How long does a Yorkie Australian Shepherd Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 12–15 years, the midpoint of the Yorkshire Terrier (11–15 years) and the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years).

Is a Yorkie Australian Shepherd Mix easy to train?

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

Home › Yorkshire Terrier › Yorkie Australian Shepherd Mix

Yorkie Australian Shepherd Mix

A Yorkie Australian Shepherd mix is a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Australian Shepherd. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 20–35 lb and live 12–15 years.

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

Australian Shepherd, a purebred dog — Australian ShepherdPhoto: Christoph Aeschlimann, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

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

Weight20–35 lbcan be 4–65 lb

Height12–16 inat the shoulder

Lifespan12–15 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Yorkie Australian Shepherd Mix get?

Yorkshire Terrier4–7 lb

The mix20–35 lb

Australian Shepherd40–65 lb

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

Height runs 12–16 inches at the shoulder, against 7–8 in for the Yorkshire Terrier and 18–23 in for the Australian Shepherd. The parents differ a lot in size, so litters vary more than usual. Breeders normally use the larger breed as the mother to keep whelping safe.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Very low to moderate

Yorkshire Terrier has a 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

High

Plan on long daily walks plus real exercise, such as running, fetch or a sport. A yard alone will not tire this dog out.

Trainability

Very low to very high

The Yorkshire Terrier rates very low and the Australian Shepherd very high; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low to very high

Brush a couple of times a week.

Temperament

The Yorkshire Terrier is usually described as affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish. The Australian Shepherd as smart, work-oriented, exuberant. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Yorkie vs Australian Shepherd vs the mix

Trait	Yorkshire Terrier	Yorkie Australian Shepherd Mix	Australian Shepherd
Weight	4–7 lb	20–35 lb	40–65 lb
Height	7–8 in	12–16 in	18–23 in
Lifespan	11–15 yr	12–15 yr	12–15 yr
Shedding	very low	very low to moderate	moderate
Energy	moderate	high	high
Group	Toy	mixed	Herding

Questions about the Yorkie Australian Shepherd Mix

How big does a Yorkie Australian Shepherd Mix get?: Most grow to 20–35 pounds and 12–16 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 4–65 pounds.
How long does a Yorkie Australian Shepherd Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 12–15 years, the midpoint of the Yorkshire Terrier (11–15 years) and the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years).
Does a Yorkie Australian Shepherd Mix shed?: Shedding is very low to moderate. Yorkshire Terrier has a 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 Yorkie Australian Shepherd Mix easy to train?: Trainability is very low to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Yorkie mixes

Other Australian Shepherd mixes

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