The Yorkie Chihuahua mix, otherwise known as the Chorkie is one of the most adorable Chihuahua mixes that you’re likely to find! Like both parent breeds, the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier will be a very small dog, weighing in at less than 15 pounds and standing under 10 inches tall, the beloved Chorkie is one of the smallest mixed-breed dogs you’ll encounter.
Image credit: m_tsuno
Given their size, Yorkie Chihuahua mixes make wonderful pets for those looking for a small dog or for the elderly, retired couple that’s looking for a lightweight and easy-to-handle companion pet. Yorkie Chihuahua mixes also do well in smaller living spaces and are ideal for apartment dwellers.
Chihuahua/Yorkie Yorkshire Terrier mix – At a glance
| Weight: | 8–10 pounds |
| Height: | 6–9 inches |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Coat colours: | Brown, white, silver, blue and black. Can be solid colors or a mix of these. |
| Temperament: | Energetic, excitable, loving, loyal, affection, bold, intelligent, playful. |
| Suitable for: | Active families, active single individuals, active elderly couples or singles. |
What does a Yorkie Chihuahua mix look like?
Like most designer dog breeds, the Chihuahua Yorkie mix will inherit different parts of it’s physical appearance from each parent breed. As both parent breeds are toy dog breeds, you can expect your Chorkie to be very small and lightweight!
Your Chihuahua Yorkie mix will likely inherit the curly coat of the Yorkie that may require extra brushing! Although they could also inherit the straight coat of the Chihuahua. Your chihuahua yorkie Yorkshire terrier mix will have a wedge-shaped face with a small muzzle and triangular ears that are either folded forward or upright.
As with most designer dog breeds, their physical appearance can be difficult to predict accurately, as which parent they look most alike comes down to which set of predominant genes they inherit.
The history of the Yorkshire Terrier and Chihuahua mix
Unfortunately, there’s not much history out there concerning the original breeding of the Chihuahua Yorkie mix. It’s likely that the breed was created during the 1990s and early 2000s, as the practice of crossbreeding became popular throughout the United States.
Fortunately, we have plenty of documented history of each parent breed – two toy breeds, the Mexican Chihuahua and English Yorkshire Terrier. We’ll explore their histories to gain a better understanding of what brought the the Chihuahua Yorkie mix to the forefront of the designer dog world.
The history of the Yorkshire Terrier
The tiny Yorkshire Terrier is right up there as one of the world’s most popular breeds in the ‘toy’ category. Highly sought after as companion animals for elderly single people or couples, the Yorkie began life in England in the 19th century, a product of Scottish immigrants seeking work in the English North. Bred from Scottish Terriers of various types, including Black-and-Tan Terriers, Paisley Terriers and Clydesdale Terriers.
In 1860, the first breed standard was drawn up, and a dog named Huddersfield Ben became the standard for a Yorkshire Terrier in England and has become a Yorkie folklore legend in the preceding decades and centuries. His common coat colors of brown, black, and blue became the general standard for Yorkie coat colors, and his physical appearance set the standard for today’s Yorkshire Terriers.
In 1872, the first Yorkshire Terriers were brought to the United States and gained popularity as companion and show dogs. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885. At the beginning of the 20th century, Yorkies were experiencing a popularity slump in the United States.
By the start of the Second World War, Yorkies needed something to boost their popularity. Along came Smoky, a war dog serving with members of the United States military rose to fame following photographs of war wounded surfacing with Smoky, who was owned by a member of the platoon photographed. Smoky put a cute face on the problems faced by the United States military in-theatre and the Yorkshire Terrier gained huge popularity at home.
Following the Second World War, Yorkshire Terriers maintained their popularity and are one of America’s most popular toy breed companions of today.
How popular are Yorkshire Terriers?
Since their introduction to the United States, the Yorkshire Terrier has been a very popular family pet, a popular choice across the country for those looking for a small terrier-type dog.
In 2021, the Yorkshire Terrier ranked as the 13th most popular dog in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club.
Who are Yorkshire Terriers a good dog for?
Because of their small size, Yorkies are often touted as a fantastic pets for the elderly population – although they are an active breed, they’re not overly cumbersome and are easily portable due to their lightweight build.
Similarly, the Yorkie is an excellent choice for apartment dwellers and families with a house and a yard. While Yorkies can suffer from separation anxiety, it is possible to train them not to bark excessively.
How did Yorkshire Terriers come about?
The Yorkshire Terrier was bred in Yorkshire, England by Scottish migrant workers who sought to breed a rat-catching dog, as they worked in the mills and mines where mice and rats were common. The Yorkie was created by breeding several different types of Scotch Terriers, including the Paisley and Clydesdale Terriers and the Black-and-Tan Terrier.
When did first cross-breed the Yorkshire Terrier?
Given their small size, Yorkshire Terriers are commonly used as purebred parents with other toy breeds to create an adorable hybrid breed. Perhaps by those who are looking to add some cuteness into their mixed-breed dog, or add some excitability into their dogs’ personality.
In the Untied States, the Yorkshire Terrier was likely first crossbred in the 1990s and early 2000s, as crossbreeding became popular throughout the country. Several popular crossbreeds with the Yorkie as a parent dog include:
- Pitbull Yorkie Mix (Yorkie Pit)
- Corgi Yorkie Mix (Korky)
- Yorkie Husky Mix (Yorksky)
- Yorkie Poodle Mix (Yorkipoo)
- Yorkie Bichon Frise (Yorkichon)
The history of the Chihuahua
Although the Chihuahua was first noted in the mid-19th century in the Mexican state of the same name, it has an ancestry dating back to the 9th century. The Chihuahua is thought to have come from the Techichi, an ancient breed kept by the Toltec Peoples – an ancient Aztec tribe. The Techichi bears striking physical resemblance to the Chihuahua, although they were a barkless breed.
Since the mid-19th century, the Chihuahua slowly made its way to the United States after being sold and traded by Mexican owners to American tourists in the late 19th century. It was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a toy breed and quickly found favor among Americans looking for a small dog with a shrill bark that almost doubles as a guard dog, despite its size.
The Chihuahua isn’t as popular outside of North America, although it was used following the end of the Second World War in England, as a parent dog for Jack Russell Terrier mixes.
How popular are Chihuahuas?
In the United States, the Chihuahua is a popular breed renowned for their high energy level and loves being the center of attention. This has made the Chihuahua popular across population sectors.
In 2021, the Chihuahua was the 37th most popular dog in the United States, according to the AKC.
Who are Chihuahuas a good dog for?
Given their small size, Chihuahuas are popular dogs among many populations, particularly among the elderly. Their lightweight body also makes them perfectly portable when not out walking. They’re renowned for being aggressive and extremely loyal to their owners. They could exhibit aggressive behavior toward strangers. People with smaller pets should be aware of this aggressive potential before bringing a Chihuahua into the home.
In general, Chihuahuas are a good fit for the single-person household or those without other animals.
How did Chihuahuas come about?
The Chihuahua’s exact history is difficult to pin down, as they were first noted in the mid-19th century in Chihuahua, Mexico. However, their ancestry stretches back to the time of the Aztecs, when the Toltec Peoples kept a small, mute dog called the Techichi, as a pet.
Since the mid-19th century, the Chihuahua was sold and traded with American tourists and eventually became popular in the United States. It was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904.
When did first cross-breed the Chihuahua?
Like most designer breeds, the Chihuahua was first crossbred in the United States in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Although it had been crossbred in England following the end of the Second World War to the Jack Russell Terrier, in a bid preserve the JRT’s popularity.
During the period of crossbreeding craze of the new Millennium, a number of popular Chihuahua mixes were created. These include:
- French Bulldog Chihuahua Mix (French Bullhuahua)
- Chihuahua Cocker Spaniel Mix (Cocker Chi)
- Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix (Pom Chi)
- Chihuahua Poodle Mix (Chi-Poo)
- Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix (Golden Chi)
How important is a dog’s temperament to your family?
Generally, there are two things that make up a dog’s temperament: genetics and lived experience. When considering a family dog, you want to make sure that the dog’s temperament will match well with your own family’s temperament.
Do you have smaller children? If so, then perhaps it’s wise to get a dog that’s not aggressive or territorial. Are you active and outdoorsy? Better then to find a dog that suits that active, outdoorsy nature of your family. Do you want a cuddle-buddy for the sofa, or are you looking for a workhorse-type dog?
Before you start searching for a pup, you’ll need to consider what type of dog you’re really looking for. Many people have dogs as pets, others have a blend of working dog and family pet. Researching the prospective dog’s temperament will really help prepare yourself for dog ownership.
Experienced dog owners may not need to do as much research, but for first-time dog owners, it’s a necessity.
What is the temperament of the Yorkie Chihuahua mix?
Image credit: sandrajoosten
Yorkie Chihuahua mixes perhaps best typify the Napoleon complex in dogs. They’re fearless and loyal to their owners and moderately active but can be an equally loving lapdog. They’re bold and intelligent and enjoy playtime!
Is the Yorkie Chihuahua mix friendly?
Yorkie Chihuahua mixes are generally very friendly dogs! They tend to be territorial when meeting new people, but once they warm to them are gentle and affectionate.
Is the Chihuahua Yorkshire Terrier mix easy to train?
Yorkie Chihuahua mixes may initially be stubborn and resistant to training due to their independent nature. However, with some positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods, your Yorkie Chihuahua mix will eventually come around.
You must do some crate training with your Chihuahua Yorkie mix if they’re going to be left alone for elongated periods.
How much can a Yorkie Chihuahua mix weigh?
The average weight of a Chihuahua Yorkie mix is between 8 and 10 pounds.
How tall can a Chihuahua Yorkshire Terrier mix get?
The average height of a Chihuahua Yorkie mix is between 6 and 9 inches tall.
Similar-sized breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Yorkie Chihuahua mix.
These include:
- Bichon Frise
- Maltese
- Pomeranian
- Havanese
- Pug
- Papillon
Does the Yorkie Chihuahua mix Shed?
Luckily for owners with allergies, your Yorkie Chihuahua mix is likely to be hypoallergenic and low-shedding! Although, if they inherit their coat from the Chihuahua, they’re likely to be moderate shedders. They should still be regularly brushed in either case.
To keep your Yorkie Chihuahua mix’s skin and coat healthy, we recommend regular grooming by a professional. Sometimes, the Yorkie Chihuahua mix can develop skin infections and irritations.
How much exercise does a Chihuahua Yorkshire Terrier mix require?
You can expect your Yorkie Chihuahua mix to keep you active! While not exhaustively active, Chihuahua Yorkie mixes usually require about 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise. This should also include mental stimulation with brain games that can make your Chihuahua Yorkie think.
Chihuahua Yorkie mixes can become bored if left home for an extended period. This could lead to destructive behavior, alongside separation anxiety. If you plan on leaving them alone for a while, be sure to get them a toy to entertain themselves. A KONG toy filled with their favorite treats is always a good bet.
How long can a Yorkie Chihuahua mix live?
The life expectancy of Chihuahua Yorkie Mixes is between 12 and 15 years.
What health conditions could the Chihuahua Yorkshire Terrier mix have?
- Atopic Dermatitis (Skin Infection)
- Hip Dysplasia (Hip joint inflammation)
- Periodontal Disease (Tooth Decay)
How can you find a Yorkie and Chihuahua mix puppies for sale?
Chihuahua Yorkie mixes can either be found through reputable breeders, or put up for adoption at your local vet clinic or animal shelter. Sometimes, Chihuahua Yorkie mixes are put up for adoption because they don’t fit with their new family, or cannot be kept for some other reason.
If you’re unsuccessful with an in-person search for a Chihuahua Yorkie mix, consider checking online at AdoptAPet.com.
How much does a Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) chihuahua mix puppy cost?
The average cost of a Chihuahua Yorkie mix is between $400 and $800. While this is relatively inexpensive compared to other mixed-breed dogs you’ll pay for, it’s still roughly $100–$200 to what you can expect to pay in adoption costs.
Before purchasing a Chihuahua Yorkie mix, look for a reputable breeder. If you’re unsure what to look for, our article will help you select the right breeder and avoid puppy mills.
Is the Yorkie Chihuahua mix/Yorkshire Terrier mixed with Chihuahua the right breed for you?
If you’ve been looking for an active, spunky, loyal, and loving breed – small enough to fit in your backpack or purse but a fierce guardian simultaneously, then the Chihuahua Yorkshire Terrier mix might be what you’ve been searching for!
The Chihuahua Yorkshire Terrier isn’t for everyone. We know this. To help you find the right breed for you, we’ve compiled dozens of other breed guides that are just as detailed as this, to help you find the perfect family pet.