Yorkipoo

Description

This dog may range in height from 6-15 inches and may weigh between 4 and 14 pounds. These dogs may be bred from two purebred parents or two hybrid parents. They tend to have a smooth coat, of silky and wavy hair, and can come in a variety of colors, including gold, blue, white, and particolor. Depending on which parent's genes are more dominant, the dog may be hypoallergenic and thus be more suited to homes with allergy sufferers.

Hypoallergenic

It's known for being one of a few varieties of hypoallergenic dogs, although the usage of hypoallergenic is a misleading. No dog is non-allergenic, says Bruce Bochner, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Asthma & Allergy Center and professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "I am aware of no hypoallergenic status that can be attributed to any dog, no matter what the breed,” says Ralph Richardson, DVM, of Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. "Some breeds have more dander than others, but someone who is allergic to dogs is allergic to dogs,” says Linda Boyer, executive director of the Baltimore-based Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Health

Yorkipoos can suffer from several diseases, but are typically very healthy dogs. They can suffer from hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as well as hypothyroidism, von Willebrand's disease, and thrombopathia, and should be assessed for all of these conditions. Other possible problems include epilepsy, as well as patellar luxation, portosystemic shunts, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, hyperadrenocorticism and atopic dermatitis. Like many very small dogs, yorkipoos are prone to periodontal disease. Good dental care will protect their health and prolong their lifespan. Yorkipoos' luxurious, wavy hair is prone to matting, and therefore they should be brushed often—daily, if possible.

Temperament and behavior

If bred from parents of sound temperament and adequately socialized in puppyhood, the yorkipoo is likely to be a confident, loving, playful companion combining terrier boldness and poodle intelligence. Yorkipoos require mental stimulation and social interaction, and enjoy activities like dog agility and learning tricks.

For their size, yorkipoos are rather energetic. However, their energy is easily expended within the confines of an apartment. Therefore, they do not require the sort of exercise regime that larger dogs need. Yorkipoos are very social dogs. Unlike yorkies and other purebred toys, however, they do not long for constant physical contact. Yorkipoos have no objections to cuddling up on a lap but are also content to simply be nearby. Yorkipoos are generally not aggressive and tend to "greet strangers as if they were long lost friends."

Yorkipoos are smart enough to be trained and take marked pride in learning new commands. They respond best to positive reinforcement, as opposed to negative reinforcement or punishment. When faced with negative reinforcement or punishment, yorkipoos respond with stubbornness. The greatest hurdle to training a yorkipoo is barking. Although they do not tend to sit and yip for no reason, they will almost unfailingly bark when someone knocks at the door. It is unknown if this is to warn that someone is approaching or out of sheer glee to encounter another person.