Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Shorkie Tzu (Yorkie & Shih Tzu Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

Shorkie Tzu

Everyone is familiar with Shih Tzus and Yorkshire Terriers. They take the world by storm, being some of the most favored small dogs you see around. So, what happens when you get an adorable, silky-haired Shih Tzu Yorkie mix?

Breed Overview

Height:

6–14 inches

Weight:

8–16 pounds

Lifespan:

10–16 years

Colors:

White, blue, black, red, white, fawn, and brown

Suitable for:

Single owners, families, apartment living, multi-pet households

Temperament:

Spunky, energetic, lovable, docile, brave

You get this adorable ball of fluff. These puppies combine the brave, high energy of the Yorkie and the relaxed, amiable nature of the Shih Tzu to make one a well-rounded canine. Let’s get to know the Shorkie Tzu a little better.

Shorkie Tzu Characteristics

Energy
+
High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
+
Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
+
Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
+
Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
+
Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

Dogster divider_v1_NEW_MAY_24_

Shorkie Tzu Puppies

It seems even the prices of designer dogs keep going up, so expect some to be on the high end. We do recommend using some caution here. Because the Shih Tzu Yorkie mix is a hybrid breed, backyard breeding and puppy mill situations are, unfortunately, quite common. These situations happen when people acquire two dogs and overbreed them for profit or gain.

Many times, these dogs live in unfavorable living conditions and don’t receive proper health checks. Always make sure that your selected breeder is credible and has a history of successful litters.

If you love the idea of adopting, you can also try to find one of these hybrid cuties at a local rescue or shelter. If you adopt, vetting, spay or neuter, and microchipping have likely already taken place.

These lovable pups are the perfect apartment dog.

Parent Breeds of the Shorkie Tzu
Image Credit: Left- Sue Thatcher, Shutterstock | Right – Birute Vijeikiene, Shutterstock

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

Temperament & Intelligence of the Shorkie Tzu

A Shorkie Tzu is a very spunky, intelligent pooch—and it’s not always a positive thing. This mix can be downright ornery and stubborn—especially if their agenda is different from yours. While Shih Tzu’s are a bit more relaxed, the Yorkie is notorious for having quite the attitude.

These frisky little boogers can be quite challenging for novice owners if they take after the Yorkie parent. They don’t have characteristics that make them incompatible with novice owners, but you might have your hands full for the first few years.

These little dogs can be the best companion animals because—although they want you to think they are tough, they are the biggest snuggle bugs on the planet. These dogs love nothing more than to be glued to their ownership.

This breed might be particular about who they favor.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Shorkie Tzus can make absolutely marvelous additions to many homes. These little dogs would be perfect for kids, older adults, and even people living in smaller apartments. However, these dogs might be a little yappy, so it will ultimately depend on how quiet you need them to be.

Because of the spunky nature of the Yorkie, we do recommend this breed for children 6 years and older. This way, the child is old enough to respect the animal and vice versa. Because they can be attention hogs and a little needy, they might get jealous, annoyed, or snappy and young children.

Shorkie side view
Image Credit: Darren J. Bradley, Shutterstock

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The Shorkie Tzu can make an excellent playmate in a multi-pet household. However, this breed can suffer from little dog syndrome, thinking they’re much bigger than they are. If you have any potentially aggressive larger dogs, this can be a recipe for disaster.

Always use your best judgment and try to match up canine personalities accordingly.

Shorkie Tzus are so small that they can coexist peacefully alongside cats with no significant issues to mention. They might even wind up being the best of buddies.

Even though Shorkies don’t have a huge prey drive response, they should still never be around smaller cage animals without close supervision.

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

Things to Know When Owning a Shorkie Tzu

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Shorkie Tzus can be quite picky little dogs regarding what’s going in their food bowl. You might find that plain dry kibble just doesn’t cut it. They might want something a little more savory to be satisfied.

Also, Shih Tzu’s are prone to dental problems, which can trickle down to the Shorkie. Softer food might work better for this breed—whether you choose a delicious wet food or semi-moist selection. You can even pour broths made for dogs over top of regular kibble.

Many owners are adopting the concept of homemade or raw dog food diets. These types are supposed to be a more natural approach where you have control over exactly what goes into your pup’s mouth. That way, you can avoid fillers and artificial additives that can impact the health of your dog.

Of course, any diet you choose for your Shorkie Tzu should have the approval of your vet.

Exercise 🐕

Shorkie Tzus need lots of time to burn off steam, but they also love cuddle time, so a good balance is required. Even though the Shorkie Tzu will be full of energy, they don’t require too much strenuous exercise per day. They need roughly 30 minutes to stay happy and healthy.

You can break this time up for a morning and evening stroll—or take them out in the yard for some physical games.

Training 🦮

The Shorkie Tzu is stubborn but easy to train for the most part. The biggest issue with the breed is house training, as is often seen in smaller breeds. These pups require patience and understanding—but most of all, they benefit from a strict routine.

Repetition and consistency are key to successful Shorkie training. These little guys and gals have brilliant minds and can easily pick up new concepts, being positively thrilled with praise.

Grooming ✂️

Shorkie Tzus are bound to have long, silky hair like both parents. So, because of their unique fur situation, they require daily brushing and monthly professional grooming sessions. They need trims and cuts galore, leaving lots of room for pampering.

Like any other dog, these pups will need a bath every 4 to 6 weeks. We should note that Shorkies might be super sensitive and prone to allergies, so we recommend fragrance-free shampoos.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Because this is a hybrid breed, the Shorkie is susceptible to both of the parent breed’s health problems. This can pose some unique issues as they age. However, with regular vetting and appropriate breeding, most of these issues should be averted.

During their first year of life, your pup will get to know their vet very well. They will have routine checkups, vaccinations, spay and neuter surgery, microchipping, and any other applicable care. Afterward, they benefit from annual checkups unless there is another development in between.

Here are a few health issues your Shorkie might develop as they age:

Minor Conditions
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Liver disease
  • Collapsed trachea
Serious Conditions
  • Tooth loss
  • Patellar luxation
  • Progressive retinal apathy
  • Allergies

Male vs Female

Because this is a hybrid, it’s hard to tell the differences between males and females. Yorkies are naturally smaller than Shih Tzus so that either gender could vary a bit in size.

One notable difference is that unaltered males might be prone to marking behavior. For this reason, it’s very important to get your Shorkie fixed once they reach the age of sexual maturity unless advised otherwise by your vet.

When it comes to personality, it’s hard to tell what you’ll get. Shorkies can be very versatile in their traits, but many males exhibit small dog syndrome more often.

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

3 Little-Known Facts About the Shorkie Tzu

1. The Shorkie Tzu can rock all sorts of cool hairdos.

Both parent breeds have long coats that need routine grooming. This means you can get super creative with your hairdo selections. You can choose from something traditional or something crazy—it’s up to you. Plus, you can decorate their coats with all kinds of cute accessories.


2. Both parent breeds are from very different parts of the world.

The Shih Tzu and Yorkie come from different continents—Europe and Asia. The Yorkshire Terrier comes from England, and the Shih Tzu comes from Tibet.


3. Shorkie Tzus are brachycephalic.

Shih Tzu’s are a brachycephalic breed, which means they have shorter muzzles than most dogs. Other breeds that share this characteristic are Pugs, Boxers, and Pekingese dogs.

shorkie
Image Credit: Mberg38, Pixabay

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

Final Thoughts

If you want a fun-loving Velcro dog that will follow you wherever you go, the Shorkie will be a perfect pick. Despite their inclination to bark, they can make very good apartment companions—and they fit in with virtually any lifestyle.

If you’re really interested in one of these cuties, you can always adopt one from a local rescue shelter. If you plan to buy a pup, make sure the breeder is reputable to avoid bad breeding situations.


Featured Image Credit: Sue Thatcher, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Why Does My Dog’s Skin Smell Bad and Itch? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Your dog’s skin can be a useful indication of their overall health. If you have noticed that your dog’s skin is itchy and...

10 Best Dog Bandanas – 2025 Reviews & Top Picks

Dog bandanas are a wardrobe staple for every dog headed out for a walk, a day at the dog park, or on a...

Can Dogs Eat Cauliflower? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

According to the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), cauliflower is the 16th most popular vegetable based on 2022 retail sales.1 After all, you...

Carkie (Cairn Terrier & Yorkshire Terrier Mix): Info, Pictures & Care

Carkies are a cross of two Terrier breeds: the Cairn Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier. While both are popular canines, the Yorkie is...

More related

Is Bringing Your Dog to Festivals a Good Idea? Risks & Tips

We love our dogs so much that we want to share every happy experience with them. Many people like to take their dogs...

Is a Cane Corso Hypoallergenic? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Sadly, the Cane Corso isn’t hypoallergenic. However, no dog is truly hypoallergenic—at least as far as science is concerned.1 All dogs produce some...

Why Does My Dog Eat My Hair? 10 Possible Reasons (Vet-Reviewed)

Ever caught your canine companion munching on your hair and wondered why? It’s not a gourmet meal, after all. This behavior, while strange...

How Often Should You Bathe a Puppy? Vet-Recommended Frequency & Bathing Guide

Getting a new puppy can be really exciting, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. On top of feeding and playing...

Keep reading

6 Top Seeds for Dogs: Vet-Approved Healthy & Nutritious Options

Seeds are popular snacks, especially among health enthusiasts, due to their dense nutritional value. Naturally, some people wonder if they’re also safe for dogs. Many seeds are safe for dogs in moderation, but certain ones can be dangerous. Keep reading...

fresh sunflower seeds

Can Dogs Eat Cream of Wheat? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts & FAQ

The grain-free diet craze is dying down among pet owners, leading some to wonder if dogs can eat grain products like Cream of Wheat. While it’s best to avoid table food for your dog and stick to a balanced commercial...

Can Dogs Eat Cream of Wheat

10 Best Bowls for Small Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Finding the perfect bowl for a small dog will be different for every owner because, apart from their size, every small dog differs from the next. We can all agree that some of our needs overlap; the perfect bowl is...

French bulldog eating from a bowl

SquarePet Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary SquarePet dog food is produced and sold by a small, family-owned American company. The recipes are all manufactured exclusively at the company’s plant in Minnesota. SquarePet is known for its focus on simple recipes and developing non-prescription specialty...

Dogster_SquarePet Dog Food Review

Shameless Pets Dog Treats Review 2025: Our Expert’s Opinion

Review Summary Shameless Pets is a pet food company that makes both dog and cat treats out of upcycled ingredients — meaning they use surplus and misfit produce (think jumbo blueberries and leftover post-Halloween pumpkins) to make their products. This...

Dogster_Shameless Pets Dog Treats Review

5 Vet-Approved Carob Dog Treat Recipes to Make at Home

You know chocolate is toxic to canines, so giving it to your pup is out of the question. But sometimes those begging eyes are so hard to resist! However, while you can’t feed your dog real chocolate, you can feed...

Carob chocolates for dogs

5 Safe Chews for Dogs: How to Choose the Right Dog Chews (Vet Approved)

No one would argue that dogs love to chew! It seems to be one of their favorite daily activities. Since it’s something that they do so frequently, you may think that they have an iron stomach and can chew up...

Golden Retriever holding a chew

What Does Mold on Dog Food Look Like? Vet-Verified Facts & Prevention Tips

Manufacturing and distributing dog food is a complex process that requires many steps. While pet food companies have food safety and quality assurance protocols, incidents can still occur that may cause mold on dog food. Or sometimes, the moldy dog...

dog food with mold in a bowl