Pet Wiki

Chorkie

Canis lupus familiaris

Also called Yorkiechi, Chiyorkie, Yorkie-chi, Chihuahua x Yorkshire Terrier

A spirited, affectionate little dog that acts far bigger than it is.

SizeToy
Weight1.8 to 6.8 kg (4 to 15 lb)123
Height15 to 23 cm (6 to 9 in)123
Lifespan12 to 15 years123
CoatShort to long, silky or scruffy
OriginUnited States, from around the early 1990s.21
CrossbreedShort profile
big personality in a tiny body
loyal and loving
bright and quick to learn
213

Personality what they are like

A spirited, affectionate little dog that acts far bigger than it is. It bonds closely with its owner, often one person in particular, loves being the centre of attention and enjoys games and training. It can be quite chatty.213

Coat and looks how to spot one

short to long, silky or scruffy

The coat can be long and silky like a Yorkie or short and a little scruffy, depending on the Chihuahua parent's coat type. It sheds only a little.231

Coloursblacktanbrownwhitesilverbluesteel blue123

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Chorkie. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upevery year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low to moderate, but lively for its size. Around 30 minutes of walking a day on a harness plus indoor play; Dogster suggests up to an hour of activity in total.213

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Long-coated dogs need daily brushing and a trim every month or two; short coats need brushing once or twice a week. Bathe about monthly and brush teeth several times a week.132

Home where they are happiest

Well suited to flats and smaller homes, as long as there is access outside for walks and toilet breaks. Handle with care because of its small, light frame.23

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete food made for small breeds; Dogster suggests roughly a cup a day, adjusted to size and activity.3

Company who they like around

Loves company and does not like being left alone for long. Best with older, gentle children; can get on with other pets when socialised early, with care around much bigger dogs.123

The story where it all began

The Chorkie appeared in the United States around the early 1990s, when breeders began crossing the Chihuahua with the Yorkshire Terrier. Its tiny size and cute looks made it popular quickly as a companion dog.21

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It goes by several other names, including Yorkiechi and Chiyorkie.2

  2. 2

    Chorkies seem not to know how small they are and carry themselves like much bigger dogs.2

  3. 3

    Littermates can have either short or long coats, depending on which parent they take after.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The Chorkie is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Yorkshire Terrier, and its name is a portmanteau of the two parent breeds: 'Chi' from Chihuahua and 'orkie' from Yorkie.4

Name ideas for your new friend

TinySparkleButtonsDivaChicoBellaMochiZippyStarHoneyPocoGem

A day in the life told by a Chorkie

I woke up and gave my human a kiss to start the day off right. Then I did my morning zoomies around the house, just to remind everyone I'm the boss. We went outside and I strutted down the street, tail high. A big dog barked, but I let out my fiercest yip and he backed off. For the rest of the morning, I sat on my favorite cushion, supervising. Later, we practiced a new trick; I love showing off. Now I'm curled up next to my human, feeling like the queen of the world.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

The Royal Kennel Club
Crossbreeds are not recognised as pedigree breeds, but they can be registered on the Activity Register and take part in agility, obedience and similar events.5
The Royal Kennel Club
Purina notes the Chorkie is not recognised by the UK Kennel Club, as it is a mixed breed.2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Chorkie, and at what times?

Your Chorkie will do best with at least two meals a day at consistent times, as adult dogs' stomachs empty within a few hours. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet, since needs vary by size and activity.36

What should a Chorkie eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a complete food made for small breeds, roughly a cup a day adjusted to your dog's size and activity. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and many others listed by the ASPCA. Always keep these away from your Chorkie.37

How often should I bathe a Chorkie?

Bathing about once a month is a good starting point, though some owners bathe every two months or as needed. The ASPCA suggests at least every three months, so adjust based on how dirty your dog gets. Use a gentle dog shampoo.1328 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Chorkie need brushing?

If your Chorkie has a long, silky coat, brush daily to prevent tangles. For a short, scruffy coat, once or twice a week is enough. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests weekly brushing, which works well for most coats.1328 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Chorkie's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part) to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Chorkie need?

Your Chorkie needs about 30 minutes of walking on a harness each day, plus indoor playtime. Dogster suggests up to an hour of total activity. They are lively for their size, so daily walks and games will keep them happy and healthy.213 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Chorkie's teeth and ears?

Brush your Chorkie's teeth several times a week using a dog-safe toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness, and gently clean the outer part only, never push anything into the ear canal. Your vet can show you the best technique.1328 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Chorkie live?

Chorkies typically live between 12 and 15 years, bringing you many years of spirited companionship. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a loving home, they often enjoy a long, happy life.123

Is a Chorkie good with children and other pets?

Chorkies bond closely with their family and do best with older, gentle children who understand how to handle a small dog. They can get along with other pets when socialised early, but be careful around much larger dogs due to their tiny size.123

Can a Chorkie be left alone?

Chorkies love company and do not like being left alone for long periods. They thrive with someone around most of the day. If you must leave them, consider a dog sitter or daycare to keep them happy.123

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Parents and lookalikes

ChihuahuaYorkshire TerrierYorkipooMorkie

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Chorkie Breed Profile - Adopt-a-Pet adoptapet.comused for origin, size, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, grooming
  2. Chorkie - Purina UK purina.co.ukused for history, other names, size, colours, temperament, exercise, living, recognition
  3. Chorkie - Dogster dogster.comused for size, lifespan, coat, exercise, grooming, diet, fun fact
  4. petmd.com petmd.com
  5. What is a crossbreed dog? - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for recognition
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.