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Yorkipoo Dog Breed Guide

๐Ÿ“ Origin: United States (developed in the 1990s as a Yorkshire Terrier and Toy or Miniature Poodle cross)

The Yorkipoo is a designer hybrid cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy or Miniature Poodle, bred primarily in the United States since the 1990s. It is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, and traits such as coat type, size, and temperament can vary considerably even within the same litter.

๐Ÿ—“ Last updated: June 2026 ยท ๐Ÿฉบ Veterinary reviewed
Yorkipoo dog breed
Photo via Wikimedia Commons
๐Ÿ“‹ Quick Summary
BreedYorkipoo
SizeToy (3โ€“7 lbs)
Height7โ€“10 inches
Lifespan10โ€“15 years
TemperamentAffectionate, Playful, Alert
Energy LevelHighโ—โ—โ—โ—โ—‹
Good With Kidsโœ… Yes
GroomingHigh Maintenance
TrainingVery Good
SheddingLight
Best ForBeginners & Families
Energy
4/5
Trainability
4/5
Grooming
4/5
Shedding
2/5
โœ“ Kids โœ“ Other Pets โœ“ Apartments

๐Ÿ• Yorkipoo Overview

Yorkipoos are small, energetic dogs that typically combine the alert and feisty personality of the Yorkshire Terrier with the intelligence and low-shedding coat tendency of the Poodle. Because they are a first-generation or multi-generation hybrid, individual dogs can lean more toward one parent breed in both looks and behavior, so prospective owners should be prepared for some unpredictability. They generally adapt well to apartment living, bond closely with their families, and can do well with children and other pets when properly socialized from an early age.

๐Ÿ“œ History & Origin

The Yorkipoo emerged in the United States during the late 1990s as part of a broader wave of Poodle-mix designer breeds intended to produce small companion dogs with reduced shedding. Breeders crossed Yorkshire Terriers with Toy or Miniature Poodles hoping to combine the Yorkshire Terrier's lively personality with the Poodle's trainability and coat qualities. Unlike established breeds, the Yorkipoo has no breed standard or registering body, and breeding practices vary widely from responsible small breeders to high-volume commercial operations, making health and temperament consistency less predictable than in purebred dogs.

๐Ÿ‘€ Size & Appearance

๐Ÿถ Male

  • Weight: 3โ€“7 lbs (1โ€“3 kg)
  • Height: 7โ€“10 inches (18โ€“25 cm)

๐Ÿ• Female

  • Weight: 3โ€“6 lbs
  • Height: 7โ€“9 inches

Coat type: Wavy to curly, low-to-moderate shedding, soft texture; coat type varies between puppies depending on which parent they take after

Colors: Black and TanCreamApricotSilverWhiteParti

๐Ÿง  Temperament & Behaviour

AffectionatePlayfulAlertCuriousPeople-Oriented
โœ…

With Children

Yorkipoos are generally excellent with children. Their patient, gentle nature makes them reliable family companions. Always supervise interactions with very young children.

โœ…

With Other Dogs & Pets

Generally sociable with other dogs and pets when properly socialised from puppyhood. Early introductions are recommended.

๐Ÿƒ Exercise Needs

30 mins/day

Yorkipoos are high-energy dogs that require at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. This includes brisk walks, off-leash running, fetch, or swimming. Without adequate exercise, they can become destructive or develop behavioural problems.

โœ… Apartment living: Possible with adequate daily exercise commitment.

๐Ÿ— Food & Diet Guide

๐Ÿถ Puppy (8 weeks โ€“ 12 months)

  • Feed a large/medium breed puppy formula
  • 3โ€“4 small meals per day up to 6 months
  • Reduce to 2โ€“3 meals from 6 months onward
  • Look for AAFCO "complete and balanced for growth" statement
  • Avoid overfeeding โ€” controlled growth prevents joint issues

๐Ÿ• Adult (Yorkipoo)

  • Daily amount: 0.25 to 0.5 cups split into 2 meals of quality dry kibble
  • Split into 2 meals per day
  • Choose AAFCO-compliant food for adult maintenance
  • Monitor weight monthly โ€” adjust portions as needed
  • โš ๏ธ High obesity risk โ€” measure portions carefully
โš ๏ธ Obesity Warning: Yorkipoos are prone to weight gain. Overfeeding can worsen joint problems and reduce lifespan. Use a measuring cup โ€” never free-feed.

Always consult your veterinarian for a feeding plan specific to your dog's age, weight, and health status.

๐Ÿ… Training Guide

Trainability: โ—โ—โ—โ—โ—‹ Very Good
โœ…

Basic Commands

Start sit, stay, come, and leave it from day one. Positive reinforcement with treats works best. Keep sessions to 5โ€“10 minutes.

๐Ÿšฝ

Toilet Training

Take puppy outside every 2 hours and immediately after meals, play, and sleep. Reward immediately after they go outside.

๐Ÿฆฎ

Leash Training

Start with a flat collar and short sessions. Reward loose-leash walking. A front-clip harness helps dogs that pull.

๐Ÿค

Socialisation

Expose to different people, sounds, and environments between 8โ€“16 weeks. This is the critical window for confident adult behaviour.

โœ‚๏ธ Grooming

Grooming Needs: โ—โ—โ—โ—โ—‹ High Maintenance  |  Shedding: โ—โ—โ—‹โ—‹โ—‹ Light
๐Ÿชฎ

Brushing

Daily brushing required to prevent matting and tangles.

๐Ÿ›

Bathing

Bath every 4โ€“6 weeks or when dirty. Over-bathing strips natural coat oils.

๐Ÿ’…

Nail Trimming

Trim nails every 3โ€“4 weeks. If you hear clicking on hard floors, they are too long.

๐Ÿ‘‚

Ear Cleaning

Check ears weekly for redness, odour, or discharge. Clean gently with a vet-approved ear cleaner.

๐Ÿฉบ Health Problems

โš•๏ธ Disclaimer: Always consult your veterinarian for breed-specific health screening. This is general guidance only.
Patellar luxation

Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.

Portosystemic shunt (liver shunt)

Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar, especially in puppies)

Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease

Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.

Progressive retinal atrophy

Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.

Dental overcrowding and periodontal disease

Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.

Preventive Health Tips

  • Annual vet checkups (twice yearly for dogs over 7)
  • Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date
  • Maintain a healthy weight โ€” obesity worsens most conditions
  • Ask your breeder for OFA/PennHIP health clearances on parents

โฑ Lifespan

10โ€“15 years

The average Yorkipoo lifespan is 10โ€“15 years. Smaller breeds often live longer than larger breeds. Individual lifespan depends heavily on genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.

Tips for a Longer, Healthier Life

  • Feed a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for age and size
  • Maintain a healthy weight throughout life
  • Regular exercise matched to age and health status
  • Annual vet visits for early detection of health issues
  • Dental care โ€” dental disease affects overall health significantly

๐Ÿ’ท Puppy Price

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ

United States

$1,000 โ€“ $2,550

Pedigree AKC-registered puppy from health-tested parents

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ

Europe

โ‚ฌ950 โ€“ โ‚ฌ2,350

Pedigree FCI-registered puppy from health-tested parents

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง

United Kingdom

ยฃ800 โ€“ ยฃ2,000

Pedigree KC-registered puppy from health-tested parents

Estimated Monthly Cost (UK)

Food~ยฃ42/mo
Vet / Insurance~ยฃ42/mo
Grooming~ยฃ18/mo
Accessories / Misc~ยฃ18/mo
Total Estimate~ยฃ120/mo

Prices vary by breeder, location, and pedigree quality. Always buy from a health-tested, reputable breeder โ€” never from puppy farms.

โš–๏ธ Pros & Cons

โœ… Pros

  • Singles and couples in apartments or small homes
  • Retirees and seniors wanting a gentle lapdog companion
  • Families with older children who handle dogs gently
  • First-time dog owners willing to commit to grooming and training
  • Excellent with children
  • Suitable for first-time owners

โŒ Cons

  • Families with very young toddlers who may handle the dog too roughly
  • Owners who want a predictable, standardized breed with consistent traits
  • Requires significant daily exercise
  • High grooming maintenance and cost
  • Prone to obesity โ€” portion control essential

๐Ÿ†š Yorkipoo vs Other Breeds

Yorkipoo vs Yorkshire Terrier See Yorkshire Terrier Guide โ†’

โœ… Yorkipoo wins at

Yorkipoos often shed less and may be slightly more trainable thanks to Poodle influence, making them a gentler fit for first-time owners.

โœ… Yorkshire Terrier wins at

Yorkshire Terriers are a fully standardized AKC-recognized breed, so temperament, size, and health risks are far more predictable from puppy to adult.

๐Ÿ’ก Verdict: Choose a Yorkipoo if lower shedding and beginner trainability matter most; choose a Yorkshire Terrier if you want breed consistency and access to health-tested pedigree lines.
Yorkipoo vs Maltipoo See Maltipoo Guide โ†’

โœ… Yorkipoo wins at

Yorkipoos tend to be slightly more alert and spirited, which appeals to owners who want a small dog with a bit more personality and watchdog instinct.

โœ… Maltipoo wins at

Maltipoos are generally considered softer in temperament and slightly more tolerant with very young children and strangers due to the calmer Maltese influence.

๐Ÿ’ก Verdict: Both are popular Poodle hybrids with similar care needs; pick the Yorkipoo for more spark and the Maltipoo for a gentler, more laid-back companion.

๐Ÿ  Who Should Own a Yorkipoo?

โœ… Great Choice If You Are:

  • Singles and couples in apartments or small homes
  • Retirees and seniors wanting a gentle lapdog companion
  • Families with older children who handle dogs gently
  • First-time dog owners willing to commit to grooming and training
  • A family with children
  • A first-time dog owner

โŒ Consider Another Breed If:

  • Families with very young toddlers who may handle the dog too roughly
  • Owners who want a predictable, standardized breed with consistent traits
  • You have a very sedentary lifestyle

โ“ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Yorkipoo good for families?

Yorkipoos can be good family dogs when raised with proper socialization, but they are best suited to families with older children who know how to handle small dogs gently, since their tiny size makes them vulnerable to accidental injury from rough play. They are affectionate and enjoy being part of family activities, forming strong bonds with all members of the household. Because they are a hybrid breed, individual temperament can vary, so spending time with a puppy before committing and meeting the parent dogs if possible is always a smart approach.

How much does a Yorkipoo puppy cost?

In the United Kingdom, Yorkipoo puppies from responsible breeders typically cost between 800 and 2,000 pounds depending on lineage, coat quality, and breeder reputation. In Pakistan, prices generally range from around 50,000 to 150,000 Pakistani rupees, though availability is limited and buyers should verify breeder credibility carefully. In India, expect to pay roughly 30,000 to 80,000 Indian rupees, with prices varying by city and breeder, and it is important to avoid pet shops or importers offering suspiciously low prices as these often signal poor welfare standards.

Is Yorkipoo easy to train?

Yorkipoos are generally considered above-average in trainability, inheriting the Poodle's eagerness to please and quick learning ability alongside the Yorkshire Terrier's alert and curious nature. Positive reinforcement using small treats and consistent short sessions works best, as they can develop a stubborn streak if training becomes repetitive or harsh. Early socialization and basic obedience classes are strongly recommended, since the Yorkshire Terrier side can contribute to bossiness or small-dog syndrome if boundaries are not set from puppyhood.

What food is best for a Yorkipoo?

A high-quality small-breed dry kibble formulated for toy dogs is the most practical foundation for a Yorkipoo's diet, since small-breed formulas have smaller kibble sizes and calorie densities matched to their fast metabolisms. Look for named animal protein such as chicken or salmon as the first ingredient, and avoid fillers like corn syrup or artificial preservatives that offer little nutritional value for a small, active dog. Because Yorkipoos are prone to hypoglycemia, especially as puppies, feeding two to three small measured meals per day rather than free-feeding is important to keep blood sugar stable.

Does Yorkipoo bark a lot?

Yorkipoos can be moderately vocal, inheriting the Yorkshire Terrier's alert and watchdog tendencies, which means they may bark at strangers, unfamiliar sounds, or other animals passing by. Consistent training from an early age using the quiet command and rewarding calm behavior can significantly reduce excessive barking over time.

Can a Yorkipoo live in an apartment?

Yes, Yorkipoos are well-suited to apartment living because of their small size and moderate daily exercise needs of around 30 minutes, which can be met with short walks and indoor play. Owners in apartments should focus on early training to manage barking, since a vocal Yorkipoo in close quarters can disturb neighbors if the behavior is left unchecked.

๐Ÿ† Final Verdict

The Yorkipoo is an excellent choice for first-time dog owners and experienced owners alike. With a lifespan of 10โ€“15 years, high energy demands, and high maintenance grooming requirements, the Yorkipoo is a wonderful family dog.

If you can meet their exercise, training, and care needs, the Yorkipoo will reward you with years of loyal companionship.