Shorkie
Breed Stats
Shorkie Puppy Overview
The shorkie is an adorable new crossbreed that has quietly grown in popularity over the last few years. A bite-sized buddy with a lot of personality, this breed comes from a mix between a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier. Because it is not an officially recognized breed, would-be owners may have considerable difficulty finding breeders or shelters that carry shorkie puppies.
Shorkie puppies will typically grow to be around 11 inches tall and between 7 and 16 pounds in adulthood. They have considerable grooming requirements, though they shed far less than one would assume looking at their coat. They are very intelligent dogs, if a bit goofy, that can be trained to learn most commands once their feisty streak is reined in.
They are in the middle of the road when it comes to their sociability, with some being more outgoing than others. While they typically grow fond of their family, they may not warm to new faces, regardless of whether they are resting on two legs or four. If you are going to buy a shorkie, you will need to calm their barking tendencies as soon as they enter your home.
If you are still on board for a shorkie, you are in good company. The breed may not be as popular as labradors or german shepherds, but those who know about the charming mix are typically lifelong fans. To learn how to buy a shorkie puppy, read the following paragraphs. We will cover how to care for the breed, their cost, and much, much more!
How to Find Shorkie Puppies for Sale?
There are three different methods most people can rely on to find shorkies, and we will cover all three. The first and least likely to help prospective owners is to scour local shelters for any shorkie puppies. The breed is not densely populated throughout the world, and random litters are unlikely to be sitting in animal shelters near you.
The second method is to look for reputable breeders that specialize in breeding shorkies. While this is far easier than crossing your fingers and hoping to stumble upon shorkies, it is not a simple task. Shorkie breeders are in short supply, and the few that do exist can be hundreds of miles away. Be sure to research a breeder before settling on a shorkie of your own.
The final and most reliable method of purchasing a shorkie is relying on experts and authorities like Dog Academy, which features several training courses and adoption options on its website. The days of having to travel hundreds of miles for the slight possibility of adoption are no longer a requirement, and sites like Dog Academy have simplified the process for all of us.
How to Find a Good Shorkie Puppy Breeder?
Just because you have scoured through countless pages of Google links to find the exclusive shorkie breeder in your area does not mean that you are out of the woods. It is a tragedy and an objective fact that while several breeders do incredible work, there are many that take a profit-first approach to raising dogs and should be avoided entirely.
The following are reasons why a breeder should be avoided:
- They only work with expensive, trendy dog breeds
- They are inexperienced or unfamiliar with the breed
- They refuse to let you interact with the shorkies
- They don’t have paperwork on the dogs or contracts for adoption
- The breeder asks no questions of you
If a breeder seems ambivalent or unenthused about the dog they are selling, then it may be a sign they are not passionate or experienced enough to work with them. While it isn’t a golden rule, most breeders are involved with some club, organization, or committee that is specifically focused on their breed of choice.
For shorkies, this may be an unrealistic expectation for most breeders as the crossbreed is relatively new.
How Much Does a Shorkie Puppy Cost?
They aren’t as expensive as some of the more elegant breeds you see strutting around today, but they are not inexpensive. The average price for a shorkie puppy will range from $700 to $2,000, with special variations and colors causing some puppies to be twice or triple the price. Certain individuals may know someone with a litter to get a discount, though this is uncommon.
Additionally, some local shelters may have shorkie puppies available, but they are not a commonly seen breed in most parts of the country. If you find a breeder who is selling shorkies for much lower or higher than what is listed here, be wary. Several less-than-stellar breeders will undercut or inflate their prices, and others may not even be aware of the typical asking price.
A good rule-of-thumb when purchasing a puppy is that if the breeder feels less knowledgeable on the dog than you do, it is time to look somewhere else.
Shorkies For Sale
How to Care for a Shorkie Puppy?
Shorkies are big, bold personalities tightly contained in a small package and can run over owners who are timid or unfamiliar with training new dogs. They have high energy levels that will need to be expended through exercise or play time. Failure to do so can result in destructive tendencies and a dog that is perfectly capable of following instructions but far too amped up to listen.
Similarly, they will bark at every creak, crack, or critter that can be detected in or around your house. They are vocal dogs and diligent, daily training will be an absolute necessity for those living in apartments or anyone who wants to get eight full hours of sleep a night. If owners have dogs or other pets in their home already, they will need to introduce the new shorkie slowly.
Once the dog is exhausted of its ample energy and learns to control its bark, it can become an incredibly rewarding companion. They are notoriously sharp and capable of any commands a person could want, but it is an uphill battle at first with the breed. They are not irredeemable dogs by any stretch, but they do require some work, particularly in the beginning.
A shorkie should be fed nutrient-rich food that is designed for smaller breeds with active lifestyles. Typically, you can get by with ½ cup or a full cup of food spread into two different daily meals. If your shorkie is on the sedentary side, go less per day. Similarly, busier dogs can do with a higher-calorie diet.
Is It a Good Idea to Buy a Shorkie Puppy As Your First Dog?
They can be a first dog, though we recommend an easier breed for an owner’s first time around. If you have your heart set on a shorkie, no problem! You will have to do a bit more than other first-time owners, but they are far from impossible for someone new to pet ownership.
The big thing to watch out for is their stubborn streak, which can have you fighting with a ten-pound dog for dominance in your own home. Additionally, they will run in circles for hours, and any owner who refuses to take the shorkie out on walks will quickly be at odds with their new pooch.
Buy the Right Shorkie Puppy for You
Shorkies are brilliant balls of energy with great personalities, though they can run an owner over if they are unprepared. These crossbreeds cost anywhere from $700 to $2,000, with some variants pushing the price up considerably. They will require considerable training at first to calm their stubborn streak and lessen the likelihood of noise complaints from excessive barking.
Would-be owners should be wary of breeders that start bringing forth red flags, like not allowing you to interact with their shorkies before purchase. Reputable sites like Dog Academy can help get prospective owners in touch with reputable breeders far easier and with less hassle for both sides. Shorkie puppies may be hard to find, but they are certainly worth the extra effort.
