What is a Yorkie-Poo?
A Yorkie-Poo is a designer mixed breed created by crossing a Yorkshire Terrier with a Toy or Miniature Poodle. They're also called Yorkipoo, Yo-Yopoo, or Yorkiedoodle.
Yorkie-Poo Quick Facts:
- • Size: 5-15 pounds (varies widely based on parent sizes)
- • Lifespan: 12-15 years
- • Coat: Curly to wavy, low-shedding
- • Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, playful
- • Price: $1,000-2,500
- • Recognition: NOT recognized by AKC (mixed breed)
Yorkie-Poo Generation Types:
- F1 Yorkie-Poo: 50% Yorkie + 50% Poodle (first generation, most unpredictable)
- F1B Yorkie-Poo: F1 Yorkie-Poo bred back to Poodle (75% Poodle, 25% Yorkie - curlier, less shedding)
- F2 Yorkie-Poo: Two F1 Yorkie-Poos bred together (more predictable)
- Multigen Yorkie-Poo: F2+ generations (most consistent traits)
Important: F1 Yorkie-Poos are genetic wildcards - you might get Poodle traits or Yorkie traits or both. No guarantee on size, coat, or temperament.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Characteristic | Yorkie-Poo | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 5-15 lbs (varies widely) | 3-7 lbs (breed standard) |
| Shedding | Minimal to none (curly coat) | Minimal (hair, not fur) |
| Grooming | Professional every 6 weeks | Daily brushing, trim every 8 weeks |
| Temperament | Friendly, calmer, less territorial | Feisty, alert watchdog, territorial |
| Barking | Moderate (less than Yorkie) | Frequent (alert barker) |
| Trainability | Easier (Poodle intelligence) | Harder (stubborn terrier) |
| Health | Hybrid vigor (potentially fewer issues) | Prone to: patellas, tracheal collapse, liver shunt |
| Predictability | Low (varies by generation) | High (established breed) |
| Price | $1,000-2,500 | $800-1,500 |
| AKC Recognition | No (mixed breed) | Yes (purebred) |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
Detailed Comparison by Category
1. Shedding & Allergies
Yorkie-Poo:
- • Curly Poodle coat = almost no shedding
- • F1B (75% Poodle) = best for allergies
- • Requires professional grooming every 6 weeks
- • Coat mats easily if not brushed 2-3x weekly
- • BETTER for allergy sufferers
Yorkshire Terrier:
- • Hair (not fur) = minimal shedding
- • Sheds about as much as human hair
- • Requires daily brushing at home
- • Needs trimming every 8 weeks
- • GOOD for allergies but not as good as Yorkie-Poo
2. Temperament & Personality
Yorkie-Poo Temperament:
- Friendlier with strangers: Poodle genes reduce territorial behavior
- Calmer energy: Less hyper than purebred Yorkies
- Less yappy: Barks less frequently (still alerts, but not constant)
- Better with kids: More patient, less snappy
- More social with other dogs: Less territorial aggression
Yorkshire Terrier Temperament:
- True terrier personality: Feisty, confident, bold
- Excellent watchdog: Alerts to everything (doorbell, strangers, sounds)
- Territorial: Protects home/family fiercely
- One-person dog: Forms intense bond with primary owner
- High energy: Always on alert, rarely relaxes
3. Trainability
Yorkie-Poos are easier to train thanks to Poodle intelligence. Poodles rank #2 in dog intelligence (Yorkies rank #27).
- Potty training: Yorkie-Poos learn in 3-4 months vs 4-6 months for Yorkies
- Commands: Yorkie-Poos pick up tricks faster
- Stubbornness: Yorkies are notoriously stubborn (terrier trait)
- Food motivation: Both respond well to treats
4. Health & Hybrid Vigor
Hybrid Vigor Advantage:
Yorkie-Poos benefit from hybrid vigor - crossbreeding reduces genetic health problems common in purebreds. Mixed breeds statistically live 1-2 years longer and have fewer inherited conditions.
Common Health Issues:
Both breeds can have:
- Luxating patellas (knee problems)
- Dental disease (small mouths)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Yorkies specifically prone to:
- Tracheal collapse (weak windpipe)
- Liver shunt (congenital liver problem)
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (hip degeneration)
Yorkie-Poos less likely to have these genetic issues due to Poodle genes diluting Yorkie-specific problems.
5. Size Predictability
- Yorkies: Very predictable - breed standard 3-7 lbs, 7-9 inches tall
- Yorkie-Poos: Highly variable - 5-15 lbs depending on Poodle parent (Toy vs Miniature)
If you need to know exact adult size (apartment weight limits, travel carriers), choose a Yorkie.
6. Price & Availability
- Yorkies: $800-1,500 from reputable breeders
- Yorkie-Poos: $1,000-2,500 (higher demand for "designer dogs")
- Yorkies: Easier to find reputable AKC breeders
- Yorkie-Poos: Harder to find responsible breeders (watch for puppy mills)
Pros & Cons Summary
Yorkie-Poo
Pros:
- ✓ Less shedding (best for allergies)
- ✓ Calmer temperament
- ✓ Easier to train
- ✓ Barks less
- ✓ Better with kids/strangers
- ✓ Hybrid vigor (healthier)
- ✓ Friendlier with other pets
Cons:
- ✗ More expensive ($1,000-2,500)
- ✗ Unpredictable size/coat
- ✗ Not AKC registered
- ✗ Can't breed/show
- ✗ Hard to find good breeders
- ✗ Requires professional grooming
Yorkshire Terrier
Pros:
- ✓ Cheaper ($800-1,500)
- ✓ Predictable size/temperament
- ✓ AKC registered
- ✓ Can breed/show
- ✓ Easy to find breeders
- ✓ True terrier personality
- ✓ Excellent watchdog
Cons:
- ✗ Barks frequently
- ✗ Stubborn to train
- ✗ More genetic health issues
- ✗ Territorial/snappy
- ✗ High-strung energy
- ✗ Requires daily brushing
Who Should Get Each Breed?
Choose a Yorkie-Poo if:
- You have dog allergies (need low-shedding)
- You're a first-time dog owner
- You have young children
- You want a calmer, less yappy dog
- You don't care about AKC registration
- You prioritize trainability
- You want friendlier temperament with strangers
Choose a Yorkshire Terrier if:
- You want predictable size (3-7 lbs)
- You want to breed or show dogs
- You want a true watchdog personality
- You have experience with terriers
- You prefer established breed standards
- You want lower purchase price
- You like feisty, confident dogs
Common Questions
Are Yorkie-Poos healthier than Yorkies?
Generally yes, due to hybrid vigor. Crossbreeding reduces genetic health problems common in purebred Yorkies (tracheal collapse, liver shunt, Legg-Calvé-Perthes). However, Yorkie-Poos can still inherit health issues from either parent breed. Both live 12-15 years on average.
Do Yorkie-Poos bark as much as Yorkies?
No, Yorkie-Poos bark significantly less than purebred Yorkies. The Poodle genes reduce the territorial alert-barking behavior. Yorkie-Poos still bark when excited or to alert, but not constantly like Yorkies. Yorkies are one of the most vocal dog breeds.
Can you predict what a Yorkie-Poo will look like?
Not with F1 (first generation) Yorkie-Poos - they're genetic wildcards. Could be 5 lbs or 15 lbs, curly or wavy coat, Poodle face or Yorkie face. F1B (75% Poodle) and later generations are more predictable. If you need exact adult size, choose a purebred Yorkie.
Are Yorkie-Poos recognized by the AKC?
No. The American Kennel Club only recognizes purebred dogs. Yorkie-Poos are mixed breeds (also called "designer dogs"). They cannot be AKC registered, cannot compete in AKC shows, and breeding them is not tracked by the AKC. Choose a Yorkie if AKC registration matters to you.
Find Verified Purebred Breeders
If you decide on a purebred Yorkshire Terrier, our directory features breeders who:
- Health test all breeding dogs (OFA, cardiac, eye exams)
- Provide AKC registration papers
- Offer health guarantees
- Socialize puppies extensively
- Provide lifetime breeder support