Yorkinese Hybrid Dogs

The Yorkinese is a toy hybrid dog that is a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Pekingese. They are a well built small sized dog that typically matures at under 10 pounds, with many not weighing more than 6-8 pounds. Despite their diminutive size they are athletic and active dogs that love to play but also enjoy cuddling and spending time with the owners.

The Yorkinese has a moderately long coat that can be a variety of colors from fawns and tan colors with black markings through to browns, reddish sable colors or even black and tan. Typically the coat is double with a fair amount of volume, but not as much as a purebred Pekingese. Some of the Yorkinese dog types may have a longer coat, more typical of the Yorkie. White markings may be seen on the muzzle, face and chest however they are typically minimal and not seen on other parts of the body. The tail is carried high or curled over the back and is well plumed. The legs, especially the hind legs, tend to have a lot of fringe that may be prone to tangling if not routinely brushed.

The muzzle is moderately long, eliminating some the respiratory problems associated with the very short muzzled Pekingese breed. The eyes are round and dark, alert and very much focused on what is going on around them. The ears are turned over and well fringed, blending into the longer hair on the side of the face. The ruff may be slightly longer than the rest of the coat and the neck and chest are well balanced for the size of the dog.

The Yorkinese is one of the hybrid breeds that does very well with adults, the elderly and older children but is not recommended for families with very young children. These dogs are rather sensitive to teasing or rough play and therefore may not fit well with young children that cannot understand how to interact with a toy type dog. In addition both parent breeds may have a tendency to be rather dominant and territorial, however with routine training and socialization this is not a concern.

The Yorkinese will bond closely with the family and is both playful and active but also very affectionate and loving. They will be good watchdogs and will bark when strangers approach. Some may have a tendency to become problem barkers if not trained to stop on command. Often the Yorkinese will be somewhat aloof with strangers and may not appreciate new dogs or pets within the house until properly introduced and socialized.

Despite its longer hair this canine hybrid is relatively easy to groom and the coat requires brushing once every two to three days to stay looking in great shape. As a breed they may be prone to chills and colds so only wet bathe when necessary and make sure that the dog is completely dry before being let outside in even cooler temperatures. Carefully clean around the eyes and in the outer ears and watch for any signs of infections or discharge that could signal bacterial infections.

Tooth decay is common with a Yorkinese so a healthy dental hygiene routine needs to be started as soon as possible. Avoid feeding sugary or fatty foods and try to stay with high quality toy dog kibble that will help keep the teeth and gums healthy. Some Yorkinese may be finicky eaters and will choose treats and human food over dog food. It is important to eliminate these types of unhealthy items from the dog's diet right from the start.

Clubs and Registries:

• ACHC
• DRA
• ICA
• UABR
• APRI
• CKC

by Julie-Ann Amos, professional writer, and owner of international writing agency www.ExquisiteWriting.com

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