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Yorkie Poo Lifespan: How Long Do They Live?

When choosing a dog, it’s important to know its lifespan. After all, you want to enjoy your dog as long as possible.

Different breeds have different life expectancies, but on average, dogs live anywhere from 10 to 13 years.

But what about the Yorkie Poo? How long do Yorkies live? And what kind of care do they need to extend their lifespan?

In this blog post, we’ll answer those questions and more.

So keep reading to learn more about the Yorkie poo lifespan and all the benefits of having a Yorkie Poo in your home!

How Long Do Yorkie Poos Live? Average Yorkie Poo Lifespan

The average Yorkie Poo will live for 12 to 15 years. This is longer than other dogs of its size, such as Toy Poodles, Pomeranians, and Maltese.

However, it can be predicted that some Yorkies can live beyond 15 years. This is rare, but it’s still an ideal lifespan for such a small dog.

Their age does however depend on how they have been cared for throughout their lives. A healthy, clean, and well-fed dog will likely live longer than a neglected dog with health problems.

Generally speaking, the older a Yorkie Poo gets, the more likely they are going to have health problems – so it’s important to consider their care as they age.

Yorkie Poo Breed Info 

You have probably heard how smart, beautiful, and lively Yorkie Poos are. It’s true!

yorkie poo wearing a harness outrdoors

However, it’s a big decision to get a dog so let’s take a closer look at the Yorkie Poo.

Yorkie Poo History

A mix of Yorkshire Terriers and Toy Poodles, the Yorkie Poo is a relatively new breed of dog that has gotten popular in the last 10-15 years.

Originally bred to be hypoallergenic dogs due to their ancestry with Poodles, they’re now one of the most popular designer breeds.

Breeders started to breed Yorkie Poos to combine the best traits of both breeds – personality, size, and energy.

Yorkie Poo Size

According to the American Kennel Club, a standard-size Yorkie Poo is 7-15 inches high at their shoulder and weighs no more than 15 pounds (can weigh anywhere between 5-15 lbs).

The main variation in size is due to their parents and lineage. If a Yorkie Poo has a bigger size Poodle parent, they will be on the larger end of the scale.

Yorkie Poo Appearance

The Yorkie Poo is usually a smaller version of the Yorkshire Terrier. They have the same signature “teddy bear face” with their wide-set eyes and floppy ears, but they are larger than their parents.

If you’ve ever seen a Yorkshire Terrier or Toy Poodle, you will recognize how similar the Yorkie Poo looks to them.

Their coat is also hypoallergenic (although some experts argue there is no such thing), which has become one of the main reasons people are drawn to this breed.

Its color is usually a mix between black, gold, or brown. Their hair can have a coarse texture due to their Poodle ancestry, but it is also very fine and silky because of their Yorkie lineage.

Some also have a difference in their ears, which are usually darker than the rest of their body. This is common among Yorkshire Terriers, but not all Yorkie Poos inherit that trait.

Yorkie Poo Temperament

The Yorkie Poo is a lively, sweet, and confident dog. Part of this comes from their Poodle lineage, but it’s also because the breed was bred to be “lap dogs”.

Yorkies are known for their intelligence and they’re very loyal to their family. They love attention and taking part in whatever you do. They’re full of energy and love to run around, but they will gladly chill out on the couch with you or curl up in bed.

They enjoy being active with their humans and will need daily walks and exercise to keep them happy.

The Yorkie Poo loves to make new friends, even if they’re animals. Their friendly nature means they will get along with other dogs and cats as well.

Yorkie Pups normally become very attached to their family and don’t like being left alone for long periods.

Yorkie Poo Care And Grooming

Care for Yorkie Poos is fairly straightforward, but it will depend on the type of coat they have.

Although considered “hypoallergenic”, most will shed a little. Regular brushing is essential to keep their coat from matting and picking up dirt.

In terms of grooming your yorkie, a Yorkie Poo that is professionally groomed every 4-8 weeks will look tip-top and keep their coat healthy.

Grooming at home is similar to that of a Yorkshire Terrier – combing twice a week will keep their coat tangle-free.

Like any dog, trimming their nails regularly, wiping their eyes and ears, and brushing their teeth is essential to keep them looking sharp.

Yorkie Poo Food And Diet

As with all dogs, make sure they are eating healthy and high-quality food. A high-quality diet will ensure your pup stays healthy and strong, giving them the energy they need to flourish.

Smaller dogs have a fast metabolism, so their food intake will be limited compared to larger breeds.

It is recommended that a Yorkie Poo eat kibble-and/or kibble-and/moist food. Avoiding rich, heavy table scraps can cause stomach problems or intestinal discomfort.

Also, it’s best to avoid giving them any sort of human treats, as these can lead to stomach issues or obesity.

Yorkie Poo Health Concerns

Because the Yorkie Poo is a fairly new breed, there hasn’t been extensive research done on their background. They are, however, prone to developing many of the same health issues as Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers such as:

  • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) – a degenerative eye disease that affects both eyes, causing blindness in later life.
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes disease – abnormality of the hip joint, causing pain and lameness.
  • Epilepsy
  • Allergies – symptoms include excessive scratching, hair loss, ear infections, skin sores, etc.
  • Eyelash issues – cottony growths on the eyelids caused by extra hairs, sometimes falling in front of eyes.

Yorkie Poo Training

Training a Yorkie Poo is relatively easy compared to other breeds, but it will take time and patience. Although small in size, the breed’s Poodle lineage makes them very intelligent like most terriers.

They can be stubborn at times and don’t like to listen. They would prefer to do what they want rather than what you want.

Positive reinforcement training is the recommended method for Yorkie Poos due to their independent spirit and high intelligence.

By following a few simple commands and staying consistent throughout, you will have a well-trained dog in no time.

7 Tips On How To Make Your Yorkie Poo Live Longer

We all want the best for our pets, but it’s a fact of life that they won’t stay with us forever. This can be sad and hard to accept so we must do everything in our power to prolong the time we have with them.

Here are some tips on how you can help your Yorkie Poo live longer:

#1 – Daily Exercises (Mental Exercises Too)

Regular exercise is essential to keep your Yorkie Poo healthy. This breed loves being active with its owners, but it’s important that you don’t overdo it.

A daily walk or run around the yard is sufficient to keep them fit and happy. Make sure they are well rested afterwards to prevent fatigue. Mental exercise is just as important, so try training them or getting them involved in canine games or activities.

#2 – Don’t Overfeed Him (Healthy Diet)

For all dogs, but especially smaller breeds like the Yorkie Poo, it’s essential to feed them healthy and nutritious food. Avoiding rich treats and table scraps will keep your pup healthy for longer.

They love to eat, so don’t overfeed him because it will lead to obesity, which is very dangerous for Yorkie Poos.

#3 – Provide Good Dental Care

Good dental care is very important for your pup, but it can be difficult due to its size.

Brushing their teeth at least twice a week for two minutes each time will keep them healthy and strong. Also, consider getting them involved in an all-natural treat that helps clean their teeth as they eat it.

#4 – Regular Grooming

Grooming a Yorkie Poo is essential to keep them healthy. Not only will it keep their coat looking healthy and shiny, but it will also help avoid any skin conditions or irritations from matted hair.

yorkie poo outdoors wearing a red collar

Professional grooming can be costly and time-consuming, but if you have the money try taking your dog to a salon for grooming every 6-8 weeks.

Otherwise, you’ll need to dedicate yourself to brushing their hair at least twice a week and clipping their nails regularly.

#5 – Regular Vet Checkups

As with any type of breed, regular health checkups are essential to monitoring their overall well-being. As mentioned before, Yorkie Poos can be prone to certain health conditions caused by their parents.

Have your vet do a thorough examination at least twice a year and keep track of vaccinations, etc. This will keep your pup healthy and prepare you for anything that may arise in the future.

#6 – Play Games With Him

Playing games with your pup is very important for his health. Yorkie Poos are naturally energetic, so games that encourage running around are great.

Games like fetch or hide-and-seek will help keep him in shape while having fun at the same time.

#7 – Give Love And Affection

Last but not least, be sure to give your pup lots of love and affection. Sounds simple, but spending quality time with your Yorkie Poo will strengthen the bond between you and help him feel safe and secure.

You can’t underestimate the power of a cuddle or belly rub. He will enjoy this time together and in return, he’ll show his appreciation by giving you unconditional love and loyalty for life.

It’s an important part of mental and emotional health, so take advantage of it!

Benefits Of Having A Yorkie Poo In Your Home

Having a small dog like the Yorkie Poo is great for families with children. Due to their size, they are very easy to manage and take care of. The benefits of having a Yorkie Poo in your home are endless, however here are 4 we love:

It’s Friendly And Intelligent

A Yorkie Poo is very loving to everyone in the family, especially children.

They are very cuddly and can be very protective of your children if they sense that someone might be a threat to them. They get along with everyone including other pets in the house!

Another wonderful aspect of this breed is its intelligence. They are easy to train and respond well because of their high IQ.

Can Be Easily Trained

Being very intelligent, they can be easily trained.

They are eager to please their owners and will do almost anything to receive a little bit of praise or affection. Since they love spending time with their owners, they will try hard to learn what is expected of them and respond well to commands.

A little positive reinforcement will go a long way with this dog so praise them when they do something right.

They Are Hypoallergenic And Don’t Shed Much

Yorkie Poos are usually good for people with allergies because they produce only a small amount of dander.

They typically don’t shed much so you won’t find dog hair all over your home! Although it has been argued there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, the Yorkie Poo is the closest there is.

They Are Quite Sociable

Another great benefit of having a Yorkie Poo is their sociability.

Being very friendly and social, you can take your pup to many places including outdoor cafes and parks. They will draw attention from strangers but they don’t mind whatsoever!

They love being around people and animals so you don’t have to worry about them getting bored or lonely.

People Also Ask

How Old Is The Oldest Yorkie Poo?

Many Yorkie poos live to be about 15 years old and in some cases even longer than that! In 2011, A Yorkie called Bonny lived to 28, beating the previous record of 22 years of age set by a Yorkie called Lucy, in Holland.

Do Yorkie Poos Like To Cuddle?

Yes. They love cuddling in between their owner’s arms, but they are also known for cuddling up against the legs of whoever is nearby. They are not too picky about where they cuddle, as long as they are getting some attention.

What Health Problems Do Yorkie Poos Have?

Yorkie Poos are typically healthy, but they can be prone to some health conditions such as hypoglycemia and Legg-Perthes disease. They also have sensitive digestive tracts so it is important to feed them properly with high-quality food.

How Do I Know If My Yorkie Is Dying?

It is very important to notice any changes in your dog’s behavior. If it starts refusing to eat, having seizures or paralysis, not being able to get up after lying down, or coughing excessively then these are all signs of something serious.

Conclusion

Yorkie poos are a small breed of dog that is known for their long lifespan and their love for people. They can be anywhere from 12 to 15 years with proper care.

There are many things you can do to make sure your Yorkie Poo lives a full and healthy life. Diet, exercise, and plenty of love are key. 

They are very happy and social creatures that do well in any environment. Providing them with everything they need will help ensure a long and happy life!   

Do you own a Yorkie Poo? What is your favorite thing about him?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Photo of author

Lovelia Horn

I’m a certified crazy dog mom, a physical therapist (for hoomans), writer, animal rescuer, and foster home provider. Together with my hubby Ryan, I’ve fostered and helped look for forever homes for over a hundred shelter dogs in the Southern Illinois area. I mostly work with Puppy Rescue 911, Inc., a certified animal rescue organization based out of Chester, IL (home of Popeye!)

1 thought on “Yorkie Poo Lifespan: How Long Do They Live?”

  1. We love our YorkiePoo! She turned 14 yesterday. Very bright, sweet & lovable. Purchased an elevated dog car seat awhile back. I would have gotten one sooner if I had known how beneficial it would be. She loves being able to view out at the entire world going by. A true friend.
    We’ve had various dogs over the years. A rottie, poodle, mixed breed. This little bright sweet girl is precious.
    Hands down the brightest dog I’ve ever had. A true delight for our family.
    We’ve experimented with various foods. She does best on very lean ground beef (drained of any fat), applesauce, steamed small carrots and a few occasions sprinkle in steamed sweet peas. We feed her morning and dinner time. She’ll have a snack of a miniature biscuit a few times daily. Has never been overweight. Can’t tolerate spices or salt! Sodium is poison with this breed. Be careful. I’ve trained many dogs and breeds. Hands down, love this little girl of 9.3 pounds.

    Reply

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