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Discover everything about Shorkie
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Shorkie?
The Essentials at a Glance
The Shorkie is a charming yet unpredictable cross between a companion dog and a terrier — a mix of the easygoing Shih Tzu and the alert Yorkshire Terrier where you're buying a genetic lucky dip from two completely different operating systems.
- Health grade D: The Shorkie combines the health risks of its parent breeds, the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier.
- You're looking for a small, adaptable dog who will also be happy in a city apartment.
- You enjoy integrating short scent games or tricks into daily life — the terrier heritage often demands more mental stimulation than pure lapdog idleness.
- You live in a poorly soundproofed apartment and have sensitive neighbors — both the Shih Tzu and the Yorkie, as former guardians, like to sound the alarm when they hear noises.
At a glance
Shorkie overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Shorkie combines the health risks of its parent breeds, the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier. Relevant health concerns include patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, brachycephalic syndrome, and eye disorders such as cataracts and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye). Due to their anatomical build, respiratory and structural physical stress remain ongoing risks. Health-focused breeding relies on the targeted mating of phenotypically healthy parent dogs and includes screenings for patellar luxation, eye conditions, and heart disease.
See full health info & tests →
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Height
15–25 cm
Weight
3–6 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 900 – 2,000 €
- Coat: long, dense hair
- Origin: USA
Typical coat colors
- black
- white
- brown
- cream
- multicolored
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Shorkie, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Shorkie right for you?
The Shorkie is a charming yet unpredictable cross between a companion dog and a terrier — a mix of the easygoing Shih Tzu and the alert Yorkshire Terrier where you're buying a genetic lucky dip from two completely different operating systems.
Perfect for you if:
- You're looking for a small, adaptable dog who will also be happy in a city apartment.
- You enjoy integrating short scent games or tricks into daily life — the terrier heritage often demands more mental stimulation than pure lapdog idleness.
- You're ready for intensive coat care and regular trips to the groomer, since both parent breeds bring demanding hair with them.
- You spend a lot of time at home and are looking for an affectionate companion who most of all wants to be everywhere with you.
Less ideal if:
- You live in a poorly soundproofed apartment and have sensitive neighbors — both the Shih Tzu and the Yorkie, as former guardians, like to sound the alarm when they hear noises.
- You want to know exactly how active or stubborn your dog will be — with a designer cross, that's pure luck.
- You have small, boisterous children who can't yet gauge the physical boundaries of a very small dog.
- You're looking for a dog who can easily stay home alone for long periods every day without barking out of frustration.
The real vibes check
A Shorkie is like a Kinder Egg on four paws: on some days he throned like an Asian temple dog on the sofa, on others the British ratter awakens inside him and he defends the hallway against the mail carrier. You have to be ready to guide both personalities, because you never know which genetics are currently taking command.
Self-check
Would the Shorkie really fit your life?
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Shorkie fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
Fit checkCost estimateRisk dice
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Breed Profile
The Shorkie is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier, a very small companion dog with a long coat and a friendly, affectionate nature. Like many designer crosses, it is bred without a fixed breed standard, meaning that size and appearance can vary significantly within a single litter. It is primarily intended as a family and apartment dog for owners who spend a lot of time at home.
- Height
- 15 - 23 cm (Female), 18 - 25 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 3 - 6 kg (Female), 3 - 6 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 15 years
- Character
- playful, affectionate, alert, friendly, spirited
- Coat
- long, dense hair
- Coat Color
- black and white, brown and black, cream, multicolored
- Price
- 900 - 2000 €
How much does a Shorkie cost?
A Shorkie costs around ~€190 per month (€100 – €360, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,600 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13.5 years) it comes to about ~€33,570.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€180 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€190
In the first year
~€4,600
Across the dog's life
~€33,570
Purchase from a breeder: €900 – €2,000
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
History
The Shorkie originated, like most toy crossbreeds of this type, in the USA starting in the 2000s from the intentional mating of the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier. The goal was a small, socially compatible companion dog with the dense coat of the Shih Tzu and the temperament of the Yorkshire Terrier. There is no official breeding history or recognition as an independent breed. The Shorkie is one of numerous designer dogs that gained popularity during the trend toward small, fashionable companion dogs.
Original Use
purely a companion dog
Origin
USA
Date
2000
Character & Temperament
Shorkies are sociable, playful, and actively seek closeness with their family. They are alert and quick to bark at unfamiliar noises, making them good but vocal watch alarms. They are often reserved toward strangers until they build trust. Overall, they are considered adaptable, provided their high need for human companionship is met.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Barely any prey drive — small animals trigger nothing. | Very low |
Fun Fact!
Due to the short nose inherited from the Shih Tzu parent, a Shorkie may breathe noticeably louder than a Yorkshire Terrier—an example of how significantly puppies from the very same litter can differ.
What Awaits You
The Shorkie combines the playful, people-oriented nature of the Shih Tzu with the alertness and temperament of the Yorkshire Terrier. Both parent breeds are pure companion dogs with no working background; accordingly, the Shorkie is primarily suited to being close to humans and is not fit for kennel housing. Because the Shih Tzu is bred to be brachycephalic (short-muzzled), this head shape can be passed on to the offspring in varying degrees. Buyers should pay particular attention to the breathing of both the puppy and the parent animals before purchasing. As with all crossbreeds without controlled breeding programs, the outcome of a litter is not fully predictable.
Housing & Care
Due to its small size and manageable exercise needs, the Shorkie is exceptionally well-suited for living in a city apartment. A house with its own yard is not strictly necessary, provided the dog receives sufficient contact with its primary caregivers. It shows average compatibility when interacting with children and other dogs. Because it seeks closeness with its family and barks quickly at unfamiliar noises, introductions to other pets and contact with children should always be carefully supervised.
- Family Friendly
Gets on well with different people and varying routines.
Family-friendly - Child Friendly
Gets on well with children — with adult supervision.
With supervision - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
Small space, noise, lots of people — no problem at all.
Ideal city dog
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
Training a Shorkie requires consistency and patience; while adaptable, it also inherits the temperament and alertness of its parent breeds. Short, varied training sessions are significantly better suited than long, strenuous practice periods to avoid overwhelming the dog. Because this crossbreed is brachycephalic, you must strictly limit exertion and heat in daily life. Excessive play or long walks in warm weather strain the airways. Pay close attention to your dog in day-to-day activities: heavy panting or clearly audible breathing sounds are a clear sign to stop any activity immediately. Arguments against choosing this mix include the fact that health risks from the parent breeds can be passed on and the final outcome of a litter is unpredictable. During training, also ensure you channel its vocal barking into calm behavior early on.
Nutrition & Care
The Shorkie's long coat requires brushing several times a week and is usually trimmed regularly to prevent matting and dirt accumulation around the facial area. The eye area and the folds around the nose should be inspected and cleaned daily. Exercise needs are low to moderate; short walks and play sessions are sufficient. Strenuous activity should be avoided in hot weather due to potential respiratory issues. Their teeth also require regular care due to small breeds' susceptibility to tartar buildup.
| Care Level Daily care is non-negotiable — neglect affects health. | Very high-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
D
Elevated risks
Health grade
The Shorkie combines the health risks of its parent breeds, the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier. Relevant health concerns include patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, brachycephalic syndrome, and eye disorders such as cataracts and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye). Due to their anatomical build, respiratory and structural physical stress remain ongoing risks. Health-focused breeding relies on the targeted mating of phenotypically healthy parent dogs and includes screenings for patellar luxation, eye conditions, and heart disease.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
In daily life this can mean
You should strictly avoid heat, ensure consistent dental care starting from puppyhood, and honestly factor in a higher veterinary budget for potential respiratory or joint treatments.
The breeder's role
Responsible breeders have the parents' knees and eyes checked and pay attention to freer airways — but the fundamental risks of this cross cannot be completely eliminated even then.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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Frequently asked questions about the Shorkie
Is a Shorkie the right dog for me?
The Shorkie is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Shorkie live?
The average life expectancy of a Shorkie is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Shorkie need?
Shorkie grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Shorkie good for families with children?
The Shorkie can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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