How long does a Shorkie live?

A typical lifespan is 10–16 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Yorkshire Terrier (11–15 years).

Is a Shorkie easy to train?

Trainability is very low to moderate, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

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Shorkie

Also searched as Shih Tzu Yorkie Mix

The Shorkie is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier. Most grow into toy-sized dogs of 6–12 lb and live 10–16 years.

Shih Tzu, a purebred dog — Shih TzuPhoto: danny O., CC BY 2.0, source

Yorkshire Terrier, a purebred dog — Yorkshire TerrierPhoto: Gandalfelrojo2, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight6–12 lbcan be 4–16 lb

Height8–9 inat the shoulder

Lifespan10–16 years

SizeToy-sized

How big does a Shorkie get?

Shih Tzu9–16 lb

The mix6–12 lb

Yorkshire Terrier4–7 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Shorkie dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 8–9 inches at the shoulder, against 9–10.5 in for the Shih Tzu and 7–8 in for the Yorkshire Terrier.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Very low

Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier have low-shedding coat, so some puppies shed little. It is not guaranteed: coat type varies even within one litter, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic.

Energy

Moderate

Daily walks and some play are enough for most of these dogs.

Trainability

Very low to moderate

The Shih Tzu rates moderate and the Yorkshire Terrier very low; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Very high

Expect regular brushing and professional grooming every few weeks.

Temperament

The Shih Tzu is usually described as affectionate, playful, outgoing. The Yorkshire Terrier as affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Shih Tzu vs Yorkie vs the mix

Trait	Shih Tzu	Shorkie	Yorkshire Terrier
Weight	9–16 lb	6–12 lb	4–7 lb
Height	9–10.5 in	8–9 in	7–8 in
Lifespan	10–18 yr	10–16 yr	11–15 yr
Shedding	very low	very low	very low
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Toy	mixed	Toy

Questions about the Shorkie

How big does a Shorkie get?: Most grow to 6–12 pounds and 8–9 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 4–16 pounds.
How long does a Shorkie live?: A typical lifespan is 10–16 years, the midpoint of the Shih Tzu (10–18 years) and the Yorkshire Terrier (11–15 years).
Does a Shorkie shed?: Shedding is very low. Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier have low-shedding coat, so some puppies shed little. It is not guaranteed: coat type varies even within one litter, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
Is a Shorkie easy to train?: Trainability is very low to moderate, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Shih Tzu mixes

Other Yorkie mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.