- Key Points
- The Temperament of the Shorkie
- The Intelligence of the Shorkie Pup
- Do Shorkie Puppies Shed?
- Health of the Shorkie Puppy
- Common Psychological Health Conditions in the Shorkie
- Common Physical Health Conditions in the Shorkie
- Oral Health of the Shorkie Puppy
- Needs of the Shorkie Puppy
- Top Product Picks for the Shorkie Puppy
- Unconditional Love, Always by Your Side
Key Points
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The delightful little shorkie is a hybrid cross between the Yorkshire terrier and the shih tzu breeds.
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Loveable, active, and energetic, shorkies are highly intelligent.
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Take care when contemplating any brachycephalic breed, as this condition has many health considerations.
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Here is an ultimate guide to having a shorkie, a remarkable canine companion.
Americans began crossing the Yorkshire terrier with the shih tzu in order to develop a lapdog that was both clever and cheerful. To know the shorkie's history, one must first understand the origins of its parent breed. The shih tzu originated in China and was possibly developed via a cross between the Lhasa apso and Pekingese.
Yorkies worked as ratters in mines and mills long before they were Victorian ladies' beribboned lapdogs. The Yorkshire terrier is a small, toy-sized terrier that weighs little more than seven pounds and is distinguished by a floor-length, glossy coat of steel blue and golden tan. The shorkie puppy is tough, feisty, bold, and even domineering, exhibiting all the characteristics of a real terrier. Shorkies are also known as shorkie tzu, Yorkie tzu, and a mix of shih tzu and Yorkie.
A shorkie puppy weighs around seven lbs and has a height of seven to eight inches with a long, silky coat that's steel blue and golden tan. If you're seeking a fun-size dog with a strong personality, a watchdog who alerts you to guests, robbers, and postal carriers, and a buddy who loves you wholeheartedly, the shorkie may be the pup for you.
The Temperament of the Shorkie
Lovable, active, and energetic, one of the most often stated characteristics of shorkies is that they are unaware of their small size. If you like cuddling, a shorkie is the best choice for you, since they enjoy curling up in your lap and snuggling. Shorkies get along well with everybody within the family, but they build the most grounded ties with their primary caretaker and often stay glued to them. Shorkies are part terrier, which means they are a little high-spirited but also quite bright.
Terrier-like qualities include a strong hunting drive, which leads them to chase small animals or even dig. Your puppy gets very attached to their favorite family member, so be prepared for some clinginess. The shorkie's tiny size makes them ideal for apartments and compact areas, yet they tend to bark at the least noise. When playing with younger children, they ought to be closely observed because of their size, which might result in injury. They need to be socialized with different pets at a young age.
The Intelligence of the Shorkie Pup
A shorkie is highly intelligent. Using positive reinforcement while training your puppy is crucial since dogs repeat rewarding behaviors. As veterinarian Dr. Denise Pancari reported in August 2023 in DVM 360, the results of using positive reinforcement training are mutually beneficial for the pup and their owner.
Shorkie dogs are easy to socialize since people usually like their friendly personalities. Even though each dog has its personality, the dog’s ability to communicate with people is one of the most distinctive aspects of the species.
This is an excellent social cognitive skill since they pay close attention and respond quickly when people speak to them. You must learn to read and observe your dog’s body language to comprehend what they're trying to tell you and bring out the best in your shorkie.
Do Shorkie Puppies Shed?
Shedding is a nuisance for some people, particularly for those who are allergic. Shorkies are typically low-shedding dogs since both parents are considered hypoallergenic breeds. Consider yourself lucky that your puppy doesn't make a mess all over your place with their hair.
Shorkies have a long silky coat that requires maintenance. It's recommended that you brush their coats regularly. Wash your puppy once a month along with brushing them. You and your dog spend quality time together during grooming. It's a good opportunity to look for any unusual bumps, parasites, or dry skin on your pet dog.
Health of the Shorkie Puppy
A shorkie is considered a healthy dog with a lifespan of 11 to 16 years. As a new dog owner, it's important that you discuss and learn about your dog's health issues in advance. Shorkies have a wide range of health problems.
There is a danger that shorkies develop certain health conditions. The health problems in this breed include being brachycephalic, developing glaucoma, or having dental problems, heart disease, and Cushing’s disease.
Common Psychological Health Conditions in the Shorkie
The most common behavior of a stressed puppy is to attempt to get away from the person holding them to hide. They crouch at your feet, ears down and tail tucked, or they attempt to flee behind a table or other pieces of furniture. When under stress, your shorkie licks their lips or yawns. The pup might shiver or pant excessively when worried.
As a shorkie owner, you must understand what is causing stress in your dog. Relocate your puppy away from the stressor if the stress is threatening or fear-related. Interactive dog toys keep your dog occupied during stressful events. If you use a dog puzzle toy, the dog works hard to get the goodies out. It's also important to remove anything that causes your puppy to be stressed or anxious from their environment.
Anxiety
Leaving a dog at home alone, even for a short period, is often distressing for both the dog and its owner. When your dog is left alone, they don't just miss their owner; they experience separation anxiety on a far deeper level. Feeling alone causes an intense emotional reaction that manifests itself in a variety of behaviors. It's a concern that impacts all dogs, although certain breeds, like the shorkie, are more susceptible to it than others.
Separation anxiety may develop in a shorkie only after being away from home for an extended amount of time, while more sensitive dogs even show symptoms of separation anxiety after just a few minutes away from home. If you suspect that your dog may be bored, under-exercised, or in need of basic obedience training, the first step is to rule out the lack of exercise by providing plenty of opportunities for your shorkie to use their bodies, noses, and minds.
When left alone, anxious dogs become hyperactive and even destructive. Often misunderstood as naughtiness, this is frightening behavior that is being expressed. One of the most common ways your shorkie shows their anxiety while you're gone is by crying or barking excessively. Higher pitched, more agitated, and restless are some of the characteristics of an anxious bark.
Calming Dog Products
People who suffer from anxiety often find relief in the company of dogs. But experienced dog owners know that anxiety is an issue for our four-legged pets, too. There are a variety of products available that reduce your puppy’s anxiety.
Your puppy benefits from having a T-shirt with your smell on it. The use of noise generators or mild music is also helpful. Calming your dog is easier with the use of essential oils such as sweet orange and lavender. The use of pheromones that relax dogs is effective in calming your Yorkie.
Common Physical Health Conditions in the Shorkie
Some shorkies are born brachycephalic, with skull bones that are shortened in length, giving the face and nose a pushed-in appearance. Although brachycephalic breeds are at increased risk for numerous morbidities, their inability to breathe normally is considered the greatest impediment to their welfare. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before considering acquiring any brachycephalic dog, to educate yourself about signs of airway obstruction and compromised breathing.
Never support breeders of any dog suffering from symptoms of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. There are too many endemic health problems related to breeding brachycephalic dogs. As research veterinarians Dr. D. G. O’Neill et al. at The Royal Veterinary College in the UK published in Scientific Reports, "The results provide strong evidence to support the position that brachycephalic dogs have reduced health overall compared with non-brachycephalic dogs based on the current evaluation of the most common conditions observed in dogs attending primary care practices."
Changes in the lungs and the digestive system, such as bronchial collapse, gastric reflux, and chronic gastritis, have been associated with brachycephalic syndrome. Snorting and snoring are common symptoms in dogs with mild respiratory issues, particularly during exercise. Noise from the airways may be more noticeable in severely afflicted dogs, and they may collapse or faint after exercise.
Your puppy is likely to have symptoms like coughing, choking, retching, or vomiting. This illness leads to secondary issues, such as inflammation of various airway systems. Breathing with more difficulty over the long term places stress on the heart. If your puppy is suffering from a lack of airway passage, they need breathing assistance or oxygen supplementation.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease that harms the optic nerve of your pup. Unusually high pressure inside your shorkie’s eye is typically the cause of glaucoma. Increased pressure over time destroys the optic nerve tissue, resulting in vision loss or blindness in certain cases.
Glaucoma is not simply the appearance of a clouded eye. Squinting, dilated pupils, and blurry vision are all signs of eye disease. Your dog closes their eyes and rubs them. As you try to pat them or touch the side of their head, they turn away. You also notice that the white of your puppy’s eye is inflamed or that the cloudiness is blue or reddish-blue with a reddish tinge. Glaucoma causes your shorkie to become sluggish, lose his appetite, or even become unresponsive.
A dog with glaucoma in one eye is at a greater risk of developing glaucoma in the other eye if it isn't properly and quickly examined. Your veterinarian may advise laser treatment, eye removal, drainage implants, or antibiotic injections to treat your shorkie.
Eye Supplements We Love
- Vision Supplement for Small Dogs
- Eye Care for Dogs Daily Vision Supplement
- Eye Support for Dogs
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Cushing’s Disease
If your dog is frequently drinking and urinating, Cushing's disease (CD), also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is one thing your veterinarian tests for. Dogs suffer from dehydration and muscle loss as the disease grows.
Dogs with Cushing's have thinning hair and blemishes on the skin with thicker skin above their neck. Other symptoms include increased hunger, pot belly, excessive panting, scaly patches on the skin and elbows, and obesity with fat accumulation, especially on the neck.
Your veterinarian recommends you feed your Cushing's dog with highly digestible protein like salmon and beef to prevent muscle loss. Avoid feeding your puppy a diet high in fat since this increases his cholesterol and leads to obesity.
Oral Health of the Shorkie Puppy
Taking care of your dog's dental hygiene is an important part of keeping them healthy. Maintaining your dog's dental hygiene and feeding them nutritious food help prevent oral diseases in the future. Tooth loss and other painful diseases result from untreated dental diseases in dogs.
Dental Diets
Discussing a dental diet first with your veterinarian is the best way to determine whether it's the right choice for your shorkie. Using a dental diet instead of brushing their teeth is not always suitable, and not all dogs benefit from this diet.
Reduced protein and calcium intake in dental diets reduces plaque and tartar mineralization. Dental diets are designed to reduce plaque, stain, and tartar buildup and clean right up to the gum line.
Edible Chew Treats
Regardless of what your dog is chewing, it is good for their oral health to engage in some kind of chewing. All-natural beef chews include enzymes that help enhance your dog's oral health by chewing. Beef strips, bully sticks, and chicken strips are all healthy and enjoyable chews for dogs.
Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews Based On Size
- Dental Hygiene Chews for Medium Dogs
- Dental Hygiene Chews for Large Dogs
- Dental Chews for Dogs
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Toothbrushes and Wipes
Use a dog toothbrush or a finger brush to clean your puppy's teeth. Dog dental wipes are a wonderful option for people who are unable to brush their dog's teeth or like to use another alternative.
Needs of the Shorkie Puppy
Exercise for the shorkie is an enjoyable experience. They are quite flexible to many lifestyles and just need attentive care to keep them healthy. They need to walk 30 to 60 minutes a day as part of their daily fitness routine. Play and training sessions are included in this.
As long as you engage in regular physical activity with your shorkie, they are content and happy. They are easy to train because of their intelligence. Their devotion to you works in your favor, as they want to remain with you. They still need lots of opportunities to go out and discover the world with their nose.
These pups often adore playing fetch and even get a bit ball crazy at times. Teach your shorkie to fetch by rewarding or praising them when they return the ball to your hand.
The brachycephalic condition, which causes small muzzles, affects shorkie pups, making them more prone to respiratory problems. When it's hot outside, this is very dangerous. You must take your puppy to the veterinarian for a thorough examination before beginning an exercise regimen.
Exercise Toys We Love
- Interactive Ball Dog Toy
- Tennis Ball Blaster Dog Toy
- Spring Pole Dog Rope Toys
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Nutrition
Make sure the food you provide is made with the highest-quality ingredients, contains a high proportion of lean meat, and is enriched with the vitamins and minerals your shorkie needs to stay healthy and strong. It's best to stay away from no-name and low-cost dry foods since they tend to be high in harmful carbohydrates and plant-based protein fillers. Make sure the food you provide your pet is age-appropriate. Consult your veterinarian if you have any doubts about the suitability of the diet you choose for your dog.
There is an increased risk of obesity due to poor dietary choices. Small breed dogs like the shorkie are especially vulnerable to obesity since it doesn't take much to put on weight. Omega-6, omega-3, fiber, and calcium are all essential nutrients to include in your dog's diet.
Grooming
Daily brushing is necessary for the shorkie. Without adequate brushing, the coat becomes knotted, tangled, and matted. Many individuals prefer to have their pets professionally groomed and trimmed every 6 weeks. Start training and socializing your puppy as soon as possible so they are comfortable being groomed at home or the groomer's. Well-socialized dogs have a good response to handling and are easy to wash and brush.
Thoroughly brush the hair to eliminate tangles before washing your puppy. This makes brushing after a bath a lot simpler. To keep water out of the ears, place cotton balls in the ear holes to keep your dog’s ears healthy. Warm water and dog shampoo are all that is needed to bathe your shorkie once or twice a month. A soft cloth is used to gently cleanse the hair around the eyes.
Top Product Picks for the Shorkie Puppy
To keep your puppy in great physical shape, the following product categories may help.
Dog Food We Love Based on Age
- Life Protection Formula for Puppies
- Life Protection Formula for Adult Dogs
- Life Protection Formula For Senior Dogs
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Crate
A dog crate facilitates effective training and management. It assists in housetraining since dogs tend to avoid soiling their crates. Use the crate during potty training to establish a routine. Feeding your pup their meals from a hollow toy such as a Kong while inside their crate is valuable for teaching them to settle quietly when unsupervised. It's a practical solution for times when you are not able to directly supervise your dog, ensuring their safety and the welfare of your home.
Using a crate provides a secure and designated space for your dog, mimicking a den-like environment that dogs instinctively find comforting. Your dog retreats, relaxes, and feels safe, especially during moments of stress or fatigue. This sense of security aids in reducing anxiety and promotes a sense of calmness. A crate becomes a place of comfort and routine for your shorkie through proper use and positive association.
Crates We Love
- Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate
- Folding Metal Dog Crate
- MidWest Life Stages 24″ Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate
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Bed
The right bed provides essential comfort and support for your shorkie. Dogs require a comfortable place to rest their bodies and relieve pressure on their joints. A quality dog bed offers orthopedic benefits so your shorkie enjoys a restful and rejuvenating sleep.
Your dog's bed is their designated space. It establishes a sense of territory and having their own bed reduces anxiety and stress since it gives them a familiar and safe place to retreat when they need a break. The best bed is hygienic and easy to maintain. Providing your dog with a bed makes sure they have a clean and comfortable space that promotes both physical and emotional health.
Beds We Love
- Two-Tone Faux Fur and Suede L-Shaped Chaise Egg Crate Orthopedic Dog Bed
- 42L-Inch Gray Dog Bed w/ Comfortable Bolster
- Medium Dog Bed | Up to 50lbs
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Harness
Use a harness for the safety and comfort of your shorkie. Choose the right size and style of harness for your pup. Measure your shorkie's chest and neck accurately to select a harness that fits snugly but is not too tight. The harness is secure enough to prevent escape but not constricting or uncomfortable. Opt for a harness style that evenly distributes pressure across the chest and back, avoiding neck strain.
Properly adjust the harness to fit your shorkie. Make sure the straps are snug but not overly tight so you can fit two fingers comfortably between the harness and your dog's body. Regularly check and readjust the harness to accommodate changes in your dog's size or weight. Always supervise your dog when wearing the harness to ensure they're comfortable, and promptly address any signs of irritation or chafing. A correctly fitting harness provides a secure and comfortable way to walk and control your shorkie while minimizing the risk of injury.
Harnesses We Love
- Step-In Air All Weather Harness
- No-Pull Pet Harness with 2 Leash Clips
- Step-In Air Dog Harness w/ Leash
- Step-In Air Dog Harness
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Unconditional Love, Always by Your Side
In your quest for a remarkable canine companion, consider the shorkie. This enchanting hybrid embodies a perfect blend of vivacity and affection. Every wag of their tail is a burst of joy, and every nuzzle is a testament to their unconditional love. With a shorkie by your side, life is a symphony of happiness, played in perfect harmony.
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