Chorkie

The Chorkie likely originated in the United States in the early 1990s, when designer breeders purposely mixed the Chihuahua and the Yorkshire Terrier for the first time. The Chorkie quickly grew in popularity, thanks to its cute looks and small size, allowing it to fit into any family’s lifestyle, no matter how small their home and garden.

To understand this relatively new breed properly, it requires an understanding of the two breeds involved in its make-up. The Chihuahua originated in Mexico and is widely known as one of the smallest and popular breeds of all time. Despite this widespread popularity, no-one really knows much about their history and there are many theories surrounding it. Some believe that the Chihuahua dates back to the Aztec period where they were the companions of high-born individuals. The legend also states that when their owners died, their Chihuahua would be buried with them as they were thought to show them the way to the afterlife. Others think that the breed came much later in the Middle Ages and was the result of mixing Spanish lapdogs with the existing small breeds of the country. Whereas some people believe that Chinese dogs played a hand in creating the Chihuahua – which could be a possible reasoning for the long-haired variant. Although their roots aren’t clear, they were popular in Mexico during the 19th century and that extended to American visitors too who would take a Chihuahua back home as a memento.

Yorkshire Terriers on the other hand came from England and Scotland and it’s thought that Scottish Weavers brought a small terrier with them during a period of immigration from Scotland to Yorkshire and Lancashire in the 1850s. These ‘Broken-Haired Scotch Terriers’ interbred with existing local terriers to provide a working dog who quickly became popular as a very effective factory and mining vermin-killer, and that was of a small enough size that could be carried in their owner’s pocket. Further breeds were used to perfect this Northern ratter including possibly: the Manchester Terrier, the Maltese, the Skye Terrier, the Dandie Dinmont terrier, and the now extinct Paisley and Clydesdale Terriers. Shown as the Scotch Terrier in 1861, the dog later became known as the Yorkshire Terrier and was recognised by the Kennel Club in 1886. While the breed was a working ratter, the Yorkshire Terrier soon became popular with wealthy ladies as a companion, and this popularity lead to selective breeding to make them even smaller. Interestingly while the dog got smaller, their coat length stayed the same - hence the long coats that can still be seen on show dogs.

The Chorkie can have any combination of the two breeds in their appearance, behaviour and temperament.

One aim with crossbreeds is to dilute or eliminate any inherited health issues that may exist within one or other of the breeds. This dilution or elimination is only likely if only one parent is the carrier of any particular condition, and where this is a first cross (F1). As this can’t always be guaranteed, both breeds should be health tested prior to breeding:

Chihuahua - they can be prone to eye problems and also a potential windpipe problem. They can also suffer from hydrocephalus and like many small breeds can be prone to luxating patella’s.

Yorkshire Terriers - this is a fairly healthy long-lived breed, but like many small dogs can have issues with luxating patella and there are other common health issues too.

Information on DNA health tests for both breeds can be found on the Kennel Club’s website.

Responsible breeders should be prioritising behaviour as highly as health and so it’s important to find a good breeder. A well-bred Chorkie should be outgoing and confident and not nervous, shy or fearful, and never aggressive. This does require early and ongoing socialisation.

While this is a surprisingly active small dog, the Chorkie will be happy with half an hour walking each day (on a harness) - as long as they have plenty of gentle games and owner interaction. All exercise should be done with care however as this is a tiny dog who can’t walk quickly and can be easily frightened and injured by other dogs.

This is a small dog who can live in a flat or a smaller property, as long as they have access to the outdoors for toileting and walks.

Toy dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.

Your dog’s diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed them at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of their particular food.

Chorkie coats can vary between long and silky to short and endearingly scruffy - and will also depend on whether the Chihuahua parent was long or smooth coated.

Find a good local groomer who can either look after your Chorkie’s coat or teach you how to do it yourself as their coat develops. It’s important to use appropriate grooming tools as this is a tiny, delicate dog.

The Chorkie is far smarter than many people think and they will enjoy learning tricks and playing gentle games - and should be trained to walk on a lead and harness as well as come back when called.

This is a breed that needs early and ongoing socialisation so they gain confidence with people and other dogs.

The Chorkie is generally too small and delicate (especially as a puppy) to make a good family dog. They tend to bond closely to one person and are not suitable for families with young children.