Although they’ve only been around a little over a decade, the Yorkie Poo is listed on Rover.com as one of today’s “most adorable” designer dog breeds. A cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and either a Miniature or Toy Poodle, these loveable pooches are known for their social and friendly dispositions. Also known as a Yorkipoo, Yoodle, Yorkapoo, Yorkiedoodle and Yorkerpoo, this hybrid breed continues to grow in popularity among dog lovers for many reasons – some folks prefer their typically smaller stature, which can be a plus when living in urban areas in small apartments. Others simply adore their playful yet loyal temperaments, affectionate and lively personalities, and intelligent nature. Additionally, some canine experts note the benefits of hybrid mixed dogs, as proper breeding can not only provide the best attributes of both breeds but help to eliminate health issues that are typically seen in inbred purebreds.
For first-time Yorkie Poo owners, many pet parents (especially those planning to adopt a puppy) are curious as to how big they can expect this breed to be once he’s reached maturity. If you yourself have asked, “How big do Yorkie Poos get?”, this blog post is for you. This article will explore size and breed expectations, as well as Yorkie Poo history, temperament, and care.
Yorkie Poo History
Since the Yorkie Poo is a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and either a toy or miniature Poodle, this breed is typically small and will take on the genetic traits of his parents. Up until recently, all Yorkie Poos were 50/50 – in other words, half Poodle and half Yorkshire Terrier. However, since the gene pool has grown over the past ten years, Yorkie Poos are now being bred with other Yorkie Poos, which is why there may be some variance in size and appearance – some pups may have more Yorkshire or Poodle traits, depending on their bloodline. Ultimately, since both Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle breeds are well-established, dog experts know plenty about this pint-sized pooch’s history.
With their roots in Scotland, Yorkshire Terriers were originally used as ratters in mines and factories and recognized as a dog of the “common people”, and eventually made their way over to England by way of the working class. However, by the end of the 1800s, this diminutive but lively breed became quite popular among royalty – in fact, Yorkshire Terriers were said to have been Queen Victoria’s favorite type of dog.
On the other hand, Poodles are an ancient dog breed whose roots are believed to stem from Asia. While they’re often referred to as “French” Poodles, it was actually the Germans who named and refined this beloved breed. However, the French adored Poodles so much that the breed was named the country’s national breed. The word Poodle actually means “to splash about” in the German language, and refers to water retrieving, as they were traditionally used as hunting dogs. Available in three size classes – Toy, Miniature, and Standard – each size was bred for a distinctive purpose. While the largest (Standard) was developed to become a water retriever, Miniature Poodles were once used to sniff out truffles, a gourmet delicacy that was historically popular in European cuisine. The Toy Poodle was bred mainly as a lap (companion) dog.
What To Expect: Yorkie Poo Size
Since the Yorkie Poo is bred by crossing a Yorkshire Terrier with either a Miniature or Toy Poodle, they are generally small dogs, but their size can vary depending on the size of the Poodles in the dog’s lineage. For example, a full-grown adult Yorkie Poo can weigh anywhere between 3 and 14 pounds, although the average Yorkie Poo weight range is typically 7 to 10 pounds. Their average height is between 7 to 10 inches.
Yorkie Poo Temperament: Breed Traits & Characteristics
Since a Yorkie Poo is the combination of two hunting breeds, this dog may likely have a very strong hunting instinct, too. Owners may 
have to train him not to bother small animals; this is especially important for households with other small pets.
Other general personality traits of the Yorkie Poo breed include:
- Highly intelligent
- Affectionate
- Alert
- Confident
- Energetic
- Friendly
- Gentle
- Independent
- Lively
- Loyal
- Playful
- Social
- Vocal
Summary: Is A Yorkie Poo Right For You?
With their highly-intelligent lineage, friendly dispositions and great social skills, a Yorkie Poo may make the perfect pet for the right parents. The breed does take to training well due to their natural intelligence, but it should be noted that it is important to train them early on to prevent undesirable behavior, such as excessive barking or preying on small animals (namely other household pets). Owners will want to ensure this energetic pup gets plenty of exercise, too, as well as a breed-appropriate diet – speak with a vet for nutritional recommendations to keep him in optimal health. Whether he fits in the palm of your hand or is perfect for lap-time cuddles, one thing’s for sure: a Yorkie Poo will make a loving fur baby for anyone willing to open their home – and their heart.
Sources Cited:
1) “7 Things You Need to Know About the Yorkipoo.” Animalso, February 18, 2019, https://animalso.com/breeds/yorkipoo/. Accessed October 19, 2019.
2) “Yorkie Poo Temperament – Meet the Bold & Beautiful.” Dog Temperament, (no publish date), https://www.dogtemperament.com/yorkie-poo-temperament/. Accessed October 19, 2019.
3) Boriotti, Lauren. “11 of Today’s Most Adorable Designer Dog Breeds.” The Dog People / Rover.com, (no publish date), https://www.rover.com/blog/designer-dog-breeds/. Accessed October 19, 2019.
