Dog breeds / Yorkipoo
Photo: Dragonfly47 at English Wikipedia · CC BY 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons
Dog breed
Yorkipoo
The Yorkipoo is a designer cross, usually a Yorkshire Terrier crossed with a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Both parent breeds were developed as companions: the Yorkshire Terrier in England for catching rats in mills and homes, and the Poodle as a water retriever, later refined as a small indoor companion. The cross was bred mainly to produce a small, low-shedding lapdog, and results vary with which parent each puppy takes after.
Living with a Yorkipoo means living with a bright, affectionate little dog who likes to be close to people. Many are alert and vocal, quick to announce a visitor or a squirrel at the window, and some can be wary of strangers until they know them. They tend to attach strongly to one or two people and can be happiest on a lap or at your heels.
Day to day, a Yorkipoo needs regular short walks, daily brushing to keep the coat tangle-free, and consistent house training, which small breeds sometimes find harder. Mental work such as puzzle feeders and short training games suits them well. They do best when they are not left alone for long stretches.
Good for: Apartment dwellers, first-time owners, quiet homes
| Size | small |
| Weight | 4–15 lb |
| Height | 8–12 in |
| Life span | 12–15 years |
| Exercise | about 40 min a day |
| Shedding | low |
Yorkipoos are small and can be fragile, so house training, dental care, and daily grooming need steady attention from the start.
Living with a Yorkipoo
Exercise
Most Yorkipoos need about 30 to 45 minutes of exercise a day, split into walks and indoor play. Short walks and games of fetch or tug suit them well. With too little activity they can become restless, bark more, or develop unwanted habits.
Grooming
The coat varies from wavy to curly and is low-shedding, but it can mat quickly. Brush several times a week, and daily if the coat is long, and trim around the face and paws regularly. Bathe every few weeks, trim nails monthly, and check and clean the ears weekly to prevent infection.
At home
Yorkipoos often do well in apartments because they are small and do not need a yard, though they still need daily walks. With respectful children who handle them gently they can be a good fit, but they are fragile and are often better with older kids. They usually get along with other dogs and can live with cats if introduced calmly. They can struggle with long periods alone, so a daily routine and some independence training help.
Training
Yorkipoos are smart and respond well to reward-based methods, treats, praise, and short sessions of five to ten minutes. Start socialising early so they become confident with new people, sounds, and dogs. Expect a stubborn streak, since they can decide a command is optional, and some sensitivity to harsh corrections. House training usually takes patience and a consistent schedule. Recall can be unreliable off-lead, so keep them leashed in open areas.
Health
Yorkipoos can be prone to dental disease, patellar luxation, and tracheal collapse, since these are common in small breeds. Ask a vet about regular checkups, dental care, and screening for knee and breathing issues before buying a puppy.
- Dental disease
- Patellar luxation
- Tracheal collapse
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Yorkipoo
Feeding, adult
0.75–1.25 cups a day
About 346 kcal, roughly 7 lb of dry food a month at 4–15 lb. Start here and adjust to the bag and your vet. Portion calculator →
What a year costs
$1,150–$2,050
Food about $255, plus routine vet care, parasite preventives and gear. US averages; insurance and emergencies on top.
Weather
Watch above 75°F, stop at 85°F
Coat or short walks below 40°F. Small dogs lose heat fast: a coat below about 40°F, and keep walks short in the cold.
Where a Yorkipoo is comfortable
Easy most of the year: California, Oregon, Washington.
Summer needs care (early walks, shade, AC): Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas.
Winter needs care (coat, short walks): Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Both seasons need care: Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, DC.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Indoor life changes everything; this is about walks and time outside.
Right now
Latest dog food recalls
Fromm: Fromm wet canned dog food
Fromm Family Foods LLC · Aug 21 · Potential metal contamination
Oma’s Pride: Canine Food
Miller Foods, Inc. · Aug 17 · Contaminated with Salmonella
Pedigree: High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor Wet Dog Food
Mars Petcare US, Inc. · Jul 2 · Potential foreign plastic contamination
Adopt a Yorkipoo
Shelters and breed rescues list Yorkipoos and Yorkipoo mixes every week. Search adoptable Yorkipoos on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-week kit →
Is a Yorkipoo right for you?
- Yes if you want a small, low-shedding companion for apartment life
- Yes if you enjoy daily brushing and regular grooming visits
- Yes if you are home for most of the day or can arrange company
- Think twice if you have young, rough children in the house
- Think twice if you want a dog that is calm and quiet with visitors
Questions owners ask
Do Yorkipoos shed?
Yorkipoos are generally low-shedding because of their Poodle coat, but they are not hypoallergenic. Some shed a little, and regular brushing helps keep loose hair under control.
Can a Yorkipoo live in an apartment?
Yes, they adapt well to apartments because of their small size. They still need daily walks and mental stimulation, and they should not be left alone for long periods.
Do Yorkipoos bark a lot?
They can be vocal and alert, often barking at visitors or noises. Early training and enough exercise help reduce excessive barking.
Are Yorkipoos good with kids?
They are usually better with older, gentle children. Their small size makes them easy to injure, so supervision is important.
How long do Yorkipoos live?
Yorkipoos typically live 12 to 15 years. Good diet, dental care, and regular vet checkups support a long, healthy life.
Good picks for a Yorkipoo
Made in the USA
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Written by Pawdeck editors · updated Nov 12, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.