Yorkipoo

The Yorkipoo is a hybrid dog produced by crossing a Yorkshire Terrier with a Poodle, typically Toy or Miniature, combining the Yorkshire Terrier's bold, confident and characterful terrier personality with the Poodle's trainability, sociability and lower-shedding coat qualities to produce a small, lively and affectionate companion that has attracted considerable interest from owners seeking a manageable, low-shedding small dog with real personality and character. The Yorkipoo is not a registered breed with the Kennel Club and does not have a formal breed standard.

The typical Yorkipoo is a very small to small dog with a silky to wavy coat that is usually lower-shedding than the pure Yorkshire Terrier parent alone, though coat type and degree of shedding reduction varies between individuals depending on which parent's coat genes dominate. Colour varies widely - the traditional Yorkshire Terrier black and tan, blue and gold, and parti-colour combinations with Poodle-influenced colours all occur. Adults typically stand 20 to 33 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 2 to 6 kilograms.

The character is confident, lively and affectionate - the Yorkshire Terrier's bold, self-possessed terrier character combines with the Poodle's warmth and sociability to produce a small dog of considerable personality. The Yorkipoo is typically devoted to its own family and good with older children and other animals when properly introduced, while retaining the Yorkshire Terrier's alertness and tendency to voice opinions. The breed makes a surprisingly effective watchdog for its size. The terrier prey drive is present and small animals - mice, hamsters, birds - may be at risk.

Training is rewarding for a small breed. The Poodle intelligence gives the Yorkipoo genuine learning capability and food motivation is typically strong and effective. Early socialisation is important to prevent the Yorkshire Terrier's characteristic wariness with strangers from developing into anxiety or excessive barking.

Health considerations include PRA DNA testing for the Poodle parent, Patellar Luxation assessment for both parents and awareness of tracheal collapse tendency in Yorkshire Terrier lines.

Purchase prices from health-tested breeders range from £700 to £1,500. Monthly running costs average £55 to £95. Yorkshire Terrier rescue organisations and the Doodle Trust are the primary rescue contacts. The Yorkipoo is well suited to less active owners, older adults and anyone seeking a small, confident and low-shedding companion with genuine terrier personality in a manageable package. The combination of Yorkshire Terrier character and Poodle intelligence produces a dog of real personality that punches well above its weight in terms of engagement, alertness and affection.

Confident, lively and affectionate. Good with older children and other pets. Devoted to family. Alert watchdog despite small size. Can be vocal. Yorkshire Terrier boldness in a small package.

Intelligent and responsive. Responds well to positive reinforcement. The Yorkshire Terrier independence is present. Early socialisation important. Food motivation is typically effective.

20-30 minutes daily sufficient. Short walks and indoor play adequate. More active than many small breeds but manageable. Prey drive from Yorkshire Terrier heritage - secure fencing needed.

PRA DNA testing of Poodle parent essential. Eye testing of Yorkshire Terrier parent advisable. Patellar Luxation assessment recommended for both parents. Tracheal collapse possible in Yorkshire Terrier lines.

Small breed complete kibble twice daily. Adults typically 80-150g per day. Monitor weight carefully - small breeds gain weight quickly. Dental care important for both parent breeds.

Silky to wavy coat requires brushing 3-4 times weekly. Lower-shedding than pure Yorkshire Terrier in most cases. Professional grooming every 8-10 weeks. Regular ear and dental checks.

Purchase price £700-£1,500 from health-tested breeders. Monthly costs £55-£95 including food, insurance and grooming.

Less active owners, older adults, families with older children, flat dwellers. Adaptable and manageable. Not suited to very rough or boisterous households given small size.