Australian Yorkshire Terrier (Australian Terrier & Yorkshire Terrier Mix): Info & Pictures
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| Height: | 9–11 inches |
| Weight: | 12–16 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 11–15 years |
| Colors: | Black and tan, black and blue, black and red |
| Suitable for: | Families with older children living in apartments or houses |
| Temperament: | Loyal & Loving, intelligent, stubborn, playful, curious, spirited |
The Australian Yorkshire Terrier comes from the Yorkshire Terrier (also known as the Yorkie) and the Australian Terrier (or Aussie). The Australian Yorkie has strong Terrier instincts since they come from two Terrier parents, so expect lots of digging and a strong, feisty personality.
Australian Yorkie puppies usually have blue and tan or black and tan coats, which change as they age and can be blue and red, blue and gold, or blue and tan. Their coats might be short, medium, or long and might be silky or coarse in texture. They could have slightly longer bodies with short legs if they take after their Aussie parent or longer legs and compact bodies if they are more like their Yorkie parent.
Australian Yorkshire Terrier Puppies
Australian Yorkshire Terrier PuppiesThe Australian Yorkshire Terrier is an energetic and playful dog that is generally healthy, with a long lifespan of up to 15 years. They are intelligent, but they have a stubborn streak, making training more of a challenge. The Australian Yorkie is a friendly dog with their family but is wary of strangers.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Australian Yorkshire Terrier
1. Australian Yorkies Aren’t Shedders.
It’s a surprising fact given how long the coats of their Yorkshire Terrier parents, but grooming isn’t terribly arduous with this mixed breed, particularly since shedding isn’t as much of an issue.
2. They Are Energetic but Low Maintenance.
The Australian Yorkie is a very sprightly and playful dog but doesn’t require a lot of exercise. Therefore, they suit owners who aren’t very active.
3. The Australian Yorkie Shouldn’t Be Left Alone for Very Long.
They need to be around their people; if they’re left alone in a backyard, they are prone to digging and other destructive behavior.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Australian Yorkshire Terrier 🧠
The Australian Yorkshire Terrier is an affectionate and loyal dog that is also very intelligent and curious. These adventurous and spirited dogs like to dig, have very strong personalities, and are confident as well as sweet.
The Australian Yorkie enjoys brisk walks and playing in the water, which works well with their water-repellent coats. They can be easily distracted and must be in a fenced area when outside alone and on a leash when walking.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡
The Australian Yorkie makes a great family pet but is more suitable for older children. They have excellent hearing, and their wariness of strangers makes them very good watchdogs. They are playful and affectionate and make great playmates for children.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽
If socialized as a puppy, the Australian Yorkshire Terrier will get along very well with family pets. They are somewhat territorial, particularly with male dogs, so this needs to be considered if other male dogs live in your home. Socialization as puppies will help alleviate some of their aggressive behavior.
Things to Know When Owning an Australian Yorkshire Terrier:
Things to Know When Owning an Australian Yorkshire Terrier:Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
The Australian Yorkie should be fed a diet designed for small breeds. This could be about 1 ½ to 2 ½ cups of kibble spread out over two or three feedings per day. However, when you find the right dog food for your dog, read the instructions on the back of the bag and consult your vet, particularly if there are any health or weight concerns.
Exercise 🐕
The Australian Yorkie is an energetic dog but doesn’t require a lot of exercise. An average of 20 to 30 minutes daily, combined with indoor or outdoor playtime, will be sufficient. Playing with the children and chasing a ball around will keep them happy and in great shape.
Training 🦮
Training the Australian Yorkshire Terrier can be challenging thanks to a strong, stubborn streak inherited from both parents. They will need a lot of socialization as puppies due to their wariness of strangers and their territorial natures. As with any stubborn dog, lots of consistent and patient training with positive reinforcement will ensure your puppy will grow into a confident and happy dog.
Grooming ✂️
As previously mentioned, the Australian Yorkie doesn’t shed very much, but if they take after their Yorkshire Terrier parent, they might require more grooming and maintenance. Depending on the length of their coat, they might require brushing two or three times a week.
Bathing your dog with dog shampoo should only occur when necessary (usually about once a month) since you don’t want to strip your dog’s coat of its natural oils. Regular grooming duties include cleaning your dog’s ears, brushing their teeth, and trimming their nails.
Health and Conditions ❤️
- The Yorkshire Terrier might be susceptible to retinal degeneration, and the Australian Terrier could be prone to diabetes.
- The Yorkshire Terrier is prone to kneecap dislocation, collapse of the windpipe, liver shunt, and the degeneration of the hip joint. The Australian Terrier is also susceptible to kneecap dislocation and degeneration of the hip joint as well as torn knee ligament and seizures.
While the Australian Yorkshire Terrier isn’t a purebred and isn’t as likely to inherit the same health problems as their parents, you still need to maintain regular veterinary appointments and take your dog to the vet promptly when you notice changes in their health.
Male vs Female
The female Australian Yorkshire Terrier is about the same height as the male, which runs 9 to 11 inches. However, they are slightly lighter and weigh approximately 12 to 14 pounds compared to males at 14 to 16 pounds.
If you decide not to breed your dog, you’ll notice that the neutering or spaying surgery differs in cost. Spaying the female dog is more expensive and takes a slightly longer recovery time than neutering the male. However, spaying or neutering your dog has the additional benefit of warding off future health issues, decreasing aggression, and reducing the chances of your dog wandering off.
Some owners believe male dogs are generally more aggressive and less affectionate than females, but there are debates on this subject. Overall, what will truly determine your dog’s behavior and personality will be how they’re raised, trained, and socialized as a puppy and how you continue to treat them as an adult.
Final Thoughts on the Australian Yorkshire Terrier
The Australian Yorkshire Terrier is an adorable little spitfire that will add a lot of personality and spirit to your household. Terriers were bred to dig and are generally feisty and energetic small dogs that enjoy playtime as much as dinnertime.
The Australian Yorkie is not easy to find at the time of this writing, so you should start by talking to Yorkshire Terrier and Australian Terrier breeders and keeping an eye on local rescue groups. You can also speak to local and national dog clubs and attend dog shows to talk to a more extensive and knowledgeable group.
Posting online and using social media is another easy method to get your message out to the largest audience possible. If you’re looking to add a new member to your house that will act as a loyal watchdog but will also enjoy a good cuddle, the Australian Yorkshire Terrier will be a fantastic addition to your family.
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Featured Image Credit by Pxhere
