Description. The Yorkie Apso is a hybrid, or designer, dog which is a mix between a pedigree Yorkshire Terrier and a pedigree Lhasa Apso. They are a small dog standing some 8-11 inches in height and weighing in at about 7-15 pounds. The look of designer dogs is not reliable as it depends on the parental traits they follow. It is a good idea to look up both the parent breeds to see what kind of dog you are likely to get. You can always approach a reputable breeder for advice. In general they will take on a mixture of the parent breeds characteristics. The Yorkie Apso should have a proportionately sized head with a short-medium muzzle. The coat will be long, as this is a characteristic of both parent breeds. There will be a variety of colours available and you would need the advice of the breeder on what is likely for your dog.

History. The history is in the making with the designer breeds. Commonly the pedigree parents have long distinguished histories but this doesn’t really pass down to the hybrids. After the original is bred a Yorkie Apso should only be bred with another Yorkie Apso, but often they are nixed again with one of the parent breeds this means they can be quite different in many ways dependant on what breed a particular puppy was bred from and which bloodline was favored by the father and which bloodline the mother favors. Traditionally the interbreeding of dogs in this way is to improve, or introduce something new, to the resultant dogs. The idea nowadays is to breed dogs that are more suited to modern life. It may be that they are bred to require less exercise, or less training, or one of many other desirable traits. Some are bred as non shedders so they can be owned by allergy sufferers. The idea is to allow people who could not own dogs before, for whatever reason, to now have the choice.

Temperament. The Yorkie Apso is an active dog that is inquisitive, to the point of being nosey, and is very affectionate. They will love their owners but do not get on well with children. They will be quick and surprisingly strong, for their size. This is a breed that loves their walks but also likes to cuddle up on the sofa, with you. It is vital to train this dog well and socialize them as young as possible. Do not be tempted to treat the Yorkie Apso like a human baby, they are a dog and, this will cause them confusion and anxiety. They are a clever breed and they train fairly well, due to their size potty training may take a little longer, but they will get there. Do not allow this breed to get small dog syndrome, which is caused by the owner not training the dog properly and the pet is only expressing anxiety. Small dog syndrome is not a trait of any breed it is always induced by the owners.

Health issues. There is little specific known, as this is such a new breed. it is a good idea to seek the advice of a reputable breeder and look at the medical histories, and any health certificates, of the parents of your specific puppy. If a breeder can not supply these records then you are probably better going to a breeder that can.

Grooming. as both parents have long coats it is a safe bet that your Yorkie Apso will require a fair amount of grooming. They will require brushing every couple of days and will need cutting every 6-8 weeks.

Living conditions. As this is a small dog that is active indoors they will adapt happily to life in an apartment. They will require a couple of walks a day and mental stimulation but are quite easy to keep happy overall.