The Yorkshire Terrier: A popular breed for designer dogs

Hybrid dogs:  Yorktese, Yorki Poo and Yorwich

The Yorkshire Terrier has become a popular dog to cross bread with three adorable new “breeds” of dog to choose from the: Yorktese, Yorkipoo and the Yorwich.  Yes, they sound a little odd, but they are definitely adorable and combine some of the best characteristics of both their breeds all in one dog.

The YorkteseThis cross breed of dog is also more commonly called the Morkie and is blend between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese. Described as a “designer breed” these dogs are supposed to be 50% to 50% purebred, however it is also common for breeders to breed multi-generational crosses.

Other names for the Yorktese:

Recognized Names:

American Canine Hybrid Club = Morkie

Designer Dogs Kennel Club = Morkie

International Designer Canine Registry® = Morkie

Designer Breed Registry = Malki

How can you recognize the Yorktese?  Most are very smart like the Yorkie, with the large eyes and short muzzle.  Ears on the Yorktese vary, some of the ears of the Maltese hanging on the side of their head while others have the pointed, stand up ears of the Yorkshire Terrier.  One thing that this breed has in common is the hair of the dog is the color of a Yorkie but able to grow long like the Maltese.  This breed is sociable, but can also have the barking trait of the Maltese as well as the “Napoleon” complex with thinking that it is bigger than it’s all of approximately 5-12 lbs.

The Yorkie Poo

The Yorkie Poo is a cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Poodle, though some even go so far as to breed with the toy poodle in order to have even smaller dog results.  These are perfect for those people who plan on carrying their pup, which this dog looks to be eternally, around with them all the time.  You may even have seen one peeking out of someone’s purse.

Just like many other Yorkshire Terrier mixes, there are several recognized names that you may find if you are interested in this particular breed of dog including:

Recognized Names:

American Canine Hybrid Club = Yorkie-Poo

Designer Dogs Kennel Club = Yorkie-Poo

International Designer Canine Registry® = Yorkipoo

Designer Breed Registry = Yorkie Poo

The Yorkie Poo is an excellent choice for those with allergies since the combination of breed’s results in a dog that sheds less (if at all).  They are intelligent, learning behavior and tricks quickly and easily as well as making a great second dog or pet for families with children.  Other characteristics you will find in Yorkie Poo’s include sweet, loyal and playful.  They can easily get their feelings hurt if left alone to much as they are very sociable creatures.  Their physical traits include the curly hair of the poodle, but quite often the color and markings of a Yorkie.  Frequent brushing and occasional trimming is needed to prevent matting.  They have dark eyes and dark noses and the ears will either stand up or drop.

The Yorwich

The Yorwich is a cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwich Terrier, and yet another “designer” breed using the Yorkshire Terrier.  This particular dog though looks very much like its parent breeds with very little difference in looks or temperament.  However, the one thing that is a result in cross breeding these two types of terriers is that it often eliminates some of the more common health problems that they may experience.  This particular breed needs lots of attention and loves affection and walks.

Many of these hybrids are created in order to bring out the best of both breeds.  This is called “hybrid vigor” an effect that results in a dog with less likelihood for many of the genetic diseases that may commonly appear in the Yorkshire Terrier, the Poodle, Maltese and the Norwich Terrier.

If you are considering a small/toy breed but worry about the hyper activity, long hair or allergies these three may be among the breeds you want to spend some more time looking into as they make a great family pet and companion, that is intelligent, loving and usually easily trained.

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