Chorkie at a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height
- 15–23 cm
- Weight
- 3.5–6.5 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Garden, Cats and small pets.
Is the Chorkie right for you?
Like every breed, the Chorkie is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You live in a flat or smaller home: the breed often adapts well.
- This would be your first dog and you are ready to learn.
- You would like a dog usually content with short daily walks.
- You would prefer a dog that tends to shed little.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You have young children at home.
- You cannot commit to daily grooming.
- You would find barking hard to live with.
How would the Chorkie fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Chorkie
The Chorkie is an extremely small companion dog, a cross between the Chihuahua (long or smooth coat) and the Yorkshire Terrier. It is typically affectionate, clever and full of energy, and has no idea how small it is. It is still not common in the UK but is growing in popularity around the world, and it is not recognised by the Royal Kennel Club because it is a mixed breed.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Small
A small dog.
- Exercise
Low
Usually content with short daily walks and play.
- Energy level
Lively
A lively dog that enjoys being busy.
- Grooming
Daily
The coat usually needs brushing every day.
- Shedding
Low
Tends to shed little, though every dog sheds some hair.
- Trainability
Moderate
Generally trainable with patience and consistency.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Good with cats
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Suits first-time owners
Often
Often suits first-time owners.
- Barking / vocality
Can be vocal
Often quick to bark at visitors or unusual sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
A Chorkie may be a first cross, a dog bred back to one of the parent breeds, or the offspring of two Chorkies, so size, shape, colour and coat all vary. Temperament is more consistent in first crosses; later generations are less predictable, and inbreeding becomes more of a potential issue.
The cross likely originated in the United States in the early 1990s. The Chihuahua comes from Mexico, while the Yorkshire Terrier was developed in Yorkshire and Lancashire from terriers brought by Scottish weavers in the 1850s, and was used to kill vermin in factories and mines before becoming a popular companion.
Chorkie temperament
Both parent breeds are affectionate dogs that bond closely with their owners, and Chorkies usually do the same, often with one person in particular. They enjoy training and games, and may try a little impromptu gardening, but most of all they want to be with their owner.
This is a companion breed that needs someone at home most of the time. Chorkies can be quite vocal and like the sound of their own voice, so training is needed. They may have issues with unfamiliar dogs while getting on with dogs they know.
Size and appearance
Chorkies typically stand 15–23 cm and weigh 3.5–6.5 kg.
They can come in any colour seen in the Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier, including brown, white, silver, blue, black, steel blue and tan, either solid or mixed. The coat may be long and silky or short and scruffy, partly depending on whether the Chihuahua parent had a long or smooth coat.
How much exercise does a Chorkie need?
Although surprisingly active, a Chorkie is usually happy with about half an hour of walking a day on a harness, along with plenty of gentle games and time with its owner.
Take care on walks: this tiny dog cannot walk quickly and can easily be frightened or injured by other dogs. It can live in a flat or small home as long as it has access outdoors for toileting and walks.
Training a Chorkie
The Chorkie is far smarter than many people expect and enjoys learning. Kind, effective training keeps its mind busy and helps it become a polite member of dog society.
- Start socialisation early and keep it going, so your Chorkie gains confidence with people and other dogs.
- Teach it to walk on a lead and harness.
- Work on a reliable recall.
- Use tricks and gentle games to keep its mind engaged.
Chorkie grooming
A Chorkie may need daily grooming, depending on its coat. Find a good local groomer who can either look after the coat or teach you to do it yourself as it develops, and use grooming tools suited to a tiny, delicate dog.
Living with a Chorkie
Chorkies are generally too small and delicate, especially as puppies, to make a good family dog, and they are not suitable for families with young children. They tend to bond closely with one person. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Often suits first-time owners.
Chorkie health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Purina describes the Chorkie as a generally healthy crossbreed, but notes that crossbreeds vary in the conditions they are prone to, because some take more after one parent breed than the other. It is worth reading about the health of both the Chihuahua and the Yorkshire Terrier, and asking a breeder about the health of the parent dogs.
A fragile dog
Chorkies are tiny and delicate, especially as puppies, and can easily be injured, so they need careful handling and protection from larger dogs.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Chorkie home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Chorkie cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Chorkie home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically 12–15 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Chorkie
If you have decided the Chorkie suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Chorkie
Chorkies do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Chorkies looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Chorkie adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
Chorkie FAQs
Is the Chorkie good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Chorkie live in a flat?
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Chorkie need?
Low: usually content with short daily walks. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Chorkie shed?
Tends to shed little.
How much grooming does the Chorkie need?
Typically: daily.
Is the Chorkie easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistency. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Chorkie be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Chorkie bark a lot?
Can be vocal. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Chorkie live?
Typically 12–15 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Chorkie get?
Adults typically stand 15–23 cm at the shoulder and weigh 3.5–6.5 kg.