At a glance the quick version
Adopt-a-Pet gives 4-10 lb (1.8-4.5 kg), Purina 3.5-6.5 kg and Dogster 8-15 lb (about 3.6-6.8 kg). No split by sex.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short to long, silky or scruffy
The coat can be long and silky like a Yorkie or short and a little scruffy, depending on the Chihuahua parent's coat type. It sheds only a little.132
Personality what they are like
A spirited, affectionate little dog that acts far bigger than it is. It bonds closely with its owner, often one person in particular, loves being the centre of attention and enjoys games and training. It can be quite chatty.123
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low to moderate, but lively for its size. Around 30 minutes of walking a day on a harness plus indoor play; Dogster suggests up to an hour of activity in total.123
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Long-coated dogs need daily brushing and a trim every month or two; short coats need brushing once or twice a week. Bathe about monthly and brush teeth several times a week.231
Home where they are happiest
Well suited to flats and smaller homes, as long as there is access outside for walks and toilet breaks. Handle with care because of its small, light frame.13
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete food made for small breeds; Dogster suggests roughly a cup a day, adjusted to size and activity.3
Company who they like around
Loves company and does not like being left alone for long. Best with older, gentle children; can get on with other pets when socialised early, with care around much bigger dogs.213
The story where it all began
The Chorkie appeared in the United States around the early 1990s, when breeders began crossing the Chihuahua with the Yorkshire Terrier. Its tiny size and cute looks made it popular quickly as a companion dog.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Crossbreeds are not recognised as pedigree breeds, but they can be registered on the Activity Register and take part in agility, obedience and similar events.4
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Purina notes the Chorkie is not recognised by the UK Kennel Club, as it is a mixed breed.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Chorkie. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Parents and lookalikes
Chihuahua
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkipoo
MorkieLike what we are building? Buy us a coffee.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Chorkie - Purina UK purina.co.ukused for history, other names, size, colours, temperament, exercise, living, recognition
- Chorkie Breed Profile - Adopt-a-Pet adoptapet.comused for origin, size, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, grooming
- Chorkie - Dogster dogster.comused for size, lifespan, coat, exercise, grooming, diet, fun fact
- What is a crossbreed dog? - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for recognition
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.