Yorkipoo

Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle cross creating small companion with reduced shedding. Feisty but loving.

Photo of a Yorkipoo

Photo: Dragonfly47 (CC BY 2.5), via Wikimedia Commons

Yorkipoo characteristics

TraitRatingHow common
SizeSmall24% of breeds
Energy levelMedium
TrainabilityMedium48% of breeds
FriendlinessHigh35% of breeds
Good with childrenMedium
Grooming needsHigh20% of breeds
SheddingLow26% of breeds
BarkingHigh17% of breeds
ProtectivenessHigh22% of breeds
AdaptabilityHigh31% of breeds
Typical lifespan14 years
HypoallergenicYes

“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.

Is the Yorkipoo right for you?

The Yorkipoo is a small dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. In terms of temperament, it usually does well with children given socialization and supervision and is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home. Day to day, the Yorkipoo thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.

Exercise and daily routine

The Yorkipoo thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. With medium energy and medium athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Yorkipoo to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.

Grooming, shedding and upkeep

The Yorkipoo needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds only lightly. It is considered hypoallergenic, which — combined with its low shedding — makes it one of the easier breeds to live with for allergy sufferers.

Temperament and training

The Yorkipoo trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions and is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily. It tolerates being left alone for a normal working stretch if eased into it, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.

What stands out about the Yorkipoo

Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Yorkipoo genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.

What a week with a Yorkipoo actually costs you

ExerciseAbout an hour a day of walking and play suits it.
CoatBrushing several times a week, with professional grooming at intervals.
Time aloneManages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do.
NoiseMore vocal than most; worth factoring into flat living.

Where the Yorkipoo fits — and where it does not

Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.

HouseholdVerdictWhy
Apartment livingDependsWorkable on space, but the barking needs managing where walls are shared.
Families with young childrenDependsMedium child tolerance: fine with supervision and older children, less so with toddlers.
First-time ownersDependsManageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one.
Homes with catsGood fitMedium prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases.
Long working daysDependsMedium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds.
Allergy householdsDependsRecorded as a low-allergen coat. No dog is truly hypoallergenic — meet the individual dog before deciding.
Wanting a watchful dogGood fitHigh protectiveness. Socialisation decides whether that reads as steady or reactive.

Perfect for

Things to consider

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Yorkipoo good with children?
The Yorkipoo can be good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Does the Yorkipoo shed a lot?
The Yorkipoo has low shedding and is considered hypoallergenic.
How much exercise does the Yorkipoo need?
With medium energy, the Yorkipoo needs moderate daily exercise such as a good walk or two.
How long does the Yorkipoo live?
The Yorkipoo typically lives around 14 years.
Can the Yorkipoo live in an apartment?
The Yorkipoo can live in an apartment provided it gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Is the Yorkipoo easy to train?
The Yorkipoo trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
Can the Yorkipoo be left alone during the day?
The Yorkipoo tolerates being left alone for a normal working stretch if eased into it. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.

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