Shorkie
The Shorkie is a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier — a tiny, silky-coated companion combining the Shih Tzu's gentle, calm nature with the Yorkshire Terrier's lively, bold personality.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United States
Lifespan
12–15 years
Weight
2.5–6 kg (5–13 lbs)
Height
15–25 cm (6–10 in)
Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality toy breed food in small meals.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Shorkie is a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier — a tiny, silky-coated companion combining the Shih Tzu's gentle, calm nature with the Yorkshire Terrier's lively, bold personality. The result is a compact, adaptable companion that is affectionate but with a feistier streak than the pure Shih Tzu. Popular as a city apartment dog in India and the UK, the Shorkie requires significant grooming for its long, silky coat.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
Discover which pets match your lifestyle
Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A tiny, silky-coated companion dog with the flowing coat typical of both parent breeds. Coat is long, fine, and silky — requiring significant daily grooming. The face has rounded features from the Shih Tzu combined with the alert expression of the Yorkshire Terrier.
Grooming
Very High
Shedding
Low
Brushing
Daily
Bathing
Every-2-3-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Affectionate, loyal, and lively — a devoted companion with a feistier edge than the pure Shih Tzu. Bonds closely with its owner. Alert and somewhat vocal. Small size makes it fragile around small children.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
5/5Attention Need
5/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
2/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Ideal Weather
10°C to 28°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
50%
Attention
50%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
barking, clinginess, trembling, hiding, separation anxiety
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Moderate exercise — indoor play and short walks. The long silky coat requires daily brushing or a practical short trim. Dental care critical. Face cleaning daily if facial hair grows into the eyes.
Nutrition Notes
Shih Tzu × Yorkie. Dental disease from both. Hypoglycaemia risk. Brachycephalic issues if more Shih Tzu-like. Small-breed formula.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Dental disease near-universal. Portosystemic shunt. Tracheal collapse. Luxating patella. Brachycephalic issues possible. Eye problems (both parents prone). 12-15 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
350 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
250 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Dental disease. Patellar luxation. Brachycephalic issues from Shih Tzu side (mild). Tracheal collapse from Yorkshire Terrier. Eye issues. Hypoglycaemia in very small individuals.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Affordable toy hybrid. Dental care is major ongoing cost. India: growing availability.
Purchase Price
$600 to $1,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $350
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Shorkie is one of the most popular small hybrid breeds in Indian cities — its combination of apartment-friendly tiny size, low shedding, and affectionate temperament suits urban Indian living conditions. Many Indian pet parents choose the Shorkie as an indoor companion breed.
