Country of Orgin: The Yorki Poo (also known as a Yorkie Poo, Yorkipoo, or Yorkie Doodle) is a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle. Poodle crossbreeds are meant to produce a dog with mixed traits and the Poodle’s signature nonshedding coat. As a crossbreed, the Yorki Poo is not eligible for registration with purebred registries such as the American Kennel Club, but it can be registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club, as ‘Yorkie Poo’. The Yorki Poo is not considered a purebred because it doesn’t ‘breed true’, meaning that it doesn’t display a consistent set of characteristics. Like other ‘designer breeds’, the Yorki Poo has seen a recent surge in popularity. Some breeders produce Yorki Poos by crossing a purebred Poodle with a purebred Yorkshire Terrier (called a first generation cross), but others allow crossing Yorki Poos with Poodles or Yorkshire Terriers (called a backcross), or with other Yorki Poos (called a multi-generation cross). Different crosses can result in different characteristics.

Size: The Yorki Poo has an average shoulder height of 7-12 in (18-30 cm) and weighs 4-15 lbs (2-7 kg). The Yorki Poo can have the long, narrow snout of the Poodle or the small, flat head of the Yorkshire Terrier. Yorki Poos can have straight ‘Poodle tails’ or the high carried tail of the Yorkie.
Coat: The Yorki Poo can have a long, straight, silky coat like the Yorkshire Terrier, a fine frizzy, wooly coat like the Poodle, or anything in between. Yorki Poos come in a wide variety of colors, such as brown, silver, grey, and white. Many are two-toned in a pattern similar to the Yorkshire Terrier, with a cream or chestnut body, legs, and mask, and grey or silver on the collar, top of the head, and ears. The Yorki Poo usually sheds little, making it a great breed for allergy sufferers.

Character: The Yorki Poo is energetic, happy, brave, and intelligent. It is alert, loving, cheerful, and very clever. Yorki Poos make great watchdogs. The Yorki Poo wants to be involved in family activity. It makes a great companion. Yorki Poos are fairly active, but not as hyper as some other small breeds. The Yorki Poo is not mischievous but can occasionally be stubborn.

Temperament: The Yorki Poo gets along well with strangers, children, dogs, and other pets. Socialization when young is recommended. Young children should be supervised around the Yorki Poo to ensure they treat it respectfully.
Care: Brush the Yorki Poo weekly and bathe as needed. Keep its hair trimmed out of ears and eyes. The Yorki Poo has a lifespan of up to 15 years. Like other hybrids, Yorki Poos tend to have fewer health problems than purebreds (known as ‘hybrid vigor’). Potential problems are hypoglycemia (particularly for puppies), musculoskeletal problems, and eye problems such as distichia and cataracts. Yorki Poos under 3 pounds are especially susceptible to diarrhea, vomiting, tracheal collapse, anesthesia sensitivity, and injury.

Training: The Yorki Poo is highly trainable and has a high desire to please. It can easily learn a wide variety of amusing tricks. The Yorki Poo is easier to housetrain than a purebred Yorkshire Terrier.
Activity: The Yorki Poo does not require a lot of exercise. Most of its exercise requirements can be met through indoor activity, but Yorki Poos love going on walks with their owner and regular play time outdoors, and have enough stamina to come alongside for a longer jog. The Yorki Poo is well suited to apartment life.