The Vet’s Guide to Yorkipoos: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

The Yorkipoo is a loveable and lively crossbreed that brings together the intelligence of the Poodle with the bold personality of the Yorkshire Terrier. Small in size but full of charm, they make excellent companions for families, singles, and seniors, adapting easily to different living environments.

Background: Developed in the early 2000s, Yorkipoos were bred for companionship, combining the low-shedding, allergy-friendly coat of the Poodle with the playful, spirited nature of the Yorkshire Terrier. Though their exact origin is uncertain, they quickly gained popularity for their affectionate temperament and suitability for modern living.

Appearance: Yorkipoos typically weigh between 2.7–6.8 kg and stand 15–30 cm tall. Their coats can be wavy or curly and come in a range of colours, including black, tan, cream, and apricot. With expressive eyes and either floppy or semi-upright ears, their appearance is undeniably charming.

Physical Characteristics: Compact yet sturdy, Yorkipoos are agile and quick on their feet. Their coats shed very little, making them a great option for allergy-sensitive households—though grooming is essential to prevent matting. Despite their small frame, they are lively and need regular stimulation.

Temperament: Yorkipoos are affectionate, friendly, and thrive on human interaction. They form strong bonds with their families and enjoy being the centre of attention. Early socialisation is important to manage their independent streak, and they can develop separation anxiety if left alone too often.

Activity Level: Though small, Yorkipoos are energetic and love playtime, short walks, and mentally engaging activities. Around 30–60 minutes of daily exercise keeps them happy and prevents boredom-related behaviours. Puzzle toys and training games are great for keeping their minds active.

Health: Generally healthy, Yorkipoos may inherit certain conditions from their parent breeds, including patellar luxation, dental issues, PRA, and hypothyroidism. Regular vet check-ups, good dental care, and proper diet and exercise help reduce these risks.

Lifespan: With good care, Yorkipoos will enjoy a long life, typically between 12 to 15 years. Their combination of affectionate nature, intelligence, and manageable exercise needs makes them a perfect long-term companion for the right household.

In the following sections, we’ll dive deeper into how to care for your Yorkipoo, covering essential topics such as grooming, common health issues, training tips, and nutritional guidance.

Grooming a Yorkipoo is an essential part of their overall care, ensuring that their coat, skin, teeth, ears, and nails stay healthy. Their low-shedding coat, which is often wavy or curly, can require regular maintenance to keep it looking its best and prevent matting. Keeping your Yorkipoo well-groomed not only keeps them looking good but also supports their health and comfort.

Grooming Requirements: Yorkipoos, due to their Poodle lineage, tend to have low-shedding coats, but they do require consistent grooming to keep their fur manageable. Their coat is prone to tangling and matting, so brushing should be done 3-4 times a week with a slicker brush or comb. You may also need to trim your Yorkipoo's coat every 6-8 weeks, either at home or through a professional groomer, to maintain a neat appearance.

Bathing: Yorkipoos don’t need frequent baths unless they get dirty or start to develop a doggy odour. A bath every 4-6 weeks is typically sufficient, and it’s important to use a mild, dog-specific shampoo to avoid irritating their skin. After bathing, always dry your Yorkipoo thoroughly, particularly if they have a thick, curly coat. 

Dental Care: Like many small breeds, Yorkipoos can be prone to dental issues, including plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. Regular dental hygiene is crucial to prevent these problems. Ideally, you should brush your Yorkipoo’s teeth 2-3 times a week with a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste. In addition to home care, schedule annual dental cleanings with your vet to ensure their teeth and gums remain healthy. Dental chews can also help maintain oral hygiene between brushing sessions.

Though generally healthy, Yorkipoos can inherit conditions common to Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles. Regular vet visits and early detection are key to managing these effectively.

Patellar Luxation
A frequent issue in small breeds, patellar luxation involves the kneecap slipping out of place, causing limping or an uneven gait. Mild cases may be managed with therapy and weight control, while severe cases might require surgery.

Dental Disease
Their small mouths make Yorkipoos prone to plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth loss. Regular brushing and professional cleanings are essential to prevent oral issues and related complications like heart or kidney infections.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA is a genetic eye disorder causing gradual vision loss, starting with night blindness. While there's no cure, early detection via eye exams and responsible breeding can help manage or prevent it.

Hypothyroidism
This hormonal imbalance can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. It’s treatable with daily medication and routine monitoring, allowing most dogs to live comfortably with the condition.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease
An orthopaedic condition affecting young Yorkipoos (4–12 months), this disease deteriorates the femur’s head, causing pain and limping. Surgery may be necessary, but most dogs recover well with proper care.

By staying informed about these common health issues and scheduling regular vet visits, you can help your Yorkipoo live a long, healthy, and happy life.

Training a Yorkipoo can be a rewarding experience due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. Since they inherit the sharp mind of a Poodle and the feisty, playful nature of a Yorkshire Terrier, Yorkipoos respond well to consistent, positive reinforcement training. Early training and socialisation are crucial for this breed to ensure they grow into well-behaved, adaptable adults.

Start Early and Be Consistent: It’s essential to begin training your Yorkipoo as early as possible. Establishing basic obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” helps to set clear expectations for behaviour. Yorkipoos are quick learners, but they can also be independent, so consistency is key. Short, focused training sessions (5-10 minutes) are most effective, as they keep your dog’s attention and prevent boredom.

Positive Reinforcement: Yorkipoos respond best to positive reinforcement techniques, such as using treats, praise, and play as rewards for good behaviour. Every time your dog successfully follows a command or displays a desirable behaviour, offer a small treat or verbal praise. This encourages them to associate the behaviour with positive outcomes, making them more likely to repeat it. Be sure to use small, low-calorie treats to avoid overfeeding during training sessions.

Avoid Harsh Methods: Due to their sensitive and affectionate nature, Yorkipoos don’t respond well to harsh training methods or punishment. Negative reinforcement can lead to fear, anxiety, and behavioural problems. Instead, use patience and encouragement to guide your Yorkipoo, ensuring that training is a positive experience for both of you.

Socialisation: Exposing your Yorkipoo to a variety of environments, people, and other animals from a young age is essential. Socialisation helps them feel more comfortable in new situations, reducing the likelihood of fear-based behaviours like barking or aggression. Puppy training classes are a great way to combine obedience training with socialisation in a controlled environment.

Keeping your Yorkipoo active and engaged is important for both their physical and mental well-being. Despite their small size, Yorkipoos are energetic dogs that need regular exercise and stimulation to stay happy. Offering a mix of physical activity and mental challenges will help prevent boredom and unwanted behaviours like excessive barking or chewing.

Playing Fetch: Fetch is a fantastic way to exercise your Yorkipoo. Whether in your backyard or at a park, this activity taps into your natural playful instincts. Use a small, lightweight ball or toy for their size and play short, fast-paced games to tire them out while also strengthening your bond.

Interactive Toys: Since Yorkipoos are highly intelligent, they benefit from interactive toys that stimulate their minds. Puzzle toys that dispense treats, such as Kong toys or treat-dispensing balls, are great for keeping them occupied while also providing a reward. These toys can help channel their energy and keep them entertained when you’re not available for playtime.

Training Games: Incorporating training into games is another fun way to keep your Yorkipoo active. Hide-and-seek, where you hide treats or toys around the house and encourage your dog to find them, provides both mental stimulation and physical movement. Additionally, teaching tricks like rolling over or high-fiving not only gives them exercise but also enhances obedience and strengthens their connection.

Walks and Social Play: Daily walks are essential for a Yorkipoo's physical health. Aim for at least one or two short walks a day to give them an opportunity to explore new environments and burn off energy. Supervised playdates with other dogs are also a great way to keep your Yorkipoo active and socialised, as long as interactions are positive and controlled.

Agility Training: For more active Yorkipoos, agility training can be a fun and stimulating activity. Setting up a simple obstacle course in your yard with tunnels, jumps, and weave poles will not only keep them physically fit but also mentally challenged.

By providing a balance of physical and mental exercises, you’ll ensure your Yorkipoo stays healthy, happy, and well-behaved.

Like all dog breeds, Yorkipoos may exhibit certain behavioural issues, especially if their social, mental, and physical needs are not adequately met. While they are generally well-behaved, intelligent, and eager to please, their high energy and strong attachment to their owners can sometimes result in problems. With proper training, exercise, and attention, many of these behaviours can be managed or prevented.

Separation Anxiety: Yorkipoos are known to be very affectionate and form strong bonds with their human family members. However, this strong attachment can sometimes lead to separation anxiety if they are left alone for long periods. Dogs with separation anxiety may bark excessively, chew on furniture, or engage in destructive behaviours when their owners are away. To reduce this, it’s important to gradually train your Yorkipoo to be comfortable being alone for short periods and provide them with plenty of toys and distractions when you’re not home. Crate training and positive reinforcement can also help manage this issue.

Excessive Barking: As a crossbreed of two vocal dogs, Yorkipoos can sometimes be prone to excessive barking. They may bark at noises outside, visitors, or when they are bored or anxious. Early training to teach the "quiet" command can help control barking. Providing enough mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or interactive play, and ensuring they get enough exercise can also reduce boredom-induced barking.

Territorial Behaviour: Yorkipoos may sometimes show signs of territorial behaviour, particularly around food, toys, or their favourite resting spots. They may growl or snap at other pets or people who come too close to what they perceive as theirs. To address this, teaching your Yorkipoo basic commands like "leave it" and practising consistent, positive reinforcement when they share can help manage these tendencies.

Destructive Chewing: If not given enough mental stimulation or physical exercise, Yorkipoos may resort to chewing on furniture, shoes, or other household items to entertain themselves. Providing appropriate chew toys and keeping them engaged with regular play sessions can help prevent this destructive behaviour. Crate training can also be a useful tool to prevent unwanted chewing when they’re left unsupervised.

Proper nutrition is vital for maintaining the health and energy of a Yorkipoo. Their small size and active nature mean they need a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients to support their growth and well-being. Yorkipoos should be fed high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level, ensuring they receive the right combination of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

Puppy Nutrition: Yorkipoo puppies have specific nutritional needs to support their rapid growth and development. During their first year of life, they should be fed a diet rich in protein and fat to help build muscle and support their high energy levels. A high-quality puppy food formulated for small breeds is ideal, as it provides the right balance of nutrients for their developing bodies.

Puppies should be fed 3-4 small meals a day to maintain steady energy levels and prevent low blood sugar, a common issue in small breeds. Ensure that the food is easy to digest and that the kibble size is small enough for their tiny mouths.

Adult Yorkipoo Nutrition: As Yorkipoos transition to adulthood, their energy levels will still be high, but their calorie requirements will decrease slightly. Adult Yorkipoos should be fed 2 meals a day of high-quality small-breed dog food, which is formulated to provide the right amount of protein, fat, and carbohydrates for their size and activity level.

Look for dog food that contains lean proteins, such as chicken, turkey, or fish, as well as healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help maintain a healthy coat and skin. Since Yorkipoos can be prone to dental issues, dry kibble that promotes dental health is a good choice, along with regular dental care.

Special Nutritional Considerations: Some Yorkipoos may have food sensitivities or allergies, particularly to grains or certain proteins. If you notice symptoms like itching, digestive upset, or ear infections, consult your vet to determine if a grain-free or limited-ingredient diet might be beneficial.

Additionally, due to their small size, it’s important to avoid overfeeding Yorkipoos, as they can be prone to weight gain if not properly managed. Use a measuring cup to portion their food and avoid giving them too many treats. For particularly active Yorkipoos, you may need to adjust their food intake slightly to meet their higher calorie needs, but always monitor their weight to avoid obesity.

Providing your Yorkipoo with a well-balanced diet, regular meals, and access to clean, fresh water will help ensure they stay healthy, active, and full of life.

Whether you already have a Yorkipoo or are thinking about welcoming one into your home, we hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into the breed. While this article is a great starting point for understanding Yorkipoo care, grooming, training, and health, it's important to continue learning about your dog’s unique needs. Every Yorkipoo is different, so staying informed and seeking advice from reputable sources is essential. Share your experiences with other Yorkipoo owners, and always strive to learn more about their temperament and behaviour, as well as how to best care for and love your furry companion.

This article was written by Dr Jack Ayerbe