Yorkiepoos are the result of crossing a Yorkshire terrier (Yorkie) with a miniature or toy poodle. This pint-sized combo is a relatively new designer breed originating in the United States but have become increasingly popular due to their friendly nature, intelligence, and low-shedding coat. But as with any mixed breed, physical traits and personalities can vary greatly between each dog.

We talked with a vet to learn everything potential pet parents should know about the characteristics, care needs, and health concerns of the Yorkiepoo.

Characteristics of the Yorkiepoo

Yorkiepoos are known for their friendly, affectionate nature. They love to be clingy with their humans, often wanting to be held and snuggle up at night, says Grant Little, DVM, veterinarian expert on JustAnswer. This strong attachment can sometimes lead to separation anxiety.

This hybrid dog breed is highly intelligent, often learning new things quickly. Yorkiepoos inherit their smarts from the poodle side of the family, while the Yorkshire terrier side adds a bold and sometimes stubborn streak.

Yorkiepoos are small dogs, but their size can vary depending on whether a toy or miniature poodle is a parent breed. They have a compact and well-proportioned build, with expressive eyes and a button nose that adds to their adorable, teddy bear-like appearance.

Their small size and relatively low exercise needs mean they can live well in apartments, but they certainly won’t say no to space to run and play in more suburban or rural settings. Keep a close eye on them when outside, as their tiny stature makes them a target for coyotes and other wildlife.

History of the Yorkiepoo

The Yorkiepoo is a relatively new hybrid breed that emerged as part of the growing trend of creating designer dogs in the 1990s and early 2000s. Breeders aimed to combine the desirable traits of two purebred dog breeds—in this case, the Yorkshire terrier and the poodle—to develop a dog that offers the best of both worlds.

Yorkshire terriers, or Yorkies, originated in the United Kingdom in the 1800s, specifically in the county of Yorkshire. They were initially bred to catch rats in clothing mills and coal mines, but their friendly nature and charming appearance quickly made them popular companion animals.

Poodles are thought to have originated in medieval Germany as duck-hunting dogs. Their name comes from the German word “pudelin,” which means “to splash in water.” The poodle’s distinctive haircut was developed to help them move more easily in water when hunting ducks. Poodles are well known for their intelligence and hypoallergenic coats, making them a favorite among dog enthusiasts worldwide.

Yorkiepoo Care

Caring for a Yorkiepoo involves understanding their unique needs to ensure they remain happy, healthy, well-adjusted, and always looking their best.

Exercise

Adult Yorkiepoos need about 30 minutes of exercise daily, which can include walks or vigorous playtime in the yard. "They have small legs, and so when you’re walking, it’s a full sprint for them," Little says. Little recommends walking at a slower pace with your Yorkiepoo and keeping an eye on them to make sure they don't get too tired or overheated.

They love to play and need mental stimulation, so try the following activities:

• Agility
• Puzzle toys
• Snuffle mats
• Trick training

Grooming

It’s important to brush Yorkiepoos several times weekly, Little says. "If this is not done, you can see matting around the hair, tail, and top of the spine quite frequently." 

Ideally, Yorkiepoos should visit a professional groomer every four to eight weeks for a thorough cleaning and trim, Little suggests. If that's not feasible, you can give your Yorkiepoo a bath at home. Pet parents should also regularly;

• Check and clean their ears
• Trim their nails monthly
• Brush their teeth daily

Training

Yorkiepoos are smart and eager to please their humans, making them highly trainable. Pet parents should start implementing positive reinforcement training immediately upon bringing a Yorkiepoo home, as this practice is key to raising a well-behaved pup. Start with basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come, and gradually introduce more advanced commands and tricks.

Enrolling in puppy training classes can also benefit your Yorkiepoo, providing structured learning and socialization opportunities.

Common Health Problems

Little says that Yorkiepoos are generally a healthy breed, and he's seen many live to 12+ years of age—sometimes 16. However, they may be susceptible to health issues associated with their parent breeds, including: 

• Eye disorders
• Luxating patella
• Hip dysplasia

Yorkiepoos may also be more prone to liver shunts and inflammation of the intestines and pancreas due to diet or genetic causes, Little says. On occasion, you can see deformities in the neck that lead to neck instability, he adds.

To ensure the best health for your dog, keep up with routine wellness exams including essential vaccinations.

Diet and Nutrition

Yorkiepoos, like all dogs, need a diet that provides a balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. High-quality commercial dog food formulated for small breeds is often a good choice, as it’s designed to meet the nutritional needs of smaller dogs.

Typically, Yorkiepoos should be fed two times a day—once in the morning and once at night. Yorkiepoo puppies are prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if they don't eat often enough and should be fed four times daily until they’re six months old.

While their cute face might be hard to resist, treats should make up no more than 10 percent of a dog’s daily diet to prevent weight gain. Fresh, clean water should always be available.

If your Yorkiepoo has specific health issues or you need more guidance, consult with your veterinarian for a tailored diet plan.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Yorkiepoo

If you'd like to adopt a Yorkiepoo, check with your animal shelter or rescue group to see if any are available. You can also check Yorkiepoo-specific rescue groups or online adoption databases like Adopt a Pet.

If you want to purchase a Yorkiepoo, research breeders online and ask for recommendations from veterinarians, dog trainers, and other pet parents. It’s important to find an ethical and responsible breeder who promotes the health and well-being of their dogs. The average price of a Yorkiepoo from a reputable breeder is between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on the breeder, lineage, location, color, and other factors.

Yorkiepoo Overview

Yorkiepoos are a hybrid of the Yorkshire terrier and the miniature or toy poodle. They're small, affectionate, intelligent dogs known for their lively personalities and low-shedding coats. Yorkiepoos require about 30 minutes of exercise daily and regular grooming to maintain their health and dapper appearance.