The Chorkie is one of the smaller designer crossbreeds and while still not common in the UK, it’s growing in popularity around the world.
The breeds that make up the Chorkie are the Chihuahua (long coat or smooth coat) and the Yorkshire Terrier. The Chorkie can be a first cross (with one Chihuahua and one Yorkshire Terrier parent), can be bred back to one of the original breeds or be two Chorkies bred together - so there are varieties in size, shape, colours and coat types, but in all cases this is an extremely small companion dog.
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Weight: | 3.5–6.5kg |
| Height: | 15–23cm |
| Colours: | The Chorkie can come in any colour common to the Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier, including: Brown, white, silver, blue, black, steel blue and tan Their colouring can be solid or a mix of colours |
| Size: | Small |
| Family-friendly: | 4/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 3/5 |
| Easy to train: | 3/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 1/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 3/5 |
| Energy level: | 4/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 2/5 |
| Shedding: | 2/5 |
Like most crossbreeds, the personality of a Chorkie depends on the parents and how they have been bred and reared, but both parents are affectionate dogs who bond closely to their owners.
The Chorkie may be a tiny dog - but they have no idea that they are! This is a tiny companion dog who will enjoy training and games (and possibly some impromptu gardening!) - but will mostly enjoy being with their owner.
The personality of a Chorkie is more consistent when they are first crosses (F1). As a line is successively bred, they can be either bred back to one of the original breeds (and so strengthen either the Chihuahua or the Yorkshire Terrier personalities) or else be bred to another Chorkie - in which case there is less predictability in temperament (and in-breeding becomes more of a potential issue).
