What is a Yorkiepoo? [Yorkie Poo Poodle Mix!]

As you may already know, a Yorkiepoo is a Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier mix. This designer breed has gained quite a bit of popularity over the years, despite only recently coming to the scene about ten years ago. 

(Like the Pyredoodle, Boxerdoodle or Shepadoodle they are less well known than the other Oodle dog mixes)

what is a yorkiepoo
What is a Yorkiepoo?

Yorkiepoo pups are the perfect addition to any family, small or large. They can be hyper and energetic, or they can be calm and cuddly. It’s important to understand your dog and its specific needs when you decide to become a Yorkiepoo mom or dad. 

By reading this comprehensive breakdown on the characteristics and what to expect from a Yorkiepoo, it’ll help you take care of them properly.  

Are Yorkiepoo’s Good Dogs?

yorkiepoo puppy on grass
A Yorkiepoo puppy chilling in the grass

The answer to this question is a resounding yes! Yorkiepoos are great dogs! Their temperament and family love is amazing.

They have very lively personalities, though their temperaments can vary from pup to pip based on their particular genetics. Some Yorkiepoos are more like Yorkie, while others are more like their Poodle parent. 

Nonetheless, interactions between the owner and the Yorkiepoo are crucial for thriving and living a happy and healthy lifestyle. Yorkiepoos typically crave attention from their owners, which breeds loyalty and affection. Overall, a Yorkiepoo is a relatively laid-back and fun-loving breed that makes an excellent addition to any home. 

And even though they’re quite tiny, you’d be surprised to know that Yorkiepoos are great watchdogs too! 

What Do Yorkiepoos Eat?

small yorkie poo puppy
A super tiny Yorkiepoo puppy! (aka Yorkie Poo the Yorkshire Terrier x Poodle mix)

Just like humans, dogs need a balanced and nutritious diet to be the best version of themselves. So your Yorkiepoo will need to be fed dry dog food that’s high-quality and free of pesky preservatives and processed ingredients. 

It’s essential to make sure that the dog food is tailored to their specific needs. That includes getting dry dog food suitable for their small size, a low activity level, and age. [The picks of dog food that best suit Yorkies are also ideal for small Yorkie Poo dogs]

This isn’t an exhaustive guide on how to pick the perfect dog food, but it’s a good start. Yet and still, every dog is different and responds differently to what you give them to eat. Some may have no problems eating whatever you put in front of them, and others are a little pickier. 

If you find yourself struggling to get your Yorkiepoo to eat the dry food, you can try to entice them by mixing a little wet canned food into their kibble. However, it’s not the best choice to rely solely on wet food to give your dog the nutrients they need. 

This dependence makes them more susceptible to developing bad breath, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Try to mix and match to find the best dry dog food brand for your Yorkiepoo. 

All in all, you can consult with a veterinarian to get advice on the best diet for your Yorkiepoo. 

Yorkiepoo Health and Development

adult Yorkie Poo
An adult Yorkie Poo mix with a distinguished face. Yorkiepoos live a long life, often up to 15 years.

A recent study by the Institute of Canine Biology gave evidence that strongly suggests that dogs of mixed heritage have a lower chance of developing disorders than purebred dogs. So while there’s no guarantee that your Yorkiepoo won’t develop health problems, there’s a good chance that he won’t.

Yorkiepoos are predisposed to the same health risk that their parent breeds are susceptible to. Therefore, it’s prudent to look to the toy poodle, and the Yorkshire terrier for clues about the potential health complications owners may expect to deal with concerning their Yorkiepoo dogs.

Generally speaking, Yorkshire Terriers are a healthy breed of dog. However, their most significant health risk is their potential to dislocate their knee caps and develop eye disease.

Toy Poodles are fairly healthy as a result of meticulous and responsible breeding; however, toy poodles have a few more complications associated with their breed than that of the Yorkshire Terrier. 

Just as with the Yorkies, toy poodles are susceptible to eye issues. They are predisposed to dislocated knee caps and hips as well. Toy poodles can also suffer immune-mediated disorders as well as idiopathic epilepsy.

How to Train a Yorkiepoo

an all black yorkie poo
An all black Yorkie Poo (Yorkie X Poodle Mix)

Yorkie Poo’s happen to be great when it comes to training as they are an intelligent breed of dog. But, as is the case with any breed, you’ll want to start the potty training process immediately. 

Frankly, training a Yorkie Poo to be housebroken can be frustrating at times because they can be stubborn. To offset this, make the training sessions short and fun. Your Yorkie Poo is way more likely to rebel and stop trying if they become bored with repetitive training. [See our Yorkie toilet training guide for inspiration]

We highly recommend that you make socializing your pup a priority. Familiarize your Yorkie Poo with different places, animals, children, and even experiences.

Even though Yorkie Poos have a reputation for being very friendly and social animals, it’s wise to take the necessary steps to ensure that they’re well behaved and well mannered. Lastly, be sure to have your pup leash trained before heading outside.

You’ll find that positive reinforcement will always work more effectively, especially with the smaller breed of dogs such as Yorkie Poos. When it comes to teaching your pup new tricks, just keep the activities challenging and fun, and you won’t have any problems in this regard.

Exercising a Yorkiepoo

beautiful yorkie puppy
This beautiful Yorkie puppy has a very light coat color

Firstly, this breed does not require much exercise (similar to Yorkies). Yorkie Poos are naturally energetic and lively, so a simple walk around the block or the neighborhood is enough to keep your Yorkie Poo healthy, fit, and trim. 

Due to their low requirements concerning exercise, Yorkie Poos are perfect for owners who have limited mobility. If you have a fenced yard, this is a great and convenient way to keep your pup fit and healthy as well. This breed is always ready to play, so you won’t have to motivate them in the least to get up and play!

Moreover, their minimal need for exercise makes this pet excellent for many living situations. These pets are perfect for studio apartments and even farms. Just make sure that they get 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily, and they’ll be just fine!

Final Thoughts

Yorkie Poos can be an excellent pet for virtually anyone. Yorkie Poos only grow to about 7 to 10 inches tall and can be between 5 and 12 pounds. They can easily adapt to many different living situations and conditions thanks to their small size, making them perfect for smaller living spaces.

Yorkiepoos are not cheap to buy, and are rare to find.

Yorkiepoos have a life expectancy of about 12 to 15 years. So you can expect to be enjoying their fun-loving energy for a long time to come. However, this breed of dog is fragile as a result of its size. Furthermore, they do require a lot of supervision, so they shouldn’t be left alone. If you come across any health concerns, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian.