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Breeds  /  Shorkie
Breed guide

Shorkie

The Shorkie is a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier — a small companion dog with a big personality, a soft low-shedding coat, and a habit of following its favorite person from room to room. Families choose the Shorkie when they want a lap dog with a little more spark: affectionate and cuddly like the Shih Tzu, alert and curious like the Yorkie.

Hershey - Shorkie puppy
At a glance

Breed overview

A Shih Tzu's sweetness and a Yorkie's spirit in one small, low-shedding companion who wants to be wherever you are.

Breed groupHybrid (designer breed)
Size6-12 pounds
Height6-11 inches
Lifespan11-16 years
TemperamentAffectionate, lively, devoted
Energy levelModerate
Good with kidsGood with gentle, older children
Good with other petsGood
Honest fit check

Is a Shorkie right for you?

A great fit if you want…
A small, low-shedding companion
A devoted lap dog with personality
A dog suited to apartments or smaller homes
A companion who is happiest with people at home
Personality

Temperament

The temperament is the biggest reason this breed is so loved.

Devoted to their person

Shorkies bond closely and tend to pick a favorite lap. They want to be included in whatever the family is doing.

Alert and aware

The Yorkie side notices everything. Shorkies will let you know someone is at the door, so early training is worth the effort.

Playful and spirited

Small does not mean sleepy. A Shorkie will happily play, then settle into your lap the moment you sit down.

Affectionate at heart

The Shih Tzu influence brings a sweet, people-focused nature that makes them steady, comforting company.

Appearance

Distinctive by design

Small, sturdy build with an expressive face
Long, silky, low-shedding coat
Coat and size vary depending on which parent a puppy favors
Often kept in a shorter puppy cut for easier care
Recognized coat colors
Black and tan
Classic Yorkie coloring
Gold
Warm golden shades
Brindle
Mixed darker striping
Cream and white
Light coats, often with markings
Grooming & care

Keeping a Shorkie healthy

Daily brushing
That silky coat mats easily. A few minutes a day is far easier than an hour once a week.
Professional grooming
Every 6-8 weeks. Many families choose a shorter puppy cut to keep care simple.
Face and eye care
Hair grows toward the eyes, so gentle daily wiping and regular trimming around the face keeps them comfortable.
Teeth and nails
Small breeds are prone to dental crowding. Regular brushing and routine nail trims matter more here than in a larger dog.
Training

Trainability

Smart and willing
Shorkies learn quickly with short, positive sessions. They respond to praise far better than to correction.
Patience with house training
Small bladders mean more frequent trips outside. Consistency and a steady routine get you there.
Early socialization
Confident small dogs are made, not born. Early exposure to people, sounds and other dogs prevents nervous barking later.
Health considerations

Why responsible breeding matters

Every breed carries its own strengths and its own things to watch, and no honest breeder will tell you otherwise. A family deserves the whole picture before they choose a puppy — not a sales pitch.

We would rather you ask us hard questions than wonder later. Here are the ones worth asking any breeder, including us. You can see each puppy’s parents, and their health testing, on the puppy’s own page.

What health testing do you do on the parents?
Every breeder should be able to answer this plainly and without hesitating. Ask what’s been done, and ask what hasn’t — some evaluations can only be done once a dog is fully grown, and a straight answer about that tells you more than a perfect one.
Can I see the results?
Testing means little if nobody can look at it. A breeder who publishes results, or hands them over when asked, is a breeder who expects you to check.
Can I meet the parents?
The parents show you the temperament and condition your puppy is growing into. Meeting them in the home where the litter is raised tells you things no document can.
What happens if something goes wrong?
Ask what’s guaranteed, for how long, and who picks up the phone in a year. The answer to this question is where good breeders and quick sales part ways.
Modern lifestyles

A breed that fits the way we live now

Well suited to smaller homes

Apartments and smaller houses suit a Shorkie well. Their exercise needs are met with short walks and indoor play.

Happiest with company

Shorkies do not like long stretches alone. They fit best with someone home for much of the day.

Low-shedding companion

A common choice for families sensitive to shedding, though no dog is truly allergy-free.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions about Shorkies

A Shorkie is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier. It is a small companion dog, usually 6-12 pounds, known for a silky low-shedding coat and a devoted, people-focused personality.

Think a Shorkie is your match?

See who's available now, or join the waitlist for an upcoming litter.

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