What Are Yorkie Poos?

Yorkie-Poos are a mix between a Yorkshire Terrier and miniature or toy poodle. These dogs are hypoallergenic, meaning non-shedding. Yorkie-Poo is the name recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club. Other commonly used names are Yoyo-Poo and Yorkie-Doodle.

  1. Size

    • Typically, Yorkie-Poos range from four to 10 pounds when fully grown. Most common are dogs weighing six to eight pounds.

    Coloring

    • Yorkie-Poos vary in color. Some have mixed coloring like Yorkshire Terriers, which is brown, black and white. Some have a solid color of brown, golden red, white or black. Others can be one color with some highlights of another color.

    Temperament

    • The Yorkie-Poo's temperament will be a mix between the Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle temperament. Yorkie-Poo's can be energetic, brave, affectionate, reliable, smart, happy and a good watchdog. The owner needs to let the Yorkie-Poo know who is in charge, or else it can become wary of strangers and other dogs. This dog is better with older children due to its size.

    Health Problems

    • Yorkshire Terriers can be prone to bronchitis, tooth decay and loss of feeling in the hindquarters caused by herniated discs and other problems with the spine. Toy Poodles may have ear infections, runny eyes, digestive tract and heart disorders, skin conditions, Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia, displaced knees and difficulty seeing. Due to these health problems, breeders mix two different breeds of dog to offset genetic diseases found in some dogs. Crossing two full-bred dogs usually result in healthy offspring, which is called heterosis. Other reasons for crossing breeds is to mix the looks and temperament of the dogs.

    Life Expectancy

    • Yorkie-Poo's can live about 12 to 15 years.

    Price Range

    • Prices for this hybrid breed in 2009 range from $150 to $1500. Prices depend on whether the parents were full bred or half bred. Cross-generational breeds, where parents are mixtures, are usually less expensive than dogs that are 50/50.