorkies are generally healthy dogs with a long lifespan of 11 to 16 years. As a mixed breed, they can inherit health conditions common to one or both of their parent breeds, the Shih-Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier. While there’s a chance they can “win the genetic lottery” and inherit none of these issues, it’s not a guarantee.

Potential health concerns to be aware of include:

  • Dental Disease: Very common in small breeds.
  • Patellar Luxation: Dislocation of the kneecap.
  • Collapsed Trachea: A condition affecting the windpipe.
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A degenerative eye condition.
  • Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar, especially in puppies.
  • Kidney Stones, Hip Dysplasia, and Liver Disease.

At PuppyGuyz, we work exclusively with responsible breeders who screen their dogs for these preventable issues to ensure the best possible health for your puppy. Don’t hesitate to ask the breeder about the genetic and health history of the parents.

The History of the Shorkie: A Designer Original

Shih Tzu puppy

The Shorkie is a “designer” dog breed, meaning it is a first-generation cross between two purebred parents: the Shih-Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier. This intentional mix aims to combine the best qualities of both beloved breeds. While not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Shorkie is recognized by other notable organizations, including the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC). This breed is most commonly known as a Shorkie, but you might also hear them called a Shorkie Tzu, Yorkie Tzu, or Shorki.

Meet Our Available Shorkie Puppies

Your search for the perfect, pint-sized personality ends here. Below you will find our current selection of available Shorkie puppies from our network of pre-screened, ethical breeders. Each puppy is raised with love and care, ready to become the charming new center of your world.

Rosie female cavapoo
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Cavapoo – Rosie

$2,300.00
Duke Male Siberian Husky
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Siberian Husky – Duke

$2,300.00
Betty Siberian Husky Female
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Siberian Husky – Betty

$2,300.00
fern Female German Shepherd
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German Shepherd – Fern

$2,300.00
Rory Male German Shepherd
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German Shepherd – Rory

$2,300.00
Daisy female Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retriever – Daisy

$2,300.00
Harry male Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retriever – Harry

$2,300.00
Isabella female Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retriever – Isabella

$2,300.00
View all Available Puppies

 

Find a Shorkie Near You

While PuppyGuyz offers safe and reliable nationwide delivery right to your door, we understand that many families begin their search locally. We have a strong network of trusted breeders across the country.

Looking for a Shorkie puppy in your area? We deliver healthy, well-socialized puppies to families across the United States. Explore our available puppies by state to find the perfect addition to your family:

Pennsylvania

Ohio

New York

California

Florida

Texas

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Your Comprehensive Shorkie FAQ

We’ve gathered and answered the most common questions about the wonderful Shorkie to create the most complete resource on the web.

What is a Shorkie?

A Shorkie is a designer dog created by crossing a purebred Shih-Tzu with a purebred Yorkshire Terrier. They are also sometimes called a Yorkie Tzu or Shorkie Tzu.

How long do Shorkies live?

Shorkies have a fairly long life and can be expected to live between 11 and 16 years on average.

Does a Shorkie shed?

The Shorkie is a low-shedding breed, thanks to its parent breeds. This makes them a great choice for neat households.

Is a Shorkie hypoallergenic?

Yes, because they shed very little and produce less dander, Shorkies are considered hypoallergenic and are a great option for people who suffer from dog allergies.

How big do Shorkies get?

They are small dogs, typically standing 6 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 5 and 15 pounds.

When do Shorkies stop growing?

Shorkies usually reach their full adult size between 7 and 9 months of age, though they may fill out a bit more until they are a year old.

Are Shorkies aggressive?

Their strong prey drive makes them a potential risk for cats and other small animals. If they are to live with a cat, it is essential that they are raised together from a very young age.

Are Shorkies easy to train?

This is a “yes and no” answer. They are highly intelligent, which helps them learn. However, they are also famously stubborn and have a short attention span, which can make training a challenge. Calm, consistent, and short training sessions with positive reinforcement work best.

Do Shorkies bark a lot?

Yes, they tend to be vocal. They are alert watchdogs and will bark when someone approaches, if they are startled, or if they sense any kind of disturbance.

Are Shorkies good with other dogs?

With early and proper socialization as a puppy, a Shorkie can get along well with other dogs. However, their territorial nature and terrier instincts can cause issues if they are not taught how to interact properly from a young age.