Full Grown Shih Tzu Yorkie Mix: Size, Lifespan, Price & More

The Shih Tzu Yorkie mix, often called a Shorkie, is a hybrid dog breed created by crossing a Shih Tzu with a Yorkshire Terrier. This small companion dog makes a lovely pet, but there are a few things owners need to know about what to expect from a fully grown Shorkie.

Size at Full Growth

As an F1B hybrid (the offspring of an F1 hybrid), Shorkies show a wide range of variation in size as adults. In general, fully grown Shorkies will be:

• 8-12 inches tall at the shoulder
• 6-14 pounds in weight

Measurements can fall anywhere within these ranges depending on whether the individual dog takes after the Shih Tzu or Yorkie side more. Many Shorkies will reach the smaller end of the size spectrum at maturity.

Appearance

A fully grown Shorkie's coat will have grown in thick and luxurious. Owners should expect long, silky hair that requires regular brushing to prevent matting. Shorkies may inherit the long, flowing coat of the Shih Tzu or the shorter, silkier coat of the Yorkie.

Colors seen in adult Shorkies include black and tan, brown and tan, cream, gold, silver, and all the usual Shih Tzu/Yorkie coat colors. The face will have a pushed-in nose and big, expressive eyes. Ears will be dropped like the Shih Tzu.

Personality

In terms of temperament, Shorkies are quite predictable once fully mature. They bond closely to their human family and can be shy around strangers if not properly socialized as puppies. intelligence, adaptability and affection make the Shorkie a wonderful companion.

Owners should expect a dog that is playful, energetic, and thrives on human interaction and attention. Shorkies enjoy entertaining their family with tricks and will bark to let you know when they want to play or get petted.

Health

In general, the Shorkie is a fairly healthy breed. However, there are some conditions that may require monitoring as the puppy grows into adulthood:

• Patellar luxation (loose knee caps)
• Portosystemic shunt (liver condition)
• Eye issues like dry eye, corneal ulcers, or glaucoma
• Dental disease
• Hip dysplasia

Responsible breeders screen for these hereditary problems. Keeping weight under control with portion-controlled meals and exercise is also important for joint health as the Shorkie matures.

Care and Nutrition

Fully grown Shorkies still require higher calorie food appropriate for their size to meet energy needs for daily exercise and play. High-quality dry or freeze-dried raw diets suit their small jaws and digestive needs best. Brush teeth regularly to prevent periodontal issues.

Brush the coat thoroughly weekly to distribute natural skin oils and remove loose fur. Check ears and clip nails as needed. Daily exercise like fetching, playing in the yard, or going for walks ensures mental and physical stimulation. Provide suitable toys and puzzle feeders.

Be sure to give plenty of positive attention, training, and socialization to reduce separation anxiety tendencies. Crate training is also recommended to avoid accidents in the house or destructive behaviors from boredom.

Costs

Pet owners should budget for ongoing medical costs to care for a fully grown Shorkie, including:

• Routine vet checks and vaccines - $150-300 per year
• Spay/neuter surgery if not already altered - $300-500
• Dental cleanings and potential extractions - $300-700 every 1-3 years
• Surgery or treatment if any health issues arise

High-quality food, toys, grooming supplies, potential boarding or daycare fees, and training classes also contribute to the costs of caring for an adult Shorkie properly.

Suitability as a Pet

In general, the Shorkie makes an excellent family pet once fully grown, as long as owners understand some key factors:

• Can be prone to separation anxiety without enough attention
• Not suited for homes with very young children who may unintentionally hurt them
• Best in homes with at least one other dog for companionship
• Shedding is low but coat requires weekly brushing
• Barking can be an issue if not trained

With enough daily exercise, playtime and training, the lifelong commitment to caring for an adult Shorkie's needs can be very rewarding for the right owners. Their friendly, affectionate nature makes them ideal companion dogs.

Notable Characteristics as an Adult

There are several defining features Shorkies exhibit as they reach full maturity:

• Playful and energetic personality shines through even into old age if properly stimulated.
• Bond very closely with their caregivers and like to be wherever the family is congregating in the home.
• Expressive dark eyes and distinctive pushed-in nose are always prominent facial traits.
• Coat becomes very lush and silky, ranging from wavy to nearly straight depending on breed influences.
• Small stature is fully achieved - most fully grown dogs measure 8-12 inches.

When is a Shorkie Considered Fully Grown?

On average, Shorkies reach their full adult size somewhere between 12-18 months old. However, their skeletal growth may not be totally complete until around 2 years of age. Some key signs that a Shorkie puppy has matured include:

• Reaching their estimated full-grown measurements
• Adult teeth have fully come in
• Growth plates in long bones have fused
• Sexual maturity between 6-9 months old
• Behavior and personality traits are consistent without fluctuations

While fully grown, Shorkies still have playful puppy-like qualities well into adulthood that owners find endearing. With high-quality nutrition and preventative healthcare, they can live 12-18 years on average.

Potential Behavior Changes

Some behaviors owners may notice changing as their Shorkie reaches adulthood include:

• Less chewing/mouthing tendencies
• Increased coordination and ability to learn tricks/commands
• More independent and confident personality emerges
• Maturing/tempering of potential barking issues
• Established sleep patterns versus random napping
• Calmer demeanor but still playful when exercising

Proper socialization and training throughout the puppy stages helps ensure a well-adjusted adult dog. Consistency and positive reinforcement is important for any lingering behavior modifications.