General Appearance

The Shorkie is a compact and sturdy toy-sized dog with a well-proportioned body and an elegant yet playful expression. It combines the silky coat of the Yorkshire Terrier with the fluffy, endearing charm of the Shih Tzu.

 

Size

• Weight: 5–12 pounds.

• Height: 6–11 inches at the shoulder.

 

Coat

• Texture: The coat is typically soft, silky, and straight or slightly wavy.

• Length: Medium to long, with some requiring regular grooming to maintain a neat appearance.

• Colors: Gold, black, white, brown, gray, tan, or a combination of these. Coat patterns may include solid, bicolor, or tricolor.

• Shedding: Minimal, making the Shorkie a low-shedding breed.

 

Head

• Skull: Moderately rounded and proportionate to the body.

• Muzzle: Short to medium in length, blending smoothly into the skull.

• Nose: Black or dark brown, with well-defined nostrils.

• Eyes: Large, round, and expressive, displaying a lively and affectionate personality. Eye color is typically dark.

• Ears: Medium-sized and set slightly high, with either a floppy or semi-erect carriage.

 

Body

• Neck: Medium in length, slightly arched, and blending seamlessly into the shoulders.

• Chest: Deep and well-rounded, giving a sturdy appearance.

• Back: Straight and level, with a slightly compact frame.

• Tail: Medium in length and carried high, often feathered.

 

Legs

• Forequarters: Straight and well-boned, set under the body for a balanced appearance.

• Hindquarters: Well-muscled with moderate angulation, providing stability.

• Feet: Small, round, and compact, with well-arched toes.

 

Movement

The Shorkie has a lively and agile gait, reflecting its energetic and playful nature. Its movement is smooth and balanced, with a light-footed stride.

 

Temperament

• Personality: Loyal, affectionate, and playful. The Shorkie is a devoted companion that thrives on human interaction and enjoys being the center of attention.

• Energy Level: Moderate. They are active and enjoy playtime but are also content to cuddle and relax with their owners.

• Trainability: Intelligent and eager to please, though occasional stubbornness may require positive reinforcement and patience during training.

 

Faults

• Excessive shyness or aggression.

• Poor coat condition or excessive matting.

• Proportions that hinder movement or functionality.

 

Care Requirements

• Grooming: Regular brushing (2–3 times a week) is necessary to prevent tangles and matting. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks is recommended.

• Exercise: Moderate daily exercise, including short walks and play sessions, is sufficient to keep the Shorkie happy and healthy.

• Diet: A high-quality diet suited to small breeds is essential for maintaining energy levels and overall health.

• Health: Regular veterinary check-ups are important. Potential health concerns may include dental issues, patellar luxation, and respiratory sensitivities.

 

Ideal Owner

The Shorkie is best suited for individuals or families who can provide ample attention and affection. They adapt well to various living situations, including apartments, as long as they receive regular socialization, training, and exercise.

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The Shorkie (also spelled Shorki) is a designer breed created by crossing a Shih Tzu with a Yorkshire Terrier, combining the Shih Tzu's calm, affectionate temperament with the Yorkshire Terrier's bold, spirited personality. A small but lively companion dog, the Shorkie typically weighs 5–12 pounds and stands 6–11 inches at the shoulder. Their soft, silky coats come in a wide range of colors including gold, black, white, brown, gray, tan, and bicolor or tricolor combinations. Minimal shedding makes the Shorkie a popular choice for owners with allergies or those living in smaller spaces such as apartments.

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Because Shorkies are a crossbreed — a mix of Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier — the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not register them. This applies to all Shorkies regardless of generation or how thoroughly the breeding has been documented. AKC registers purebred Yorkshire Terriers and purebred Shih Tzus individually, but any cross between the two — including F1, F1B, and Multigen Shorkies — is permanently ineligible for AKC registration. Designer Kennel Club (DKC) was built specifically to serve Shorkie owners and breeders who need official registration papers and cannot obtain them through AKC.

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Designer Kennel Club provides official registration papers and ownership documentation for Shorkies, Shorki litters, and Shorkie breeding programs with no AKC papers or pedigree lineage required. DKC Foundation Dog Registration ($65) accepts any Shorkie without existing documentation. For breeders, DKC Litter Registration ($100) gives each puppy an individual registration number that new owners can use to register their puppy for $45. All registrations are completed online and papers are delivered as a PDF via email within 2–3 business days.

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Registering your Shorkie or Shorki with Designer Kennel Club establishes an official record of breed, ownership, and identification. DKC registration is accepted as official breed documentation for veterinary records, grooming services, training programs, apartment and housing requirements, and general ownership verification. Whether you have a first-generation Shorkie from a Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier pairing or a multigenerational Shorkie from an established DKC-registered breeding program — DKC registers them all. Register at designerkennelclub.com/registration.