Description. The Yorkiepoo is a hybrid, or designer, dog. They are first bred by mixing a pedigree Yorkshire Terrier and a Miniature Poodle. Poodles are quite commonly used for the hybrid dogs as their coat is low shedding; this means that some of the hybrids are suitable for people who have allergies. Once the original Yorkiepoo has been born they should only be bred with other Yorkiepoos, but they are often bred with one of the original parent breeds. This makes the general look unreliable and you would need to consult a reputable breeder to see what can be expected. It depends on the bloodline of the father and which bloodline the mother favors. Their coat can be from medium and curly through to long and wavy, and anywhere in-between.

History. The Yorkiepoo has a very short history. They are bred to be better for modern day life and to a size that is easier to manage. The pedigree dogs at present were bred to have certain traits and to be good at certain tasks. Nowadays we do not use dogs for working, much. The vast majority of dogs are pets and the hybrids have come about because of the need for family pets rather than hunting or guarding. There are a lot of the designer breeds that are small and tend to be from the more intelligent dogs. This makes them easier to train and need less exercise. They are also bred from the more affectionate breeds, as nobody wants a savage pet.

Temperament. As a breed the Yorkiepoo is intelligent and inquisitive, they love to be in the middle of everything. They are affectionate and happy dogs that love to play and explore. They do require exercise and mental stimulation. Two 20-30 minute walks, or more if you can, will keep this dog happy along with some playtime. They are good at hide and seek games or catch and retrieve. You need to assert yourself as a natural pack leader to the Yorkiepoo so it knows its place in the household. The Yorkiepoo will be happier if they know you are in charge and it makes training easier. You should not be tempted to treat this dog as a human baby. They are a dog and that’s what they enjoy being, you wouldn’t want to be treated as anything other than human. Small dog syndrome presents itself as a result of an owner that does not assert themselves properly and the dog becomes confused and anxious, thinking they have to be in charge. They are good with children but prefer the school age children.

Health issues. There are no specific health issues as yet but it is a good idea to visit a reputable breeder and inspect any health records, and certificates. If a breeder can not show these records then go to a better breeder, one that can show you.

Grooming. The Yorkiepoo, as with both parents, will require daily brushing and a trip to the salon every 6-10 weeks.

Living conditions. This is a breed that can live anywhere, as long as they have proper exercise and mental stimulation. A Yorkiepoo is happy in an apartment and does not even require a garden or yard, although they would enjoy one if it is there.