Grooming

Although they have thick, fluffy coats, Shorkie dogs don’t have extensive requirements when it comes to grooming. To maintain their coats smooth and tangle-free, they need to be brushed a few times per week. Daily brushing is ideal to ensure their hair doesn’t become matted, but since this is easier said than done, a few weekly brushes will suffice. 

Baths shouldn’t be too frequent as this can lead to skin irritation and the loss of good natural oils that are on the hair. Ideally, you should bathe your Shorkie every month or two with mild shampoo specifically designed for dogs. 

Other steps that are necessary when grooming a Shorkie include cleaning their ears and brushing their teeth weekly. Their nails should also be clipped every month or so if the dogs are not able to file them down on their own while exercising.  

Exercise Needs

The energy levels of Shorkies are moderate. Most of these sweet dogs will be happiest with one or two daily walks and a few games with their human family indoors. They are fond of going to dog parks and playing with their furry friends but are not as energetic as other small breeds and will not want to exercise for more than 20 to 30 minutes straight. Their small frame also means that they are not built to withstand intense exercise. 

When playing in the dog park, it is important that you supervise your little Shorkies to make sure that larger dogs don’t injure them during play. 

Health

Although hybrid vigor protects these dogs from inheriting some of the common health problems that are passed down through purebred generations, there are still a few conditions they may suffer from. These conditions are generally non-life-threatening and are common in all dog breeds, big or small. They include cataracts, specifically during old age; hip dysplasia; hypothyroidism; allergies to food or skin allergies; and Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome – BOAS, which is common in dog breeds with short muzzles. 

Lifespan

The average lifespan of these adorable dogs is between 13 and 16 years. These dogs are renowned for their longevity, having one of the longest life expectancies. They may live up to 18 years or more, as some have before them. Their parents are also long-lived, with the Shih Tzu reaching as much as 23 years (Smokey the Shih Tzu lived to be 23), and the Yorkshire Terrier reaching as much as 28 years (Bonnie the Yorkie lived to be 28 years old). 

Training

The sweet Shorkie puppies are very intelligent, much like their parents, but they also inherit a stubborn streak which can make them a bit more difficult to train. They are not temperamental or snappy, but they do want to do things their way when it comes to training.  

Like most young and small puppies, they have a short attention span and can’t stay focused on one task for very long. The best way to train them is to engage them in fun training activities that last no more than 10 minutes. Training should be a fun experience for both you and your Shorkie puppy so make sure to use lots of praise and positive reinforcement. Treat rewards are also a great way to ensure your puppy is happy during training.  

Leash training and socialization are essential steps in raising a Shorkie. These dogs are naturally friendly, but they still need to be introduced to various people, places, and other pets to ensure they grow up sociable. It is best you begin socialization training as soon as your puppy arrives home. Introduce your puppy to your friends and family members gradually in a safe, low-distraction environment. This will set the stage for easier interactions in the future.