Yorkipoo Information Center - The Yorkie Poodle Mix Breed Dog

The Yorkipoo is an adorable Yorkie Poodle mix merging the best of a purebred Miniature Poodle and a purebred Yorkshire Terrier. This pup falls on the smaller side, averaging 4 to 15 pounds. Overall, this is a healthy cross that will enjoy playing and snuggling with their family.

Yorkipoo FAQs

Our readers’ most popular and frequently asked questions about the Yorkipoo.

What is a Yorkipoo?
Are Yorkipoos good family dogs
Are Yorkipoos Hypoallergenic?
How do Yorkipoos look like?

Here’s a quick glance at the basics of the cute Yorkipoo.

Yorkipoo: Breed At A Glance

Purpose:Companionship, family pet.
Weight: 4 to 15 pounds.
Temperament: Smart, lively and fun-loving.

For an in-depth guide to the Yorkipoo, keep reading!

Yorkipoo Breed Review: Contents

What is a Yorkipoo?
History of the Yorkipoo
Fun facts about the Yorkipoo
Yorkipoo appearance
Yorkipoo temperament
Training and exercising your Yorkipoo
Yorkipoo health and care
Are Yorkipoos hypoallergenic?
Do Yorkipoo make good family pets
Rescuing a Yorkipoo
Finding a Yorkipoo puppy
Raising a Yorkipoo puppy

Here’s everything you need to know about this fluffy pup.

What is a Yorkipoo?

This loving little dog is the mix between a purebred Poodle and a Yorkshire Terrier. Usually it’s a Toy or Mini Poodle, although sometimes a Standard Poodle is the parent.

Yorkipoos are fluffy and friendly, and pair some of the traits of both their parents.

Before we dive into what makes this furry pup unique, it’s important to acknowledge the opinions around mixed breeding.

Designer Dog Controversy

Before exploring the characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier and the small Poodles it is important to understand the continuing debate on designer dogs versus purebreds.

Designer dogs, are slightly different from your regular mixed pup.
“Normal” mixes occur on their own, and it’s very common not to know the ancestry of these dogs.

A hybrid, also known as a designer dog, this is a puppy resulting from the intentional cross between two purebred dogs.

Looking for a tiny new puppy? Find out whether the Teacup Yorkie is on your level!

Some believe that purebred dogs are superior. Others believe that, genetically, designer breeds are at an advantage. Myths exist in both camps.

One disputed claim revolves around a genetics phenomenon called hybrid vigor.

This term refers to an increase in qualities such as size and fertility in a hybrid over those of its parents.

Breeders can use hybrid vigor by mating two different purebred dogs that have certain desirable traits. Its supporters see it as evidence of a hybrid advantage over a purebred.

Designer Dogs and Genetic Diseases

On the other hand, some proponents of hybrids go so far as to believe that genetic diseases do not exist in designer dogs.

While this might be true for the breed-related disorders that occur once in a blue moon, it is not true of common genetic diseases that afflict breeds across the spectrum. Usually, mixed breed dogs will also carry some of the health tendencies of their parents.

Care in Breeding

Rather than debating the merits of purebred versus designer dogs, the conversation we should be having is purposely bred versus randomly bred.

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In other words, the care that a breeder takes to prevent inherited disease is the most important component to the healthy outcome of a litter.

It is important to note that breeds considered as purebreds today were themselves hybrids when they were being bred for certain characteristics.

This brings us to the history of two purebreds—the Poodle and the Yorkshire Terrier, and a very recent offspring: the cute Yorkipoo.

History of the Yorkipoo

As Yorkipoos made their debut only 10 to 20 years ago, neither the American Kennel Club or Kennel Club UK have recognized the breed yet.

The Yorkipoo is referenced by an array of names with varied spellings, including:

Yorkie Poo
Yorkie Poodle mix
Toy Poodle Yorkie mix
Yorkshire Terrier cross Poodle
Yorkie cross Poodle
Yorkshire Terrier Poodle mix
Yorkie and Poodle mix

The small size of the mixed breed, along with the blending of desirable attributes, also makes the Yorkie Poo appealing to many. People claim they often look like teddy bears.

History of the Poodle

With its regal bearing, fanciful grooming, and proud swagger, many incorrectly assume the Poodle originated in France.

The Poodle was bred as a water retriever for duck hunters—in Germany.

With its good nose, the Poodle was even used as a truffle hunter!

Later, it became a popular breed among the nobles of France and other parts of Europe.

The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1887, and in the early twentieth century the toy Poodle was first bred in the U.S. as a companion for city dwellers.

Today the Poodle is the 7th most popular breed in the US and the 22nd most popular in the United Kingdom.

History of the Yorkshire Terrier

Of course, it is not difficult to figure out that the Yorkshire Terrier came from Yorkshire County, England.

But there is an interesting piece of history that predates the beginning of the breed as we know it today.

Scottish laborers may have brought black and tan terriers with them when they traveled south to work in the cotton mills and mines.

The small size of the dogs made them well suited to crawl into cramped spaces in these mills and mines and kill rodents.

Some believe this breed was then mixed with Maltese and Skye Terriers, giving us the Yorkshire Terrier we know today.

So as the dog evolved into the Yorkshire Terrier, its beginnings were in hard labor.

Changes in Purpose

Like the Poodle, the Yorkie moved up the social hierarchy when they became trendy lap dogs for ladies.

According to the Kennel Club UK, a dog named Huddersfield Ben founded the breed in 1865.

The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885.

Today it is the 9th most popular breed in the U.S. and the 15th most popular in the U.K.

And to this day, they are still an eye-catching breed!

Fun facts about Yorkipoo

Yorkipoo dogs are fluffy balls of fur that have been compared to a cute teddy bear. Alongside Pomeranians and other Poodle mixes, as pups they look like a plush stuffed animal!

Yorkipoo appearance

These pups fall on the small, and even Toy category. The weight of this cute Yorkie Poodle Mix, full grown, will fall between 4 and 15 pounds, likely somewhere in the middle.

The Yorkipoo size is small, so it would be a great fit for an apartment or small house.

Though he will be a good family dog, supervise children around him because of his small size.

Like Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles, Yorkie Poo adults could be a wide range and mix of colors—ingredients for unique and beautiful coats.

Characteristics of the Poodle

The Poodle comes in three sizes: standard (40–70 pounds, 15 inches or more), miniature (10–15 pounds, 10–15 inches) and toy (4–6 pounds, under 10 inches).

Though three sizes, all Poodles share the same standards.

Keep in mind that the Yorkipoo is bred with only the miniature or toy versions.

Poodles’ coats come in a spectrum of solid colors including white, black, gray, blue, silver, brown, café-au-lait, cream, and apricot, and mixes are rare but happen.

The curly coat has adapted to water as the Poodle is a very strong swimmer, keeping them warm and cosy even swimming in almost-frozen lakes.

The life expectancy of a Poodle is 10–18 years.

Characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier

As members of the toy group of dogs, the Yorkshire Terrier weighs no more than 7 pounds and reaches just 7–8 inches above the floor.

Yorkie puppies are born with black and tan coats, which change to steel blue and tan as they grow.

The Yorkie is also known for the quality of its hair, with a silky texture that grows straight to the floor if left on its own.

The life expectancy of a Yorkshire Terrier is 11–15 years.

The Yorkipoo shows some of the traits of both the Poodle and Yorkie side.

Yorkipoo temperament

Though small, the Yorkie Poo is lively, seeks attention, and is very smart.

He is best suited for a home with at least one person for most of the day.

Because of their smarts, these pups can be very fast learners and can even enjoy tricks and agility training.

If your pup takes after the Yorkie side, they could have a high prey drive. You need to socialize and train your puppy to make sure they can handle different situations. Their boldness can lead to excessive barking if they aren’t given early training.

Because of it, life with your pup will go smoother if you offer them proper training.

Training and exercising your Yorkipoo

Yorkie and Poodle mixed dogs are an active breed that need structured playtime and training. Exercise might include walking, chasing a ball, and swimming.

The amount of energy-burning activity required for a Yorkshire Terrier Poodle mix will probably depend on the parent your Yorkie Poo favors.

Both parent breeds are fine candidates for teaching tricks and playing games in the backyard or at a park.

Because of their boldness, they need early training to prevent excessive barking. Socialization is also important to make them well behaved, and avoid separation anxiety in case they are alone for any length of time.

Yorkipoos are smart and agile, making them an easy to train breed that will quickly grasp their lessons.

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To keep your pup happy for years to come, watch out for some common health conditions.

Yorkipoo health and care

As a mix, Yorkipoo dogs can have some of the health concerns of either of its purebred parents. Because of this, before getting a puppy, it’s important to be aware of the risks.

Yorkshire Terrier Poodle mixes tend to weigh 15 pounds or less, meaning that most of their health concerns will be those related to smaller breeds. Nevertheless, conditions like hip dysplasia can happen among smaller pups as well.

Other issues to be aware of are Patellar luxation and Legg-Perthes Disease.

Patellar luxation is a condition in which the kneecap dislocates.

Corrective surgery is an option for this condition.

On the other hand, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease is a joint disease that can lead to disintegration of the hip joint resulting in inflammation, pain, and even lameness.

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing is available to make sure your pup is as healthy as they can be. For this reason, it is important that Yorkie Poo breeders have both parents tested for genetic diseases and abnormalities and make this information available to potential puppy parents.

Of course, your pup might be more prone to breed-specific ailments if they take more after one parent of the other. Here’s what to look out for:

Poodle health concerns

Besides what we have already mentioned, Poodles of all sizes can suffer from hip dysplasia. Although this is usually considered a disease of large breed dogs, it can also occur in small breeds and is an affliction seen in Poodles.

One preventative measure to guard against hip dysplasia is to avoid overfeeding a growing dog.

Poodles are also one of the breeds most susceptible to the development of mammary gland tumors as noted in an epidemiological study that took place from the years 2002 to 2012.

Mammary glands extend from a dog’s chest to her lower abdomen and produce the milk used to feed her pups.

If you spay her before her first heat, the risk for developing mammary gland tumors significantly decreases.

Other Health Concerns

According to the American Kennel Club, other health concerns include:

Addison’s disease
bloat
chronic active hepatitis
Cushing’s disease
epilepsy
hypothyroidism
neonatal encephalopathy
optic nerve hypoplasia
Von Willebrand’s disease

Yorkie health concerns

As all purebred dogs, Yorkshire Terriers have also developed some breed-specific health concerns.

The main issue among Yorkies is an abnormality in the vascular connection between the intestine and the liver.

This condition leads to poor liver function.

The American Kennel Club recommends that breeders also screen for eye abnormalities and patellar luxation.

Others to watch for are hypoglycemia, Legg-Perthes Disease, collapsed trachea, and hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.

Reputable Breeders

As a buyer, it’s important to make sure your pup’s parents are properly screened for breed-specific conditions.

Insist to your chosen breeder to provide sufficient proof of genetic texting and veterinary consultations, listing every condition tested. This gives you peace of mind and will create a healthier environment for current and future litters.

To ensure your pup enjoys a healthy, long life, it’s also important to know how to groom them properly.

Yorkipoo Grooming

In order to discuss the care needed for your Yorkie Poo’s coat, we need to first define the difference between fur and hair.

Fur implies a double coat that has a quicker cycle of growth. As such, dogs with fur shed more than dogs with hair.

On the other hand, dogs with hair have a single coat, and their hair grows longer but in slower cycles.

Many of these dogs shed but not as much as a dog with fur.

In regards to the Yorkipoo, the Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier share two similarities: they both have hair (with no undercoat) and both shed lightly, although Yorkies shed a bit more than poodles.

Also, while the texture of the Yorkshire Terrier’s hair is silky and straight, the Poodle has curls.

As a result, it is possible that a Yorkie Poo could shed very depending on what parent they favor.

The genes he inherits will also determine his hair’s texture and whether it is curly, wavy, or straight.

General Coat Care

Yorkie Poo haircuts may be in your future, depending on which coat they take after.

In general, you will need to brush your Yorkie Poodle mix frequently, if not daily.

Their hair can matt if left unattended too long. Even if brushed daily, small mats can still occur.

The best daily brush to use on a Yorkie Poo is a pin brush, which has wire pins tipped with plastic or rubber.

If your dog does develop mats, try a stainless steel de-matting comb to carefully pick through the mat.

So, if Yorkipoos need so much grooming, are they a good choice for people with allergies?

Are Yorkipoos hypoallergenic?

Short answer: no.

There has been much thought in the dog world about hypoallergenic dogs. A lot of people believe neither poodles nor Yorkshire terriers cause allergies. Other breeds have been described as “hypoallergenic” either because they shed less, have less amounts of dander or have less of some of the most common allergens in dogs.

Nevertheless, several studies in the early 2010’s found no scientific evidence to classify certain breeds as “hypoallergenic”. After testing the main dog allergen in normal and hypoallergenic homes and dogs, the allergen’s concentration was found to be pretty much the same regardless of the dog.

The Perfect Companion For Life With A New Puppy

On the other hand, even though shed rates can and do vary from breed to breed, all dogs shed (just like people!).

Curly-haired dogs give the appearance of less shedding because hair gets trapped in their curls. But, as we already mentioned, grooming is necessary to keep their coats healthy and shiny.

This means that your Yorkie and Poodle mix will never be truly hypoallergenic, although less shedding and dog hair around the house might help your symptoms.

Even though Yorkipoos might not be hypoallergenic, they can still be great companions.

Do Yorkipoos make good family pets

Yorkipoos can be a loving addition for families at all stages of life. This is an active breed that equally enjoys both lively playing and snuggling in your lap.

They can be great with kids if they’re socialized properly, and in spite of their small size, training is necessary to keep them well-behaved and lower their anxious tendencies.

Grooming can be a little demanding among Yorkipoos, so it’s important to either have the time or money to spend on weekly grooming sessions for your pup.

If you think this is the best mixed breed for your pack, check out below where you can find your own puppy!

Rescuing a Yorkipoo

Adopting a dog is a great option when you’re looking to add a new member to the family. Thousands of dogs are waiting in rescue centers, and you could offer a loving family to one of them!

Yorkipoo pups come into rescue from time to time, and you could be lucky enough to find one that suits your pack.

Of course, if you’re new to pet ownership, it’s important to choose a healthy, sociable pup that won’t present much of a challenge.

It’s common for rescue pups to need a bit of extra love and care while they get used to their family, and some might have health concerns because of their abandonment.

This isn’t something to be scared of: most adoptions go smoothly and end up with a happy, well-adapted pup. Nevertheless, ask for advice at your local rescue to make sure you’re choosing the right dog for your family.

Of course, rescues won’t always have Yorkipoos available. As a “designer dog”, it’s more common to come across breeders.

Finding a Yorkipoo puppy

Mixes are becoming more and more popular, especially those involving poodles. Because of it, it’s more important than ever to make sure your puppy comes from a healthy, loving environment.

Puppy mills and pet stores usually breed new pups without properly testing for genetic diseases.

Find a trustworthy breeder and due your due diligence: ask to meet both parents, check their papers and temperament. Ask if parents have been tested for breed-specific health conditions.

A good breeder will answer all your questions and offer advice throughout your puppies’ life.

Once you’ve found your ideal Yorkipoo pup, it’s time to welcome the new member into your family!

Raising a Yorkipoo puppy

Raising a puppy is always equally exciting and nerve-wracking. To ease your concerns, check out our complete puppy guides. Everything from letting the new pup meet your beloved cat, starting potty training and a handy guide on bathing, you will be ready to start raising your puppy in no time.

Still unsure? Here’ our final roundup so you can see if the Yorkipoo is the right option for you.

Pros And Cons of Getting A Yorkipoo

It’s important to carefully consider your decision to get a new puppy. Here are some tidbits to help make up your mind:

Pros

Lighter shedding than double-coated breeds might reduce allergies.
Smart breed that’s easily trained
Small size makes it easy to get in required exercise needs.

Cons

No scientific evidence showing significant hypoallergenicity.
Might develop separation anxiety if not properly trained.
Barking might be a problem if not properly socialized.

If you’re still on the fence about this mixed pup, there are other options to look out for.

Similar Breeds

If you’re tempted to get a cute Yorkipoo pup, you might want to check our poodle mixes guide. Some of the most popular cross breeds are:

If you’re happy with your choice, here are some rescues that could be useful to find the perfect yorkipoo pup for your family.

Yorkipoo Breed Rescues

Yorkies are still a very new breed, so there aren’t specific rescues dedicated to the breed. Nevertheless, if you’re interested in rescuing a pup, you should look into Yorkshire or Poodle rescues. Your local center might also have heard of adoption opportunities in your area.

US

UK

Yorkshire Terrier Breed Rescue

Australia

Silky and Yorkie Rescue

Do you have other Yorkie Poo information or something you want to share about your adorable Yorkipoo?

Leave us a comment below!

References And Resources

Gough A, Thomas A, O’Neill D. 2018 Breed Predispositions to Disease In Dogs and Cats. Wiley Blackwell
O’Neill et al. 2013. Longevity and Mortality of Owned Dogs In England. The Veterinary Journal
Adams VJ, et al. 2010. Results of a Survey of UK Purebred Dogs. Journal of Small Animal Practice.
Schalamon et al. 2006. Analysis of Dog Bites In Children Who Are Younger Than 17 Years. Pediatrics
Duffy D et al. Breed differences in canine aggression. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2008
Strain G. Deafness prevalence and pigmentation and gender associations in dog breeds at risk. The Veterinary Journal 2004
Packer et al. 2015. Impact of Facial Conformation On Canine Health. PlosOne
The Kennel Club UK, https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/
Bell, J. The Clinical Truths About Pure Breeds, Mixes and Designer Breeds National Interest Animal Alliance, 2013.