Fiery furballs: a look at the yorkie chihuahua mix

The Chorkie in Brief

Like most pooches that fall under the “designer dog” banner, there isn’t a pinpointed date when the Chorkie initially came into existence. With that being said, it is thought that the little guys hit the scene around the 1990s. In that short time frame, their combination of size and cuteness has made them quite popular.

The Chorkie’s diminutive size is a prime mover behind their cuteness. Their average height ranges from 6 to 9 inches, and their average weight ranges from 8 to 15 pounds. Sometimes, you may even find a Chorkie that’s even smaller than these averages, which may make them the ultimate “purse dog.”

The look of a Chorkie borrows pretty equally from both sides of the parental breed DNA. The dog’s long, fluffy coat is a distinct Yorkie trait, and it tends to look scruffy if not a bit disheveled. Their coat may prevent them from looking like a classic beauty, but it ramps up their cute factor by an ample amount.

The primary trait the Chorkie gets from the Chihuahua is their head. They do have a rounded skull, not unlike the classic apple head Chihuahua, and this shape enables their eyes to appear very round and expressive. One look from this dog could turn you into putty in their paws.

Like a Chihuahua, the Chorkie also has a soft spot on their head known as a molera. This spot, which is marked by cartilage instead of bone, is similar to a fontanelle on an infant. The spot will fill in over time, but you’ll need to be careful with the dog’s head until it does.

A Chorkie’s legs can either be short like a Yorkie’s or tall and lanky like a Chihuahua. Their ears are typically pointy like a Chi, but having droopy ears like a Yorkie isn’t entirely out of the question. The hybrid’s coat comes in gray, red, brown, or black, and some pooches can change hues with the season.

What’s a Chorkie Like?

In terms of personality, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree with a Chorkie. Both of its parental breeds have reputations for being spunky, spirited, and loving. These traits are certainly present within the hybrid’s DNA, if not slightly amplified.

Like their parental breeds, the Chorkie has a sense of bravado that far outgrows their tiny stature. These confident doggies won’t back down from any perceived challenge from another dog, even if the other pooch could conceivably have the little guy for lunch. This boldness and inherent adventurous streak may get them in trouble if you’re not careful.

While the inclusion of Yorkie DNA within the Chorkie may soften the aggressive tendencies that may stem from the hybrid’s Chihuahua side, this is still a yappy little dog that will “sound the alarm” at the drop of a hat. While this trait makes the hybrid an outstanding watchdog, it may drive your neighbors a little crazy.

Since the Chorkie comes from two energetic breeds known for their larger-than-life personality, you can expect the hybrid to be rambunctious and bubbly. They are also affectionate dogs that love to share their ardor with the rest of the family. However, they are still fragile pooches, which may not make them great for families with small kids.

Chorkies also seem to know that they got it going on. These tiny pooches tend to prance rather than walk, with their sickle-like tails sticking straight up in the air. It’s about as sassy of a sashay as you’ll find in the canine world, and it is a total manifestation of their inherent self-assured nature.

While their gait adds to their cuteness, it should also serve as a bit of a warning sign. While they’ll eagerly reciprocate whatever love you shower on them, if you crossover into the realm of spoiling them, they will develop diva-like behaviors. This may make living with the little pooch rather difficult, especially since they can also have a strong stubborn streak.

The Exercise Needs and the Temperament of a Chorkie

Even though a Chorkie is a tiny dog that loves to snuggle, that does not mean they’re lapdogs by any stretch. These little spitfires need a nice chunk of time devoted to activity to keep them happy and healthy. You can expect to take your buddy out for a couple of short daily walks along with some playtime.

Because the Chorkie is a social breed, you may want to consider taking your pooch to the local dog park. Of course, if you go this route, it’s imperative that you keep an eye on their behavior, lest you end up having to break up a fight that your four-legged friend may have unwittingly picked.

Giving your Chorkie exercise is important because it helps to stimulate the hybrid’s mind. This act of mental engagement tends to have an overall calming effect on the pooch, which could lead them to have a less yappy attitude. This alone may be all the motivation you need to get the dog out and about.

Exercise is also vital because it will keep your Chorkie fit and trim. This sounds like a no-brainer, but these dogs tend to be more prone to weight gain than other dogs, partially because they can be overfed rather easily. Setting up a consistent exercise regimen will help curb this issue.

Fortunately, because the Chorkie is so small, you can handle some of this need indoors. The hybrid may be one of the best apartment dogs out there because they don`t take up much space and you can engage them in playtime from the comfort of your couch. Indoor play can also be important because the dog doesn`t handle extreme temperatures well.

And while these dogs have bubbly, loveable personalities, you may want to think twice about welcoming one into your home if you have small kids. Chorkies are affectionate, but they’re also fragile, and it could be somewhat easy for a young child to unwittingly hurt the dog as they play.

Is Training a Chorkie Difficult?

Chorkies are immensely clever dogs that can pick up on instructions rather easily. However, the hybrid’s intellect, when combined with its penchant for stubbornness, can be a curse instead of a blessing. This blend could lead the dog to assume that they’re the pack leader of the family if they sense you’re not in firm control.

In order to combat this, you must be firm, gentle, and patient with the training process. Don’t show signs of frustration, as they may be sensitive to such behaviors and may “shut down” as a result. Do be prepared to dole out praise and treats whenever they’re warranted, however.

One aspect of training that you’ll especially have to be patient with a Chorkie is housebreaking. The hybrid is prone to peeing wherever they want – something that might play into their "diva dog" tendencies. Your best bet is to work on this training aspect first and let the other ones follow.

How Much Grooming Does a Chorkie Require?

Chorkies hardly shed, to the point where they are considered a hypoallergenic breed in some circles. However, if your Chorkie is of the long-haired variety, you’re going to need to be particularly diligent in tending to their coat, which could be subject to tangles and mats. It’s also suggested that you bathe the pooch at least once every two weeks.

Are There Any Major Health Concerns with a Chorkie?

The Chorkie is considered to be a pretty healthy dog, and it hasn’t been around too long to develop any precise ailments associated with the breed. However, they may be sensitive to some of the issues that are common in their parental breeds. Some of these issues include patellar luxation, allergies, eye issues, and heart problems.

How Much will a Chorkie Cost Me?

The average cost of a Chorkie pup will run you between $400 to $700. This price tag does not include all of the annual expenditures that are part and parcel to owning a puppy, like licensing, vet visits, food, bedding, and neutering.

A Little Bundle of Joy

The Chorkie is more than a pretty face - it’s an energetic breed that will keep you on your toes and love you unconditionally. Sure, it may sometimes act like a diva and will occasionally have more to say than you’d like, but these traits are overwhelmed by the breed’s sheer cuteness. If you just want a tiny dog to melt your heart, look no further.

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