Jorkie Dog Breed

The Jorkie, as a mixed breed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' specific origin; while a Jack Russell-Yorkie mix has probably existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. These exuberant little dogs make great pets for families of any size, but will need some training in order to learn calm, respectful behavior.

A few Jorkie facts: though they can vary a bit in appearance, the Jorkie is typically toy- to small-sized, averaging 10 inches at the shoulders in height and 10 pounds in weight; their coats can be hard to predict as well, and can be short, long, straight and silky, rough--or anywhere in the midst of those qualities. Jorkies also have a lot of energy, and will need more exercise than the typical small-sized breed.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Jorkie:

The Jorkie is the offspring of two British terrier breeds. (Though the Yorkie is classified in the Toy group of many clubs, the breed is still a terrier at heart.) This means a Yorkie mix with Jack Russell will certainly have the famed "Triple T"--typical terrier temperament--and will be lively, personable, and stubborn.

These hybrids can vary a bit in size (anywhere from seven to 14 pounds or more)--and since the parent breeds' coats can differ a lot in both length and texture, Jorkies' coats will vary as well. What is consistent among these dogs, though, is their energy, enthusiasm, and willfulness. Jorkies will be affectionate with their family members, and are more than likely to curl up with their humans in front of the TV at the end of the day--but only if that day is preceded by lots of physical activity!

Jorkies have a great deal of energy, and will need more exercise than most breeds of comparable size. Since they're small, Jorkies are likely to tire out after a few minutes--so several short exercise sessions throughout the day is best.

The Jorkie can see some variation in size and coat. Physical features can also differ in Jorkies too, and are often determined by the percentage of the parent breeds' DNA in each Jorkie dog. Breeders us the symbols P, F1, F1b, F2, and so on to signify the genetic makeup in crossbred dogs. For the Jorkie, the following applies:

• P: Purebred Jack Russell or purebred Yorkie
• F1: P x P (50% JRT, 50% Yorkie)
• F1b: P x F1 (75% JRT or Yorkie, 25% other breed)
• F2: F1 x F1 (50% of each)
• F2b: F1 x F1b (75%-25%)

Breeders often use this selective breeding to develop the Jorkie toy (or miniature Jack Russell-cross-Yorkshire Terrier) by producing F1b backcrossed puppies, with the Yorkie as the purebred parent since it's the smaller breed.

These hybrids' coats can be fairly unpredictable as well. The Yorkie has a long, silky coat, and the JRT coat can be short and smooth or longer and rougher--so the Jorkie coat can be anywhere in between. Most often, though, the Jorkie coat is medium in length and fairly straight and smooth.

Lively, intelligent, loyal, affectionate, and usually stubborn, the Yorkie-Jack Russell mix temperament is one of activity and confidence. These hybrids will usually be friendly and loving with family members, and they'll socialize pretty well with kids and other household pets too--though they might instinctively challenge other dogs (especially those of the same sex). Regardless, it's best if your Jorkie grows up alongside any children or other pets so they'll be accustomed to one another. Jorkies may also develop Small Dog Syndrome (excessive fussiness and selfishness) if allowed, so lots of obedience training and socialization is recommended, starting during puppyhood if possible.

When it comes to training, Jorkies' intelligence and willingness to please mean they can respond well to it--but their natural stubbornness may require a few repetitions when learning tasks, tricks, and commands. As with any breed, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

Another good quality of the Jack Russell x Yorkshire Terrier temperament is these hybrids' watchdog skills. Though they're too small to neutralize potential threats like intruders, Jorkies are bold, alert, and curious, and will likely bark if they perceive unknown sights or sounds.

The Jorkie, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is very healthy. Even so, a few Jorkies might suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and various eye issues such as glaucoma or Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Jorkie is 11-15 years.