The Chorkie is a designer breed that was developed in the 90s. It is a cross between two purebreds namely the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier. Although its adult size is difficult to predict, it stands 15 to 22 centimetres and weighs between 7 and 10 pounds. It has gained popularity because of its gentle, friendly and affectionate nature.
Are you ready to welcome a Chorkie into your home? Here is a brief background of this cute and sweet designer dog.
HistoryTracing the first recorded Chorkie can be difficult but it is believed that the cross between the two purebreds, the Yorkshire Terrier and the Chihuahua was initially developed in the 1990s. The designer breed quickly became popular around the world because of its cute appearance and affectionate nature.
Despite its popularity, the Chorkie still has not gained a pedigree purebred status and is not recognised by any breed registries, including The Kennel Club. However, there are various breed clubs in the UK and other countries to ensure that breeding is done responsibly.
Appearance and GroomingLike other crossbreeds, the Chorkie’s coat, colour/s, size, weight, and overall appearance are difficult to predict. In fact, it is natural for puppies of the same litter to look very different. Some will be tall and long-legged, while others would be shorter and solid. Generally, Chorkies will have an athletic look, which is a common trait of the Chihuahua and the Yorkie. It stands 15 to 22 centimetres and weighs between 7 and 10 pounds.
The coat of the Chorkie, which is usually low-shedding, can be long or short, and straight or fluffy, depending on which parent breed it inherits it from; it can also be a combination. The common colours are black, grey, white, brown, dark brown, chocolate, merle, red, tan, or a combination of these colours.
Grooming a Chorkie is a breeze as it usually requires regular brushing to remove matts and tangles. It does not need frequent baths and its coat is kept in its natural state. It is important to brush its teeth three times a week since small dogs are prone to dental problems. Dental chews will also be a fun way to remove tartar build-up. The Chorkie’s ears should also be cleaned to avoid wax build-up and infections. To complete its grooming routine, trim its nails and inspect its skin for abnormal bumps and parasites.
Temperament and IntelligenceMost owners would want a dog with a gentle, happy and endearing personality. These traits are what make a Chorkie a top choice even though it lacks the pedigree papers. This designer breed loves human companionship, making it a great pet even for first-time owners and older people. However, the strong bond it develops with its owners comes with a price, which is separation anxiety. This breed cannot tolerate being left alone so there must be at least one person who always stays at home to accompany it.
While it loves being with children of any age, it is a better choice for families with older kids who know how to handle small pets. A well-socialised Chorkie is friendly and affectionate even to unfamiliar people, making it an awful guard dog. It generally does well with other pets especially those it has grown up with. However, its terrier blood may lure it to chase other animals. Chorkies often forget how small they are so it is important to keep an eye on them when interacting with other animals.
The Chorkie is a smart dog, which is also a people pleaser. This combination makes it highly trainable. To be able to raise a well-rounded Chorkie, early training and socialisation are important. While it is tempting to allow it to get away with seemingly harmless things, owners need to be firm and consistent. The last thing you want is having a difficult home life because of a pet with a “small dog syndrome.” The breed responds well to a lot of praises and treats and not to harsh training methods.
Nutrition and FeedingA typical serving for an adult Chorkie is 1/4 to 1/2 cup of excellent quality dry dog food per day. As a tiny dog, it easily puts on weight so you have measure its food and avoid free-feeding.
Typical calorie needs of adult Chorkies per day:
The type of food you give your dog, whether homemade or commercial, will be up to you. If you choose the former, make sure to use fresh ingredients and provide supplementation to avoid the chances of nutrient deficiencies. For commercial dog food, choose a kind with limited ingredients, specifically formulated for small dogs.
Health and ExerciseFirst-generation Chorkies are healthy dogs and may live up to 15 years when properly cared for. However, it is worth knowing the predisposed health conditions its parent breeds are prone to. These are eye infections, ear problems, dental issues, Patella luxation, Epilepsy, Hydrocephalus, Hypoglycemia, Chiari Malformation Syringomyelia, Collapsed Trachea, Legg-Perthes Disease, and Portosystemic Shunt.
The Chorkie has low exercise needs and 30 minutes’ worth of physical exercise and mental stimulation will be enough for this clever dog. A short walk and interactive games in a fenced yard will be a perfect combination.
Cost of OwnershipThe Chorkie is a relatively inexpensive dog to care for. Starting with a well-bred puppy, it costs between £300 and £600. Insurance for this crossbreed will be around £20 monthly for basic coverage and £40 for a lifetime policy. A more comprehensive premium costs higher.
Basic equipment for the dog to be comfortable in your house will initially cost around £200. Monthly costs for food, treats and supplements will be around £30, while yearly veterinary expenses can set you back £500, which will include vaccination, worm and flea treatments and regular check-ups.
Expect to spend at least £70 to £120 a month to care for a Chorkie, depending on the pet insurance coverage you select.
Are you sure the Chorkie is the best breed for you? Take the Pet Breed Selector Quiz to find your perfect breed match.
Dog Breed Selector QuizAre you unsure if you want to get a Chorkie? Take our Pet Finder to know the best breeds that go well with your personality and lifestyle.
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