Shorkie Puppy Information
Shorkies are considered a designer breed. They are a mix of a Shih Tzu and Yorkshire terrier. The American Canine Hybrid Club recognizes the shorkie as an official hybrid designer dog.
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Appearance
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An adult shorkie weighs an average of seven to 12 pounds. Their height reaches only five to nine inches, thus categorizing them as a toy breed. Coat colors can be tan, reddish-brown and even black with a little white mixed in. The coat tends to lighten as the dog ages.
Grooming
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Shorkie puppies are considered nonshedding, hypoallergenic dogs. Their coats need to be groomed daily if their hair is allowed to grow out. A "puppy cut" trims the hair to a shorter length, giving the dog a cute, youthful look. This cut can be maintained by trims every six to eight weeks.
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Temperament
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Mixed-breed dogs usually balance the temperaments of their parents' breeds. The shorkie is a playful, non-aggressive dog. It's not considered a high-strung, barking breed. It prefers to be curled up in someone's lap.
Exercise and Training
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Their small size allows shorkies to get adequate exercise by running around the house. Consistency is the key to training a shorkie puppy. House training, with a schedule of going outside every two or three hours, helps set a routine.
Health
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Shorkies live an average of 14 to 19 years. Some adult onset diseases that affect this breed are kidney and thyroid problems, hip dysplasia and hypoglycemia. Regular vet care and a healthy diet keep shorkies healthy.
Caution
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Shorkie puppies should not have a thin coat. Balding coats can signify either poor breeding or an underlying heath concern. Well-bred shorkies usually have Shih Tzu mothers and Yorkie fathers.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Michael Ruiz
