Crossbreeding has been a popular topic in the past several years between breeders. Since the introduction of the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle, some of the earliest designer dog breeds, we have seen breeders all around the world trying to get the perfect hybrid dog. Today, we will talk about the Yorkie Pitbull mix.
To put it simply, this is a designer breed cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and an American Pit Bull Terrier.
It is less common than other designer dog breeds. There is a limited amount of information about the Pitbull Yorkie mix. We, however, have tried to scoop all the information out there and provide you with an educational piece about your prospective pet.
Meet the Breed
You can find this puppy under names like Yorkie Pit, Porkie, and more. No matter the name, the result is still the same, a cross between an American Pitbull Terrie and a Yorkshire terrier.
This mixed breed grows between small and medium size, with coat colors that often follow the Yorkshire terrier parent.
Because of the rarity and limited availability, you can expect to pay a higher price. Of course, you can always check your local shelter for an adoption process. After all, Pitbulls often end up in shelters because of their bad reputation. Generally speaking, a Yorkie Pitbull price might be in the range of $1,000 and $1,500.
Meet the Parents
When we talk about designer breed dogs, we have to note there is no set standard by the American Kennel Club. Why? Because the AKC doesn’t recognize mixed breeds. With that in mind, there are clubs like the Designer Dogs Club of America and similar that try to recognize these breeds and classify them.
But when it comes to crossbreeds, the best way to learn more about them is to talk about their parents. In this case, that is the Yorkshire Terrier parent and Pitbull parent.
Yorkshire Terrier
First, let’s start with the Yorkshire parent breed. Often called the Yorkie, this dog is famous for its distinctive appearance and charming personality. Yorkies are small dogs with a terrier nature and instinct. Originally bred to chase vermin on farms, they have evolved into amazing family dogs.
Why do people love them? Well, Yorkies have one of the best personalities in the canine world. With that in mind, let’s take a look at a couple of personality traits of a Yorkshire terrier dog.
- While they are a small breed, Yorkies are famous for their feisty and confident nature. They will stand their ground and be resilient to the bone
- Spirited and lovely personality, Yorkies are full of energy and enthusiasm
- Affectionate dogs that form a strong bond with their pet parents and owners
- Yorkies enjoy being close to their family members and look for attention and cuddling
- Due to their terrier nature, they are highly alert and will make great watchdogs
- They are quick to notice any changes in their environment
- Smart dogs that will pick up on commands and cues with relative ease
- They have a curious nature and enjoy exploring the world around them. They will show interest in everything that is happening in their surroundings and explore new places
- Their playful spirit will help in playing interactive games and trying new toys
- They can show a stubborn streak, and enjoy some alone time
- Yorkies show territorial behavior, and they are protective of their resources
American Pit Bull Terrier
We have to note that while the American Pit Bull Terrier is part of the terrier group, this dog rarely shows any terrier traits. For example, the APBT is not territorial, doesn’t have a prey drive, and was never used for hunting purposes. Now, the bad thing is that this dog was used for dog fighting purposes back in the day.
And to this day, Pitbulls suffer from that bad reputation. The good news is that the fighting days are long behind this adorable dog. Let’s talk about the American Pitbull terrier and why it is such an amazing pet.
- One of the most affectionate dogs in the canine world, they LOVE spending time with their human family
- Extremely loyal, they show their devotion at every step of their life. Pitbulls will go to great lengths to take care of their family
- Very playful dogs with high energy levels, they enjoy engaging in physical and mental activities
- Confident and self-assured dogs, they are determined to get to the end goal
- Friendly and sociable, they love being around other animals, people, and everything in between
- Pitbulls can be goofy at times, looking like clowns and doing everything to entertain their family
- They love playing with children, and allow to be touched
- With consistent guidance, they are some of the most obedient dogs you will meet
- They have a gentle and loving side, especially when they interact with children
- Often described as courageous
Understanding the Pitbull Term
While a Pitbull Yorkie mix puppy is often the offspring of the American Pitbull terrier and the Yorkshire terrier, there might be other dogs involved.
Why? Because the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize the Pitbull breed. Instead, they recognize the American Staffordshire breed. The term pitbull is an umbrella term used to classify four different dogs.
Those are American Bully, American Bulldog, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Yorkie Pitbull Mix Appearance
When you are bringing a hybrid dog in your home, be prepared for some surprises. Why? Because there is no breed standard for any designer breed. In reality, that means your Pitbull Yorkie mix puppy can grow from small to medium size. And there is no guarantee about coat color, coat length, and so on.
Usually, a designer dog will pick up traits from both parents. While there is little information about the Yorkie Pit mix, one thing is certain. It cannot grow more than a medium-sized dog.
In most cases, they get the rough wire-like coat of Yorkshire terriers. It is a more dominant trait, meaning your dog will have a longer coat than a typical Pitbull.
Speaking of the size, you can expect a dog weighing between 10 and 25 pounds. They will inherit the muscular and compact body of the Pitbull, but sometimes with shorter legs and a broad chest. Coat color can vary, depending on the dominant genes.
Often, the coat color scheme of this designer breed ranges from black, brown, white, and tan. What makes them special is their unique facial features, including a broad head inherited from the Pitbull parent breed and small ears from the Yorkie parent.
Yorkie Pitbull Mix Temperament
This is where things get interesting. Logic often dictates that larger dogs go for small prey. In this case, the Yorkshire terrier is the one with prey drive, while the Pitbull is a love-all-and-everyone type of dog.
When combined, Pitbull mixes often inherit the friendly and social nature of their Pitbull parent. Upbringing plays a huge role as well. You cannot expect a dog that was neglected and abused to be friendly.
The good news is that socialization should be easy with your Yorkie Pitbull mix. Because of their friendly nature, they love to be around other animals and people. Just make sure to reward them for their good behavior whenever you are outside. Bring them to places where there are people, children, and other animals.
Always supervise your dog’s interaction with other people and animals. Be ready for some to be afraid of the reputation of the Pitbull dog. But that is where you come in and try to change the perspective.
Yorkie Pitbull Mix Training
Training a Pitbull Yorkie mix can be a truly rewarding experience, but it demands a considerable amount of patience, unwavering consistency, and the application of positive reinforcement techniques. To ensure your furry friend becomes a well-behaved and well-adjusted companion, here are some valuable tips to assist you in the training process:
Utilizing positive reinforcement is the cornerstone of successfully training your Pitbull Yorkie mix. This technique involves rewarding your pet with treats, verbal praise, and affection when they demonstrate desired behaviors. Steer clear of punitive or negative reinforcement, as it may instill fear and potentially provoke aggressive tendencies.
Socialization is of paramount importance for Pitbull Yorkie mixes, given their innate strong prey drive. Without proper socialization, they might display aggression towards other animals. To foster good social skills, it is imperative to introduce them to a variety of people, animals, and environments from an early age. This approach will help them grow into a well-rounded and well-mannered canine companion.
The good news is that Pitbulls love to please their owners. The best reward for any Pitbull is the love and affection of their owners. Use that affection as your reward, and your dog will love to train with you.
Exercise Needs
Now this is where things might not be as easy for new owners. These dogs need plenty of exercise. They love to run, play, and interact with people and animals.
Generally speaking, a Pitbull and Yorkie mix needs at least 60 minutes of physical exercise per day. If that is not something you can provide for your pet, we suggest looking elsewhere.
A big misconception is that Yorkies are apartment dogs. No, they are terrier dogs that love to run and play. When these mixed breed puppies do not get their exercise, they might resort to boredom and destructive behavior. Often, that means chewing and digging.
Yorkie Pitbull Mix Health Issues
The past several years have seen the rise of designer dog breeds. One of the main reasons for that is to improve the lifespan of not-so-healthy breeds. Pitbulls often fall into the category of less healthy dogs. The good news is that the second parent, the Yorkshire terrier, is among the healthiest dogs in the canine world.
This designer breed can live between 13 and 15 years. They are not prone to many health issues, aside from the standard hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Pitbulls in general are prone to skin issues, but those are not deadly.
Grooming
The grooming of this hybrid dog depends on which genetics will prevail. In other words, if the dog gets the longer coat of the Yorkshire terrier, which happens more, you might need to brush and comb your puppy two to three times per week.
On the other hand, on rare occasions, these puppies get the short coat of the Pitbull. If that happens, you can get away with brushing your dog once per week.
Are They Hypoallergenic?
This is a tricky answer. In some cases, Pitbulls might be hypoallergenic. That is when they are mixed with a Poodle or similar non-shedding breed.
The good news is that Yorkies are hypoallergenic. But the chances of their offspring inheriting the non-shedding coat is 50-50.
Why Shouldn’t You Get One?
- There is no definite size standard, you might want a small puppy and end up with a medium-size dog
- They need a lot of exercise and effort on your part
- People might be afraid of your dog for no reason
Why Should You Get One?
- One of the friendliest dogs around, gentle with children
- Might inherit the non-shedding coat of Yorkies
- Longer lifespan and healthier breed than the typical Pitbull
