Designer Dog Breeds: Shorkies

Information about Dogs and Designer Dogs

Designer dog breeds are gaining rapidly in popularity. For years, purebred dogs were the elite of the canine world, but now the so-called designer dogs are the fashionable trend with folks all over the globe, and this is especially evident in the United States, a nation of dog lovers. Several designer dog breeds include a poodle mix, probably due to the popularity of the purebred poodle. Poodle mix breeds that are considered designer dogs include the Maltipoo (Maltese and poodle), the schnoodle (schnauzer and poodle), the Chi-poo (Chihuahua and poodle), the cockapoo (cocker spaniel and poodle), and the goldendoodle (golden retriever and poodle mix). More recently, however, other breeds have become part of the designer dogs craze. For more information about dogs, continue reading. Hope you enjoy the pictures of dogs!

Designer Dogs vs. Hybrid Dogs

Although designer dogs are often referred to as hybrid dogs, these crossbreeds aren’t actually hybrids, speaking from a strict biological definition. All domestic dogs are members of the same species, Canis lupus familiaris. Even the Great Dane and the Chihuahua are members of the same species. True hybrid dogs occur when a domestic dog breeds with another species, like a wolf (Canis lupus) or coyote (Canis latrans), as is the case with a wolf-dog and a coydog.

Designer dogs, on the other hand, occur when one purebred dog of a certain breed is bred to a purebred dog of a different breed. This trend reportedly began with celebrities, and fans took notice and wanted designer dogs for themselves.

Are Designer Dog Breeds Mutts?

“Mutt” is often a term used for dogs that have unknown parentage and pedigrees, unlike designer dogs. With most designer dogs, both parents are registered purebreds, although of different breeds. Some breeders claim there are health benefits to this sort of breeding, believing the offspring hybrid dogs will be less prone to breed-specific health problems. The jury still seems to be out on this issue.

Unfortunately, as is always a possibility with any breeding trend, many unscrupulous breeders are taking full advantage of the demand for designer dogs. These breeders are breeding dogs as fast as possible, with little regard for quality. In fact, some of these breeders are crossing a designer dog with another designer dog, instead of breeding two purebreds. With this type of breeding, there’s little conformity among different litters or even among littermates.

List of Designer Dogs, with AKC Dog Breeds

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire terrier is used to produce several designer dog breeds. Yorkies were bred in Yorkshire in the 1800s. The breed was developed specifically for catching and eliminating rats. This terrier tenacity can often be seen in modern Yorkshire terriers, as the breed can be somewhat independent. They’re also devoted to and protective of their human companions, and they make great alarm dogs.

Yorkshire terrier puppies are black and tan, sometimes with small white markings. During the first two or three years, the Yorkshire terrier’s coat might go through color changes. According to the AKC standards, Yorkies can be black and tan, blue and tan, black and gold, or blue and gold. Remember, though – Yorkshire terrier puppies won’t exhibit their true colors until they’re adult dogs.

Yorkie dogs have become very popular in the United States. This popularity actually began in the latter part of the nineteenth century. Yorkshire terriers were popular in Victorian England, and many Americans tended to embrace and emulate just about anything Victorian. Another reason the dogs are so popular is that their silky coats don’t shed much. As a result, the Yorkshire terrier is often considered a hypoallergenic dog breed.

A Yorkshire terrier mix qualifies as several designer dog breeds. These include the Yorkiepoo (Yorkshire terrier and poodle), the Morkie (Yorkie and Maltese), the Carkie (Yorkie and cairn terrier), the Chorkie (Yorkie and Chihuahua), the Fourche terrier (Yorkshire terrier and West Highland terrier), the Griffonshire (Yorkie and Brussels griffon), the Yoranian (Yorkshire and pomeranian), the Havashire (Yorkshire and Havanese), the Yorkillon (Yorkie and papillon), and the Yorkie Apso (Yorkshire terrier and Lhasa Apso). The Yorkshire terrier mix with which I’m most familiar is the Shorkie, but I’ll get to that later.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus come from an ancient dog breed. Believe it or not, this breed is very similar to wolves, genetically speaking. These proud little pooches once graced the laps and homes of Chinese nobles, and the modern dogs seem aware of their high brow heritage. Although Shih Tzus are small, they’re sturdier than some other toy breeds. They’re also friendly, playful, and affectionate.

On the negative side, the breed can be stubborn and somewhat difficult to train. Training with Shih Tzu puppies should be consistent and gentle, yet firm. Another best friend, Sandi, purchased two Shih Tzu puppies eight years ago, and she tells me they still show stubborn attitudes from time to time. The long double coat requires regular grooming, too. When you fall in love with Shih Tzu puppies, you need to remember that those precious balls of fur are going to develop long coats that will require a considerable amount of care.

The Shih Tzu is another breed that’s often used in designer dog breeding. Some popular Shih Tzu crosses include the Shichon (Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise), the Schweenie (Shih Tzu and dachshund), the Sheltie Tzu (Shih Tzu and Shetland sheepdog), the ShiChi (Shih Tzu and Chihuahua), the Shorgi (crossed with Welsh corgi), the Shinese (Shih Tzu and Pekingese), the Sco-Shi (Shih Tzu and Scottish terrier), and the Shi-poo (Shih Tzu – poodle mix). Once again, I’m most familiar with the Shorkie, a Yorkshire terrier – Shih Tzu cross.

Shorkies

My best friends, Steve and Sandy, are real dog lovers. When their three pets passed away a few years ago, they didn’t think they’d ever be able to own another dog. As time healed the pain of loss, however, they decided they were once again ready to add a new dog to the household. They weren’t sure what breed they wanted, but they knew they wanted a small dog. They began searching for little dogs for sale, and they researched different breeds on the internet. They travel a lot in their motor home, so they thought a small dog would be easier to travel with than a larger dog would be.

A month or so ago, as they were reading the small dogs for sale ads, they came across some Shorkie puppies and decided to make the drive to the breeder. Shorkies, by the way, are Yorkshire terrier – Shih Tzu crosses. Now you understand why I included the above information about Yorkshire terriers and Shih Tzus, right?

When Steve and Sandy saw the Shorkie puppies, I think it was love at first sight. Steve selected his favorite puppy, and Sandy chose a different pup. They ended up getting two Shorkie puppies! They figured the puppies would be good company for each other. They brought the new furkids home and called us to share the news – they know how much we love dogs (although we’re partial to Great Danes and other large and giant breeds).

I’ve never been a big fan of yappy “ankle biters,” so I wasn’t sure how I’d respond to the Shorkies. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I actually like these little balls of fur! They’re super friendly and came to us right away on our first encounter. They’re very affectionate, too, and they love attention from everyone. Steve and Sandy say the pups have been easy to train. Both puppies can already perform tricks, and they rarely have “accidents” in the house. The Shorkie puppies are very entertaining. I never knew such tiny dogs could be so fast! They run around like blue streaks for a few minutes, then they suddenly plop down in any available lap for a rest. Oh, did I mention that the Shorkies are completely adorable? They are. Now I’m wondering…how would my two Great Danes react if we brought home a couple of Shorkie puppies?

Pictures of dogs (designer breeds)

Advantages and Disadvantages of Designer Dogs

Shorkie Puppies

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Comments

Holle Abee (author) from Georgia on April 04, 2018:

Joan, my pals purchased theirs in GA. I'm not sure how much they cost.

joan seal on April 03, 2018:

Where can I buy a shorkie and find ou how much a shorkie puppy would cost?

Angela on June 09, 2012:

My shorkies is so amazing he has the best personality! We also have a English bulldog who he has taught her everything! Designer Breeds are the best!!

Holle Abee (author) from Georgia on April 17, 2012:

Thanks for the update, Connie!

Connie Smith from Tampa Bay, Florida on April 17, 2012:

Lexi is out this morning, visiting both her neuro-oncologist and her acupuncturist. She is doing good, I think, and guess what? She is definitely moving her eyes a lot more these past few weeks. Though it is not optimal yet, everyone has noticed. We are just not sure if it is the massage or the acupuncture -- or both. We started them around the same time.

Holle Abee (author) from Georgia on April 17, 2012:

Hi, Connie! I've never had a Morkie, but I did have a Maltese, and he was a wonderful little dog. His name was Pumpkin.

And speaking of pumpkins, how's our precious pumpkin doing?

Holle Abee (author) from Georgia on April 17, 2012:

Peggy, those two little Shorkies are just too cute! Good to see you!

Holle Abee (author) from Georgia on April 17, 2012:

Marcy, sorry about your mom and her Shih Tzu. At least you know the dog brought your mom a lot of happiness.

Connie Smith from Tampa Bay, Florida on April 17, 2012:

My "Morkie" is so old that he wasn't a designer dog when we got him, lol. Ruggles is now 15 and yes, part Yorkie, part Maltese. He has the looks of a Silky haired Maltese,ears,face, tail, and the color of a Yorkie. He is so smart that it is incredible and definitely never a "yappy" dog, but mostly a good dog. He never wanted to get in trouble, but he sure can give the dirty looks (and yes, he really does). He gets in trouble for that a lot, lol.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on April 16, 2012:

Like Marcy already said, I was unfamiliar with the Shorkies breed of dog. They certainly look cute and obviously would be attractive to many people. Thanks for introducing them to us.

Marcy Goodfleisch from Planet Earth on April 16, 2012:

Such a sweet hub! My mother had a Shih Tzu in her last years, and my brother and his wife took her after we lost my mother. They recently had to put her down, and it saddened our entire family - she was a loving and gentle dog. I hadn't heard of Shorkies before, but I'm not surprised. There's probably no end to the sub-breeds that can be developed from mating various favorites.

Voted up and interesting!