Yorkipoo
A Yorkshire Terrier × Poodle cross, the Yorkipoo is a tiny, lively and usually low-shedding companion with plenty of personality. Affectionate and suited to smaller homes. It suits owners happy to commit to regular grooming, gentle handling of a delicate toy around young children, and consistent training to curb a tendency to bark.
Yorkipoo scorecard
Overview
The Yorkipoo is a small companion crossbreed produced by mating a Yorkshire Terrier with a Poodle, almost always a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Like the other "poo" crosses, it is not a standardised pedigree breed and is not recognised by The Kennel Club, the FCI or other major registries; it is one of the popular designer companion crosses that have grown in number across the United Kingdom over recent decades. Both parent breeds are small, so the Yorkipoo is a tiny dog — typically somewhere around 18 to 38 cm at the shoulder and roughly 1.5 to 6.5 kg, varying with the size of the Poodle parent and the generation of the cross. It is bred purely as a lively, affectionate companion, well suited to flats and smaller homes.
As with all crossbreeds, honesty about what the cross can and cannot promise is important. Yorkipoos are often marketed as "hypoallergenic" and non-shedding, but no dog is truly hypoallergenic, and a cross can inherit a coat closer to either parent, so shedding and coat type vary between individuals. What buyers can reasonably expect is a small, spirited, people-loving dog that usually sheds relatively little and thrives on close company. Because it combines a terrier and a poodle, the Yorkipoo tends to be bright and characterful, and it benefits enormously from being treated as a proper little dog — with training, socialisation and boundaries — rather than simply carried around as an accessory.
Good to know — a Yorkipoo 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 Yorkipoo, like other Poodle crosses, is a modern designer dog without a documented history of its own, having emerged as part of the wider fashion for "doodle" and "poo" crosses from around the 1990s onwards. Its character comes from the blending of two very different but both well-established breeds. The Yorkshire Terrier originated in nineteenth-century northern England, where it was developed by working people in the Yorkshire and Lancashire mill and mining districts as a small, tenacious ratting terrier before becoming a fashionable Victorian companion and one of the most popular toy breeds in the world. The Poodle, developed in continental Europe as a water retriever, contributes its celebrated intelligence and its curly, low-shedding coat through its Toy and Miniature varieties.
The Yorkipoo cross aims to combine the Yorkshire Terrier's bold, affectionate personality with the Poodle's brains and lighter-shedding coat in a small companion package. Because it is a cross rather than a recognised breed, there is no breed standard governing its size, colour or coat, and individuals vary considerably. Anyone buying a Yorkipoo in the UK should approach it exactly as they would any crossbreed puppy: insisting on seeing the puppy with its mother, asking about health testing of both parents, and following The Kennel Club's puppy-buying advice and the RSPCA's guidance to steer clear of the puppy farms that frequently exploit demand for fashionable small crosses.
Temperament & family fit
Yorkipoos are typically lively, affectionate and devoted to their people, blending the Yorkshire Terrier's bold, big-personality character with the Poodle's sociable intelligence. They tend to bond closely with their household, enjoy being on laps and at the centre of family life, and are usually friendly and playful. Their small size and adaptable nature make them well suited to flats and smaller homes and to a range of owners, including those wanting a portable companion. As with any dog, they need early and ongoing socialisation to grow into confident, well-mannered adults, and because both parent breeds are intelligent, they appreciate interaction and mental engagement rather than being left to their own devices.
The terrier influence means many Yorkipoos are alert, spirited and ready to announce visitors, so barking is something to train and manage from the start. Like other small companion crosses they can also be prone to over-attachment and separation-related distress if left alone too much, becoming vocal or anxious, so they suit homes where company is usually available or where alone-time is built up gradually. Their tiny, delicate build means they are best in households where any young children are taught to handle them gently and supervised closely; the RSPCA and other welfare bodies stress careful, supervised interactions between small dogs and small children. With proper handling, a Yorkipoo is a charming, affectionate and entertaining companion.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Committed first-time owners
- Flats or houses with daily exercise
Training & intelligence
Both parent breeds are intelligent, and the Poodle in particular is one of the most trainable of all dogs, so Yorkipoos generally learn quickly and enjoy the engagement training provides. Reward-based methods — using food, play and praise to reinforce wanted behaviour — are recommended by The Kennel Club, the RSPCA and professional trainers, and they are far better suited to a small, sometimes sensitive dog than any harsh approach. Yorkipoos can readily learn household manners, tricks and basic obedience, and puppy classes are valuable both for training and for the socialisation they provide. Keeping sessions short, upbeat and consistent suits a small dog with a lively but sometimes easily distracted terrier streak.
Two priorities stand out for Yorkipoo owners. The first is managing barking: the terrier heritage can make these dogs quick to sound off, so teaching calm behaviour, rewarding quiet and not reinforcing demand-barking from puppyhood is important. The second is toilet training and preventing over-attachment: toy dogs have small bladders and need a patient, consistent house-training routine, and all small companion crosses benefit from being taught early to settle alone for short, gradually increasing periods. Because they are tiny and appealing it is easy to carry them everywhere and overlook training, but a Yorkipoo that is properly trained and socialised is a far happier and easier dog to live with.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Yorkipoo 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
Coat type varies in the Yorkipoo, but many have a soft, wavy or curly coat that grows continuously and sheds relatively little, which means regular grooming is essential to keep it free of mats. Plan to brush most days, paying attention to the areas that tangle easily, such as behind the ears, under the legs and around the face, and expect to need professional clipping or trimming every few weeks to keep the coat manageable. Hair can also grow over the eyes and around the muzzle and may need tidying for comfort and cleanliness. As with all small dogs, routine ear checks, nail trimming and especially tooth brushing are important: toy breeds are highly prone to dental disease, so daily dental care is one of the best things an owner can do.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
A Yorkipoo should be fed a complete, good-quality dog food suited to its life stage and small size, following the manufacturer's guidance and veterinary advice on amounts. Because these are very small dogs, portions are tiny and overfeeding is easy, so any treats — including training rewards — must be counted within the daily ration to avoid unwanted weight gain. Keeping a Yorkipoo lean is one of the most valuable things an owner can do for its health, as UK veterinary bodies consistently identify obesity as a major, preventable welfare issue. Very small breeds can also be prone to dips in blood sugar, particularly as young puppies, so regular meals split through the day are usually best, with fresh water always available. Any sudden change in appetite or weight warrants veterinary advice.
Yorkipoo health & costs
Before bringing a Yorkipoo 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
The idea that crossbreeds are automatically healthier than pedigrees through "hybrid vigour" is an oversimplification: while a first cross may avoid some of the problems of heavily inbred lines, a Yorkipoo can still inherit conditions common to either the Yorkshire Terrier or the Poodle, and later generations can carry the same issues as purebred dogs. The sensible approach is to research the health concerns of both parent breeds and to choose a breeder who health-tests the parents accordingly — asking in particular about eyes, knees, dental health and, in toy lines, liver and circulatory conditions, and seeing the relevant certificates rather than relying on the cross label.
With good care, a Yorkipoo's likely lifespan is comparable to other small companion dogs, often around twelve to fifteen years. Toy and very small breeds are particularly prone to dental disease, luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps) and certain inherited problems, so routine veterinary care, daily dental hygiene and careful weight management matter throughout life. Owners should keep up with vaccinations, parasite control, neutering discussions and annual health checks, and register with a vet early. As with any UK dog, pet insurance is worth considering, because treating chronic conditions in a long-lived small dog can become expensive over its lifetime.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Dental disease - toy breeds are highly prone to plaque, tartar and gum disease due to crowded teeth in a tiny mouth; daily tooth brushing and veterinary dental care help prevent it.
- Luxating patella (slipping kneecap) - a common orthopaedic problem in toy and small breeds, sometimes requiring surgery; ask whether the parents have been checked.
- Portosystemic (liver) shunt - a circulatory abnormality of the liver reported in Yorkshire Terriers and other toy breeds, which can cause poor growth and illness.
- Tracheal collapse - a weakening of the windpipe seen in small breeds, causing a characteristic cough; using a harness rather than a neck collar can help reduce strain.
- Inherited eye conditions (such as progressive retinal atrophy) - seen in both Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle lines, so eye and DNA testing of the parents is advisable.
- Separation-related anxiety and problem barking - behavioural rather than physical, but a real welfare risk in this attached, terrier-influenced cross; prevent it through early training to cope with being alone.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Yorkipoo; 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 Yorkipoo 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 Yorkipoo
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
- Lively, affectionate and usually low-shedding
- Suits flats and smaller homes
Things to consider
- Tiny and delicate around young children
- Coat needs grooming and they can be yappy
Compare the Yorkipoo
See how the Yorkipoo measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Similar temperament
Lhasapoo
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Similar size, different type
Yorkshire Terrier
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Frequently asked questions
How big does a Yorkipoo get?
The Yorkipoo is a tiny dog, typically around 18 to 38 cm at the shoulder and roughly 1.5 to 6.5 kg. Adult size varies depending on whether a Toy or Miniature Poodle was used and on the generation of the cross. As a small companion crossbreed, it suits flats and smaller homes well.
How long do Yorkipoos live?
With good care, Yorkipoos typically live around 12 to 15 years, comparable to other small companion dogs. Longevity is supported by keeping them lean, maintaining daily dental care, staying up to date with vaccinations and parasite control, and arranging regular veterinary check-ups throughout their lives.
Are Yorkipoos hypoallergenic and do they shed?
Yorkipoos are often marketed as hypoallergenic and non-shedding, but no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Because a cross can inherit a coat closer to either parent, shedding and coat type vary between individuals. Many do shed relatively little, but anyone with allergies should spend time with a dog before committing rather than relying on the label.
What is a Yorkipoo's temperament like?
Yorkipoos are typically lively, affectionate and devoted to their people, blending the Yorkshire Terrier's bold character with the Poodle's sociable intelligence. They love laps and being at the centre of family life. The terrier influence means many are alert and quick to bark, so training calm behaviour and good socialisation from puppyhood is worthwhile.
How much exercise does a Yorkipoo need?
Despite their small size, Yorkipoos are active and need daily exercise, not just lap time. A couple of short walks a day plus play and mental enrichment such as games and puzzle toys usually suits them well. Puppies should not be over-exercised while growing, and very small dogs need sensible care in extreme heat or cold.
Do Yorkipoos need a lot of grooming?
Many Yorkipoos have a soft, wavy or curly coat that grows continuously and mats easily, so regular grooming is essential. Plan to brush most days and to arrange professional clipping every few weeks. Hair around the eyes and muzzle may need tidying. Because toy breeds are very prone to dental disease, daily tooth brushing is especially important.
Are Yorkipoos good with children and other pets?
Yorkipoos can do well with other pets and with sensible older children, but their tiny, fragile build means interactions with very young children must always be gentle and closely supervised. Welfare bodies stress careful, supervised contact between small dogs and small children to keep everyone safe and the dog confident.
Can Yorkipoos be left alone during the day?
Yorkipoos bond strongly with their people and can be prone to over-attachment and separation-related distress if left alone too much, becoming vocal or anxious. They suit homes where company is usually available, or where time alone is kept short and built up gradually from puppyhood through patient training.
Are Yorkipoos good with children?
Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Yorkipoos 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 Yorkipoo need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Yorkipoo 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 Yorkipoos shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Yorkipoos easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Yorkipoos 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 Yorkipoos bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Yorkipoos good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Yorkipoos suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A Yorkipoo can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.
Sources
- The Kennel Club (UK) - puppy buying, The Puppy Plan and crossbreed guidance: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog/
- RSPCA - dog care, finding a good breeder and time spent alone: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs
- PDSA - dog health, dental care and weight/obesity advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/dogs
- Blue Cross - dog care and behaviour, including separation problems: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
- Dogs Trust - guidance on leaving dogs alone and reward-based training: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice
Recommended for your Yorkipoo
Matched to a Yorkipoo's size and their typical need for regular coat care, dental care.
Plush Squeaky Dog Toy With Rope
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Pet Oral Spray for Dogs & Cats
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Pet Teeth Cleaning Finger Wipes
Soft disposable finger sleeves for quick, fuss-free daily tooth cleaning. Slip one on, wipe along the teeth and gums to help reduce tartar build-up and freshen breath. 50 pieces.
Pet Tooth-Cleaning Mousse Spray
A foaming tooth-cleaning mousse with tea polyphenols and an enzyme complex that freshens breath and supports clean teeth for pets who hate the brush. Pump on and let it work. 60ml.
Pet Oral Care Spray for Dogs & Cats
A 100ml pet oral care spray for dogs and cats that gives quick odour control, freshens breath and supports healthy gums with no brushing needed. Suitable for daily use.
Pet Dental Oral Spray for Dogs & Cats
A dental spray for dogs and cats that freshens breath and helps lift everyday tartar and staining.
Interactive Rolling Dog Ball with Bird-Call Sounds
A motorised self-rolling dog ball that wobbles and rolls to keep your dog chasing and engaged. It plays bird-call sounds to spark interest, has rope tails for tugging and a simple external power switch. Great for boredom relief.
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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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.