If you are looking for a small, loving, and playful dog, Shorkie puppies are the perfect choice for you. These adorable little dogs are a mix between the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier, two famous breeds known for their charm and loyalty. Shorkie puppies may be tiny, but they have big personalities and bring endless love and joy to any home. Whether you live in an apartment or a house, these cute companions fit right in and quickly become a part of the family.
What Is a Shorkie?
A Shorkie is a designer dog breed, meaning it’s a mix between two pure breeds — the Shih Tzu and the Yorkie (short for Yorkshire Terrier).
Because of this mix, every Shorkie puppy looks a little different. Some look more like their Shih Tzu parent, while others take after the Yorkie. But all of them are adorable!
Because of this mix, every Shorkie puppy looks a little different. Some look more like their Shih Tzu parent, while others take after the Yorkie. But all of them are adorable!
Shorkies are known for their silky coats, small stature, and bright, inquisitive eyes. They love being around people and make great family pets, especially for people living in apartments or small houses.
Shorkie Personality and Temperament
One of the best things about Shorkies is their fun-loving and loyal personality.
They are known to be:
They are known to be:
- Loving: Shorkies form strong bonds with their owners.
- Playful: They enjoy toys, games, and being the center of attention.
- Protective: Despite their size, they can act like little guard dogs!
- Energetic: They have bursts of energy and love short walks or playtime.
However, Shorkies can sometimes be a bit stubborn, just like their Yorkie parent. But with gentle training and love, they quickly learn commands and tricks.
Shorkies are also very affectionate. They don’t like to be left alone for long periods. If you’re away a lot, they might become sad or anxious.
They’re best suited for people who can spend a lot of time with them.
What Do Shorkies Look Like?
Shorkie puppies are tiny and fluffy. On average, a full-grown Shorkie weighs between 5 and 12 pounds (2.2 to 5.4 kg) and stands about 6 to 11 inches tall.
Their coats can be:
- Long, soft, and shiny
- Straight or slightly wavy
- In beautiful colors like black, brown, tan, gold, gray, or even a mix of all!
Their eyes are big and dark, giving them an innocent and loving look. Some have pointy Yorkie-style ears, while others have floppy Shih Tzu ears. Each one is unique — that’s part of their charm!
Grooming and Coat Care
Because Shorkies have long, silky hair, they need regular grooming to stay clean and healthy.
Here are some simple grooming tips:
Here are some simple grooming tips:
- Brush their hair 3–4 times a week to prevent tangles.
- Bathe once a month using a gentle dog shampoo.
- Trim their hair around the eyes and paws to keep them tidy.
- Clean their ears and brush their teeth regularly to avoid infections.
Many Shorkie owners like to take their dogs to a professional groomer every 6–8 weeks for a haircut. A “puppy cut” is popular because it keeps their fur short, soft, and easy to manage.
Feeding Your Shorkie
Even though Shorkies are small, they need good nutrition to stay active and healthy.
Feed them:
Feed them:
- High-quality small-breed dog food
- 2–3 small meals per day, instead of one big meal
- Fresh, clean water is always available.
Avoid feeding them chocolate, onions, grapes, and other harmful human foods. These can make dogs very sick.
Exercise and Training
Shorkies are small but very energetic. They don’t need long walks like big dogs, but they do enjoy daily exercise.
- Take them on short walks twice a day.
- Play fetch or tug-of-war indoors or in the yard.
- Give them toys to chew and play with to keep them busy.
Training a Shorkie can take patience because they can be a little stubborn.
Here are some tips:
Here are some tips:
- Use positive reinforcement (give treats and praise).
- Keep training sessions short and fun.
- Start house training early, using a schedule.
- Be gentle but consistent — never yell or punish them harshly.
When trained with love, Shorkies become well-behaved, smart, and loyal companions.
Shorkies with Kids and Other Pets
Shorkies are great with older children who know how to handle small dogs gently.
Because they are tiny, small kids should be careful not to drop or step on them.
Because they are tiny, small kids should be careful not to drop or step on them.
They usually get along well with other dogs and cats, especially if they are socialized from a young age. However, sometimes they can be a bit territorial, so early social training helps.
Health and Lifespan
Shorkies are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can have some health issues. Common problems include:
- Dental issues (small dogs often have crowded teeth)
- Allergies or skin problems
- Eye issues (from long hair or genetics)
- Patellar luxation (loose knee joints in small breeds)
To keep your Shorkie healthy:
- Visit the vet regularly.
- Keep vaccinations up to date.
- Feed a balanced diet.
- Give daily exercise
With proper care, Shorkies can live a happy life of 12–15 years or more!
Is a Shorkie Puppy Right for You?
You might love a Shorkie if you:
- Want a small, friendly companion.
- Live in an apartment or small home.
- Have time to play, groom, and give attention daily.
- Want a dog that’s loving, loyal, and full of character.
However, if you are very busy and not home often, a Shorkie might get lonely. They are “people dogs” — they need love and company to stay happy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shorkie Puppies
1. What are Shorkie puppies?
Shorkie puppies are a small designer dog breed created by mixing a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie). They are known for their playful, loving nature and silky, long hair.
2. Are Shorkie puppies good family dogs?
Yes! Shorkie puppies are very friendly and affectionate, making them great for families. They love attention and get along well with older children and other pets when socialized early.
3. Are Shorkie puppies easy to train?
Shorkies are intelligent, but they can be a bit stubborn at times. With gentle, positive training and patience, they learn commands quickly. Short, fun training sessions work best.
4. How big do Shorkie puppies get?
Adult Shorkies usually weigh between 5 to 12 pounds and grow to about 6 to 11 inches tall. Their size can vary depending on which parent breed they take after more.
5. How often should I groom my Shorkie puppy?
Because they have long, silky hair, Shorkie puppies need brushing 3–4 times a week and regular baths. Many owners take them to a professional groomer every 6–8 weeks for a trim.
6. What do Shorkie puppies eat?
Feed them high-quality small-breed dog food 2–3 times a day. Avoid human foods like chocolate, grapes, or onions, which are toxic to dogs.
7. How long do Shorkie puppies live?
With good care, Shorkie puppies can live 12 to 15 years. Regular vet checkups, exercise, and a healthy diet help them live longer and happier lives.
8. How much do Shorkie puppies cost?
The price of a Shorkie puppy can vary depending on the breeder and location. On average, they cost between $500 and $1,500 USD, though prices can be higher for show-quality pups.
9. Do Shorkie puppies shed?
Shorkies are low-shedding dogs, making them a good choice for people with mild allergies. However, they still need regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles.
10. Are Shorkie puppies good for apartment living?
Yes! Shorkie puppies are perfect for apartment living because they are small, quiet, and adaptable. They just need a short daily walk and plenty of love.
Final Thoughts
Shorkie puppies are small dogs with big hearts. They are playful, loyal, and love to be around their family. With their soft fur, cute faces, and sweet nature, it’s easy to see why they’ve become such a popular mixed breed.
Whether you’re single, a couple, or have a family, a Shorkie will bring love, joy, and laughter into your life every day.
If you’re ready to give time, care, and affection, your Shorkie puppy will be your best friend for many happy years.