Shorkie — breed guide
Shih Tzu crossed with a Yorkshire Terrier. Often inherits the Shih Tzu's shortened muzzle — treat it as a flat-faced dog in the heat.
At a glance
- Group
- mixed
- Size
- Toy
- Weight
- 2–6 kg (4–13 lb)
- Life span
- 11–16 years
- Coat
- Long and silky; needs daily brushing
Living with a Shorkie
- Moderate energy — a proper walk every day.
- Heavy grooming — frequent brushing and regular trims.
- Barely sheds.
- Trainable with consistency.
- Barks readily.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Can live with a cat, with a slow introduction and an escape route for the cat.
- Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Sensitive to heat; keep summer walks short.
- Feels the cold.
- Flat-faced (brachycephalic): breathing is harder in heat and under exertion, so walk weather matters more for this breed than most.
Temperament
Bold · Affectionate · Playful · Alert
Health to watch
- Dental crowding
- Brachycephalic airway signs
- Tracheal collapse
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Shorkie good with kids?
Generally yes. Shorkies are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Shorkie good with cats?
It can work, with management. Introduce them gradually, feed them apart, and make sure the cat has vertical space the dog cannot reach. Plan to manage it rather than assume it.
How much exercise does a Shorkie need?
A real walk every day, around 30–60 minutes.
Can a Shorkie handle hot weather?
Carefully. Flat-faced breeds overheat fast — early or late walks only on hot days. It is sensitive; avoid the midday heat.
Leash Life keeps a Shorkie's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.