Introducing a new puppy to your current dog is often an exciting process, and many dogs will become fast friends and eas...
Read More
How to Introduce a New Puppy to Your Dog
Shih tzu and Yorkshire terrier mixes, commonly known as shorkies, are adorable little companions that are rising in popularity, especially among those living in the urban areas of Pennsylvania. They are adaptable, social, and affectionate dogs that do well in all kinds of living arrangements, from small studios to spacious homes with yard access.
The same can be said for who this breed is for – shorkies are an ideal companion for many prospective dog owners in Pennsylvania, with many choosing to go the adoption route to get a shorkie. While this is an excellent way to add a shorkie to your life that will be cost-effective and give a home to a dog in need, finding these dogs up for adoption can be tricky. This is due to the appeal of these dogs and the lower numbers compared to other designer dog breeds.
Even though it is likely to require some effort, it is more than possible to adopt a shorkie. In this article, we will go over how to adopt a shorkie in Pennsylvania by summarizing the typical adoption process. Our article will also cover the shorkie’s typical characteristics so you can determine whether shih tzu and Yorkie mixes are the right dog for you.
What Are Shorkies Like?
Shorkies carry many of their shih tzu and Yorkshire terrier parents’ traits, but they also have some unique characteristics that every future shorkie owner should know. Below is a detailed overview of what shorkies are like, covering their temperament, exercise needs, size, health, and more.
No data found.
|
What Is a Shorkie’s Temperament?The shorkie has a temperament that many owners don’t expect to see coming at first. These dogs are small and affectionate, but they also have a protective side that makes them fun to watch. It wouldn’t be uncommon for a shorkie to bark at strangers and unfamiliar dogs from the window, thinking that they are protecting their territory. This personality trait mainly comes from the Yorkshire terrier. However, this temperament shouldn’t be mistaken for any aggression. Shorkies are outgoing dogs that enjoy making friends with similarly sized, friendly dogs. Just like shih tzus, they are sociable but enjoy the company of their family members more than anyone else. They bond strongly with their owners but tend to attach to one person more than others to make them their favorite human. |
How Active Are Shorkies?Most shorkies can be considered medium-energy dogs that need about 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise in the form of walks, playtime, and mentally enriching activities. However, some can be more energetic as there isn’t a standard with these dogs. Observe your shorkie’s behavior to determine whether they need more exercise than they get. While they can be more energetic than many other small companion dogs, Pennsylvania owners will find countless options when it comes to exercising their dogs. Whether you live in a big city like Philadelphia or more suburban parts of Pennsylvania, there are many dog-friendly activities to do with a shorkie by your side. |
|
What Size Are Shorkies?
Since both the shih tzu and the Yorkie are small dogs, the mixes of these dogs aren’t any different. They stand up to 11 inches tall at the withers and weigh 7 to 16 pounds. This means that most shorkies are bigger than Yorkies, though not as big as shih tzus that are on the larger end.
Given their small size and high adaptability, shorkies can thrive in various living arrangements. Whether your Pennsylvania home is a small studio or a home with a backyard, a shorkie won’t have any difficulties adjusting to its new living space.
What Are a Shorkie’s Grooming Needs?
Shorkies are pretty high-maintenance when it comes to grooming. They need daily brushing and routine professional grooming to tidy up their appearance. Like all dogs, shorkies also have basic grooming needs like dental care, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. As for bathing them, it can be done every one to three months or when they are smelly or dirty.
Given their high grooming needs, you will likely need to find a professional dog groomer you can trust in Pennsylvania. Grooming your shorkie at home is also an option that will be cost-effective, considering how often these dogs require haircuts.
What Are Common Shorkie Health Issues?
Shorkies are generally healthy, but they can be prone to developing certain canine health conditions that affect both the shih tzu and the Yorkshire terrier parent. These include luxating patella, hip dysplasia, hypoglycemia, and BOAS in dogs that have a facial structure like the shih tzu. Shorkies are also prone to periodontal disease, so their teeth should be brushed regularly.
Since adopting means you might not know as much about the shorkie’s health and background, it is important for owners to be prepared for any sudden health problems that their dogs might develop. Fortunately, Pennsylvania has many well-equipped animal hospitals and veterinary clinics that can identify any potential problems early and start the care your shorkie needs.
What Is a Shorkie’s Lifespan?
A shorkie’s average life expectancy is between 10 and 18 years. Many factors explain why the life expectancy for these dogs is so broad, including genetics, environment, diet, and lifestyle.
Are Shorkies Good With Other Animals or Kids?
Shorkies tend to be well with other dogs, especially if raised together. Puppies adapt well to households with existing dogs, but it all comes down to socialization with adults. A well-socialized adult shorkie will get along well with other dogs, though some might need time to feel comfortable. Shorkies also coexist just fine with cats. However, the same can’t be said for prey animals. These dogs have a high prey drive, which can trigger them to chase after small animals instinctively.
When it comes to family life, shorkies are great with kids of all ages, but they are a better choice for families with older children due to their small size. They are fragile dogs that can get hurt easily during playtime with kids, especially if they aren’t careful. Therefore, it mostly comes down to the behavior of kids rather than the shorkie determining whether one of these dogs will get along well with kids or not.
Are Shorkies Good for First-Time Dog Parents?
Shorkies are overall a good choice for first-time dog parents, though novice owners planning to get a shorkie must understand what it takes to care for these dogs before adopting one. Shorkies require immense socialization to ensure they become well-mannered adults, and training them can be challenging early, particularly potty training.
Although these dogs are generally recommended for first-time dog parents, shorkie puppies and adults who are well-socialized and trained tend to be the better choice for first-time dog owners. If a shorkie has behavioral issues or isn’t socialized properly, it can be too difficult to manage for a novice owner despite its small size. These should be taken into account by Pennsylvania residents who are going to be dog owners for the first time.
How Do You Adopt a Shorkie in Pennsylvania?
Adopting a dog in Pennsylvania, especially a rare and appealing one like the shorkie, is a process for many. The local shelters in your area and rescue organizations likely won’t have a shorkie for adoption – even if they do, there isn’t a guarantee that the dog they’re rehoming is a shih tzu and Yorkie mix, as most dogs that are put up for adoption by shelters and rescues have no history.
This leaves online listings where you can search specifically for shorkies as the best place to find a suitable dog, such as Dog Academy’s adoption listing. Get started finding your next furry best friend on Dog Academy by browsing shorkies in your area listed for adoption.
Once you find a shorkie that seems like a good fit, inquire about adopting the dog. Depending on who’s rehoming the shorkie, such as a shelter, rescue, or foster dog parent, you might need to submit an initial application before you can meet the dog in person. If your initial application is approved, you can then see the shorkie in person and ask questions about their background, health, and temperament.
After meeting the dog, you should be able to decide if you should continue with the adoption. If yes, send your adoption application, which might be followed by a home visit. Following these, the organization or the foster dog parent rehoming the shorkie should make a decision on whether you’re a good fit for the dog. If accepted for adoption, you will finalize the adoption paperwork and pay the adoption fee before taking your newly adopted shorkie to your Pennsylvania home.
The above can take anywhere from just a few days to several weeks, so it is best to set realistic expectations on how soon you can find and adopt a shorkie. Throughout the entire process, pay attention to adoption red flags to ensure you bring home a shorkie that’s as described.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Shorkie in Pennsylvania?
Adoption fees for a shorkie range between $250 and $750 in Pennsylvania, with puppies having higher adoption fees than adults. If you adopt a senior shorkie, you might not pay any adoption fees, as many Pennsylvania adoption organizations waive adoption fees for older dogs.
How Should I Train a Shorkie?
Training a shorkie requires some effort, as these dogs don’t have the best trainability despite their high intelligence. This is partly because of their stubborn personality and tendency to do everything on their terms.
Due to these, shorkies need an owner who can guide them through training with lots of rewards and encouragement. Always follow positive reinforcement training and use high-value rewards to motivate your shorkie. Also, avoid harsh corrections when training a shorkie as they are sensitive dogs that can build a negative association with training.
One major point about training a shorkie is that, just like the Yorkshire terrier parent, they tend to be difficult to housetrain. Owners of this designer breed must be patient during potty training and take their dogs out for frequent walks to relieve themselves. Master dog training and meet the training needs of your shorkie with Dog Academy’s online courses.
Find the Right Shorkie in Pennsylvania for You
Shorkies are highly affectionate companion dogs that can fit into many homes in Pennsylvania. Now that you know how to adopt a shorkie in Pennsylvania, it is time to decide if this breed is the right choice for you.
Review everything we’ve covered about the shorkie’s temperament, size, grooming needs, and other characteristics to determine whether this designer breed is the dog you should bring to your Pennsylvania home. From there, you can look for shorkies in your area accordingly and adopt the right dog that will match you from the first day.
