Yorkie-Poms are not purebred dogs. They are considered a designer breed recognized by the ACHC (American Canine Hybrid Club) as a Yoranian. This designer dog breed is a mix of a Yorkshire Terrier and a Pomeranian.
A Yorkie-Pom’s temperament varies depending on their upbringing, age, and genealogy. They are usually friendly, energetic, playful, and good-natured. Many Yorkie-Poms enjoy being lap dogs and will always be happy to snuggle up with you while you read a book or watch a movie. These pups can become willful, assertive, and stubborn if not given the proper training. Be sure to be stern, but use positive reinforcement to avoid having a territorial and bark-happy best friend.
A Yorkie-Pom can live comfortably in an apartment if given plenty of exercise and stimulation. If not given games and puzzles to do while you’re not at home, however, they can become bored and destructive. These dogs would prefer to be with you at all times, and should not be left alone for more than a few hours a day. A Yorkie-Pom would rather be with you all day every day! So, if possible, bring your new friend to work with you or invest in plenty of puzzles and games for him. Your pup and your shoes will appreciate it!
These dogs are usually a healthy breed that doesn’t have too many issues if you stay up-to-date on their veterinarian check-ups and give them plenty of exercise. They can be prone to eye problems, dental problems, epilepsy, liver disease, respiratory infections, and kidney problems as they age. You can avoid many of these ailments by offering a nutritious diet and exercise. Most Yorkie-Poms prefer a mixture of dry and wet food. This helps to strengthen their teeth and gives them a wide variety of minerals and vitamins.
The Yorkie-Pom dog breed is intelligent and responds well to training, but can be somewhat independent and determined. They want to understand their owner’s commands, but may question your motives. Be sure to start training early, and work with a trainer so you can communicate with your pup as well as possible. This may even help them become more socialized and comfortable over time.
A Yorkie-Pom will need to be brushed every day to avoid matting and debris being trapped in their fur. You should bathe them every other month unless they have gone swimming, played in the rain or snow, or went for a hike or a road trip with you. Also, you should have your pup professionally groomed every season. Doing so will keep them comfortable and healthy as temperatures rise and drop.
Trimming their nails monthly will help keep them from getting too long. Checking their ears weekly and carefully cleaning them as needed can help prevent ear infections. Because the Yorkie Pom is a small dog breed, they are more prone to dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. Proper dental care for dogs, like using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing their teeth daily, can help prevent it.
With a Yorkshire Terrier and a Pomeranian in the cross, this is a high-energy dog that will need plenty of exercise. Although they are energetic, they are also small and can tire quickly, so moderate exercise is generally sufficient for this pup. Moreover, a Yorkie-Pom needs complex exercise that challenges their intellect as well as their bodies. So while you should walk your Yorkie-Pom every day, you will want to end the walk with a food puzzle, a game of fetch, or tug-o-war. Then, they will be happy, calm, and ready to head home.
Yorkie-Poms usually stand 7 to 12 inches tall and weigh 3 to 7 pounds.
A Yorkie-Pom will generally live 12 to 15 years.