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The Yorkie Pin is the hybrid offspring of two skillful rat hunters: the Yorkshire Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher. So, if you keep small rodents as pets that you like to roam freely out of their cages, think twice before acquiring one of these small puppies. But if this is not the case, and you are looking for a mini protective dog with a face that would melt the hardest of hearts while being endowed with a strong character, look no further: the Yorkie Pin is for you!
Breed Overview
Height:
7-13 inches
Weight:
6-10 pounds
Lifespan:
12-15 years
Colors:
White, blue, silver, red, brown, gray, black
Suitable for:
Active families, those looking for a low-shedding dog
Temperament:
Energetic, intelligent, friendly, willful, affectionate
Yorkie Pin Characteristics
Yorkie Pin Puppies
Finding a Yorkie Pin puppy from a reputable breeder can be challenging. Indeed, if you do a quick Google search, you will find tons of advertisements for puppies mixed with a Yorkshire Terrier or a Miniature Pinscher, but very few for the offspring of these two breeds.
The Yorkie Pin, as a recent designer breed, is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC); so, it’s hard to judge whether the price you will pay will be fair. Thus, do not hesitate to ask around you, slip a word to your veterinarian, and do a lot of research before acquiring such a puppy. And if you don’t mind adopting an older dog, look into shelters and other animal rescue organizations; your next best friend may be waiting for you just around the corner!
Temperament & Intelligence of the Yorkie Pin
The Yorkie Pin is curious, intelligent, and friendly. He is also very lively, both physically and mentally, and has a strong character. Sometimes calm, sometimes cheerful, he suits everyone. However, be careful with young children; the Yorkie Pin does not like to be treated harshly and endures little turbulence.
In addition, he is a dog who loves his comfort. He loves to snuggle up against the sofa’s cushions or, even better, on his owner’s lap. He requires a lot of attention and does not tolerate loneliness.
Also, the Yorkie Pin is very alert and reacts to the slightest noise. He will not hesitate to bark loudly when intruders approach the house. As a result, he is a good watchdog. He should be socialized and trained at a young age to prevent him from barking incessantly.
Finally, despite his small size, the Yorkie Pin is fearless and will not hesitate to face larger dogs than him. Some are brilliant and learn quickly, while others are very stubborn. Thus, gentle but firm training in which his owner sets firm rules is what this willful little beast needs!
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
Loyal, very protective of his humans, passive-aggressive with the cat, affectionate but doesn’t give kisses; that’s how some Yorkie Pin owners describe their puppy’s behavior with their family. Keep in mind this can vary slightly from dog to dog, as the behavior and temperament of each crossbreed are different.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
In general, the Yorkie Pin does not have a problem with other dogs in his pack, although he tends to be pugnacious with other canine companions, often much bigger than him. However, his relationships with other pets can be a problem.
So, proper socialization from an early age is recommended to help your Yorkie Pin get along well with other pets in your home and refrain from chasing smaller animals. Start by getting your pooch used to your immediate family members. This will give your Yorkie Pin confidence, and you will have no problem introducing him to your extended family, friends, and their pets.
Things to Know When Owning a Yorkie Pin:
Food & Diet Requirements
Like many small breeds, the Yorkie Pin is prone to tartar and is susceptible to dental problems. Therefore, you should favor a diet based on high-quality kibble because they have a brushing effect on the dog’s teeth.
Also, be aware that this little dog can be very stubborn and tend to sulk his bowl. He can be choosy and refuse to feed for a day or two to get what he wants, so don’t give in to his whims.
Note that the amount and type of food that the Yorkie Pin should eat each day depends mainly on his weight, age, health, and level of physical activity. Plus, his food must be rich in vitamins for the beauty of its coat.
Exercise
Although of petite stature, the Yorkie Pin needs to burn off his energy, otherwise this bossy little monster will put you through the wringer! So, to lower your pup’s energy a little, aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, such as walking or light jogging, followed by a period of play. Obedience lessons and agility will also be beneficial for your Yorkie Pin to be stimulated both mentally and physically.
Training
Training can be tricky due to the intelligence and stubbornness of the Yorkie Pin – he will no doubt want to test your patience! So, when you train your Yorkie Pin, you need to take on the role of a strong but gentle pack leader. Otherwise, this small, strong-headed dog will gladly take the alpha position in your household.
Grooming ✂️
If your Yorkie Pin inherited the long, silky fur from his Yorkshire Terrier parent, he would require regular maintenance to maintain a great appearance and healthy skin. His long hairs should be brushed and combed daily to avoid the formation of knots. You will have to proceed strand by strand, taking care to start at the bottom of the legs. A quarterly visit to a professional groomer is also recommended.
Obviously, his maintenance will be much easier if you have him shaved. Besides, if he has inherited the short coat from the Miniature Pinscher, his care will also be easy-peasy: a weekly brushing will be more than enough.
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Health and Conditions
With a life expectancy that can exceed 15 years, this dog has nothing to envy from others! On the other hand, it is sensitive to some health problems, in particular at the joint level. Here are the most common health problems that the Yorkie Pin can suffer from:
- Cataracts
- Mitral
- Valve Disease Corneal
- Dystrophy Reverse Sneezing
- Patellar Luxation
- Epilepsy
- Hypoglycemia
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
- Collapsed Trachea
Male vs Female
There is no notable difference between male and female Yorkie Pin. Any tendencies they may have displayed when in heat or looking for a mate will be minimized after being spayed or neutered.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Yorkie Pin
1. Barking Is Second Nature to the Yorkie Pin
No, this little dog is no exception to the rule: like most lapdogs, the Yorkie Pin likes to express itself through sometimes incessant barking. This is useful when you want to scare off potential thieves, but not so much when you want to befriend your neighbors!
2. The Yorkie Pin Isn’t Afraid to Go Up Against a Bigger Dog Than Him
He is a very fearless little dog who will try to intimidate an animal larger than him. Therefore, you will have to supervise and train him properly, especially when let loose at the dog park.
3. The Yorkie Pin May Wreak Havoc on Your Lawn
Indeed, this tiny animal likes to get dirty! He’s an excellent digger too, which is terrible news for your lawn. However, with a good education, it is possible to eradicate this destructive behavior.
Conclusion
There you go! We’ve taken a tour of the main characteristics and personality traits of the fiery Yorkie Pin. Is this the right dog for you? It mostly depends on your tolerance for the stubbornness and pugnacity of this little creature. It is not that he is such a difficult dog to train, but he does require some skill, finesse, and a lot of patience during his puppyhood. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before going to visit your future puppy; otherwise, his little angel face will definitely tip the scales in his favor!
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