Chorkie – Size and Appearance
The Chorkie is a small breed of dog, typically weighing between 8 and 15 pounds and measuring 6 to 9 inches in height. Thanks to this, they can be kept in small apartments without issue. Their exact size depends on which parent breed they take after more. Since both breeds are small, you can expect a dog as tiny as they get!
Hair Color and Length
Chorkies can have either short or long coats, and their fur may be straight, wavy, or curly. They come in all the colors Yorkies and Chihuahuas do, including but not limited to black, brown, white, and tan.
The Chorkie’s coat is typically thick and requires regular brushing to prevent matting. However, they usually don’t shed very much, so they are a good choice for people with allergies.
Face and Build
The Chorkie dog has a wedge-shaped head and big, round eyes. Ears are normally small and pointed, and the muzzle is short. These dogs typically have a long tail, which they wag energetically when excited.
As with their size, their build depends on which parent breed they take after more. If the Yorkie is more dominant in the mix, the dog will be leaner and taller. If the Chihuahua is more dominant, the dog will be stockier and have a shorter tail.
Chorkie – Temperament and Personality
The Chorkie is an affectionate and playful dog that loves to be around people. They are good with children and make great family pets. Due to their small size, the Chorkie is a good choice for city dwellers who don’t have a lot of space. They are also a good choice for people who want a dog but don’t have that much time to spend outdoors with a big breed.
Intelligence and Trainability
The Chorkie is an intelligent dog and can be easily trained. However, they can also be willful at times, so you’ll need to be firm and consistent when training them. They are quick learners and will soon catch on to what you want them to do.
Like all dogs, the Chorkie needs early socialization to prevent them from becoming shy or aggressive around other people and animals. Start taking your pup to puppy classes as soon as possible, so they can get used to being around other people and animals.
Energy Levels
The Chorkie has moderate energy levels and doesn’t need much exercise. A good way to get them moving is by playing fetch or tug-of-war. You may also want to take them on walks or runs to wear them out for the day. They may need to pee often, so make sure not to leave them at home for too long. Without enough exercise, they can also become restless and destructive.
Barking and Digging
The Chorkie is a talkative dog and will bark when someone comes to the door or when they’re feeling excited. Yapping is typically part of their Yorkie heritage. Chorkies also like to dig, so if you have a garden, make sure to keep an eye on them. They may try to bury their toys or bones in the dirt!
Chorkie – Health and Lifespan
The Chorkie is a generally healthy breed and has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Chances are, your pet will live a long life in great condition. However, like all dogs, they are susceptible to certain diseases. What can they suffer from?
- Skin problems. If you notice your dog scratching or licking their skin more than usual, take them to the vet to rule out any underlying health conditions.
- Hypothyroidism. It can cause weight gain, hair loss, and lethargy in dogs. It is easily treated with medication, but it’s important to get it diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
- Patellar luxation. It’s a condition in which the kneecap pops out of place. It can be painful for the dog and may require surgery to fix.
- Allergies. They can cause skin issues, hair loss, and sneezing. If you think your dog may be allergic to something, take them to the vet for a diagnosis.
To help keep your Chorkie healthy, make sure to take them to the vet for regular checkups and vaccinations. You should also feed them a high-quality dog food and make sure they get enough exercise.
Behavioral Problems
Like all dogs, the Chorkie can develop behavioral problems if not given enough attention or exercise. Common issues include chewing on things they shouldn’t, barking excessively, and digging in the yard.
If your dog is exhibiting any of these behaviors, consult a professional trainer for help correcting them. Many trainers offer behavior modification classes that can help your dog learn how to behave.
Do Chorkies Drool?
The Chorkie is a small dog, so they don’t produce much saliva. They may drool when they’re excited or after eating or drinking, but it’s nothing to worry about. Drooling typically happens around the age of 4-5 months when adult teeth replace their milk teeth, so make sure to keep plenty of chew toys around to help your puppy through the process.
Chorkie – Grooming and Care
The Chorkie is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. They don’t need to be bathed too often and only need a brushing once or twice a week. That’s because their Yorkie side gives them a coat that doesn’t shed very much.
Their nails will also need to be trimmed on occasion, and their teeth should be brushed regularly to prevent tartar buildup. If the hair above their eyes is too long, you can trim it with scissors. Dirty ears can be cleaned with a cotton ball and dog-safe ear cleaner.
Chorkie – Breeding
Chorkies are typically bred by crossing a Yorkie with a Chihuahua. This produces a dog that is 50% Yorkie and 50% Chihuahua. However, other crosses are also possible, so it’s important to do your research before buying one. For example, you might encounter puppies from two Chorkie parents. Good breeders will make sure the gene pool is as diverse as possible to avoid health problems.
How to Find a Good Chorkie Breeder?
When looking for a Chorkie breeder, make sure to find one that is reputable and has experience breeding these dogs. Avoid people that keep their dogs in cramped, dirty conditions. Also, steer clear of anyone who seems more interested in making a quick buck than in the welfare of their dogs. You should also get a contract from the breeder that outlines their guarantee and your rights as the buyer.
Make sure to visit the facility and meet the puppies’ parents. This will give you an idea of what to expect in terms of size, temperament, and health. Also, be sure to ask about the breeder’s health testing policies. Reputable sellers will test their dogs for genetic disease and breed away from any health issues.
Chorkie – Cost
The Chorkie is a relatively affordable breed to own. Costs typically include food, toys, vet bills, and obedience classes. You can expect to pay around $600–1,200 for a well-bred pup from a reputable breeder. However, the cost of adoption may be much lower – as low as $50 in some cases.
If you want to adopt a Chorkie, check your local shelters and rescue organizations first. Many of them have Chorkies available for adoption. Another option is to search online for “Chorkie puppies near me” or “Chorkie breeders near me.” This will help you find reputable breeders in your area.
Chorkie – History of the Breed
The Chorkie is a relatively new breed, and there isn’t much known about their origins. However, we do know that they are a cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Chihuahua. Their Chihuahua parent can be of either variety – long coat or smooth coat. To understand Chorkies better, let’s delve into the parent breeds’ history!
History of the Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is the smallest of the terriers and was originally bred to be a working dog. They first appeared in England during the 19th century, and their job was to hunt rats in cloth mills. They were then brought to America in the early 20th century, where they became a popular pet. Now, they’re one of the most popular breeds in the world!
History of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a small dog that originated in Mexico. They helped Aztecs hunt rabbits and participated in cultural rituals. They were first seen by Europeans during the 19th century, and they quickly became a popular pet. Today, they’re known for being one of the smallest dog breeds in the world.
Chorkie – Who Should Adopt?
The Chorkie is a great breed for anyone who wants a small dog that doesn’t require a lot of space. They’re good for people who live in apartments or small homes, and those who are looking for a dog with low-maintenance needs. Besides, who could resist those big, brown eyes and that cute little face?
If you work long hours and can’t spend time at home with your dog, the Chorkie may not be the right breed for you. They need human interaction and will get bored if left alone for too long. The most solitary dog breeds are typically the larger breeds, such as the Mastiff or Great Dane.
The Chorkie is a great breed for families with children of all ages. However, they’re very small, so teach your kids to play with them gently. If you have another pet, the Chorkie should do well as long as they are properly introduced.
What Equipment Do You Need for a Chorkie?
Since the Chorkie is a small breed, they don’t need a lot of equipment. All you really need is a good quality food bowl, plenty of toys, and a sturdy collar and leash. You may also want to invest in tools for grooming, especially if your pup has long hair. Their ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent infection, and their nails should be trimmed every few weeks.
Do You Need a Fenced Yard for a Chorkie?
No, you don’t need a fenced yard for a Chorkie. They’re content to stay indoors with their human family. However, if you do have a yard, it’s important to make sure it’s secure. This is because Chorkies are small and could easily squeeze through a hole in the fence.
What Food Is Good for Chorkies?
Chorkies do well on a high-quality dog food that’s designed for small dogs. You may want to avoid foods that are high in fat or carbohydrates, as these can lead to obesity and other health problems. If you’re not sure what to choose, talk to a pet nutritionist about the best food for your pup. They’re more knowledgeable about pet diets than most veterinarians!
How to Train a Chorkie?
The Chorkie is a smart breed and relatively easy to train. However, they can be stubborn at times, so you’ll need to be patient. The most popular way to teach your dog basic obedience is through clicker training and treats.
Begin with simple commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. After your pet has mastered these, you may move on to more advanced tricks. Chorkies are also quick learners, so they can learn a variety of tricks and tasks.
Chorkie – Fun Facts
When you adopt a Chorkie puppy, everyone is going to ask you all about them. Here are a few interesting facts you can share with friends and family!
- Chorkies are sometimes called Yorkiechi, Chiyorkie, Yorkchi, Chiorkie, and the Chihuahua Yorkie Mix.
- The Chorkie is one of the most popular crossbreeds in America, as well as one of the smallest designer dog breeds.
- They’re known for being very friendly and good with children, but they can also be yappy and bark at strangers.
- Chorkies typically live for 12-15 years, which is longer than many purebred dogs including the Great Dane, Rottweiler, Newfoundland, and Mastiff.
- Chorkies are low maintenance dogs and don’t require a lot of grooming, even though they have long hair.
Now that you know all about the Chorkie, are you ready to adopt one? If so, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. You can also check your local shelters and rescue organizations for Chorkies in need of a home. Chorkies may be prone to certain health problems, so be sure to ask the breeder or shelter about any issues to watch out for.
We hope you enjoyed learning about the Chorkie! Don’t forget to share this article with your friends who love dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Chorkie Look Like?
Chorkies are small and come in a variety of coats – short, long, straight, wavy, black, white, you name it! They have a wedge-shaped head with big eyes, pointy ears, and a short muzzle. Their tails are usually long, and their build can be stocky or lean.
How Big Does a Chorkie Get?
Because both Chihuahuas and Yorkies are small, Chorkies are usually tiny. Adults weigh 8–15 pounds and stand 6–9 inches tall at the shoulder.
How Much Does a Chorkie Cost?
Well-bred Chorkie puppies tend to cost $600–1,200. The lower the cost, the riskier the purchase – experienced breeders tend to charge over $1,000 for well-socialized puppies with health clearances.
How Long Does a Chorkie Live?
Like other small dogs, Chorkies live between 12 and 15 years. This applies to healthy dogs that come from a reputable breeder. Take care of your Chorkie, and they’ll live well into their teens!
How to Groom a Chorkie?
Brush your Chorkie once or twice a week and bathe them as needed. You should also trim their nails every month or so to prevent them from splitting. Brush your dog’s teeth weekly to prevent gum disease.
Similar Posts:
- The Long Haired Chihuahua: A Unique Breed of Dog With a Long Coat
- What You Need to Know About the Chi-Poo. Origin, Traits, Health, and Behavior of the Chipoo (Chihuahua & Poodle Mix)
- The Shichi Dog Breed: an Adorable Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix
- Chipin – An Urban Watchdog and a Loyal Friend
- Jack Chi – The Delightful Mix Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Chihuahua
- Chipit – A Protective Dog That Can’t Stand Boredom
- Snorkie – An Alert Watchdog and Cuddly Lapdog In One
- Hairless Dog Breeds: Pets for Allergy Sufferers and Fun Facts
