Yorkie Poodle Mix: Yorkipoo Facts, Traits & More

Are you considering a Yorkshire Terrier Poodle mix for your next furry family member? This adorable designer breed may just be the perfect fit for your family. These two breeds are popular and well-loved by pet parents worldwide. A mix of the two is one adorable little puppy that will steal your heart. The mix known as a Yorkipoo, Yorkiepoo, or Yorkie-Poo is one of a growing number of popular Doodle breeds.

These two breeds have some similarities and some differences, and a mixed breed will inherit characteristics from both. Both parent breeds are hypoallergenic, so this mix is perfect for allergy sufferers. The Yorkipoo is a high-energy pup and quite clever. These little guys are a handful but make fantastic companions.

When adopting a mixed breed, it is essential to keep in mind that there is some level of unpredictability. There is no way to know precisely what physical and behavioral characteristics a pup will have. They may be more like one parent or take after each parent in unusual ways. Expect a happy, engaging, and willful dog. In this breed introduction, we get into the details and get to know the Yorkshire Terrier Poodle mix.

Yorkipoo Parent Breeds

The best way to get to know a mixed breed is to learn about the two parent breeds. This is a designer canine breed, explicitly created to be a small, perky, hypoallergenic pup. The breed has not been around for a very long time but has become quite popular among designer dog owners. Both parent breeds were selected specifically to create a crossbreed that is hypoallergenic as well as very healthy.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs that weigh between four and seven pounds on average. These tiny pups are often called Yorkies and belong to the toy dog group. This breed is incredibly popular with tiny dog enthusiasts and a much-loved choice for family pets. These petite pooches are incredibly smart, energetic dogs that are known to be quite agile and fast. Yorkies are constantly looking for something to do.

The Yorkie can be traced back to dogs that accompanied Scottish weavers to England in the 1800s. These earlier dogs were mousers and chasers of pests. They were eventually bred with local pups creating the Yorkshire Terrier breed. Yorkies were officially recognized in 1870. They made their way to America and became fast favorites of the wealthy classes. Yorkies continue to be a popular pick for people from all walks of life.

Do not let the tiny size fool you with Yorkies. These little pups are full of gusto. They love their human family members and get along very well with other dogs. They do well in families with children but need to be supervised because of their small size. Children should always be appropriately instructed on handling such a small dog.

While many owners may like to dress these dogs up and spoil them, these little guys are skilled hunters who retain a powerful prey drive. These little hunters love to chase things and will go crazy for anything they see that looks like it might be a mouse. Because they are true terriers, this breed also is known to be stubborn, bossy, and somewhat mischievous. They need owners who can start training early and stick to strong boundaries. Despite the stubborn streak, these pups are very affectionate and love to be around people. Yorkies are excellent guard dogs and will let you know very loudly if anyone is approaching.

Toy Or Miniature Poodle

Toy Poodles are incredibly small, weighing just between four and six pounds on average. These dogs are incredibly friendly with children and do well around other dogs as long as they have been socialized. Poodles are native to Germany and are true water dogs. They were originally bred to be retrievers and help their owners when out hunting birds, foul, and other small game. Toy Poodles were bred to be much smaller than their Standard Poodle relatives.

Poodles do not have powerful prey instincts and have no problem getting along with other dogs, cats, and smaller pets. Though they may not try to hunt small rodents and birds, these dogs are, by instinct, ready to retrieve them, which may cause some issues. Keeping small pets like birds and rodents secure is best if a Poodle is in the house.

Poodles, regardless of size, are one of the most intelligent canine breeds ever. They can be taught just about anything and will play games, learn commands, and do plenty of tricks. These petite canines are agile and athletic and very eager to please.

Toy Poodles are extremely sweet and want to be a part of everything that is going on. They make good guard dogs because they announce everyone who walks by. Because the Toy Poodle is so small, they do well in apartments and small homes. They will need owners who can give them lots of attention, and they may only like being home alone for a short time.

Yorkipoo (Yorkie-Poodle Mix)

The Yorkie Poodle mix is called a Yorkipoo, Yorkiepoo, Yorkie Poo, or Yorkie-Poo. These fuzzy little pups are both adorable and full of personality, which is why these pups are so popular with anyone who meets them. They have been around for the last few decades and became popular when creating designer breeds became big. These two breeds were picked because both are hypoallergenic and well-mannered. Yorkipoos are a relatively young breed. There is little known when the first one appeared, but many designer breeds started to appear in the 1980s. These little guys are an excellent choice for allergy sufferers as well as first-time pet owners.

Temperament

The Yorkipoo has a fantastic temperament and is one of the most agreeable dogs one will ever meet. They are more than happy to play but also like to snuggle up on the couch for hours. These pups love attention and may develop a protective attachment to certain people. Both parent breeds are known for being great guard dogs, and mixing the two means this pup is always on alert for anything that is amiss. Both breeds are incredibly smart and easy to train. They can have a stubborn streak and may be a bit overprotective or territorial. Both breeds have the instinct to go after smaller critters like rodents, so keep those pets safely secured.

These pups are inquisitive and love to find new things to do. They can get bored quickly and need a lot of entertainment available to keep them out of trouble. It is extremely easy to let this mixed breed get away with mischief. They are so cute it is hard to get upset or redirect them when they act naughty. Despite the cute factor, owners must be firm because these cutie pies will quickly become the boss. Yorkies are loud, yappy barkers, so the Yorkipoo will likely be similar. They will be happy to see people and love new friends, especially new people who want to cuddle them. These kiddos are big barkers and howlers, and you will be surprised at how much volume can come out of their pocket-sized bodies.

Size & Appearance

Yorkipoos are small and can weigh between 3 to 14 pounds, though 14 is on the larger end. How big they get is dependent on their parent’s genetics. The larger the Poodle, the bigger the crossbreed. Both the Yorkie and the Toy Poodle are small, but the two canines are not built the same way. Poodles have longer legs and stand much taller. Yorkies are known for their slight stature and are one of the shortest breeds around. These tiny tikes stand about 7 inches tall as adults. Toy Poodles stand about 10 inches. This Doodle may be noticeably short or slightly taller. Yorkipoos are sometimes bred with Miniature Poodles, which stand somewhat taller. Yorkipoos can stand anywhere from 7 to about 14 inches tall.

Yorkies have pointy ears, while Poodles have more circular faces. The Yorkipoo will likely have a bit of both, with expressive round eyes. Poodles have a square body shape, while Yorkies have petite, compact frames. The funny thing about Yorkipoos is that they almost never look exactly the same. It all depends on what their parents look like and what genes are dominant in the mix. These pups are often dressed up and carried around in purses and doggie carriers.

It is possible to have an even smaller Yorkipoo. This is achieved by breeding a Teacup Yorkie with a Toy Poodle to create a teacup version. These pups are incredibly tiny, almost unbelievably so. Expect a canine that weighs extraordinarily little and requires a lot of supervision. Yorkipoos can be crossbred again with either their parent breeds or others of the same mix to achieve a particular look, coat type, or size.

Coat & Colors

Yorkipoos usually have longer coats of soft silken hair. It may be curly, wavy, or straight. They often have a single coat, which keeps their hair super silky. These pups are low to almost no shedding, and their coat can resemble either their parent’s coats or look like a mixture. The straighter the hair, the more they will shed, though it is still minimal due to their single coat. They shed truly little dander as well.

Coat color encompasses a wide range of possibilities. These pups are often shades of cream, brown, black, white, red, tan, apricot, silver, gray, beige, gold, and even blue tones. Keep in mind this is a partial list, and many color variations can occur. Yorkipoos can also be multiple colors and sometimes have different markings. Coat tones can change a bit as they mature. It will be easier to tell exactly what your pup will look like once they are fully grown.

Exercise & Living Conditions

They need about 45 minutes a day of high energy expenditure. This can be achieved with a brisk walk around the block and playing games like fetch. This breed may be good for indoor exercise tools like treadmill wheels. Because they are so tiny, it may be easy to overexert them without realizing it. Be incredibly careful with this. Too much high-intensity activity can put extra pressure on their bones and joints. Two twenty-to-thirty-minute walks a day should be exactly right.

These pups need a home they feel safe in. With dogs as small as these, this means a little more than a bigger breed. They can easily slip through small openings or get stuck in unusual places. Things like a garden gate or closet door can become a literal deathtrap for them. They are also at a considerable risk of getting stepped on or injured.

For this reason, it is advisable to crate-train them or have a secure area of the house they can be in. Do not leave them outside alone, and try to keep them on a leash when outdoors. Leaving them unsupervised with larger dogs or young children is also not advisable.

These pups get attached very quickly and may suffer from separation anxiety. They are at extremely high risk for this. This is an excellent breed to take with you or put in doggie daycare. It is crucial to provide them with plenty of entertainment and interaction with others.

Training

This breed will need to begin training young. Socialize them with other pets and people gradually, and teach appropriate behavior. Understand that some things like barking cannot be trained out. Small breeds, in particular, tend to have a hard time with housetraining. It may take them longer to become fully housetrained. They often sneak off and go into corners or under furniture. It is possible to litter train small dogs like this, which can help prevent them from leaving unwanted surprises. Crate training helps prevent bathroom accidents and keeps them out of trouble when you are away.

Yorkipoos can be trained to do many things, including tricks. They respond well to positive reinforcement. Keep plenty of treats and toys on hand to reward them for a job well done. This breed can be stubborn, so owners need to preserve and stay strong. It is very easy for this breed to get away with things, and owners often underestimate their stubbornness. Once they learn proper behavior, these pups are amazing pets and pleasant companions. Make sure to redirect naughty behavior, as you do not want it to become a habit.

This breed also likes being on a schedule. Try to feed them at the same time and get them in a routine for walks and playtime. This will help with their high energy and keep them on task. If they want to accompany you on housework and errands, provide them with a toy or other direction, so they do not get too involved in what you are doing. Stay patient, and do not shy away from obedience classes or private trainers if behavior gets out of hand.

Health Considerations

This breed can be expected to live about 12 to 15 years. Though the breed is mostly healthy, as most mixed breeds are, the Yorkipoo is known to be at risk for a few different health concerns. They can be at risk for health issues that affect both parent breeds as well as those that impact small breeds.

Poodles are at risk for hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and disorders, idiopathic epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis, Von Willebrand’s Disease, and immune issues like Hemolytic Anemia and Thrombocytopenia. They can also suffer from patellar luxation and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, which affects many toy breeds.

Yorkies can be susceptible to many of the same medical concerns, as well as hypoglycemia, dental disease, collapsing trachea, bladder stones, and liver issues.

The Yorkipoo may be at risk for other concerns like allergies, thyroid malfunction, digestive issues, ear infections, atopic dermatitis, and severe separation anxiety. Breeders will test for some genetic conditions, but many health conditions develop as a dog ages and cannot be tested for. Some, like diabetes and obesity, are also affected by a pup’s environment and lifestyle.

Though mixed breeds tend to be healthier than purebreds, these dogs have a fair amount of health concerns. They are an excellent breed to consider pet health insurance for. Insurance will not cover everything but can be helpful when treating long-term conditions. Some plans will help with preventive and emergency care.

Nutrition

What a dog eats has a lot to do with how healthy they are and can even impact lifespan. Tiny tykes like this need food that is formulated for them. Smaller dogs actually need more calories than larger dogs because they have higher metabolic rates. It is essential that they get enough to eat and regular energy replenishment to avoid developing hypoglycemia, which is extremely low blood sugar. Toy puppies like the Yorkipoo are at risk for developing hypoglycemia because they expend so much energy and do not hold high reserves of fat or sugar in their bodies.

Small-breed kibble is formulated especially for canines with smaller mouths and jaws. Larger kibble may be hard for them to chew and break down, can injure their teeth, and can become a choking hazard. It is important to feed them age-appropriate dog food formula and stick with small-breed food throughout their lives.

These dogs need more calories per pound, which means they need food higher in calories, not that they need to eat more. Be careful not to overfeed one of these little dogs, as that can lead to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, heart disease, kidney issues, cancer, and more. Additionally, canines that are overweight lose valuable years from their life expectancy.

There are plenty of options for dog food to choose from for your Yorkipoo. They should always have a diet involving kibble, but owners can also mix in wet, freeze-dried, and fresh human-grade meals if they like. Your pup will appreciate the variety of flavors of wet food, as well as the high nutritional value of fresh and freeze-dried foods. Look for foods that use animal proteins as the first ingredient, and avoid brands with lots of fillers and artificial ingredients.

All canines need a diet that is nutritionally balanced and contains high-quality ingredients. They will need whole meat proteins to provide energy and support the whole body’s function. They will need healthy fats, healthy carbohydrates, Omega fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables, as well as vitamins and minerals to support their growth throughout their lives.

Puppies do not have the same nutritional needs as adults, and senior dogs, so make sure you change the food formula they are on as they mature. Always speak with your veterinarian for any questions you have regarding your pet’s nutrition. It is always best to discuss with them before adding any supplements or making significant changes to your dog’s diet, regardless of the breed.

Yorkipoo Grooming

These petite pups are low to no shedding and hypoallergenic, but that does not mean they do not need regular grooming. Daily brushing is ideal. These pups have fine hair, which can get tangled and matted easily. Brushing them every day prevents these from happening and keeps their coats as clean and soft as possible. They will likely have a lot of hair on their faces, especially around the eyes. They may need regular facial hair trimming so this hair does not get in their line of vision or tangled and matted.

Along with daily brushing, these little pups need regular bathing. They will have a lot of hair for such tiny tots. Professional grooming is recommended every few months, and they will need regular trimming to keep their hair in top shape. Many owners learn how to cut their pup’s hair themselves, which helps save money on grooming services and allows owners to get a little more creative with their dogs.

This is a high-maintenance breed when it comes to keeping their coats clean. Expect to devote a lot of time and resources toward grooming. Investing in high-quality grooming tools like this starter set that includes brushes, a comb, and nail scissors. A nice oatmeal shampoo will also be helpful to have on hand. They will also need their teeth brushed and their nails trimmed regularly.

Do not overlook cleaning this tiny puppy’s ears. They will need an ear inspection by owners at least once a week, and owners may need to clean them out with special ear wipes or cotton balls dipped in ear cleaner. These dogs do not have much of an odor but will develop an odor from their ears if they are not kept clean.

Breeders & Puppy Costs

It is common to spend between $900 to over $3,000 for a high-quality puppy. These pups are not registered or recognized by the American Kennel Club, but sometimes their parents are. Higher pedigreed bloodlines will cost more. Companion animals tend to cost less, while those intended for breeding and show purposes will cost more. In some cases, purebred Yorkies can cost over $10,000, so it is not uncommon to spend over $3,000 for a Yorkipoo puppy.

Always look for a reputable breeder that is forthcoming with information on genetics and health testing. Remember that reputable breeders may charge more due to the extra care and effort they put into breeding healthy puppies. Always ask lots of questions, and if possible, see if you can meet the parent dogs or any previous litters. You may find these pups from Poodle or Yorkie breeders or those who specialize only in Yorkipoos. You can look to the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) breeder list for more info on breeders around the country.

Along with the adoption costs, expect to spend at least $1,000 in the first year to get your puppy set up with supplies like crates, toys, beds, leashes, harnesses, and more. Veterinary care will cost more during the first year as there will be more initial immunizations as well as a spay or neuter procedure. Your pet will cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per year after that for the rest of their life. The exact cost will depend on their unique health needs and any additional services like puppy daycare, dog walking, food delivery, or grooming that owners may choose.

Rescues & Shelters

Though most Yorkipoos come from reputable breeders, these little pups may find their way to Doodle rescues and animal shelters. These dogs will cost much less than puppies purchased from breeders. Looking for a shelter dog is a beautiful way to give an older dog a loving home, and unfortunately, it is common for retired show dogs to find their way to rescue groups as well. This can be a fantastic way to have the companionship of an adorable Yorkipoo without having the excitability and expense of adopting a puppy. Also, there are always far too many dogs in shelters and rescues that need loving homes.

You can ask your veterinarian for recommendations on local shelters and rescue groups and look for Yorkipoo owner groups in your area.

Yorkipoos As Family Pets

The Yorkipoo is a wonderful choice for a family pet. They fit into families of all sizes and shapes. These little guys are very gentle and affectionate in nature and love children. They can be good in homes with kids, other pets, and a lot of activity, or prosper in a home where they are the only pet. Either way, they are amazingly easy to love and spoil.

Because they are toy-sized canines, it is essential that people who live with them, especially children, are taught the proper way to manage and care for them. These little kiddos can get hurt quite easily, so it is helpful for people to know how to handle them. They should never be left alone with bigger dogs or other pets.

These pups are highly affectionate and believe they are just one of the family. They expect to be a part of everything. They are bold, can be stubborn, and loud. These dogs need to be trained at an early age and are in high need when it comes to grooming, but are overall really wonderful companions and family pets.

Final Thoughts

The Yorkipoo is an amazing, ridiculously adorable toy-sized pup. This designer breed is created from crossbreeding purebred Yorkshire Terriers and Toy Poodles. Teacup Yorkshire Terriers or Miniature Poodles are sometimes used, which can affect the size.

Yorkipoos are known for their sweet, friendly nature, but do not be fooled. These little dogs like to be in charge. They make great pets for seasoned and inexperienced pet owners alike. This breed does well with other animals and can be either an only pet or one of a few. They can be on the pricier side and are only increasing in popularity.

You will not be disappointed if you welcome a fluffy little Yorkipoo into your life. We hope our breed overview has helped you get to know these petite-sized pups a little better.