Yorkie Poo vs Yorkshire Terrier: Comparing Breeds for Potential Owners

As a seasoned dog owner, I’ve seen the rise of designer breeds. Let’s break down the Yorkie Poo vs. purebred Yorkshire Terrier question, from a practical perspective.

When considering a small dog breed as a pet, the Yorkshire Terrier and Yorkie Poo are two popular choices that capture the hearts of dog lovers. The Yorkshire Terrier, known affectionately as the “Yorkie,” boasts a rich history as a refined companion with a fearless and bold personality. These purebred terriers are admired for their silky, hypoallergenic coats and their spirited presence, all contained in a charmingly compact size of 7 to 9 inches in height and weighing between 2 to 7 pounds.

On the other hand, the Yorkie Poo, a crossbreed between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy Poodle, emerges as a contemporary contender in the realm of small breed dogs. The Yorkie Poo inherits positive traits from both parents, such as intelligence and a friendly disposition, often wrapped in a hypoallergenic coat similar to that of the Poodle.

While the appearance and temperament of Yorkie Poos can vary, they generally display a harmonious blend of their parent breeds’ characteristics. Due to their mixed heritage, Yorkie Poos can exhibit a broader range of sizes compared to the more uniform Yorkshire Terriers.

Let’s take a look at the Yorkie Poo vs Yorkshire Terrier dog breed comparison. Designer dog or classic breed? Years of owning dogs have taught me there’s more to the Yorkie Poo decision than meets the eye.

Breed Origins

In the realm of canine breeds, understanding their origins enhances appreciation for their unique traits. This section navigates through the historical backdrop of the long-established Yorkshire Terrier and the contemporary emergence of the Yorkie Poo, a designer crossbreed.

History of the Yorkshire Terrier

Originating in the 19th century in the United Kingdom, the Yorkshire Terrier began its history as a skilled ratter in the mills and mines of Yorkshire, England. Initially bred from a mix of terriers brought by Scottish weavers, it wasn’t long before their elegant appearance and vibrant personality won them a place in Victorian high society. This breed is easily identified by its fine, long silky straight coat.

Development of the Yorkie Poo

The Yorkie Poo emerged in the United States as a deliberate crossbreed between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle, with the aim to meld the lively spirit of the Yorkshire Terrier with the hypoallergenic qualities of the Poodle parent. As a contemporary breed, these hybrids are part of a growing trend for designer dogs, combining distinctive attributes from purebred lines. The exact appearance of Yorkie Poos can vary, reflecting a blend of their parent breeds’ characteristics. It is important to note that the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize the Yorkie Poo, similar to the policy to other designer dog breeds.

Physical Characteristics

Comparing the Yorkie Poo vs Yorkshire Terrier, one finds distinct differences in their physical traits, ranging from coat texture and size to color patterns. Unpacking these attributes reveals the essence of their appearances.

Yorkshire Terrier Appearance

The Yorkshire Terrier boasts a long and silky coat that is synonymous with elegance. They typically exhibit a steel blue and tan coat, which is not only beautiful but also hypoallergenic, making them a suitable pet for allergy sufferers. Yorkshire Terriers are a small-sized breed, generally weighing between 4 to 7 pounds (1.8 to 3.2 kg) and standing at an average height of 7 to 8 inches (17.8 to 20.3 cm) at the shoulder. This breed’s coat may require regular grooming to maintain its luxurious appearance, often characterized by a straight fall on either side of the body, a neat parted line on the back, and a trimmed tail with plenty of hairs.

• Coat: Long, Silky, Straight
• Size: Small
• Weight: 4 – 7 pounds
• Height: 7 – 8 inches
• Coat Colors: Steel blue, Tan

Yorkie Poo Appearance

The Yorkie Poo, a delightful mix between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy or Miniature Poodle, often sports a wavy to curly coat, depending on the genetic influence of the Poodle parent. They can inherit a range of coat colors including black, varying shades of brown, and combinations of their Yorkshire and Poodle parentage. The hypoallergenic coat is a sought-after trait that is frequently present in the Yorkie Poo. Their size is relatively larger than the purebred Yorkshire Terrier, with a weight range of 5 to 15 pounds (2.27 to 6.8 kg) and a height of 7 to 15 inches (17.8 to 38.1 cm) at the shoulder. These hybrids tend to combine the fine traits of their parents, often resulting in a petite but sturdy frame, with expressive eyes and ears that can be either floppy or pointed, similar to the Yorkshire Terrier.

• Coat: Wavy to Curly, Hypoallergenic
• Size: Small to Medium
• Weight: 5 – 15 pounds
• Height: 7 – 15 inches
• Coat Colors: Black, Brown, Mixed colors

Temperament & Personality

When comparing the Yorkshire Terrier and the Yorkie Poo, distinct temperamental traits stand out. The Yorkshire Terrier is known for its vivacious and affectionate nature, while the Yorkie Poo often inherits the intelligence and playful demeanor from its mixed breed lineage.

Yorkshire Terrier Temperament

Yorkshire Terriers, though small in size—a hallmark trait of toy breeds—exhibit a personality much larger than their stature. They are typically:

• Energetic and playful: Enjoying plenty of playtime and engagement
• Affectionate and loyal: Forming strong bonds with their owners
• Intelligent: They are smart and can learn quickly with the right training approach
• Independent: Sometimes showing a stubborn streak
• Courageous: Displaying a braver temperament than one might expect from their petite build

Yorkie Poo Personality

Yorkie Poos, a blend of Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle, often embody a delightful mix of characteristics:

• Intelligent and eager to please: Making them generally easier to train than many other breeds
• Playful and happy: Their joyous disposition makes them great companions
• Affectionate and friendly: They thrive on human interaction and are loving towards their families
• Energetic: Requiring regular exercise to maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle
• Gentle and loyal: Demonstrating a sweet nature that makes them suitable for families

Health & Lifespan

When considering a pet, understanding the health issues and expected lifespan of a breed is vital. Yorkshire Terriers and Yorkie Poos face some common and distinct health challenges and have different life expectancies.

Yorkshire Terrier Health

The Yorkshire Terrier typically enjoys a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. This small-sized dog is prone to certain genetic health conditions:

• Epilepsy: A neurological disorder that can cause seizures
• Patellar Luxation: A knee joint issue where the patella becomes dislocated

Yorkie Poo Health

For the Yorkie Poo, life expectancy ranges from 13 to 16 years, and they inherit health issues from both Yorkshire Terriers and Toy Poodles:

• Health Problems: From the Yorkshire Terrier side, they may inherit patellar luxation and epilepsy
• Hybrid Vigor: Being a crossbreed can potentially endow Yorkie Poos with a more robust constitution, potentially reducing some inherited health issues

Both breeds benefit from attentive care and regular veterinary check-ups to manage their health throughout their lifespans.

Grooming and Maintenance

The grooming and maintenance of Yorkshire Terriers and Yorkie Poos are important for their health and wellbeing, with each breed presenting its own unique set of requirements due to differences in coat type and shedding.

Yorkshire Terrier Grooming Needs

Yorkshire Terriers have a fine, silky coat that is very similar to human hair, which requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance and avoid tangles or mats. Daily brushing with a suitable brush is essential to prevent knotting and to keep their long hair smooth. Yorkshire Terriers are considered hypoallergenic, as they tend to shed less than many other breeds, making them a suitable choice for those with allergies.

Regular baths are necessary, usually every 2-4 weeks, depending on their activity level and coat condition. However, care should be taken not to over-bathe, which can strip essential oils from their hair and skin. High-maintenance grooming includes frequent haircuts or professional grooming services to maintain their traditional style.

Yorkie Poo Grooming Requirements

The Yorkie Poo, a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy Poodle, inherits a coat that may vary from curly to straight, often being low-shedding like both parent breeds. They generally require brushing several times a week to remove loose hair and prevent matting, particularly for curlier coats.

The hypoallergenic nature of both parent breeds often carries over to Yorkie Poos, making them another good choice for allergy sufferers. Bathing should be done roughly once a month, but it can depend on the individual dog’s lifestyle and whether their coat is more like that of a Yorkshire Terrier or a Poodle. Regular grooming to trim their coat is also recommended, usually every 4-6 weeks, to keep it manageable and neat.

Living Requirements

Both Yorkshire Terriers and Yorkie Poos have specific living requirements that are influenced by their small size and energy levels. Understanding these needs is crucial for providing a nurturing home environment.

Accommodations for Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkshire Terriers are a toy breed known for their small stature and adaptability to various living conditions, including apartments and houses. They require moderate exercise to maintain their health and energy levels, with daily walks and playtime being sufficient. Despite their ability to adapt to smaller spaces, they thrive in environments where they receive consistent attention and mental stimulation.

It is important for owners to recognize that although Yorkshire Terriers are relatively small, they are also a high-energy breed. They benefit from interactive toys and activities that cater to their lively lifestyle. Ensuring they have access to a safe, comfortable space that accommodates their active nature is essential.

Yorkie Poo Accommodations

Yorkie Poos, a hybrid of the Yorkshire Terrier and either a Toy Poodle or Miniature Poodle, share a similar need for accommodations that consider their small size. They are well-suited for life in an apartment or house, provided they have enough room to play and explore.

As with Yorkshire Terriers, Yorkie Poos are high-energy and benefit from regular exercise. A blend of indoor activities and outdoor walks helps to satisfy their energy requirements. Given their intelligent lineage, Yorkie Poos also crave attention and mental challenges, which can be met through puzzle toys and obedience training. It is crucial for their physical and emotional well-being to be part of a living environment that reflects an understanding of their active and engaging lifestyle.

Training & Exercise

When considering the training and exercise needs of Yorkie Poo vs Yorkshire Terrier, it’s essential to understand their high intelligence and need for consistent, positive training methods. Both breeds exhibit a loyal temperament but can develop separation anxiety if not properly exercised and mentally stimulated.

Training Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their intelligence, which can make them relatively easy to train if the right approach is taken. Training should start early, relying on consistent, positive reinforcement to establish obedience. They respond well to the following:

• Consistent commands: Repeatedly using the same words for each command helps them learn more quickly
• Positive rewards: Treats and praise should immediately follow successful obeying of a command

However, Yorkies may sometimes exhibit a strong-willed nature, so patience and persistent training are crucial.

Exercise Needs for Yorkie Poos

Yorkie Poos are small but active dogs requiring at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Exercise can vary between the following activities:

• Daily walks: Leash training is essential, and daily walks help meet their exercise needs
• Playtime: Interactive play sessions in a securely fenced area or indoor play can keep them mentally and physically stimulated

They are prone to separation anxiety, so regular exercise is necessary to prevent destructive behaviors that can stem from pent-up energy.

Suitability for Families

Choosing a dog that complements family life involves considering temperament, energy levels, and compatibility with children and other pets. Among the popular choices are Yorkshire Terriers and Yorkie Poos, each bringing their unique traits to a household setting.

Yorkshire Terriers in Family Settings

Yorkshire Terriers, commonly referred to as Yorkies, are often favored for their small size and vibrant personality. Suitable for families with older children, they thrive in environments where they can receive ample attention and playtime. However, they possess a watchdog instinct and can be vocal, which might require additional training to manage. Their petite size doesn’t always suit rough play, so supervision with younger children is essential.

• Interaction with Children: Cautious and better with older kids
• Interaction with other pets: Can adapt if socialized early
• General temperament: Spirited, loyal, and affectionate, but may need training for excessive barking

Are Yorkie Poos Good for Families?

Yorkie Poos are a cross between Yorkshire Terriers and either a Miniature or Toy Poodle, resulting in a small dog that often sports an adorable ‘teddy bear’ appearance. They inherit the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle, along with the affectionate nature of the Yorkie. These qualities make them excellent companions for families. They’re known to be friendly and adaptable, often getting along well with kids and other household pets.

• Interaction with Children: Playful and patient, better for families with children
• Interaction with other pets: Generally good, especially when socialized early
• General temperament: Intelligent, loving, and friendly, making them suitable companions for various family dynamics

Breed Comparison

Comparing the Two Breeds

Yorkshire Terriers are a purebred dog known for their compact size and vibrant personality. Originating from the United Kingdom, they typically weigh 4-7 pounds and stand at an average height of around 8.5 inches. The coat of a Yorkshire Terrier is fine and glossy, commonly in golden blue and tan brown colors. They are known for their high energy levels and affectionate nature.

Yorkie Poos, on the other hand, are a crossbreed between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle, combining traits from both parents. They often display a variation in size, generally influenced by the Poodle’s genetics, but typically remain within the toy to small-sized category. Their coat types can vary between the straight, fine hair of the Yorkshire Terrier and the curly, hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle, leading to a range of appearances in colors and textures.

When considering activity levels, Yorkie Poos might inherit the Poodle’s energetic and playful nature paired with the Yorkie’s spirited personality, resulting in a dog that’s active yet adaptable to various living situations. Both Yorkshire Terriers and Yorkie Poos require regular grooming, but the Yorkie Poo’s coat may demand more attention due to potential curliness and thickness.

Selecting between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Yorkie Poo involves considering these attributes to find a compatible companion in terms of size, energy level, and coat maintenance. The choice rests on the preferences and lifestyle of the potential owner, as both breeds bring unique qualities to a household.