Yorkie Apso
The Yorkie Apso is a designer crossbreed gaining popularity for its compact size and endearing personality. Combining the spirited nature of the Yorkshire Terrier with the calm and confident demeanor of the Lhasa Apso, this hybrid offers a unique blend of traits that make it a delightful companion for a variety of households. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about this charming dog.
Miscellaneous
Breed group
Height: 23–28 - 23–28 cm
Size
Black, Tan, Gold, White
Color
Appearance Overview
Yorkie Apsos are small dogs, typically exhibiting a mix of their parent breeds' physical features, with a long, silky coat that can vary in color.
Size
Small, typically 9-15 pounds and 8-11 inches tall.
Coat
Long, silky, and flowing; can be straight or slightly wavy.
Colors
Varies widely; common colors include black, tan, gold, blue, and combinations thereof.
Head
Small and slightly rounded, with a moderate muzzle.
Eyes
Dark, expressive, and alert.
Ears
Can be erect (like a Yorkie) or drop (like a Lhasa Apso).
Tail
Often carried high, sometimes with a slight curl.
Temperament Overview
Yorkie Apsos are known for their affectionate and playful nature, often displaying a confident and sometimes stubborn streak.
Affectionate
Form strong bonds with their families and enjoy cuddling.
Playful
Enjoy interactive games and playtime.
Confident
Possess a self-assured demeanor, inherited from the Lhasa Apso.
Alert
Make good watchdogs, barking to alert their owners to anything unusual.
Independent
Can be stubborn at times, requiring patient and consistent training.
Social
Generally good with children and other pets if properly socialized.
Yorkie Apso suitability overview
Yorkie Apsos are best suited for individuals or families who can provide them with love, attention, and consistent training.
Pros
Affectionate and loving companions.
Adaptable to apartment living.
Relatively low exercise needs compared to larger breeds.
Good watchdogs due to their alert nature.
Generally good with children and other pets if socialized properly.
Cons
Can be prone to barking.
Requires regular grooming.
Can be stubborn to train.
Prone to certain health issues.
May not be suitable for families with very young children due to their small size.
Suitability conclusion
The ideal owner for a Yorkie Apso is someone who can dedicate time to grooming, training, and providing companionship. They thrive in environments where they are part of the family and receive plenty of attention.
Yorkie Apso care requirements
Yorkie Apsos require regular grooming due to their long coat, a balanced diet, and a comfortable, safe living environment.
Grooming
Daily brushing is recommended to prevent matting and tangles. Professional grooming every few months may be needed.
Bathing
Bathe only when necessary, typically every 2-3 months, or as needed.
Nail Trimming
Trim nails regularly, usually every 2-3 weeks.
Ear Cleaning
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections.
Dental Care
Brush teeth several times a week to maintain dental health.
Diet
Feed a high-quality, small-breed dog food appropriate for their age and activity level.
Living Environment
Adaptable to various living situations, including apartments, as long as their exercise needs are met.
Yorkie Apso training and exercise
Yorkie Apsos are moderately easy to train, responding well to positive reinforcement, though their independent nature requires patience. They need moderate daily exercise.
Trainability
Yorkie Apsos are intelligent dogs but can be stubborn, inherited from both parent breeds. Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise, work best. Consistency and patience are key. Early socialization is crucial to ensure they are well-adjusted and comfortable around other dogs and people.
Exercise needs
Despite their small size, Yorkie Apsos have moderate energy levels. Daily walks, playtime in a secure area, and interactive games are sufficient to keep them happy and healthy. Aim for at least 30-45 minutes of exercise per day, which can be broken up into shorter sessions.
Notes and tips
Consistency
Establish a consistent training routine from a young age.
Positive Reinforcement
Use treats, praise, and toys to motivate them.
Socialization
Expose them to various sights, sounds, people, and other animals early on.
Short Sessions
Keep training sessions short and engaging to prevent boredom.
Mental Stimulation
Provide puzzle toys and games to keep their minds active.
Yorkie Apso health
Yorkie Apsos are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.
Patellar Luxation
A condition where the kneecap dislocates, causing lameness.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
A degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness.
Dental Disease
Prone to dental problems due to their small mouths.
Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar, especially common in puppies.
Yorkie Apso history
The Yorkie Apso, as a relatively new hybrid breed, doesn't have a long, documented history like its parent breeds. The intentional crossing of Yorkshire Terriers and Lhasa Apsos likely began in the late 20th or early 21st century, driven by the desire to combine the desirable traits of both breeds. The Yorkshire Terrier originated in 19th-century England, bred for catching rats in clothing mills. The Lhasa Apso, an ancient breed, hails from Tibet, where it served as a sentinel in monasteries. The Yorkie Apso is not yet recognized by major kennel clubs like the AKC, as it's considered a mixed breed.
Faqs about Yorkie Apso
Are Yorkie Apsos hypoallergenic?
While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, Yorkie Apsos, with their hair-like coat, may produce less dander than some other breeds. However, individual allergies can vary.
How long do Yorkie Apsos live?
With good care, Yorkie Apsos typically live for 12-15 years.
Do Yorkie Apsos shed a lot?
Yorkie Apsos are considered low-shedding dogs, but regular brushing is still necessary to keep their coat healthy and free of mats.
Are Yorkie Apsos good with children?
Yes, Yorkie Apsos can be good with children, especially if they are raised together. However, supervision is always recommended with small dogs and young children.
How much does a Yorkie Apso cost?
The price of a Yorkie Apso puppy can vary widely depending on the breeder, location, and lineage. Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more.
Can Yorkie Apsos be left alone for long periods?
Yorkie Apsos can tolerate being alone for moderate periods, but they thrive on companionship. If left alone for too long, they may develop separation anxiety or engage in destructive behaviors.
Do Yorkie Apsos need a lot of space?
No, Yorkie Apsos are small dogs and can adapt well to apartment living, provided they get enough exercise.
Are Yorkie Apsos easy to housebreak?
Yorkie Apsos can be a bit challenging to housebreak due to their small size and sometimes stubborn nature. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key.
What kind of food should I feed my Yorkie Apso?
Feed your Yorkie Apso a high-quality, small-breed dog food that is appropriate for their age and activity level. Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity.
Is the Yorkie Apso recognized by the AKC?
No the Yorkie Apso is a crossbreed and is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
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