Yorkshire Poodle Cross: Elegance and Affection in a Mini Size
Yorkshire Poodle Cross: Elegance and Affection in a Mini Size
Written by Silvia Capelli
November 27, 2023
The cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Poodle, also known as the Yorkipoo, is a blend of grace and sweetness, combining two very beloved breeds.
This puppy is ideal for those looking for a small-sized, four-legged companion with an affectionate personality and a charming appearance.
In this article, we will explore in detail the characteristics of this crossbreed, including appearance, temperament, size, potential hereditary diseases, diet, and training.
We will also tell you who it is suitable for and who it is not, and we will recommend many useful products for the care of its beautiful coat and how to keep it healthy.
General Characteristics
Although being a Yorkshire Poodle cross, this dog does not have true breed standards, it is still possible to get an idea of its physical characteristics based on those of the parent breeds.
Here's what your new furry friend will be like:
Size
The cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle is a small-sized dog. However, its size can vary depending on the size of the parents, especially the Poodle, which can be Toy or Miniature size.
In this article, we do not consider crosses with the two larger Poodle breeds, namely the Medium Poodle and the Standard Poodle.
Here is an approximate estimate of the size:
Weight: Yorkipoos generally weigh between 3 and 6.5 kg, but this can vary if one of the parents is particularly large or small.
Height: The height at the withers (the highest part of the back, just above the shoulders) of a Yorkipoo usually varies between 18 and 38 cm.
Appearance
The appearance of the Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier cross can be charming and unique, combining the distinctive characteristics of both parent breeds.
Here are some of the general characteristics that often emerge in this mix:
Coat: The Yorkipoo's coat can vary greatly. Some have long, silky hair similar to the Yorkshire Terrier, while others inherit the curly and thicker hair of the Poodle. The coat can also be a combination of both, resulting in a wavy coat. The coat is generally hypoallergenic, a characteristic mainly inherited from the Poodle, making this hybrid a popular choice for people with dog hair allergies.
Colors: The Yorkipoo can come in a wide range of colors. The most common colors include black, white, brown, gray, cream, red, and a combination of these. Some may also have spots or color shades, inherited from the Yorkshire Terrier, or the Poodle's coat patterns. In this case, the combinations are truly endless! Discover them all in this guide!
Structure: Usually, the Poodle Yorkshire cross is a small-sized dog with a compact and well-proportioned body. The structure can vary slightly depending on which parent is genetically dominant.
Eyes and Ears: The Yorkipoo's eyes are often dark, expressive, and round, similar to those of both parents. The ears can be erect or drooping, depending on the inherited genetics, and are usually of medium size.
Paws: The paws of the Yorkie Poodle are proportionate to the body, usually small and compact. They are suitable for a variety of activities, although this cross is not generally considered a working or sport dog.
Temperament
The temperament of the Yorkshire Poodle cross is one of its most attractive features, combining distinctive traits of the parent breeds.
Some key characteristics include:
Affection: The crossbreed is known for its attachment to its owners and its desire for cuddles. They are often dogs that love to be close to people and receive attention.
Gentleness: The Poodle's heritage makes the cross tender and sweet. These dogs are prone to developing a strong emotional bond with their family.
Curiosity: The Yorkshire's curiosity mixes with the Poodle's vitality, making the cross interested in exploring and discovering new environments.
Intelligence: Both parent breeds are intelligent, and the crossbreed is a testament to this. They can learn new commands and tricks with ease.
Socialization: The cross may inherit the Poodle's sociable nature, making it generally friendly with other people and animals.
Energy Level: Yorkshire Poodle crosses do not have a very high energy level, a characteristic that makes them suitable for less active owners.
Compatibility with Children: The Yorkshire Poodle is generally compatible with children, but both breeds tend to become very attached to their owner and might exhibit protective behavior.
Tendency to Run Away: This is not a characteristic of these breeds.
Tendency to Bark: These dogs may inherit a certain tendency to bark.
Tendency to Bite: Generally not present, but some Yorkshires may show stress with small bites, so it's better to socialize and educate Yorkipoo puppies from a young age.
Common Diseases
Dental Problems: Both parent breeds are susceptible to dental issues like tartar buildup and gingivitis, which can be inherited by the crossbreed.
Eye Problems: The cross may be at risk of eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.
Heart Problems: Both the Yorkshire and the Poodle are prone to inherited heart problems like valvular heart disease.
Respiratory Problems: Given their small size, the cross might have respiratory issues like tracheal collapse.
Hypothyroidism: This endocrine disorder can be inherited and requires medical attention and management.
Kidney Problems: Inherited kidney issues may be present in the crossbreed.
Chronic Diarrhea: Given their small size, the cross might be more susceptible to digestive problems like chronic diarrhea or colitis.
Endocrine Problems: Such as diabetes or hypothyroidism, can be health concerns for Yorkipoos.
Epilepsy: Some Yorkipoos may inherit a predisposition to epilepsy, which causes seizures.
Diet
The diet of the Yorkshire and Poodle cross should be appropriate for its size and activity levels.
A balanced and high-quality diet is essential to ensure its health and well-being. Portions should be controlled to avoid weight issues, which many small dogs are prone to.
Regarding kibble, choose only high-quality ones, and there are even some specific for Poodles and Yorkshires.
If you prefer not to feed commercial food and want to cook for your dog, the most suitable choice for preparing homemade food is primarily boiled primary products.
Meals must contain carbohydrates, proteins, and vegetables in the right balance, and be administered in the correct dose based on weight and energy expenditure.
To learn more about how to feed your friend in the healthiest and tastiest way, read our guides:
The Poodle and Yorkshire cross is intelligent and responds well to positive training.
The basics of good training for these dogs are as follows:
Start Early: It's important to start training your Yorkshire Poodle cross from puppyhood. This is particularly important to not emphasize the more possessive character of the Yorkie.
Positivity and Positive Reinforcement: Use praise, strokes, and rewards (such as snacks) to encourage and reward desired behaviors.
Socialization: Expose your Yorkshire Poodle to various people, animals, places, and situations to help it become a well-balanced and confident dog.
Consistency: Be consistent in rules and routines. This helps your Yorkipoo understand what is expected of him and feel more secure in his environment.
Short Training Sessions: Yorkie Poodle mixes, like all puppies, can have a short attention span, so it's best to have short but frequent training sessions.
Basic Commands: Teach basic commands like "sit", "down", "stay", and "come". These are not only useful in everyday life but also help establish effective communication between you and your dog. And start right away by getting him used to doing his business outside the house, or on a training pad, which will be essential in your friend's old age. Be patient and consistent, and reward your Yorkipoo when he does his business in the right place.
Behavior Management: Given the small size and generally sweet temperament, this dog usually does not require professional training. But if your furry friend shows undesirable behaviors, such as excessive barking or biting, it's important to address them immediately. Targeted training and, if necessary, the advice of a professional trainer can be helpful.
Grooming
The cross between Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles are adorable dogs and perfect as pets, but their upkeep can be costly when it comes to coat management.
To keep them looking their best, it's important to schedule regular grooming and hair trimming as needed.
Even though professional grooming can be expensive, with a bit of brushing, baths, and some well-timed trims, you can manage your dog's grooming at home.
For hair cutting, our advice is to rely on a professional: even if you choose a short cut, correctly cutting a continuously growing coat can be difficult for those without experience, especially if the dog is small and nervous.
However, you can wash them at home and do the basic grooming yourself. You can proceed in this way:
Preparation:
First of all, gather everything you need:
A brush suitable for long-haired dogs
Gentle shampoo for long-haired dogs (or whitening shampoo for white coats, or specific for dark coats)
Detangling conditioner (you can also opt for a whitening conditioner)
Leave-in detangler to facilitate brushing (and perhaps also a dry shampoo to use between washes)
Electric nail file for dogs or nail clippers
Eye wipes or eye stain remover
Moisturizing wipes for ear cleaning, or an earwax dissolving cleaner for the ear canal
Finger dental wipes, if your dog is reluctant to have its teeth cleaned with a toothbrush
Grooming kit with a blower or hairdryer, or you can try a drying brush, which is very practical
Light trimming dog clippers, if you decide to do some touch-ups yourself
Brushing:
Start by brushing your Yorkipoo's face, then proceed with the back, legs, and belly. Regularly brush to keep the coat tidy and prevent knots, especially if your Yorkipoo's hair is long and curly. This should be done 2 or 3 times a week, but it can vary based on the coat's waviness.
Bath:
Put cotton balls in the dog's ears. Wet the coat with warm water, being careful not to use water that's too hot or cold. Gently apply the shampoo, avoiding eyes, ears, and nose. Rinse well to remove products, which could irritate the dog's skin.
Drying:
After the bath, dry your Yorkipoo with a towel and then use a blower or hairdryer on a low setting to avoid burning the dog's skin. Gradually accustom your dog to the noise of the hairdryer. If it's very warm after blotting, you can let them air dry, but make sure they don't stay damp, as such small dogs can easily get cold.
Grooming:
Carefully trim your dog's nails, avoiding cutting or filing too close to the quick. If you wish to do light trimming, for example around the eyes or genitals, use electric dog clippers. But do this only if you're confident you won't hurt your friend. Also, make sure to clean around the eyes and inside the ears.
Dental Cleaning: Don't forget about your dog's dental health. Remember to clean their teeth at least once every two days to prevent premature tooth decay.
Suitable for Whom and Whom Not
The Yorkshire and Poodle cross is suitable for individuals or families looking for an affectionate and adorable companion.
They are ideal for those living in apartments, but they require constant attention and interaction with the family.
They are perfect for those who travel a lot and want to bring their dog along, for those who do not have a very active lifestyle, and for those looking for a hypoallergenic dog, as both parent breeds are.
They are suitable for people of all ages, but should be handled carefully due to their small size.
In conclusion…
The Yorkshire and Poodle cross is a fascinating combination of two affectionate and adorable breeds.
Its sweet personality, silky fur, and compact size make it an ideal companion for those looking for a small dog with a big personality.
However, it's important to remember that every dog is an individual, so there may be variations in the characteristics and temperament of the crossbreed.
I invite all readers to share their experience on this topic in the comments section.
Any information you wish to share about health, character, products, and advice on education or diet will help us create a great community of owners who not only love dogs but also know how to manage them best.
If this post has been helpful and you want to learn more about dog care, well-being, and education, we will be happy to help you.Find here many useful information to better understand your furry friend.
Disclaimer
These dogs are crossbreeds without recognized breed standards, and therefore physical and character traits can vary significantly from one specimen to another. The images in this article represent only one of the infinite possibilities that can originate from this crossbreed, and are therefore not indicative of the future appearance of the puppy.
