Are you looking for an adorable and tiny companion?
Then it would be perfect if you considered a Chorkie.
So now the question comes to your mind what a Chorkie is?
A Chorkie is an energetic dog and a cross between a Chihuahua and a purebred Yorkshire Terrier (or Yorkie).
As for the status of Chorkie, it is a mixed-breed dog, so its appearance also varies.
Outgoing, playful, and devoted, these small and cute pups inherited some of the best traits from their parents.
The other names of Chorkie are Yorkiechi, Yorkie-chi, Yorkchi, Chiyorkie, York-chi, Chiorkie, and York Chi.
As a designer breed, their status is unfortunate to find them in breed-specific rescues and shelters.
Therefore, always remember to adopt them. Don’t shop!
Chorkies are the best-recommended pet for the family.
They are quite loving and incredibly loyal and sweet.
They can thrive in any home and make a strong bond with humans.
The human companionship which they possess is very dedicated and intense.
These dogs love to snuggle up on the laps of their family members if they are reading a book or watching something on TV like a movie or their favorite show.
Size and Color
Chorkie coat colors include black, brown, yellow, gold, white, fawn, red, etc.
The Chorkies are an excellent addition to any home.
Chorkies are tiny dogs, and their weight is not more than 9 pounds.
Similarly, some also weigh only 5 pounds.
Their height measurement is only 6 and 9 inches at the shoulder.
History of Chorkie
Before identifying where the Chorkie comes from, it is better to know where the two parents breed.
To properly understand Chorkie, learning about the Chihuahua and the Yorkshire Terrier is necessary.
There are different stories about Chihuahua origin.
However, the most common theory is that they are descended from the Techichi.
This dog is famous in the Toltec civilization in Mexico.
It is popular as a companion dog.
This breed is named for the state of Chihuahua in Mexico, as they are commonly found there.
They were the source of food for a civilization that is now modern-day Mexico.
Apart from that, they also hunt rats and other animals.
It is believed that During the 19th century, in Yorkshire, England, the Yorkshire Terrier was developed.
The previous records indicate that the migrants from Scotland brought with them these miniature terriers to England.
So now, after understanding Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier, it is an apparent thought: where does the Chorkie come from?
The origin story has no definite record, but its breeding began in North America in the early 1990s.
Chorkies are voted the smallest dog breed in America.
This mixed-breed dog’s popularity has risen in recent years, and it is suitable for people who like the compact size and travels often.
Below are the names of those clubs that recognize Chorkie.
- The Designer Dogs Kennel Club
- American Canine Hybrid Club
- Dog Registry of America
- The International Designer Canine Registry
- The Designer Breed Registry
Personality and Temperament of Chorkie:
The Chorkie is a fantastic dog with large eyes, erect ears, and a small head.
Some have a long silky coat like a Yorkie, while others have a short, coarse coat like the Chihuahua.
Most of the Chorkies have the coat coloration of the Yorkshire Terrier.
They also have tan markings on their face and feet and a black coat.
Chorkie has a lively attitude with an attractive coat. They are upbeat little dogs with a lot of positive energy.
Moreover, they are super friendly with others and get along with children well.
Due to their Yorkshire Terrier heritage, they may be protected as well.
The Chorkie personality traits and temperament are similar to either or both parent breeds.
Both Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers are confident and energetic but sometimes stubborn as they are loyal to owners to be aggressive with a stranger to them.
Many Chorkies barks, which comes from the Chihuahua parent character of barking anytime, and this is a way of alerting their owners of any suspicious activity.
They feel the need to bark.
Therefore, keeping them on a dog leash if you are walking is recommended.
Socializing a Chorkie
Socialization is essential, and Chorkie is outgoing and playful.
The owner’s responsibility is to tell them that they are not the only animal on the planet, bringing them down to earth a little bit.
Try to train them to socialize from a younger age.
As a result, they will be able to relate to and accept other dogs and humans.
Introducing your pup to various animals and humans, especially children, is essential.
Take them to puppy classes, dog parks, and a regular walk. Unfortunately, boredom in dogs leads them towards destructive habits.
Through socialization, they will be able to learn some etiquette and will avoid bad habits.
Chorkie’s Eating Habits
Although their size is small, they eat a lot.
Chorkies are more prone to obesity.
Therefore, it is better to monitor their food intake and body condition.
Take the instructions from your veterinarian about the diet of Chorkies.
From pet food manufacturers, you can also follow the serving-size recommendations.
Based on the age of the pet and activity level, the dog owners should appropriately tailor the diet.
In terms of dental health, owners are recommended that it is better to take dry food instead of wet food.
Health Problems in Chorkies
The mixed-breed dog has fewer health issues as compared to the other pure breeds, but Chorkies are still prone to health problems.
They inherit these problems from their purebred parents.
Obesity is a significant health issue in Chorkies.
Apart from that, they suffer from hypoglycemia which is the condition of low blood sugar.
Some other problems include Patellar luxation, which means knee cap dislocation, and might suffer from different allergies.
Chorkies life expectancy is long, and they can live between 13 and 15 years.
Chorkie Care as a Pet
Grooming, exercising, and training are the three critical factors that owners must follow for the purpose of taking care of their Chorkies.
Grooming:
Regular grooming is always good for Chorkies appearance and overall well-being.
Brushing and grooming them will help you to make a strong connection with them.
Grooming will also keep them happy, healthy, and delighted.
Their recent activities, coat type, and length will determine how often the owner should groom them.
Remove the mats, tangles, and knots, and then brush the Chorkie.
Bath and rinse them with shampoo and conditioner.
It is also necessary to brush their teeth properly and trim their toenails.
There are many benefits of grooming the Chorkie, some of which are listed below.
- Healthier coats that shed less
- Look and smell better
- Prevents matting
- Become better in health
- Reduces the chances of ear infections
- It prevents skin problems and any other allergies
- After grooming, they look more attractive and stylish
Exercise:
Despite their diminutive size, they got a huge bundle of energy and needed a lot of exercise.
Exercise helps them to remain in a balanced state of mind.
However, they will get the required amount of activity as they play in the house, but they should take them on short daily walks outside.
This will provide mental stimulation, and they can enjoy nature.
As a result, it helps them to lead balanced and healthy lives.
By going outside, they will explore different things and can socialize with other dogs and animals.
Instead of playing indoor games, daily walks and jogging are more beneficial for Chorkies.
Training:
Chorkies are highly trainable, just like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers.
They are smart enough to easily pick their owners’ commands as they are the offspring of two small, spirited dogs.
Chorkies are stubborn streaks, so training them requires a lot of patience.
You need to follow a healthy and proper routine and rely on positive reinforcement methods to teach them.
Excessive punishment is abuse; no dog deserves this, so dog owners must avoid negative reinforcement.
Reward-based training is suitable for Chorkies and also try to avoid harsh tones with them.
If you are frustrated, you will not be able to train your dog correctly.
Affectionate Little Dogs
Chorkies are affectionate little dogs and love to go everywhere with humans.
These dogs are versatile, and perfect for condos, apartments, and larger homes with fenced-in yards.
Chorkies are friendly with children, but parents must take special care when introducing them to their kids.
Chorkies can tolerate the warm weather, but they become uncomfortable in cold weather.
To make them stylish, you can stock some coats and sweaters for them to wear in the cold.
Because of their low-shedding tendencies, they are a good choice for allergy sufferers.