King Charles Yorkie
Yorkalier, Cava-Yorkie, York-A-Lier
The King Charles Yorkie is a charming little companion, resulting from a harmonious mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Yorkshire Terrier. This delightful breed embodies the finest traits of both parent breeds, characterized by its adorable triangular black nose, large dark eyes, and ears that can either be floppy or erect, with the floppy variety being more prevalent. Beyond its appealing appearance, the King Charles Yorkie is known for its engaging personality. Given that both parent breeds are recognized for their energetic and lively dispositions, it’s likely that this hybrid will inherit those playful traits. Although it may not be the best fit for novice dog owners, this breed flourishes in family settings, easily bonding with children and other pets.
Breed Origin
The King Charles Yorkie presents a captivating heritage, rooted in the rich histories of both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Yorkshire Terrier. As a relatively recent breed, it doesn't have a well-documented origin story of its own; however, delving into the histories of its parent breeds reveals the motivations behind its development and highlights its unique characteristics. Let’s start with the distinguished background of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Despite its small stature, this breed certainly embodies its regal name. Historically, the Cavalier has been adored in royal courts and noble homes throughout Spain, its country of origin. Its charm also won the hearts of people in France, England, and Scotland, where it often appeared in portraits and artistic works. The breed derives its name from Kings Charles I and II, who had a particular fondness for these dogs. However, as King William's reign commenced, the Cavalier's popularity diminished, making way for the rise of Pugs. This shift led to crossbreeding between the two breeds, resulting in notable alterations to the Spaniel's appearance, such as a flatter face and a rounder head. Fortunately, a determined American named Rosewell Elridge played a crucial role in reviving the breed. He offered a reward for anyone who could recreate the dogs depicted in 17th and 18th-century art, which ultimately led to the resurgence of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Today, these dogs are treasured as show animals, sporting companions, and beloved pets. The second parent breed of the King Charles Yorkie, the iconic blue and gold Yorkshire Terrier, is equally remarkable. This lively terrier is thought to have descended from the Clydesdale Terrier and the Black-and-Tan Terrier, both known for their quintessential terrier traits. Full of energy, intelligence, and affection, these terriers were brought to areas like York and Manchester by their owners, where they interbred with local canines, resulting in the Yorkshire Terrier. Initially known as Broken Haired Scotch Terriers, the breed's name was simplified to Yorkshire Terrier by 1870, reflecting its geographic roots. During this time, the breed began to evolve into companion animals, with selective breeding leading to smaller sizes. The Yorkshire Terrier made its American debut in 1872, quickly becoming popular and establishing itself as a cherished show and companion dog around the globe. When these two esteemed breeds are combined, the result is an ideal companion dog. The King Charles Yorkie is spirited, affectionate, and loyal, though it may display a touch of stubbornness. However, a single look into its dark, expressive eyes can easily make you overlook any minor quirks. If you’re in search of a dog that brings joy with its vibrant personality, enjoys your company both indoors and outdoors, and maintains a balanced energy level, the King Charles Yorkie might just be the perfect fit for you.
Breed Appearance
The King Charles Yorkie is a small breed, generally standing at a maximum height of 13 inches and weighing about 18 pounds when fully matured. This breed is known for its opulent coat, which is long and exceptionally soft, reflecting the traits of its parent breeds. The fur comes in a variety of colors, including the classic blue and tan of the Yorkshire Terrier and the brown and white patches typical of the Cavalier. Due to the delicate nature of its long fur, the King Charles Yorkie is not ideally suited for colder environments and thrives in warmer conditions. In snowy weather, it’s recommended to outfit them in sweaters or other canine clothing. Although this breed sheds moderately, consistent grooming can effectively control the shedding. As a mixed breed, the appearance of King Charles Yorkies can differ widely from one individual to another, even among siblings. Their ears may stand upright like those of the Yorkshire Terrier, but they usually have longer, droopy ears with fine feathering. Their faces are endearingly shaped, featuring button-like eyes and a small, triangular black nose that enhances their delicate muzzle. Despite their petite size and gentle demeanor, these dogs are surprisingly robust and will not hesitate to bark at strangers, so don’t let their adorable looks fool you!
Care Routine
This breed requires a moderate level of grooming due to the fine, silky nature of its coat. Although the King Charles Yorkie does not shed heavily, it is crucial to brush him regularly—preferably at least three times a week—to keep his fur tangle-free and shiny. This grooming routine not only helps reduce shedding but also addresses any knots that may form. Bathing should occur every two months or as necessary, especially if your dog gets into something dirty, as the King Charles Yorkie typically has a pleasant scent and does not need frequent washing. Additionally, after bathing, it’s vital to thoroughly dry your dog’s ears to prevent infections and irritation. Nail trimming should be done every few weeks or whenever you hear the nails clicking on the floor.
Behavior & Temperament
The King Charles Yorkie is celebrated for his friendly nature, making him a wonderful companion for families. Although he can be somewhat vocal, and training may not entirely eliminate this behavior, ensuring he receives plenty of exercise and attention can help minimize his barking. This breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty, affection, and patience, which makes training relatively easy. Additionally, he typically gets along very well with cats. His loyalty and protective instincts reflect his deep affection for his family, and his barking acts as a dependable alert for any unusual happenings around the house. However, this vocal tendency might be bothersome to neighbors, so he is best suited for homes that offer some degree of seclusion, even though his small size makes him adaptable to apartment living. If your neighbors are accommodating, this little dog can flourish in a variety of settings. It’s essential to keep in mind that while King Charles Yorkies are generally well-mannered, early socialization and training are vital for instilling appropriate behaviors in different situations and for enhancing the bond between you and your furry friend.
Play & Exercise
Despite not being categorized as a sporting dog, the King Charles Yorkie is brimming with energy thanks to its Terrier lineage. This breed merges the lively nature of the Yorkshire Terrier with the hunting instincts of the Spaniel, which means it requires multiple exercise sessions throughout the day. Whether it’s a casual walk or a spirited game of fetch in the yard, these activities are vital for its well-being. While the King Charles Yorkie can easily fit into a purse or backpack, don’t expect it to stay there for long. Aim for around 60 minutes of playtime a few times each day to help burn off its energy and fulfill its exercise requirements. Moreover, training is essential due to the breed's sharp intellect; merely providing physical activity is not enough—it's equally important to stimulate its mind!
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
1.0 Cups
Daily Activity
60 Minutes
Average Lifespan
13 Years
Origin
2000s
Type
Crossbreeds
Size
Small
Origin Country
United States
Brush Frequency
Weekly
Coat Texture
Straight
Register
Your kids have been begging for a pet forever, and you've recently decided that it's time for your family to get a new addition -- a dog! While everyone is excited for the new arrival, you're wondering if you need to have a dog license. How much does it cost? Is it required? Where do you get one?
Member Clubs
PETINNATE
Other
Height & Weight
Weight
13 lbs (6 kg)Male: 13 lbs (6 kg) , Female: 13 lbs (6 kg)
Height
11 inches (28 sm)Male: 11 inches (28 sm) , Female: 11 inches (28 sm)
6 Months
9 lbs ( m 9 lbs, f 9 lbs )
8 inches ( m 8 inches, f 8 inches )
12 Months
13 lbs ( m 13 lbs, f 13 lbs )
10 inches ( m 10 inches, f 10 inches )
18 Months
16 lbs ( m 16 lbs, f 16 lbs )
12 inches ( m 12 inches, f 12 inches )
Eye Colors
Brown
Nose Colors
Black
Coat Colors
White
Red
Black
Brown
Blue
