As a mixed-breed dog, the Yorkie Poo’s coat and appearance vary depending on the genes passed down by their parents. The Yorkie Poo is a small breed that comes in two sizes: Toy and Mini, depending on what size Poodle they’re bred from. The small pups may inherit fluffy coats, floppy ears, and a variety of colors from either of their parent breeds.

Like many mixed-breed dogs, Yorkie Poos have a long lifespan of 10 to 15 years. However, individual lifespans can vary based on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, healthcare, and overall lifestyle. Providing proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can help dogs of all breeds live long and healthy lives.

Some Yorkie Poos have the same bi-colored black and tan coats as their Yorkie parents, while others are solid colors, including white, black, brown, apricot, red, or silver, like their Poodle parents. Their coloring depends on their parents’ coloring.

The average Yorkie Poo weighs between five and 15 pounds and stands between 7 and 15 inches tall. The size of a mature Yorkie Poo depends on whether the Yorkshire Terrier, which weighs six to eight pounds, is crossed with a Miniature Poodle or a Toy Poodle.

Yes, Yorkie Poos shed, but they are considered a low-shedding breed; go ahead and ditch the lint roller. Whether the dogs have long silken hair like Yorkies or soft curls like Poodles, the mixed breed requires regular grooming. Expect to brush a Yorkie Poo two to three times a week — and keep the groomer’s number on speed dial because dogs with Poodle-like curls will need a professional trim every six to eight weeks.

Yes, Yorkie Poos make wonderful companion dogs for older kids because their outgoing, energetic personalities mean that they are often eager playmates, but parents should teach all kids to be gentle with all dogs, regardless of breed or size. With rough handling, Yorkie Poos in particular might get defensive. As with any breed, children should always be supervised when interacting with Yorkie Poos to keep everyone safe.

Yes, Yorkie Poos are a peaceful breed without a strong prey drive and often happily coexist with cats; it helps that cats are often bigger than most Yorkie Poos and don’t pose much of a threat. Of course, each dog (and cat) has their own preferences and temperament, but if properly socialized with cats, especially at a young age, they should get along well.

Yes, Yorkie Poos are friendly. These are typically smart, active, outgoing dogs who are extremely loyal and devoted companions. Yorkie Poos will thrive in homes that offer lots of activities in which they are the center of attention.

With their small size and fun-loving personalities, Yorkie Poos do well in apartments as long as they get daily exercise. Just because the Yorkie Poo doesn’t need a lot of exercise doesn’t mean they don’t need any — or that they don’t enjoy playtime. Yorkie Poo dogs would thrive in agility, obedience, or other activities where they can bond with their person.

Yes, Yorkie Poos bark, but the best word to describe Yorkie Poos might be “yappy” instead of “barky.” These little guard dogs have zealous barks and aren’t afraid to sound the alarm when they see unfamiliar faces or hear strange noises. Like all dogs, Yorkie Poos can be discouraged from frequent barking with proper training and exercise.

Yes, Yorkie Poos are good family dogs, but there are some caveats. Just because Yorkie Poos look like stuffed animals and are small enough to be carried around doesn’t mean that they want to be treated like accessories. Yorkie Poos are also brave, stubborn, and protective and happily take on the role of pint-sized protectors of their homes and families.

Yes, Yorkie Poos are as easy to train as most dogs. Poodles are known for being super smart and highly trainable, but Yorkies tend to have stubborn, independent streaks that could make them resistant to following instructions. Creating a consistent training routine that prioritizes positive reinforcement can help these smart, sometimes stubborn, dogs master training. Also, keep in mind that even if a certain dog breed is known to be easy to train, training any dog requires a long-term commitment.

Yes, Yorkie Poos are considered hypoallergenic because both of the parent breeds are considered allergen-friendly, so they may be a good fit for some mild allergy sufferers. However, all dogs produce allergens in their hair, dander, saliva, and even in their pee. So, while there can be no 100 percent hypoallergenic dog breed, “Doodle” breeds, such as Yorkie Poos and Sheepadoodles, are popular because they are low-shedding and believed to be more hypoallergenic.

Yorkie Poos can have some of the same common health issues prone to Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles, including:

• Hypothyroidism: This is a hormonal imbalance that occurs when the thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones and can cause obesity, slow heart rate, and other damaging symptoms.

• Portosystemic shunt (PSS): PSS is an abnormal vein connecting blood from the intestines to the heart, bypassing the liver. It can be congenital or acquired.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA affects the retina and will eventually cause blindness in both eyes. There is no effective treatment to stop PRA.

• Legg-calve-perthes: This condition causes the head of the femur (located in the hind legs) to degenerate. It leads to the erosion of the hip joint over time, causing arthritis, pain, lameness, and limping. Surgery is the most effective treatment.

• Patellar luxation: The condition, also known as slipped kneecaps, occurs when slight abnormalities cause the knee joint to slide in and out of place, causing pain and occasional lameness. Most dogs don’t need treatment, but surgery may be necessary in severe cases. 

• Epilepsy: A seizure condition.

It’s important to remember that even though this breed might have an increased risk for certain health conditions, that doesn’t mean they will develop them. Mixed-breed dogs are often more healthy than purebred dogs because of greater genetic diversity. Your veterinarian can help you keep an eye out for possible health problems with regular check-ups.