Bichon Yorkie
The Bichon Yorkie is a cross between the Bichon Frise and the Yorkshire Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Bichon Yorkie. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy companion dog with a distinctive powder-puff appearance that has charmed dog lovers for centuries. Standing between 9.5 and 11.5 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 12 and 18 pounds, this breed presents a compact and well-proportioned silhouette that conveys both substance and elegance. The body is slightly longer than tall, creating a balanced square appearance when properly groomed, with a moderately deep chest and well-sprung ribs that provide good lung capacity. The Bichon carries itself with a proud and confident posture, moving with an effortless and lively gait that reflects its cheerful disposition and athletic capability. The hallmark of the Bichon Frise is its remarkable double coat, which consists of a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, curly outer coat that stands away from the body to create volume and dimension. This unique coat texture creates the breed's signature puffy appearance and feels like velvet or plush to the touch. The coat is always white, though puppies may show traces of cream, buff, or apricot shading around the ears that typically fades as the dog matures. The hair grows continuously rather than shedding seasonally, making the breed appealing to some allergy sufferers, though regular professional grooming every four to six weeks is essential to maintain its characteristic rounded shape and prevent matting. The Bichon's face is one of its most endearing features, with large, round, dark eyes that convey an alert and curious expression, often described as having a soft, inquisitive gaze. The nose, lips, and eye rims are solid black, creating a striking contrast against the pristine white coat and giving the face a defined appearance. The ears are drop-shaped, set slightly above eye level, and are covered with long, flowing hair that blends seamlessly with the body coat. The skull is slightly rounded with a well-defined stop, and the muzzle is not too pointed, giving the face a soft, gentle appearance. The tail is well-plumed with silky hair and carried curved gracefully over the back, adding to the breed's elegant and balanced silhouette.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Despite their many wonderful qualities, Bichons do have some temperament considerations that potential owners should understand. They form extremely strong bonds with their families and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. This anxiety may manifest as excessive barking, destructive behavior, or house-training accidents. The breed can also be quite vocal, using their bark to alert owners to visitors or unusual sounds. With proper training and gradual conditioning to alone time, most Bichons can learn to cope with reasonable periods of separation while maintaining their sunny disposition.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Other health considerations include bladder stones, which can cause urinary discomfort and may require dietary management or surgical removal. The breed has a higher than average incidence of diabetes mellitus, a condition requiring lifelong management with insulin and dietary changes. Cushing's disease, a disorder of the adrenal glands that causes excessive cortisol production, is another concern seen more frequently in Bichons than in many other breeds. Regular health monitoring, maintaining a healthy weight, providing proper nutrition, and ensuring adequate exercise all contribute to helping your Bichon Frise live a long and healthy life.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a diminutive but spirited toy breed that combines elegance with a bold terrier attitude. Standing just 7 to 8 inches at the shoulder and weighing no more than 7 pounds according to breed standards, the Yorkie presents a compact, well-proportioned silhouette despite its tiny stature. The body is neat and compact with a level topline, the back being rather short and the loins well-sustained. The breed carries itself with an air of confidence and importance, moving with a free, straight gait that covers ground efficiently for such small legs. The Yorkshire Terrier's crowning glory is its luxurious coat, which is unlike typical dog fur in both texture and behavior. The coat consists of fine, silky, perfectly straight hair that resembles human hair in quality, falling evenly down each side of the body from a part running from the nose to the tip of the tail. In show dogs, this coat reaches floor length, though pet owners often maintain a shorter, more manageable trim. The coloring is distinctively steel blue on the body and tail, contrasting with a rich, golden tan on the head, chest, and legs. Puppies are born black and tan, with the adult coloring developing gradually over the first two to three years. The Yorkie's face reveals much of its terrier heritage and personality, with a flat skull, medium-length muzzle, and small V-shaped ears that stand erect and are set high on the head. The eyes are medium-sized, dark, and sparkling with intelligence and curiosity, conveying the breed's alert and inquisitive nature. The nose is black, and the overall expression suggests a keen awareness of surroundings. Because they have a single coat rather than a double coat like many breeds, Yorkies shed minimally, which many allergy sufferers find beneficial. However, this coat characteristic also means they are sensitive to temperature extremes and may need protective clothing in cold weather.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Yorkies have abundant energy packed into their small bodies and enjoy active play sessions, short walks, and interactive games with their families. Despite their activity level, their exercise needs can be easily met in smaller spaces, making them excellent apartment dogs. They are typically good watchdogs, alerting their families to visitors or unusual sounds with their surprisingly loud bark. While Yorkies can coexist well with respectful older children, their small size and sometimes snippy nature make them less suitable for households with very young children who might handle them roughly. They may tolerate other pets if raised together but can exhibit territorial behavior and may not back down from confrontations with larger animals.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Other significant health concerns include hypoglycemia, particularly in puppies and smaller individuals, which can cause weakness, trembling, and seizures if blood sugar drops too low. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease involves the deterioration of the femoral head due to insufficient blood supply, causing hip pain and lameness. Liver shunt, a congenital condition where blood bypasses the liver, can cause poor growth, neurological symptoms, and various metabolic issues. Progressive retinal atrophy may lead to gradual vision loss, while heart conditions including patent ductus arteriosus have been documented in the breed. Bladder stones can also occur. Regular veterinary checkups, maintaining a healthy weight, protecting your Yorkie from temperature extremes, and providing appropriate nutrition all contribute to a long and healthy life for these spirited little dogs.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Bichon Yorkie may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.