Yorkie-Apso Dog Breed Guide: Info, Pictures, Care & More!
Introducing the Adorable Yorkie Apso: Your Guide to This Lovable Hybrid Breed
Are you looking for a small, devoted companion with a big personality? Look no further than the Yorkie Apso! As a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and Lhasa Apso, this relatively new designer breed combines some of the best qualities of both parent breeds into one adorable, portable package. Whether you live in an apartment or house, the Yorkie Apso can be a wonderful addition to your family.
At first glance, the Yorkie Apso is cuteness overload. Typically weighing between 7 to 18 pounds and standing 8 to 12 inches tall, they are a true "toy" sized dog. One of their most striking features is their long, silky human-like hair which can come in a variety of colors including black, white, cream, tan, brown, and blue. Many have a mix of several colors in their coat. Regular brushing is a must to prevent tangles and mats, but you‘ll love running your fingers through that luxurious hair.
While "designer dogs" like the Yorkie Apso have surged in popularity in recent decades, this particular hybrid is still quite new on the scene. Experts estimate the Yorkie Apso first emerged around 20 to 30 years ago, as breeders started intentionally crossing Yorkshire Terriers and Lhasa Apsos. The goal was to create the ultimate companion dog – and by all accounts, they succeeded!
Despite their small stature, Yorkie Apsos have larger-than-life personalities. They are known for being outgoing, playful, and affectionate lapdogs who bond very closely with their owners. A Yorkie Apso will likely follow you from room to room, just wanting to be near you. They may be aloof or prone to barking at strangers, making them excellent little watchdogs. But with their families, they are as loving and loyal as can be.
Because of their devotion, Yorkie Apsos don‘t do well when left alone for long periods. They are prone to separation anxiety and much prefer to have a human companion with them most of the time. For this reason, they tend to do best in homes where someone is around more often than not, perhaps an owner who works from home or is retired.
The downside of their devotion is that it can be difficult to train a Yorkie Apso to feel comfortable alone. This is definitely something to consider before bringing one into your life. Proper training from a young age, using positive reinforcement techniques and perhaps assistance from a professional trainer, can help your Yorkie Apso feel more secure.
Housetraining and obedience training in general also tend to be more challenging with this breed. They are undeniably intelligent, but also have a stubborn streak that can make training a challenge. Starting training early, keeping sessions short and fun, being consistent, and having plenty of patience will all help set your Yorkie Apso up for success.
It‘s also important to note that without proper training and boundaries, Yorkie Apsos (like many small dogs) can develop "small dog syndrome." They may forget their place in the pack and start to exhibit behaviors like growling, nipping, refusing to obey commands, and having accidents in the house. The key is to not let your Yorkie Apso rule the roost no matter how cute they are! Establish yourself as the calm, firm leader from day one.
While Yorkie Apsos tend to get along well with older children who know how to gently interact with dogs, they may not be the best fit for families with very young kids. An overly rambunctious toddler could easily injure these fragile little dogs. And on the flip side, a Yorkie Apso may growl or even nip if they feel threatened or their personal space is invaded.
As with any dog, proper socialization with children from a young age is important for Yorkie Apsos. Always supervise interactions between dogs and kids. And of course, teach children how to respectfully and carefully interact with dogs to avoid issues down the line.
If you already have other pets in your home, you may be wondering if a Yorkie Apso would fit into the mix. The good news is that they can get along well with other dogs and even cats if raised together from puppyhood. Proper socialization is key to helping your Yorkie Apso feel comfortable around other animals.
Keep in mind that as they mature, some Yorkie Apsos can become territorial or even aggressive with other dogs, especially if they aren‘t spayed or neutered. This tendency, combined with their small size and delicate bone structure, means you‘ll need to always supervise play and interactions with larger dogs who could unintentionally cause injury.
So what about exercise and grooming needs? The good news for apartment dwellers or those who are less active is that the Yorkie Apso doesn‘t require a huge amount of outdoor exercise. A few short 15-20 minute walks per day are typically sufficient to meet their needs, especially if supplemented by some indoor playtime and mental stimulation with puzzle toys.
Access to a securely fenced yard is a bonus for giving your Yorkie Apso some extra outdoor time to sniff and explore, but it‘s not a necessity as long as their daily walks are consistent. If you do let your Yorkie Apso out in the yard, always supervise them, as they may be prone to wandering off or slipping through small gaps in the fence due to their size.
While their exercise needs are quite manageable, Yorkie Apsos do require more extensive grooming than some breeds. Plan to brush your dog daily to prevent mats and tangles from developing in their long coats. Baths every 2-4 weeks will help keep their hair clean and healthy. Regular haircuts are also a must for this breed, either by a professional groomer or done carefully at home if you have the right equipment and experience.
In addition to coat care, you‘ll need to tend to other grooming needs like keeping the nails trimmed, brushing the teeth several times a week, and checking/cleaning the ears and around the eyes regularly. Small breeds like the Yorkie Apso are more prone to dental disease, so don‘t neglect those pearly whites! Dental chews and toys can help, or even a doggy toothpaste if your pup will tolerate having their teeth brushed.
As a hybrid breed, Yorkie Apsos may be prone to some of the health issues that affect their parent breeds. This includes eye problems like cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy, orthopedic issues like luxating patellas and collapsing trachea, skin allergies, and a higher risk of dental disease. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs for some of these hereditary problems, but it‘s still important for owners to be aware of symptoms and seek prompt vet care when needed.
With proper care, a Yorkie Apso can live around 12-16 years on average. To help your pup live the longest, healthiest life possible, feed them a high quality diet formulated for small breed dogs, keep them at a healthy lean weight, provide plenty of mental stimulation and exercise, and stay on top of regular vet check-ups and preventative care.
A few fun facts about Yorkie Apsos and their parent breeds to conclude:
- The Yorkie Apso is recognized by at least five different designer dog registries, including the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, and more.
- Lhasa Apsos have a long and fascinating history dating back to 800 AD, when they served as sentinel dogs at palaces and monasteries in the Himalayan Mountains of Tibet. For thousands of years, they were bred and cherished by holy men and nobility.
- The Yorkshire Terrier‘s origins are more humble, as they were originally bred in England in the 1800s to hunt rats in factories. Their small size allowed them to squeeze into tight spaces and chase rodents hiding within walls and other hiding spots. It wasn‘t until later that they transitioned into companion dogs.
So there you have it – everything you need to know if you‘re considering adding a Yorkie Apso to your family! These designer dogs may be small in stature, but they are big in personality, devotion, and charm. Just remember that they require a dedicated owner willing to put in the time and effort to provide proper training, socialization, grooming, and companionship.
If you‘re ready to open your heart and home to a Yorkie Apso, you‘ll be rewarded with a loyal best friend who wants nothing more than to be by your side. These special little dogs have so much love to give. With your care and commitment, your Yorkie Apso will be a cherished part of your family for many years to come.
