At a glance the quick version
Adopt-a-Pet gives 4-10 lb (1.8-4.5 kg), Purina 3.5-6.5 kg and Dogster 8-15 lb (about 3.6-6.8 kg). No split by sex.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short to long, silky or scruffy
The coat can be long and silky like a Yorkie or short and a little scruffy, depending on the Chihuahua parent's coat type. It sheds only a little.132
Personality what they are like
A spirited, affectionate little dog that acts far bigger than it is. It bonds closely with its owner, often one person in particular, loves being the centre of attention and enjoys games and training. It can be quite chatty.123
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low to moderate, but lively for its size. Around 30 minutes of walking a day on a harness plus indoor play; Dogster suggests up to an hour of activity in total.123
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Long-coated dogs need daily brushing and a trim every month or two; short coats need brushing once or twice a week. Bathe about monthly and brush teeth several times a week.231
Home where they are happiest
Well suited to flats and smaller homes, as long as there is access outside for walks and toilet breaks. Handle with care because of its small, light frame.13
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete food made for small breeds; Dogster suggests roughly a cup a day, adjusted to size and activity.3
Company who they like around
Loves company and does not like being left alone for long. Best with older, gentle children; can get on with other pets when socialised early, with care around much bigger dogs.213
The story where it all began
The Chorkie appeared in the United States around the early 1990s, when breeders began crossing the Chihuahua with the Yorkshire Terrier. Its tiny size and cute looks made it popular quickly as a companion dog.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Crossbreeds are not recognised as pedigree breeds, but they can be registered on the Activity Register and take part in agility, obedience and similar events.4
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Purina notes the Chorkie is not recognised by the UK Kennel Club, as it is a mixed breed.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Chorkie. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Chorkie, and at what times?
Your Chorkie will do best with at least two meals a day at consistent times, as adult dogs' stomachs empty within a few hours. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet, since needs vary by size and activity.35
What should a Chorkie eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete food made for small breeds, roughly a cup a day adjusted to your dog's size and activity. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and many others listed by the ASPCA. Always keep these away from your Chorkie.36
How often should I bathe a Chorkie?
Bathing about once a month is a good starting point, though some owners bathe every two months or as needed. The ASPCA suggests at least every three months, so adjust based on how dirty your dog gets. Use a gentle dog shampoo.2317 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Chorkie need brushing?
If your Chorkie has a long, silky coat, brush daily to prevent tangles. For a short, scruffy coat, once or twice a week is enough. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing, which works well for most coats.2317 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Chorkie's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part) to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Chorkie need?
Your Chorkie needs about 30 minutes of walking on a harness each day, plus indoor playtime. Dogster suggests up to an hour of total activity. They are lively for their size, so daily walks and games will keep them happy and healthy.123 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Chorkie's teeth and ears?
Brush your Chorkie's teeth several times a week using a dog-safe toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness, and gently clean the outer part only, never push anything into the ear canal. Your vet can show you the best technique.2317 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Chorkie live?
Chorkies typically live between 12 and 15 years, bringing you many years of spirited companionship. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a loving home, they often enjoy a long, happy life.213
Is a Chorkie good with children and other pets?
Chorkies bond closely with their family and do best with older, gentle children who understand how to handle a small dog. They can get along with other pets when socialised early, but be careful around much larger dogs due to their tiny size.213
Can a Chorkie be left alone?
Chorkies love company and do not like being left alone for long periods. They thrive with someone around most of the day. If you must leave them, consider a dog sitter or daycare to keep them happy.213
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Parents and lookalikes
Chihuahua
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkipoo
MorkieLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
All of this is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show annoying ads. It was a big job to build, so if it helped you, buy Archy a bone. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Archy is our Australian Cattle Dog and chief taste tester. Tips go to 4V3D OÜ, the small family studio behind Furry Diary.
Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Chorkie - Purina UK purina.co.ukused for history, other names, size, colours, temperament, exercise, living, recognition
- Chorkie Breed Profile - Adopt-a-Pet adoptapet.comused for origin, size, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, grooming
- Chorkie - Dogster dogster.comused for size, lifespan, coat, exercise, grooming, diet, fun fact
- What is a crossbreed dog? - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for recognition
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.