Crossbreeds

Yorkipoo

A tiny, lively companion with Yorkie spunk and Poodle smarts.

Yorkipoos combine the Yorkshire Terrier with the Toy Poodle. They are small, smart and affectionate, well suited to apartments, but they can be vocal and need regular grooming.

A Yorkshire Terrier × Toy Poodle cross. Not recognised by the AKC; size, coat and temperament vary more than in a purebred.

Parent breeds: Yorkshire Terrier × Poodle

Height
7–15 in18–38 cm
Weight
3–14 lb1–6 kg
Life expectancy
12–15 years
Size
Toy
Group
Crossbreeds
Origin
United States

Coat: Silky, straight to curly coat; low shedding. Colours: Black, Tan, Silver, Cream, Chocolate, Parti.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement2.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability3.5 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.5 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.5 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness3.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety3.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness3.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive3.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking4.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level1.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden4.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability5.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness4.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.5 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Yorkipoos are lively, affectionate and curious. They love to play and bond closely with their families.

The terrier side can make them bold, vocal and occasionally bossy with other dogs. Their tiny size needs careful handling.

Living with a Yorkipoo

Exercise

About 30 minutes of walks and play daily; they enjoy fetch and puzzle toys indoors.

Grooming

Brush several times a week and book professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Brush teeth daily.

Training

Clever and eager but sometimes stubborn; reward-based training works well. Teach a quiet cue.

Kids & other pets

Best with adults or gentle, older children. Usually fine with other small pets.

Time alone

Prefers company and may bark when left alone; build independence gradually.

Home fit

Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.

Is a Yorkipoo right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Yorkipoo matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Health

With good breeding and care, a Yorkipoo typically lives 12–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Patellar luxation

    Loose kneecaps are common in toy breeds.

  • Dental disease

    Tiny mouths are prone to tartar; brush daily.

  • Tracheal collapse

    Weak windpipe cartilage from Yorkie lines; use a harness.

  • Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

    Degeneration of the hip joint in young small dogs.

Ask a breeder for

  • Both parents: patella evaluation
  • Both parents: eye examination
  • Yorkie parent: liver function testing

Sources: OFA health testing guidance for Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle; Yorkshire Terrier Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $900–$1,800 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Yorkipoos were developed in the United States in the late 20th century as small, low-shedding companions.

Size varies considerably, from under 5 lb to about 14 lb, depending on the parents; multigenerational lines tend to be more predictable.

Did you know?

  • Yorkipoos can weigh as little as 3 lb.
  • Coat colour often changes as Yorkipoo puppies mature.
  • They are sometimes called Yoodles.

Library guides for Yorkipoo owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Yorkipoos hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but Yorkipoos shed very little.
Do Yorkipoos bark a lot?
They can be vocal; training helps.
Are Yorkipoos good with kids?
Better with older, gentle children because they are fragile.