A spirited, affectionate little dog that acts far bigger than it is. It bonds closely with its owner, often one person in particular, loves being the centre of attention and enjoys games and training. It can be quite chatty.213
how to spot oneChorkie coat and colours
short to long, silky or scruffy
The coat can be long and silky like a Yorkie or short and a little scruffy, depending on the Chihuahua parent's coat type. It sheds only a little.231
A typical home-care rhythm for a Chorkie. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery day
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upevery year
how busy a day looksChorkie exercise needs
Low to moderate, but lively for its size. Around 30 minutes of walking a day on a harness plus indoor play; Dogster suggests up to an hour of activity in total.213
where they are happiestChorkie at home
Well suited to flats and smaller homes, as long as there is access outside for walks and toilet breaks. Handle with care because of its small, light frame.23
who they like aroundChorkie with people and other pets
Loves company and does not like being left alone for long. Best with older, gentle children; can get on with other pets when socialised early, with care around much bigger dogs.123
the hands-on bitsChorkie grooming and care
Long-coated dogs need daily brushing and a trim every month or two; short coats need brushing once or twice a week. Bathe about monthly and brush teeth several times a week.132
what goes in the bowlChorkie food and feeding
A complete food made for small breeds; Dogster suggests roughly a cup a day, adjusted to size and activity.3
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Chorkie, and at what times?
Your Chorkie will do best with at least two meals a day at consistent times, as adult dogs' stomachs empty within a few hours. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet, since needs vary by size and activity.34
What should a Chorkie eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete food made for small breeds, roughly a cup a day adjusted to your dog's size and activity. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and many others listed by the ASPCA. Always keep these away from your Chorkie.35
How often should I bathe a Chorkie?
Bathing about once a month is a good starting point, though some owners bathe every two months or as needed. The ASPCA suggests at least every three months, so adjust based on how dirty your dog gets. Use a gentle dog shampoo.1326
How often does a Chorkie need brushing?
If your Chorkie has a long, silky coat, brush daily to prevent tangles. For a short, scruffy coat, once or twice a week is enough. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests weekly brushing, which works well for most coats.1326
How do I trim a Chorkie's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part) to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you.6
How much exercise does a Chorkie need?
Your Chorkie needs about 30 minutes of walking on a harness each day, plus indoor playtime. Dogster suggests up to an hour of total activity. They are lively for their size, so daily walks and games will keep them happy and healthy.213
How do I look after a Chorkie's teeth and ears?
Brush your Chorkie's teeth several times a week using a dog-safe toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness, and gently clean the outer part only, never push anything into the ear canal. Your vet can show you the best technique.1326
How long does a Chorkie live?
Chorkies typically live between 12 and 15 years, bringing you many years of spirited companionship. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a loving home, they often enjoy a long, happy life.123
Is a Chorkie good with children and other pets?
Chorkies bond closely with their family and do best with older, gentle children who understand how to handle a small dog. They can get along with other pets when socialised early, but be careful around much larger dogs due to their tiny size.123
Can a Chorkie be left alone?
Chorkies love company and do not like being left alone for long periods. They thrive with someone around most of the day. If you must leave them, consider a dog sitter or daycare to keep them happy.123
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
per year, in your countryWhat a Chorkie costs
Running costs for a Chorkie, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Chorkie legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Chorkie in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Chorkie tip
Chorkies can be prone to obesity, so count training treats in their daily calories and keep the total under 10 percent. Their tiny teeth are prone to gum disease, so choose very small treats and do not rely on chews instead of brushing.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
It goes by several other names, including Yorkiechi and Chiyorkie.2
2
Chorkies seem not to know how small they are and carry themselves like much bigger dogs.2
3
Littermates can have either short or long coats, depending on which parent they take after.3
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The Chorkie is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Yorkshire Terrier, and its name is a portmanteau of the two parent breeds: 'Chi' from Chihuahua and 'orkie' from Yorkie.7
I woke up and gave my human a kiss to start the day off right. Then I did my morning zoomies around the house, just to remind everyone I'm the boss. We went outside and I strutted down the street, tail high. A big dog barked, but I let out my fiercest yip and he backed off. For the rest of the morning, I sat on my favorite cushion, supervising. Later, we practiced a new trick; I love showing off. Now I'm curled up next to my human, feeling like the queen of the world.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganChorkie history
The Chorkie appeared in the United States around the early 1990s, when breeders began crossing the Chihuahua with the Yorkshire Terrier. Its tiny size and cute looks made it popular quickly as a companion dog.21
Crossbreeds are not recognised as pedigree breeds, but they can be registered on the Activity Register and take part in agility, obedience and similar events.8
The Royal Kennel Club
Purina notes the Chorkie is not recognised by the UK Kennel Club, as it is a mixed breed.2
Sources (8)
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Chihuahua
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkipoo
Morkie