This small, perky little dog is a mix of a Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. The Yorkipoo was first developed during the 1980’s and 1990’s as a companion breed and for those who suffer from allergies. Smart, adoring, and gentle they make great therapy dogs but may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too long. The Yorkipoo is a great breed for an elderly person, as well as for new dog owners. They would do well living in an apartment, but can have a propensity to bark so that could be an issue with the neighbors. Fun-loving and delightful this breed has a great deal of self-confidence bordering on being pushy at times. The Yorkipoo is typically 7-15 inches high, and usually weighs 3-14 pounds. The Yorkipoo thinks they are a big dog, but forget they reside in a small body. Playful and charming they get along well with children and other pets, but do better with older children. The Yorkipoo does need about 20-30 minutes of exercise a day, which can be either indoors, or outdoors going for a walk. Because they are so intelligent they are easy to train, but can be strong-willed at times. To have a well-behaved dog it is best to give them early training and socialization. They are loyal and easy-going, and can easily go from being a lap dog to investigating the world around them. Their coat can be soft and long like the Yorkshire Terrier or curly like their Poodle parent. They also come in a variety of colors, from white to black, and with every shade in between, it just depends on which parent the Yorkipoo takes after. They do require daily brushing and especially keeping the hair trimmed around their eyes, and being bathed only when necessary. Due to the Yorkipoo being a small breed it is vital to keep their teeth brushed 2-3x/ week, but daily would be best. Their nails need to be trimmed 1-2x/month if not worn down naturally, and their ears need to be kept clean. It is so important to handle your pup often, especially their paws, and get them used to being groomed so they will be used to it as they get older. This breed is generally a healthy breed and can live to be 10-15 years old, and with routine veterinary visits they should live a long and happy life.
Each dog breed can be prone to develop certain diseases or conditions, be sure to research your specific breed before making a purchase to ensure you´re prepared for any challenges that may arise. This information is only a generalization and we make no guarantees on any breed related to personality, appearance, or typical health characteristics.