Shorkie
A tiny, devoted cross of the affectionate Shih Tzu and the spirited Yorkie. Loving and full of character, but alert and prone to barking, with a silky coat that needs regular grooming.
Shorkie scorecard
Overview
The Shorkie is a small companion crossbreed created by mating a Shih Tzu with a Yorkshire Terrier. Typically around 15–28 cm tall and 3–7 kg in weight, it pairs the sweet, laid-back nature of the Shih Tzu with the bold, spirited character of the Yorkie, usually wrapped in a soft, long coat. These are devoted lapdogs that thrive on close company.
The Shorkie is a designer crossbreed, not a breed recognised by The Kennel Club or the FCI. There is no breed standard, no registry and no guarantee of how a puppy will turn out. Coat, size, ear set and temperament all vary depending on which parent's genes dominate. The most reliable picture comes from studying both parent breeds, including the Shih Tzu's flat-faced health concerns.
Good to know — a Shorkie is flat-friendly and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Shorkie has no documented history, founding breeder or recognised lineage; it is a product of the modern small-designer-dog trend and is best understood through its parents.
The Shih Tzu is an ancient companion breed from China and Tibet, long associated with Buddhist temples and Chinese imperial courts and bred purely for companionship; it is brachycephalic, with a short muzzle. The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in 19th-century northern England as a small ratting terrier in mills and mines before becoming a fashionable Victorian lapdog. The Shorkie therefore blends a calm, affectionate toy companion with a lively, alert former working terrier.
Temperament & family fit
Shorkies are typically affectionate, playful and loyal, often combining the Shih Tzu's gentle, companionable warmth with the Yorkie's confidence and liveliness. Many bond strongly with their owners and love being lapdogs, making them popular companions for people who want a small, devoted dog.
Temperament varies by individual. The Yorkie influence can bring boldness, alertness and a tendency to bark, plus terrier stubbornness, while the Shih Tzu side tends towards a calmer, more easy-going nature. Both parents are companion breeds that dislike being left alone, so Shorkies can be prone to separation-related behaviour. Early socialisation helps reduce wariness and excessive barking.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Committed first-time owners
- Flats or houses with daily exercise
Training & intelligence
Shorkies are reasonably intelligent but can be stubborn, inheriting independent streaks from both the Shih Tzu and the terrier side. Reward-based training with treats and praise, in short and consistent sessions, gives the best results, while harsh methods tend to backfire with sensitive small dogs.
House-training is often the biggest challenge, as both parent breeds can be slow to toilet-train, so a strict routine and patience are essential. Managing barking, building tolerance of being alone, and consistent boundaries to avoid 'small-dog syndrome' are also important. Early socialisation supports a confident, friendly adult.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Shorkie typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Most Shorkies have a long, fine coat that needs frequent brushing, often daily, to prevent matting, plus regular professional grooming or clipping every few weeks. Hair around the eyes and face needs careful attention, and the area around the eyes should be kept clean. Regular nail trimming, ear care and especially dental care are essential, as both parent breeds are highly prone to dental disease. 'Low-shedding' claims are not guaranteed in a crossbreed.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete, good-quality food suited to the dog's small size and activity level, measured carefully to prevent obesity, which puts extra strain on small joints and on a windpipe that may already be vulnerable. Small-breed kibble is easier for their small mouths, and dental-friendly feeding helps with the tooth problems common to both parent breeds. Follow the manufacturer's and your vet's guidance, account for any treats used in training, and keep an eye on body condition so portions can be adjusted to keep your dog lean and healthy.
Shorkie health & costs
Before bringing a Shorkie home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£200–300 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£12–28 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£400–700 / year
Regular professional grooming
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
As a crossbreed, the Shorkie can inherit conditions from either parent, so prospective owners should expect the potential for any problem common to Shih Tzus or Yorkshire Terriers. Crossbreeding offers no guarantee of better health.
From the Shih Tzu side, the main concerns are brachycephalic breathing problems, eye conditions (prominent eyes prone to ulcers and injury) and dental crowding. From the Yorkie side, watch for patellar luxation, collapsing trachea, dental disease, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and portosystemic shunt. Responsible breeders should health-test both parents and avoid breeding from the most extreme flat-faced Shih Tzus.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Brachycephalic breathing problems — Shih Tzu-side risk of airway difficulty and heat intolerance in flatter-faced individuals
- Eye conditions — prominent eyes prone to ulcers, dryness and injury; needs careful facial care
- Patellar luxation — slipping kneecaps causing lameness, common in both parent breeds
- Collapsing trachea — windpipe weakness causing a honking cough; use a harness rather than a collar
- Dental disease — crowded small mouths prone to tartar, gum disease and tooth loss
- Portosystemic (liver) shunt — a Yorkie-side congenital blood-flow defect affecting growth and the liver
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Shorkie; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Shorkie puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Shorkie
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Affectionate, characterful and apartment-friendly
- Often low-shedding silky coat
Things to consider
- Alert and prone to barking
- Long coat needs regular grooming; small and delicate
Compare the Shorkie
See how the Shorkie measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Similar temperament
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Shorkie?
The Shorkie is a small companion crossbreed created by mating a Shih Tzu with a Yorkshire Terrier. It pairs the sweet, laid-back nature of the Shih Tzu with the bold, spirited character of the Yorkie, usually in a soft, long coat. It is a designer crossbreed, not a breed recognised by The Kennel Club or FCI, so type is not guaranteed.
How big is a full-grown Shorkie?
A fully grown Shorkie is a small lapdog, typically around 15–28 cm tall and weighing roughly 3–7 kg. As a crossbreed with no breed standard, coat, size and ear set all vary depending on which parent's genes dominate, so individuals can differ noticeably.
How long do Shorkies live?
Shorkies generally have a long lifespan for a dog, typically around 11–16 years. As with most small breeds, supporting a healthy weight, good dental care and routine veterinary checks helps. Buying from a breeder who health-tests both parents also improves the odds of a long, comfortable life.
How much grooming does a Shorkie need?
A fair amount. Most Shorkies have a long, fine coat that needs frequent brushing, often daily, to prevent matting, plus professional grooming or clipping every few weeks. The hair around the eyes and face needs careful attention, and dental care is essential, as both parent breeds are highly prone to dental disease.
Are Shorkies easy to toilet-train?
House-training is often the biggest challenge with a Shorkie, as both the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier can be slow to toilet-train. A strict, consistent routine and plenty of patience are essential. Reward-based training in short sessions works best, while harsh methods tend to backfire with sensitive small dogs.
What health problems can Shorkies have?
A Shorkie can inherit conditions from either parent. From the Shih Tzu side, the main concerns are brachycephalic breathing problems, prominent eyes prone to ulcers and injury, and dental crowding. From the Yorkie side, watch for patellar luxation, collapsing trachea, dental disease, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and portosystemic shunt.
How much exercise does a Shorkie need?
Shorkies need only modest exercise, usually short daily walks plus indoor play to keep them fit and content. Because the Shih Tzu side is flat-faced, avoid over-exertion and exercise in hot weather, and watch for any breathing difficulty. They suit flats and smaller homes but still need daily activity to prevent boredom and weight gain.
Are Shorkies good family pets?
Shorkies are affectionate, low-exercise companions that suit owners who can offer plenty of attention and grooming time. They are true lapdogs that dislike being left alone for long. As with most toy crosses, supervision is sensible around very young children because of the dog's small size and fragility.
Are Shorkies good with children?
Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Shorkies tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Shorkie need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Shorkie needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Shorkies shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Shorkies easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Shorkies are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Shorkies bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are Shorkies good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Shorkies suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A Shorkie can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/
- PDSA — Toy-dog and brachycephalic health advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice
- Blue Cross — Crossbreed and small-dog welfare: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice
- RSPCA — Responsible dog buying and welfare: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.