Whether they’re peeking out of the top of a purse, the edge of a car window, or the comfort of a pet parent’s lap, Yorkie Poos are undeniably adorable. A hybrid breed created when a Yorkshire Terrier is mated with a Toy Poodle, these small dogs have energy and personality that rivals dogs several times their size – and they aren’t afraid to show it. Bred with the iconic healthy constitution of the Yorkshire Terrier, Yorkie Poos are happily long-lived and have only a small handful of needs for a balanced lifestyle. If you have recently asked yourself, “How long do Yorkie Poos live?”, you are not alone. Read on to learn about this breed’s estimated longevity and health requirements. 

A Pup By Any Other Name

This “designer breed” pup has several names: Yorkie Poo, Yorkiepoo, Yorkie-poo, and Yorkiedoodle are the most popular terms used by breeders. While his genetic lineage has been recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) under the Yorkshire Terrier breed since 1885 and the Poodles breed since 1887, the Yorkie Poo himself is a hybrid and thus not AKC registered. He is, however, recognized by both the ACHC American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and the Designer Breed Registry (DBR). Additionally, while the overall size of a Yorkie Poo is “toy” breed-sized, it’s not typically considered a toy breed since his average height of 12 inches at the shoulder bumps him up to the small breed category. Because Yorkie Poos can be a combination of Yorkshire Terriers and toy or Miniature Poodles, there may be a slight size difference from puppy to puppy.

Health & Lifespan: How Long do Yorkie Poos Live?

This small, energetic breed has a long lifespan that only increases with excellent care. While the average Yorkie Poo lives between 10 and 15 years, vets agree that even that 15 isn’t necessarily a limit. The best way to ensure that he lives a long, healthy, and happy life is to address his needs:

• Companionship: The Yorkie Poo loves nothing more than being with his pet parent. This makes him an excellent dog for stay-at-home owners and elderly pet parents. He derives great pleasure by being near or lap-sitting with his human mother or father. Some Yorkie Poo parents that aren’t able to be home as often as they like opt for adopting a littermate sibling to reduce loneliness or canine separation anxiety.

• Walking: He requires approximately two 15-minute walks or outings per day in order to exercise and eliminate. Less than this might lead to bladder issues from “holding it” too long, or accidents inside the home – remember, small dog, small bladder! In an emergency situation where he cannot be let outside, pet parents should be sure to lay down a large “puppy pad” (also known as wee-wee pads) to give him a sanitary place to eliminate. 

• A High-Quality Diet: True of every dog breed, diet is one of the most important factors in a Yorkie Poo’s overall health. A vet-recommended kibble or kibble-and-moist food regimen is best, as is avoiding rich table scraps that may give him stomach or intestinal discomfort. 

• Grooming: A Yorkie Poo’s coat can exhibit the qualities of both his genetic ancestors, but will most often take on at least part of the Poodle’s curly fleece. While this is less prone to knotting and matting than the Yorkshire Terrier’s straight, silky strands, it still needs to be groomed frequently. In fact, experts recommend a trim at least every 2-3 months. This will keep hair out of hiseyes and away from his elimination areas while increasing his comfort in warmer weather.

• Safety: Because Yorkie Poos are, like the Yorkshire Terrier ancestors, happily resistant to many serious health issues that harm toy-sized breeds, their lifespan numbers are largely affected by traumas. Keeping him safely inside a gated yard or on a leash outside will reduce the likelihood of a traffic or strange-dog related injury. Additionally, any dangerous foods (e.g. raisins and chocolate), cleaning products, or other household items that could harm him should be carefully and diligently kept out of his reach.

Yorkie Poos: Loud & Proud

Not only does a Yorkie Poo tend to live a long life, but he also fills it with personality that delights and enchants his owners. Though he is a very small dog, he has an attitude that tells the world he thinks he’s much bigger. He’ll let humans on both sides of the front door know when there’s a visitor, and he’ll fearlessly protect his beloved parents from the scary mailman with no-nonsense barks. Because his Terrier ancestors were bred to chase and hunt rats, he’ll also keep his home patrolled for wayward moths like a champion. The Yorkie Poo isn’t just a healthy, affectionate pup with a long lifespan: he’s a cherished companion in the making for anyone lucky enough to bring him into their home.

Sources Cited:

1)      “Yorkipoo.” Dogtime.com, (no publish date), https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/yorkipoo#/slide/1. Accessed October 16, 2019.

2)      “Yorkie Poo! The Friendliest Pooch!” CertaPet, May 22, 2019, https://www.certapet.com/yorkie-poo/. Accessed October 16, 2019.

3)      Fitzgerald, Dr. Stuart, MVB MANZCVS, University College Dublin. “Yorkie-Poo.” Dogzone.com, (no publish date), https://www.dogzone.com/crossbreeds/yorkie-poo/. Accessed October 16, 2019.

4)      “Yorkie-Poo.” PetGuide.com, (no publish date), https://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/yorkie-poo/. Accessed October 16, 2019.

5)      “Life Span of the Yorkshire Terrier.” Yorkie Info Center, (no publish date), http://www.yorkieinfocenter.com/yorkshire-terrier-life-span. Accessed October 16, 2019.