Yorkipoo
| Yorkipoo | |
|---|---|
 A dark furred Yorkipoo. | |
| Other names | Yorkiepoopoo, yorkapoo, yorkerpoo, yoodle, yorkiedoodle, Porkie |
| Foundation stock | Yorkshire Terrier, poodle |
| Variety status | Not recognized as a breed by any major kennel club. |
| Dog (domestic dog) | |
A yorkipoo (also called a yorkiepoo, yorkapoo or yoodle) is a hybrid dog originating in the United States by crossing a Yorkshire Terrier and a poodle (in most cases the miniature poodle or toy poodle).
Description
This dog may range in height from 6-15 inches and may weigh between 4 and 14 pounds.[1] These dogs may be bred from two purebred parents or two hybrid parents. They tend to have a smooth coat of silky and wavy hair, and can come in a variety of colors, including gold, blue, white, and parti-color. Depending on which parent's genes are more dominant, the dog may be hypoallergenic and thus be more suited to homes with allergy sufferers.[1]
Hypoallergenic
It is known for being one of a few varieties of hypoallergenic dogs, although the usage of hypoallergenic is misleading. "No dog is non-allergenic", says Bruce Bochner, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Asthma & Allergy Center and professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "I am aware of no hypoallergenic status that can be attributed to any dog, no matter what the breed,” says Ralph Richardson, DVM, of Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. "Some breeds have more dander than others, but someone who is allergic to dogs is allergic to dogs,” says Linda Boyer, executive director of the Baltimore-based Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Health
Yorkipoos can suffer from several diseases, but are typically very healthy dogs.[2] They can suffer from hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as well as hypothyroidism, von Willebrand's disease, and thrombopathia, and should be assessed for all of these conditions.[2] Other possible problems include epilepsy, as well as patellar luxation, portosystemic shunts, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, hyperadrenocorticism and atopic dermatitis.[2] Like many small dogs, yorkipoos are prone to periodontal disease. Frequent dental care will protect their health and prolong their lifespan. Yorkipoos' luxurious, wavy hair is prone to matting, and therefore they should be brushed often—daily, if possible.[3]
Temperament and behavior
If bred from parents of sound temperament and adequately socialized in puppyhood, the yorkipoo is likely to be a playful, sweet-natured companion. Yorkipoos require mental stimulation and social interaction, and enjoy activities like dog agility and learning tricks.[4]
For their size, yorkipoos are rather energetic. However, their energy is easily expended within the confines of an apartment. Therefore, they do not require the sort of exercise regime that larger dogs need. Yorkipoos are social dogs. Unlike yorkies and other purebred toy dogs, however, they do not long for constant physical contact.Yorkipoos are generally not aggressive and tend to "greet strangers as if they were long lost friends."[4]
Yorkipoos are intelligent enough to be trained and may take pride in learning new commands. They respond best to positive reinforcement, as opposed to negative reinforcement or punishment. When faced with negative reinforcement or punishment, yorkipoos respond with stubbornness. Their tendency to bark can often interfere with training. Although they do not tend to sit and yip for no reason, they will most likely bark when someone knocks at the door. It is unknown if this is to warn that someone is approaching or out of excitement.[4]
See also
References
- ^ a b Hochberg, Ilene. Dogs by Design: How to Find the Right Mixed Breed for You. Retrieved 16 January 2013.
- ^ a b c "Yorkipoo". Dog Time. Retrieved February 4, 2013.
- ^ "Yorkipoo Dog Breed Information". Vetstreet. Retrieved 2015-12-10.
- ^ a b c "Yorkie-Poo - PetGuide". PetGuide. Retrieved 2015-12-10.