The Yorkie Apso is a designer dog that is the result of breeding a Yorkshire Terrier and a Lhasa Apso. Sometimes referred to as Lorkies, these little companions get their looks and characteristics from their parent breeds. They typically reach anywhere from 8 to 11 inches and weigh anywhere between 7 and 18 pounds.

Since both parent breeds have long, silky, human-like hair, the Yorkie Apso will as well. Generally having two or more colors, their coat colors can vary, and they can be any combination of the colors found in their parents including black, white, cream, tan, brown, and blue.

Breed Overview

The Yorkie Apso is a designer dog that is the result of breeding a Yorkshire Terrier and a Lhasa Apso. Sometimes referred to as Lorkies, these little companions get their looks and characteristics from their parent breeds. They typically reach anywhere from 8 to 11 inches and weigh anywhere between 7 and 18 pounds.

Since both parent breeds have long, silky, human-like hair, the Yorkie Apso will as well. Generally having two or more colors, their coat colors can vary, and they can be any combination of the colors found in their parents including black, white, cream, tan, brown, and blue.

While there is a little history behind the Yorkie Apso, both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Lhasa Apso have made their imprint in human history. It’s estimated that this playful, outgoing mix between the two first made an appearance between 20 and 30 years ago. With designer dogs growing increasingly popular, you can expect these little dogs to grow in popularity as well.

Yorkie Apso is a loveable little companion with the typical stubborn streak found in most little dogs. They are a great choice for apartment dwellers and those in smaller urban housing due to their small size and more low-maintenance exercise regime.

Yorkie Apso Characteristics

Yorkie Apso Puppies

Bringing home a new dog is a serious commitment and a decision that must not be made lightly. You need to ensure you are financially prepared and have the time and dedication to meet your dog’s needs. Since dogs are not a one-size-fits-all companion, you will need to find out what kind of dog would be best suited for you and your lifestyle.

Yorkie Apsos can make great little companions, but they can be very stubborn and difficult to train, are prone to “small dog syndrome,” and tend to suffer from separation anxiety. These dogs do not do well alone and may do best in a home where at least one of the family members is home most of the time. They can become severely distressed when left alone, which can result in unwanted, destructive behaviors.

Their tendency to exhibit small dog syndrome will require you to begin training as soon as possible. Most owners tend to baby smaller dogs, giving them the impression, they are the alpha. This can result in unpleasant behaviors such as asserting dominance over humans and other animals, not listening, begging for food, barking excessively, and even growling and becoming nippy when displeased.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Yorkie Apso

Like both parent breeds, the Yorkie Apso is loving and affectionate. They will want to be in their owner’s company at all times and can even suffer from severe separation anxiety when apart from their people. For this reason, they make great companions for the elderly and those that are home frequently.

While they are outgoing and playful, they will also be happy to spend the day snuggled up in your lap. They are very loyal and will form a tight, lifelong bond with their person, offering them a dog-shaped shadow that will follow wherever they go.

Yorkie Apsos are very intelligent and like to be the center of attention. They will stop at nothing to keep the attention focused on them, which can be quite entertaining. They can be aloof with strangers and will prefer their immediate family. They are no strangers to barking and alerting to the presence of visitors or strangers.

While they come with a lot of smarts, they are equally as stubborn and surprisingly difficult to train. This designer dog will require training and obedience to begin early and remain consistent. Owners will need to be firm leaders and provide positive reinforcement. Not only is obedience training a challenge, but potty training can also be especially difficult with Yorkie Apsos.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

Yorkie Apsos can make good family pets under the right circumstances. They do better in homes with older children, as they tend to be less tolerant of younger children and can growl and become nippy if they are overstimulated or uncomfortable. Proper training and socialization are key to a successful family dog.

Since these dogs don’t do well on their own for long periods and tend to exhibit separation anxiety, they may not do best with busy families that are always on the go. Yorkie Apsos will be much happier in a home with at least one person that is there most of the time.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Yorkie Apsos have the potential to get along with other dogs and household pets if they are properly socialized from puppyhood. Since this designer breed is so focused on being the center of attention, they may not take well to others that require that attention.

Yorkie Apsos can also exhibit small dog syndrome and may become aggressive and domineering to other dogs. Their ego tends to be much larger than their tiny, fragile bodies and you will want to use caution, especially if this behavior is geared toward larger dogs that can cause them harm.

Raising a Yorkie Apso from puppyhood with other pets in the household has the best chance of success since older dogs may exhibit jealousy and have a harder time adjusting to new family members.

Things to Know When Owning a Yorkie Apso:

Food & Diet Requirements

Yorkie Apsos will require a high-quality, balanced diet that is geared toward small breeds and appropriate for their age, size, and level of activity. These little dogs can be prone to obesity, you need to avoid feeding human foods or any table scraps and avoid overfeeding or giving too many treats.

Discussing food and diet requirements with your veterinarian will help ensure you are providing your Yorkie Apso with the best nutrition for a long, happy, and healthy life.

Exercise

The exercise needs for a Yorkie Apsos are not intense like some other dogs. While they can be very playful and full of energy, they do not require a lot of exercise and will do fine with short walks, fetch, or some playtime in the yard. These small dogs will need a secure fence if they are let out to play in the yard, their size and curiosity make for great escape artistry.

Because of their small size and low-maintenance exercise needs, they tend to make great companions for those with mobility issues or senior citizens that have a harder time getting around.

Training

The owner of a Yorkie Apso will need to have the time and patience for this difficult-to-train pup. Their stubbornness and typical small dog tendencies will make them quite the challenge to train.

It is highly recommended that owners begin training as early as possible and remain firm and consistent. Positive reinforcement and short, fun training sessions are the best methods for training these intelligent little dogs.

Because they are highly devoted to their owners and are predisposed to developing separation anxiety, it’s best to get them on your routine from an early age to prevent the destructive, unwanted behaviors that come along with separation anxiety. If you feel your Yorkie Apso is exhibiting separation anxiety, it’s best to contact your veterinarian for assistance.

Grooming ✂️

Yorkie Apsos, like their parent breeds, are higher on the maintenance list when it comes to grooming. Their long, silky hair can be prone to tangling and matting so daily brushing is recommended.

Keeping their coat cut short can help with overall coat maintenance and if you are unfamiliar with dog grooming, you may want to have a professional groomer on standby.

Generally, it’s best to bathe a Yorkie Apso at least once a month to prevent smells and keep their coat fresh and clean. Get them familiar with nail trimmings from a young age, as this will be a necessary part of the grooming regime.

Keeping their teeth brushed several times a week is recommended since small dogs are prone to dental disease if they get too much plaque and build-up. Frequently checking their ears and eyes and wiping them clean as needed will help prevent ear infections or staining around the eyes.

Health and Conditions

Hybrid dogs tend to exhibit fewer genetic disorders and health conditions than their purebred parents but can still be at risk for some of the issues the parent breeds face. Both the Yorkshire Terrier and Lhasa Apso are hearty, long-lived breeds but there are some things to be on the lookout for. Responsible breeders will health test their dogs and do their best to avoid passing down any conditions to their litters.

Male vs Female

With varying weight and height that is dependent on which parent they take after, male and female Yorkie Apsos come in various sizes. While overall, male dogs tend to be slightly larger than their female counterparts, it typically isn’t the case for designer breeds.

Males cost less to neuter since the surgery is not as extensive as spaying a female. Getting your Yorkie Apso spayed or neutered early can help prevent any unwanted behaviors that come with full sexual maturity. Since they are already difficult to train, getting ahead of these behaviors is important.

You should always speak with your veterinarian about the pros and cons of getting your dog altered. Not only does it offer behavioral benefits, but some long-term health benefits as well.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Yorkie Apso

1. The Yorkie Apso Has Designer Recognition

The Yorkie Apso may not be purebred, but they have received recognition from five different designer dog registries:

2. The Lhasa Apso Has a Long Past

Traced back to Tibet in 800 A.D., the Lhasa Apso is an old breed with a long history. Lhasa Apsos lived in Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayan Mountains as companions that would alert any visitors or intruders. barking to alert intruders or new arrivals. The breed was not brought to America until the 1930s when they were offered as gifts from the Dalai Lama.

3. Yorkshire Terriers Were Bred for Pest Control

The Yorkshire Terrier was originally developed in 19^th century Yorkshire, England for hunting rats. Their small size was convenient for getting into dens, burrows, and other small spaces where vermin dwelled. It wasn’t until the Victorian Era that the breed changed from the primary purpose of hunting and ratting into the companion dogs they still are to this day.

Conclusion

While the Yorkie Apso has only been around for a short period, its popularity is growing along with other designer dog breeds. This hybrid is small with a very large personality. Their stubbornness and difficulty with training may not be for the faint of heart. They do want constant company and are predisposed to separation anxiety so you will need to ensure they fit your lifestyle.

They may be aloof with strangers but will be fiercely devoted, loving, and outgoing with their owners. They have low exercise needs and make great pets for apartment dwellers and those that are home most of the time. If you’re prepared to combat small dog syndrome and want a loyal little friend to snuggle up on your lap after a long day, the Yorkie Apso may be the perfect choice for you.

See also:

• Dogo Argentino: Dog Breed Info, Pictures, Facts & Traits
• Barbet Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Facts, & Traits

Featured Image Credit: pfluegler photo, Shutterstock