Facts on the Yorkie Poo Breed

At the end of the 20th century, mixed Poodle breeds increased sharply in popularity after a Labrador Retriever and Poodle mix produced a hypoallergenic dog suitable for service work. Soon breeders were creating hybrids with many breeds, including the Yorkshire Terrier. The result was a largely hypoallergenic toy dog called the Yorkie Poo.

  1. Description

    • Yorkie Poos are a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy Poodle. A common name for this type of mix is "designer dog" because unlike most cross breeds, a Yorkie Poo is the result of purposeful breeding. One of the allures of the Yorkie Poo is that many dogs inherit the hypoallergenic characteristics of the Poodle, which makes them appropriate pets for people with dog allergies. Like both of its parents, it is a toy breed, intended for indoor living.

    Appearance

    • Because Yorkie Poos are a cross breed, they may exhibit any combination of their parent's characteristics. A first-generation dog may have the straight, silky hair of a Yorkshire Terrier or the curly coat of a Poodle. The offspring of a Yorkie Poo and a Yorkie or a Poodle will exhibit more characteristics of the dominant bloodline. It varies in size from 7 to 15 inches and weighs between 3 and 14 pounds. Usually larger Poodles produce larger Yorkie Poos.

    Temperament

    • The Yorkie Poo is a lively breed, confident, fun-loving and intelligent, but somewhat stubborn. Most dogs are very loving and gentle, which makes them suitable pets for children and the elderly. However, they are an active breed, which require an owner who can take them out for regular walks and exercise. They require close human companionship and do not enjoy being at home alone for long periods of time. While loving, Yorkie Poos are also avid barkers and make good watch dogs.

    Recognition

    • The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize Yorkie Poos as a breed, largely because their physical and temperamental characteristics are less predictable than those of a true breed. To become a breed in their own right, at least 300 must exist in the United States, disbursed throughout at least 20 states. They must also have their own National Breed Club and have predictable traits inherited through at least three generations of breeding between Yorkie Poos. As of July 2011, they are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the International Designer Canine Registry and the Designer Breed Registry.