Yorkinese (Yorkie & Pekingese Mix): The Affectionate, Lively Hybrid Companion

[Photo of cute Yorkinese puppy]

Are you looking for a small but sassy canine companion? Consider the Yorkinese – a designer hybrid cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and Pekingese breeds. With their lively personalities, affectionate nature, and adorable teddy bear looks, Yorkinese dogs pack a lot of charisma into a tiny package. However, these pint-sized pups also have a stubborn streak and can be a challenge to train. Read on for a complete guide to the Yorkinese dog breed to see if this feisty little furball is the right match for you.

History and Origin of the Yorkinese

The Yorkinese emerged in the early 2000s as part of the rising trend of developing "designer dogs" – crosses between two purebred dogs aiming to combine the best traits of each. In the case of Yorkineses, breeders sought to create a petite companion with the lively spirit of a Yorkie and the affectionate lap dog nature of a Pekingese.

The parent breeds have fascinating histories themselves:

• Yorkshire Terriers descended from scrappy working dogs in England and Scotland in the 1800s, bred small enough to chase rats in mines and factories. With their feisty tenacity, silky coats, and diminuitive size, Yorkies later transitioned into beloved companion dogs.

• Pekingese dogs have a royal heritage, cherished for centuries by the imperial family of China and believed to ward off evil spirits. Their distinct "lion‘s mane" coat and flattened face were bred to resemble the revered statues of guardian lions found outside Buddhist temples and palaces. Pekingese came to the West after the British raided an imperial palace in 1860.

By crossing these two breeds, the Yorkinese inherits an impressive lineage that combines a working class background with royal roots. But there‘s more to these little dogs than just their ancestry.

Appearance and Physique

The Yorkinese typically weighs between 5 to 12 pounds and stands 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder, with females usually smaller than males. They have a sturdy, compact body like the Pekingese but with longer legs and a less flattened face, thanks to the Yorkie influence.

The Yorkinese‘s head is round with dark, expressive eyes, a short snout, and ears that droop down. They have a pronouned underbite that can give them a comical snaggletooth grin, again inherited from the Pekingese side.

Their coat is a defining feature – usually long, fine and silky like a Yorkie‘s or thick and dense like a Peke‘s. It can be wavy or straight. Most have a longer fringe of hair around the ears, face and neck. Coat colors include parti-colors and combinations of black, tan, gold, blue, cream, and white.

Since they are a hybrid rather than a purebred, Yorkineses can vary quite a bit in appearance, even within the same litter. In general, though, expect a petite pooch with an abundant coat and an alert, engaged expression.

[Photo showing coat type varieties]

Yorkinese Temperament and Personality

The Yorkinese has an outsized personality for their small stature. Lively, affectionate, and endlessly devoted to their humans, they crave being the center of attention and soak up all the cuddles they can get. But these sassy pups also have a bossy streak.

Yorkineses tend to bond very closely with their main caretaker and become their little shadow, following them from room to room. Potential separation anxiety is something to keep in mind – they don‘t like being left alone for long stretches.

Like their Yorkie ancestors bred to be feisty ratters, the Yorkinese has a fearless streak and a strong prey drive. Despite being small enough to tuck under your arm, they often act like they‘re ten feet tall, not hesitating to challenge much bigger dogs. And your Yorkinese will be quick to alert bark when someone enters their turf, making them excellent little guard dogs.

True to their Pekingese heritage as pampered palace pets, Yorkineses can be a little imperious and stubborn. They‘re smart but often willful, expecting you to cater to their whims. Owners need to show firm, consistent leadership or these little ones will walk all over you.

Overall, the Yorkinese tends to be a happy-go-lucky and affectionate dog who loves nothing more than being your devoted sidekick. Just be prepared for some sassy negotiations over who is really in charge.

Exercise and Activity Level

Despite their small size, Yorkineses do have a good deal of energy and spunk. Plan on at least 30 to 60 minutes per day of walks and active play sessions to keep them fit and out of mischief. They make enthusiastic walking buddies, although with their short legs, a mile or two is plenty.

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for these smart pooches. Puzzle toys and games like hide-and-seek will challenge their brain. With their strong chasing instincts, they‘ll spend hours zooming after balls and toys.

That said, once they‘ve had their daily activity, Yorkineses are often content to snuggle up on the sofa with you. They make wonderful nap buddies and have a definite cuddly side. Just be sure they get enough exercise first or that pent-up energy will come out in less desirable ways, like yappy barking, chewing, or other misbehaviors.

[Photo of Yorkinese with puzzle toy]

Training and Socialization Needs

When it comes to training, Yorkineses are whip-smart and pick up new commands quickly – when they feel like it. The caveat is they can also be quite stubborn and strong-willed. These bossy little dogs are prone to "small dog syndrome," thinking they run the show.

Owners need to establish kind but firm leadership and set clear boundaries from day one. Positive reinforcement using treats, praise and play is the best approach. Avoid harsh corrections which will just trigger their independent defiant streak. Keep training sessions short and fun so they stay engaged.

Early and extensive socialization is essential for Yorkineses. By nature they can be distrustful of strangers and other animals, with a tendency to posture and bark big. Exposing them to many different people, places, and situations as puppies can help them grow into confident, well-adjusted dogs.

Even with training and socialization, Yorkineses may never be social butterflies. They often do best as the solo pet in the household, or paired with another small dog. Cats and Yorkineses can sometimes learn to coexist, but the Yorkie prey drive is strong with this one, so careful introductions are key.

Most Yorkineses prefer the company of adults or older kids who can respect their boundaries. They can be nippy with young children who might grab or squeeze them. Always supervise interactions and make sure the dog has an escape route to retreat to their bed or crate if they feel overwhelmed by grabby hands.

Potty training is another area where the Yorkinese‘s stubborn streak often rears its head. Be prepared for them to take longer than some breeds to master house training. Using puppy pads or a little indoor grass patch in addition to taking them out regularly can help while they‘re still learning.

[Photo: Yorkinese puppy in training class]

Grooming Requirements

The Yorkinese‘s crowning glory is that beautiful coat, but it does require regular upkeep to stay pristine and tangle-free. Plan on brushing them thoroughly at least every other day, if not daily.

The upside of their long, dense coat is minimal shedding. The downside is their hair can easily mat and form knots if not brushed out regularly, which can become painful. Pay special attention to the hair around their face and ears.

Many owners opt to keep their Yorkinese in a "puppy cut" sheared short to make daily maintenance easier. But even with a shorter ‘do, they‘ll still need regular brushing, just not quite as often.

Along with coat care, build in other grooming habits:

• Brush their teeth daily, scaling back to a minimum of 3 times per week, to prevent dental disease which small breeds are prone to
• Trim nails every 2-3 weeks or as needed to prevent painful overgrowth
• Check and clean ears weekly to avoid wax build up and infections
• Wipe around eyes as needed with a damp cotton ball to remove any discharge
• Bathe monthly or as needed with a gentle dog shampoo

Consider a professional groomer every 4-8 weeks to trim their coat evenly, clean ears, express anal glands, and perform a sanitary trim of any long hair around their bottom. Groomers can also safely trim hair around the Yorkinese‘s eyes as needed to keep it from obscuring vision.

Common Health Issues

As a hybrid dog, Yorkineses may be less prone to genetic disorders than their purebred parent breeds. However, it‘s still important for potential owners to be aware of health issues that can crop up.

Some orthopedic problems to watch for:

• Luxating patellas – a slipping kneecap that can lead to lameness
• Hip dysplasia – an abnormal formation of the hip socket that leads to arthritis
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease – a deterioration of the top of the thigh bone

Other potential issues include:

• Tracheal collapse – weakened tracheal rings that cause honking and difficulty breathing
• Portosystemic shunt – a liver disorder where blood bypasses the liver
• Dental disease – tartar build up, gingivitis, and tooth loss
• Eye problems – cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye, and corneal ulcers

Obesity is another big one with Yorkineses. These little gourmands rarely say no to food and treats. But excess weight puts major strain on their joints and organs. Work with your vet to determine proper portions of a high-quality small breed food and limit treats to training rewards and very occasional snacks.

On the plus side, Yorkineses are a generally long-lived breed, often reaching 13 to 16 years old. Regular vet check-ups, keeping them at a healthy weight, and providing dental care and joint supplements can help your little pal stay spry well into their golden years.

[Photo of senior Yorkinese]

Fun Facts About the Yorkinese

• Because they‘re a fairly new hybrid, there‘s no official breed standard for Yorkineses yet. So they can vary quite a bit in looks and size depending on which parent breeds‘ genes are stronger. Their weight can range anywhere from a petite 3 lbs up to a sturdy 14 lbs.

• The American Canine Hybrid Club coined the name "Yorkinese", but these mixes may go by several cute monikers, including Yorkinese, Pekeyork, and Yorkipeke. With such an adorable face, it‘s no surprise they have inspired multiple endearing nicknames!

• Yorkies were originally bred as working ratters in Victorian England, small enough to squeeze into tight spaces after rodents in coal mines and textile mills. But with their long silky coats and spunky charm, they quickly became fashionable companions for English ladies as well.

• In ancient China, Pekingese were bred as palace dogs for centuries, owned only by members of the Imperial family. They even had their own palace servants! When the British raided the palace, they found five Pekingese guarding the body of their royal mistress who had committed suicide. The dogs were brought back to England, kicking off their popularity in the West.

• The Yorkie and the Pekingese are both in the AKC‘s Toy Group, but they have very different builds. Yorkies are dainty and slender with perky, pointy ears, while Pekingese are stocky and muscular with a flattened face and droopy ears. The Yorkinese inherits a bit of each, often with a slightly longer snout and sturdier frame than a purebred Yorkie.

• A Yorkinese named Sylvia made international news in 2012 when she alerted her owners that their 2-year-old son had stopped breathing. Her frantic barking woke them in the night, and they rushed the toddler to the hospital where he recovered from a seizure and dangerously high fever. The 5-lb hero dog received a special bravery award from their local fire department.

Is a Yorkinese Right for You?

Yorkineses can make wonderful companions for the right person or family. Their small size, moderate exercise needs and affectionate nature are a good fit for seniors, apartment dwellers, and households without young kids.

Keep in mind, Yorkineses do need a good deal of interaction and shouldn‘t be left alone for long workdays. They‘re a good match for someone with a flexible schedule or who can bring them along on outings. If you work outside the home, consider doggy daycare or a pet sitter to break up the day.

Grooming is another factor – these longhaired little guys need regular brushing and trimming to stay matt-free and tidy. Be honest about the time you‘re willing to dedicate to coat maintenance, or factor in the cost of professional grooming every 4-8 weeks.

When it comes to training, Yorkineses need an owner with a confident, consistent approach. They can definitely develop a stubborn, bossy streak if allowed to call the shots. Establishing loving but firm boundaries is key to having a well-behaved pup. First-time dog owners may find them challenging.

Yorkineses also aren‘t the most tolerant of young kids‘ antics and can be nippy if handled roughly. They‘re usually better suited for homes with older children who understand how to respect the dog‘s boundaries.

If you‘re looking for an eager-to-please people pleaser, the feisty Yorkinese may not be your ideal match. But if you appreciate a dog with some sass and spunk, you‘ll never have a dull moment with a Yorkinese in your life. What they may lack in obedience they more than make up for in loyalty, affection, and lively entertainment.

[Photo gallery of adorable Yorkinese]

Conclusion

The Yorkinese may be small in stature but they‘re big in personality. A cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Pekingese, they bring together the feisty spirit of a working ratter with the devoted affection of a royal lapdog. With their lively, confident nature, a Yorkinese will keep you laughing with their antics and showered in puppy love.

Owners should be prepared for moderate to high grooming needs, and to dedicate time to training and socialization to keep their bossy streak in check. They‘re usually best suited for homes without very young children. But for the right person, the Yorkinese can be a loyal, loving, and entertaing companion who will always keep you on your toes. If you‘re looking for a small dog with a huge heart and a side of sass, the Yorkinese just might be your perfect match.