Shorkies, or Shih-Tzu/Yorkie hybrids, are lovingly known by their owners as “designer dogs.” They make excellent companion pets due to their friendly demeanor and affectionate nature. Physically, these little guys weigh 6-12 pounds and grow to heights of 7-13 inches.

With a lifespan ranging from 11-16 years, this breed offers quite the commitment for potential owners. The coats of Shorkies may be long and straight with silky strands that can be bicolored or tricolored in shades of gold, blue, black, tan, white, chocolate, red, and silver—leaving you numerous options when it comes to deciding on their fur coat.

Plus, they are hypoallergenic and low shedding, so there will be fewer worries about allergens in your home. However, as they do require high-maintenance care, including daily brushing and occasional trips to the groomers, you have to consider if you have the time available before adopting one.

Shorkie Generations

If you’re considering getting a Shorkie, you may be wondering how the different generations affect your pup. While the F1, F1b, and F2 generations all produce beautiful puppies, there are some notable differences between them that can help you decide which one is best for you.

The F1 Generation 

The F1 generation is the first generation of mixed-breed dogs. It results from breeding a purebred Yorkie with a purebred Shih Tzu. These pups are often very healthy and low-maintenance since they don’t typically suffer from common genetic issues that plague purebreds.

The F1b Generation 

The F1b generation is produced by breeding an F1 Shorkie back to either parent breed (either a Yorkie or a Shih Tzu). These pups tend to have more predictable personalities due to their higher percentage of purebred parentage. They are also more likely to conform more closely to the physical attributes expected of their parent breeds.

The F2 Generation 

The F2 generation is produced when two dogs from any previous generation (F1 or F1b) are bred together. These pups tend to have even more diverse gene pools than their predecessors. They can therefore be healthier overall than purebreds or even earlier generations of mixed breeds such as Shorkies.

History

The Shorkie was officially introduced in the early 2000s in an effort to create a small, toy-like canine that could fit into any household. However, this breed is still relatively new compared to many other breeds, so there is no definitive answer as to its exact origin.

However, one thing we do know is that its parent breeds—the Yorkie and Shih Tzu—have both been around for centuries. They were originally bred for different purposes; for instance, the Yorkie was used as a ratter on farms, while the Shih Tzu was bred as palace lapdogs for Chinese royalty. 

The Shorkie is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but it is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC). As such, it can compete in agility competitions, obedience trials, rally events, conformation shows (where it will not receive an official title), and more! The ACHC also keeps records of breeding information for all hybrid breeds. 

Appearance

With its small and compact frame, it has a strong and sturdy build that’s slightly longer than it is high. In addition, the breed has round heads that broaden between the eyes, short muzzles, and large, round eyes.

It also has adorable large, low-set ears. In terms of body posture, the Shorkie typically displays a level back without any sloping or sagging. Topping off its look is its cute tail which often curls over its back as if giving you a hug!

Coat

Owners of this furball love its long, straight and silky coat. It comes in a single or double coat and can have bicolored or even tricolored fur in shades of gold, blue, black, tan, white, chocolate, red, and silver.

On top of that, you won’t need to worry about allergies when owning one since they’re considered hypoallergenic dogs! But make no mistake – the Shorkie needs lots of brushing to look their best. 

Size

Regarding size, these furballs usually weigh between 6 and 12 pounds and stand anywhere from 7 to 13 inches tall. But no matter what size you end up getting one in, you can certainly expect to be showered with love from this loyal pup!

Lifespan

Typically, when properly cared for, a Shorkie’s lifespan is between 11 to 16 years, depending on the health and size of their parents. Taking great care of your furry family member means that you can look forward to all the companionship they will provide for many years to come!

Environment

Shorkies are perfect for just about any living arrangement, from large homes to apartments – whatever you may have. While they aren’t typically suitable for families with younger kids due to their size and energy level, they do get along well with other pets.

On another note, they do have a high prey drive, so if you have cats or any other small animals in the house, then you’ll want to take extra caution when introducing them!

Temperament

With a mix of an outgoing personality, intelligence and friendliness, this breed makes an ideal pup for anyone. They can be a bit willful at times, but that usually adds to their charm!

Anxious tendencies are also present in this breed, so having a loving, attentive owner is key. However, that shouldn’t be a problem since they are affectionate and playful. All these wonderful traits make them irresistible – there’s something special about Shorkies.

And the best part? They’re patient and easy to train, making them great even for first-time dog owners.

Grooming

 Owning a Shorkie is a lot of responsibility, and part of that responsibility is making sure your pup looks and feels their best with regular grooming.

Brushing 

Shorkies have beautiful coats that require regular brushing to stay healthy. Depending on the season, you may need to brush your pup more often than usual. During shedding season, it’s wise to brush daily to remove any excess fur. And even when they aren’t shedding, brushing at least three times per week is essential.

Bathing 

Bathing can be tricky with Shorkies because their coats are sensitive and prone to drying out. Therefore, you should only bathe when absolutely necessary—generally about once per month—and be sure to use high-quality dog shampoo designed specifically for puppies or dogs with sensitive skin.

Ears   

Because Shorkies have floppy ears, they can easily accumulate dirt and wax over time if not properly cleaned regularly. To keep their ears clean and infection-free, check them weekly for any signs of irritation or discharge; then use pet-safe ear wipes or solution (never cotton swabs!) to gently clean away any dirt build up in the nooks and crannies around their ears.

Nails   

It’s important for all dogs—including Shorkies—to have their nails trimmed regularly to prevent potential problems such as ingrown nails or overextended claws leading to uncomfortable paw pads and walkways.

Teeth   

Don’t forget about oral hygiene! Just like people need regular brushing and flossing on top of routine dental visits every six months (or more frequently), so do our canine companions! So make sure you regularly brush your pup’s teeth using toothpaste made specifically for dogs (never human toothpaste!).

Nutrition

Shorkies are small dogs, so their diets will naturally differ from those of their larger counterparts. As a hybrid breed, these pups need more calories than an average lap dog but less than a large breed.

It is essential to get the balance just right so that your pup has enough calories to fuel its activity level without gaining excess weight. 

When looking at food labels, you should look for food formulated specifically for small breeds. This usually has 25–30% protein and 15–20% fat.

Additionally, look for foods containing probiotics and prebiotics to help maintain healthy digestion and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help keep his skin and coat healthy. 

Giving your pup treats occasionally is okay—just remember not to overdo it! Treats should make up no more than 10% of your Shorkie’s daily caloric intake, so always factor them into your calculations when measuring out meals.

Additionally, avoid giving him anything that is high in sugar or fat, as these can cause weight gain if consumed too frequently or in large amounts.  

When choosing meals for your pup, opt for nutrient-dense options such as lean proteins (e.g., chicken or turkey), whole grains (e.g., brown rice or quinoa), vegetables (e.g., broccoli or carrots), and fruits (e.g., blueberries or apples).

All these ingredients provide essential vitamins and minerals which can benefit your pup’s overall health and wellbeing.  

Training

Training a Shorkie can be a rewarding yet challenging experience. After all, Shorkies are a relatively new breed known to have abundant energy and brains!

With goal-oriented training, your Shorkie can learn basic skills such as sitting, staying, coming when called, and much more.

To get the best out of your pup and have lasting success with training, it’s essential to be consistent while using positive reinforcement, such as treats or toys, as an incentive for good behavior.

Building trust through patience and consistency will also make introducing them to more advanced commands easier!

Exercise

Keeping your Shorkie in shape isn’t just about being healthy – it’s also crucial for their safety. Exercise helps reinforce basic commands and can help keep the Shorkie out of trouble!

For starters, taking them on a daily walk is ideal. Start with 10 minutes and work up to 30 minutes if you can. Then, incorporate agility exercises like weaves, jumps, and curves. When you don’t have access to an agility course, use things around your house that get creative: gym mats, boxes, and even hula hoops!

Lastly, don’t forget to create playtime activities that involve games like hiding toys or fetch. These keep them entertained and act as a great bonding opportunity between you and your furry companion.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a pet with a big heart and personality, then the Shorkie is definitely the pup for you. Not only are they incredibly intelligent, but they also make dependable watchdogs – all packed into their captivatingly cute frames!

On top of being wonderful companions, these furry friends shower us with plenty of love and affection!