The Yorkie Poo is a mix between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle, typically a toy or miniature variety. This small but mighty hybrid is loved for its feisty attitude, affectionate nature, and playful charm. Yorkie Poos bring the best of both worlds: the bold personality of the Yorkie and the smarts and lower-shedding coat of the Poodle.
Looking for a dog that fits into your apartment, loves attention, and can be both sassy and sweet? The Yorkie Poo might be exactly what you need.
Breed Overview
| Trait | Details |
| Breed Purpose | Companion dog |
| Size | Small |
| Height | 7 to 15 inches (18 to 38 cm) |
| Weight | 5 to 15 pounds (2 to 7 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Coat Type | Curly or wavy, soft and fine |
| Colors | Black, tan, gray, apricot, cream, or mixes |
| Temperament | Lively, affectionate, vocal |
| Energy Level | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs | At least 30 minutes daily |
| Shedding | Low |
| Trainability | High, with early consistency |
| Average Price | $700 to over $2,500 |
| Best For | Apartments, singles, families, allergy-sensitive homes |
How the Breed Came to Be
Yorkie Poos are a fairly recent creation, part of the wave of designer dogs that aim to blend the best qualities of two popular breeds. In this case, the goal was to combine the Poodle’s low-shedding coat with the Yorkie’s bold, loving personality.
The result? A small dog with a big heart that often needs less grooming than a full Yorkie and may be a better fit for allergy sufferers. These dogs aren’t recognized as a breed by major kennel clubs, but they’re gaining fans fast.
What Yorkie Poos Look Like
Depending on the size of the Poodle parent, Yorkie Poos can range from very tiny (under 10 pounds) to just slightly larger. Their coats tend to be curly or wavy and come in a wide range of colors—solid, two-tone, or even tricolor.
Most have a compact body, button nose, floppy ears, and expressive eyes that make it tough to say no to them. Their tails may curl upward or be docked, depending on the breeder.
Temperament and Personality
Yorkie Poos are small but full of energy. They love being the center of attention and often think they’re bigger than they are. These dogs are:
- Confident and lively, often entertaining everyone around them
- Devoted to their people and often form close bonds with one or two family members
- Alert and vocal—they make good little watchdogs
- Playful but also love cuddling and sitting in your lap
Because they crave companionship, Yorkie Poos do best in homes where they’re not left alone for long periods. They can become anxious or noisy if bored or ignored.
Are They Good with Families and Other Pets?
Yes, but with some supervision. Yorkie Poos are affectionate with kids, but due to their small size, they’re better suited for families with older children who understand how to treat a tiny dog gently.
They usually get along with other dogs and pets, especially when socialized early. Some may show a bit of bossiness around larger dogs—classic small-dog syndrome—but it’s more charming than concerning.
If you’re looking for other pint-sized breeds that are great with children, check out this list of the Best Small Dogs for Kids.
Training and Exercise Needs
These pups are intelligent and eager to learn but may have a stubborn streak, especially if they lean more toward the Yorkie side. Consistent, reward-based training works well.
Best practices include:
- Short, engaging training sessions
- Treats and praise to reinforce good behavior
- Crate training and early socialization to prevent barking or anxiety
They don’t need as much exercise as larger dogs but still enjoy daily walks and interactive play. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity per day. For more tips on how to train your pup effectively, check out these Best Dog Training Methods.
Grooming Routine
One of the perks of the Yorkie Poo is their low-shedding coat, but it still needs attention. Depending on whether their fur is more Yorkie-like or Poodle-like, grooming needs may vary.
- Brush 3–4 times a week to prevent matting
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Trim hair every 6–8 weeks (professional grooming may be helpful)
- Clean ears and trim nails regularly
- Brush teeth often—small breeds are prone to dental issues
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, Yorkie Poos are often a good match for mild dog allergy sufferers.
Health and Lifespan
Yorkie Poos are generally healthy, especially when bred responsibly. Still, they can inherit conditions from either parent. Potential health issues include:
- Dental disease
- Luxating patella
- Tracheal collapse
- Allergies or skin problems
- Eye conditions like cataracts
Keep your dog healthy with regular vet checkups, a good diet, and dental care.
Diet and Feeding
As a small breed, Yorkie Poos do best on a small-breed dog food that’s nutrient-dense. Most need around ½ to 1 cup of kibble per day, split into two meals.
Stick with food designed for their size and energy level, and be careful not to overfeed—small dogs can gain weight fast.
Cost of a Yorkie Poo
Yorkie Poo puppies can range from $700 to over $2,500, depending on the breeder, location, and coat type. Adoption fees typically range from $100 to $500.
Always look for a breeder who does health testing and treats their dogs like family—not just a product.
Is the Yorkie Poo a Good Match for You?
This mix is perfect if you’re looking for a small, affectionate, intelligent companion that doesn’t shed much and fits comfortably in any living space.
Yorkie Poos are best for:
- People who work from home or are often around
- Those looking for a playful lapdog
- Owners willing to stay on top of grooming
- Families with older kids or singles in smaller homes
If you want a big personality in a tiny body, the Yorkie Poo might just be your new favorite shadow. Curious how they compare to another tiny, energetic breed? Learn more about the Yorkie Pomeranian Mix.