Full Grown Chorkie: Size, Lifespan, Price & More

The Chorkie is a hybrid dog breed that is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Yorkshire Terrier. As a designer dog, Chorkies are still a relatively new breed. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about what a Chorkie is like once it reaches full grown adulthood.

About the Chorkie Breed

Chorkies were first bred in the late 1980s as companion dogs. They are friendly, playful, and bond strongly with their human families. Though small in stature, Chorkies have big personalities.

Their intelligence and trainability also make them well-suited for various canine activities like agility, flyball, or trick training.

Size at Full Growth

On average, a fully grown Chorkie will measure 8-12 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 3-7 pounds. However, their size can vary depending on whether they inherit more of their Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier genes.

• Length: 11-15 inches
• Height: 8-12 inches

Weight at Full Growth

Most Chorkies reach their full adult weight between 1-3 years of age. On average, their ideal weight range at full maturity is:

• Males: 3-5 pounds
• Females: 3-7 pounds

Appearance at Full Growth

Physically, fully grown Chorkies can take on one of three appearance types depending on their genetic makeup:

1. Chihuahua-dominant: Very small with short legs, large eyes, and ears. May have a domineering personality.
2. Yorkshire Terrier-dominant: Larger size with longer legs, coat, and tail. More energetic and playful.
3. Even mix: Medium-sized with a blend of Chihuahua and Yorkie traits.

Their coat will have finished growing in and be soft and silky, usually in colors like tan, black and white, or tri-colored.

Personality at Full Growth

By adulthood, a Chorkie's temperament has fully developed. In general, fully grown Chorkies are:

• Affectionate - they bond strongly to their favorite people.
• Loyal - they do not like being left alone for long periods.
• Alert - they bark to alert their family of any noises or strangers.
• Intelligent - they enjoy training sessions and mental stimulation.
• Playful - they still have lots of puppy-like energy levels.

Proper socialization is important as puppies so Chorkies remain friendly towards other dogs and people as adults.

Price of a Full Grown Chorkie

On average, the purchase price for a well-bred, adult Chorkie from a reputable breeder is:

• $500-800 for an unneutered pet quality adult
• $800-1200 for a show quality adult

Rescue Chorkies may have lower adoption fees of $100-300 depending on the shelter or rescue group.

Food and Feeding a Full Grown Chorkie

At their full adult size, the average daily caloric intake needs for a Chorkie are:

• Males: 15-30 calories per pound of body weight
• Females: 15-30 calories per pound of body weight

This equals about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry kibble per day, split into two meals. Always provide fresh, clean water. Senior Chorkies over 7 years may need fewer calories to prevent weight gain.

Lifespan of a Full Grown Chorkie

With proper care, the average lifespan for a Chorkie is 12-15 years. Some healthy Chorkies may live to be 18 years or older. Their small size and hybrid vigor make them generally hardier than their purebred parents.

Health Concerns at Full Growth

As with any dog breed, fully grown Chorkies may potentially develop some genetic health problems. Common issues to watch for include:

• Breathing problems like collapsed trachea
• Dental disease such as tooth resorption
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Eye diseases like cataracts
• Patellar Luxation (slipped knees)

Regular vet exams help monitor for any early warning signs. Chorkies also tend to be prone to obesity, so watch their weight and diet closely.

Care for a Full Grown Chorkie

As adults, Chorkies still require similar care routines as younger puppies:

• Brush their coat 2-3 times per week to remove loose hair and mats
• Trim their nails once every 4-6 weeks to prevent overgrowth
• Brush their teeth 2-3 times weekly to prevent dental disease
• Give them daily exercise like playtime, walks, or toys for mental stimulation
• Provide them with warm shelter from drafts, rain, or extreme temperatures

Cost of Owning a Full Grown Chorkie

Here are some average annual costs to consider when owning an adult Chorkie:

• $500-800 per year for high-quality food, treats, toys
• $400-800 per year for routine vet wellness exams and vaccines
• $100-300 per year for flea/tick/heartworm prevention medications
• $500-1000 for emergencies, hospitalizations, or surgeries if needed
• $50-100 for licensing and potential pet fees if required

The first year tends to be most expensive including the initial adoption or purchase price plus supplies.

Changes in Behavior at Full Maturity

As Chorkies reach adulthood, their behaviors may evolve in these ways:

• Less excitable, mellower temperament
• More set in their routines and habits
• Stronger bonds with their forever families
• Less biting/mouthing as puppies do
• Better attention span and response to commands
• May show more independence or sassiness

Keeping them mentally and physically exercised prevents boredom-related behavior issues.

Notable Characteristics of Fully Grown Chorkies

Some quirks and special traits full grown Chorkies may display include:

• Being vocal - they like to converse with barks, yips, or howls
• Forming close attachments to one favorite person
• Being spunky - they act much bigger than their tiny size implies!
• Disliking to be left alone for long periods
• Excelling in obedience, agility, or tricks training
• Having dominant personalities despite small stature

When is a Chorkie Fully Grown?

Chorkies reach sexual maturity at 6-9 months of age. However, their physical growth may continue until 12-18 months old. Here are some signs that indicate a Chorkie has finished maturing:

• Growth plates in bones have fused (confirmed by vet)
• Final adult teeth have come in and baby teeth fallen out
• Height and weight have stabilized for 3+ months with no fluctuations
• Coat coloring and texture have fully developed
• No longer has the gangly-legged appearance of an adolescent dog
• Behavior is calmer and less excitable than as a young puppy

While they reach adulthood more quickly than larger breeds, it's important to give Chorkies adequate time to mature both physically and mentally. Their smaller size also means health issues may develop if overly stressed or overexerted as puppies.

Are Chorkies Good Family Pets?

When properly socialized and trained, fully grown Chorkies absolutely make wonderful family pets. Their friendly nature and small size make them a good choice for:

• Families with older children who can gently handle small dogs
• Seniors or people with limited mobility as Chorkies don't need much space
• Busy households as Chorkies are adaptable and don't require as much exercise as larger dogs
• First-time pet owners as long as their care needs are met

However, they do best in homes:

• With at least one person home most of the day as Chorkies can suffer from separation anxiety
• Without young children who may accidentally hurt them due to their tiny size
• Without other pets who could bully or overwhelm them

With an owner committed to training, socializing, grooming and providing them mental stimulation, fully grown Chorkies make wonderful small dog companions.