Yorkiepoo Temperament: Pros, Cons, & Family Suitability 

When you’re looking to find the right kind of dog for your home, family, and lifestyle, temperament is one of the key considerations. This becomes doubly important when you have children, particularly if they are on the younger side. You don’t want to end up with a pup that’s a little too much for any of you to handle. You might be considering the Yorkiepoo also if you have slightly less space to work with, but is this really the dog for you? Let’s take a look at the Yorkiepoo temperament.

Table of Contents

• Your Typical Yorkiepoo
  • About Poodles 
  • About Yorkshire Terriers 
• Yorkiepoo Pros and Cons 
  • Pros
• Cons

Is a Yorkiepoo the Dog for You? 

Frequently Asked Questions About Yorkiepoo Temperament

• Do Yorkipoos bark a lot?
• Are Yorkiepoos easy to train?
• Are Yorkiepoos stubborn?

Yorkiepoo Temperament: Final Thoughts

Your Typical Yorkiepoo

Yorkiepoos are hard to resist…REALLY hard to resist. One look at that sweet, loving face will have you halfway to adopting one of these gorgeous hounds before you’ve even had the time to think it through. Yet, think it through you must, and a little research isn’t a bad idea either, but you know that already. That’s likely why you’re here, on a quest to learn more about the lesser-known Doodle that is the Yorkiepoo.

Yorkiepoos aren’t numbered among the Doodle’s founding breeds. In fact, they have only been around for the past ten years or so. This means that we know a little bit about them. However, to really dive deep into finding out how they are likely to turn out past their puppy period, we should take a look at the two breeds that went into their makeup:

About Poodles 

Those essential Poodle genes that make them the Doodles that we know and love with their cute teddy-bear faces and curly coat give them a bit more than that. While Standard Poodles were bred as work dogs and have all the vim and vigor that goes with that, their smaller cousins, the Miniature and Toy Poodles (the ones most often used for Yorkipoos), have been kept as companion dogs long enough to gain some of the very best traits that make up your typical lapdog. This includes a gentle temperament and a loving and obedient yet fun-loving nature.

About Yorkshire Terriers 

The smallest of the terriers and the most popular toy-sized dogs in the States, Yorkshire Terriers are giant dogs in tiny bodies. Their brave and feisty nature harks back to a time when they were employed as ratters during the English Industrial Revolution. However, these days that adventurous terrier spirit has been diluted some with a more loving and loyal one as befitting a precious pet. Yet that hasn’t dimmed their smart and self-assured personality any. With a Yorkie, you are getting cuddly, perky, mischievous, and fun all packed into one gorgeous, glamorous steel-blue and tan-coated pint-sized pup.

Yorkiepoo Pros and Cons

So now you know a bit more about where the gorgeous Yorkipoo comes from; let’s take a look at a little of the good and a little of the bad so that you can better understand how a Yorkie might fit into your home and life.

Pros

Yorkiepoos are Apartment-Sized Dogs

Perfect pets for those with limited space, Yorkies do well just about anywhere they have a bed they can call their own. Depending on the Poodle used in the breeding (the Miniature vs. the Toy), as well as the size of the Yorkshire Terrier, a Yorkiepoo will sit somewhere between 3 and 14 pounds and stand between 10 and 15 inches to the shoulder. This places them very firmly in the toy dog category meaning they will take up very little room in your home. 

Yorkiepoos are (mostly) Hypoallergenic

Due to their Poodle genes, Doodles are the original hypoallergenic “designer” dogs. They were actually created to work as service animals for those with allergies. Yorkshire Terriers, too, with their long, single-layered hair coat, are also recommended for those whose symptoms flare up around pups. So, while it can be said that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic as the allergic response is triggered by a protein found in skin and saliva, Yorkiepoos, with their two low-shed parents, are less likely to leave dander all about the house and so come pretty close.

Yorkiepoos are Fiercely Loyal

There really is nothing quite like the love of a good dog, and Yorkiepoos definitely fall into that category. Just like their parent pups, who are also companion dogs, these little luvvies develop deep, lifelong bonds with their people. So you need to be prepared to have a constant friend, ever wanting your attention, ever happy to spend time with you – make time for plenty of cuddles and kisses – because that is precisely what you are going to end up with if you adopt a Yorkiepoo. These pups don’t do well at all with being left alone for endless hours.

Yorkiepoos Retain Their Puppy-Like Appearance

While all dogs are as unique in their looks as in their personality (this is doubly the case for hybrid hounds), one of the most appealing things about Doodles, aside from their low-shed, super floofy hair, are those adorable stuffed-toy-come-to-life features that they tend to end up with. On the Yorkiepoo, those darling faces, which appear both charming and friendly, are made up in miniature, and they are cute enough to melt the hardest of hearts. Best of all, Yorkies hold on to their darling dinky puppy-like looks right through their lives, so get used to being stopped in the street by people wanting to make a fuss of your baby.

Yorkiepoos Inherit Some Super Smarts

Another great thing about Poodles, and likely one of the reasons why Doodles are soaring in popularity as family pets, is that they really are clever dogs (like number 2 on the list behind the Border Collie). Yorkiepoos often inherit this intelligence. That has numerous benefits, including making training that much easier. It has to be said that this can be a bit of a double-edged sword, though. These pups can also be a little sneaky in getting what they want. They are also more prone to boredom, resulting in unwanted behaviors such as barking and chewing. You will need to ensure that these pups are kept well entertained, especially if you are away from the house during the day to minimize separation anxiety.

Yorkiepoos Have Relatively Low Exercise Needs

While Yorkiepoos require daily walks (usually two smaller ones spread throughout the day is best), they are far less energetic than many of their larger Doodle cousin dogs. This makes them excellent pets for those who are a little less active – or even a little less active than they used to be. It’s also another reason they make such good apartment dogs and do as well with city life as they do in the countryside. When your Yorkie is on the younger side, you might need to step up their exercise a bit with a few games of tug or fetch, or simply get them a Kong Toy and let them go to town. 

Cons

Yorkiepoos Can Be A Little Mouthy

Smaller dogs have the reputation of being yappy, which could very well be the case with Yorkiepoos. Yorkshire Terriers make excellent watchdogs and will happily alert their owner to the presence of strangers, and this is definitely something their Yorkiepoo offspring could inherit. If this kind of behavior bothers you (or, more likely, your neighbors!), it is something that can be trained away. Although, if you have left it a little late in your dog’s life, you might need a little expert help with doing this.

Yorkiepoos Have Tricky-To-Care-For Coats

Both Yorkiepoo parent breeds have single-layered hair coats, it’s true. As we’ve outlined above, this is great for those with allergies as they shed just a little. However, the downside is that their coats can grow and grow. Plus, they are very susceptible to tangles, knots, and, worst of all, matting. This does mean that your four-legged friend will likely require DAILY grooming to keep their coat in good order. Opt for a good brush, and that will save you a lot of time and stress. You will also need to book your babs in for regular trims if you prefer to leave it to the professionals or quickly get to grips with a clipper if you’d like to save money and do it yourself at home. 

Yorkiepoos Are At Risk of Short-Dog Syndrome

The littlest of dogs are the ones who seem to have the biggest personalities, and this is undoubtedly true of the Yorkiepoo too. While this can result in some down-right adorable behavior, it can also make them prone to snappiness and aggressive spells. This is especially the case when they are around larger dogs and feel like their territory is being threatened. Prevention really is the best cure for this. Get your pup socialized and used to being around other dogs of all shapes and sizes just as soon as it is safe to have them out and about. Not only will this make them less anxious, but it also has the added benefit of providing good physical and mental stimulation for them too. 

Yorkiepoos Are Delicate

Perhaps one of the most significant risks for these dogs is injuries caused in the home. Often young children, who quite obviously adore these darling pups, can be a little heavy-handed with them and end up dropping them or standing on one of those tiny feet. That’s why it’s vital that you introduce your kids to a new puppy in the right way and then teach them how to handle them with care. It’s also a good idea to encourage your children to get down to the dog’s level when they want to play, rather than allowing them to pick them up. This will significantly reduce the chances of an injury occurring when they do play together. However, you should always supervise children and dogs playing together, anyway. 

Is a Yorkiepoo the Dog for You?

While this is by no means an exhaustive list, it does touch on a few of the basic advantages and disadvantages of welcoming a Yorkiepoo into your life. Obviously, every dog has their own distinct nature and personality. For that reason, it can be truly tough to predict what kind of pup you could end up with. However, hopefully, this gives you enough of an idea of whether one of these darling Doods is the one for you.

In sum, Yorkiepoos are great for people who: 

• Want really loving little velcro dogs to enjoy snuggles on the sofa with. 
• Have limited space and so would like a smaller pup who won’t take up too much room. 
• Are confident with training and socializing methods, or are willing to do a little research. 
• Spend more time at home than they do in the office. 
• Live alone or have older children or teenagers who will handle a Yorkie with care. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Yorkiepoo Temperament

Do Yorkipoos bark a lot?

Yorkiepoos can certainly be mouthy hounds. This is partly because of their Terrier nature, which makes them excellent watchdogs. However, they can also use barking to signal that they are bored or stressed. Determining which of these is the cause of your pup’s barking behavior will tell you what you need to do about it. Usually, a mix of training, socialization, and providing your pooch with plenty of fun toys will beat this issue.

Are Yorkiepoos easy to train?

The Poodle intelligence makes Yorkiepoos pretty easy to train as long as you are firm, fair, and consistent in your methods. Positive reinforcement is your best bet with these dogs (and really most others). In this way, you’re encouraging the kind of behavior that you want to see. Yorkies don’t do well with shouting or threats of violence. This can turn them into anxious pups more liable to lash out.

Are Yorkiepoos stubborn?

Yorkiepoos, like most littler dogs, can be a bit on the stubborn side. This is one of the reasons why you’ll need to be firm in their training. You’ll also need to find the right way to reach your pet. Doods as a whole tend to be quite food motivated, so this might be the best way to start out down the path of training good manners into your pup. Don’t let them get away with things; otherwise, they’ll quickly be running rings around you.

Yorkiepoo Temperament: Final Thoughts

Yorkiepoos are a newer addition to the Doodle tribe, but they are gaining in popularity by the day. They make an excellent alternative to regular Doods (Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Cockapoos) as they tend to be a little less of a handful than these in terms of their energy levels. They might not be the best fit for more boisterous homes with young children as they could easily get injured or scared by too much action. However, in the right home, with the right owner or family, they will thrive, and you will get to see firsthand what delightful, fun little companion dogs Yorkiepoos really can be.