Yorkie Chon Breed Information

Grooming

Yorkie Chons have moderate grooming needs. It is beneficial to brush their coats 2 or 3 times a week in order to avoid knots, tangles, or matting of the hair. A monthly bath is also recommended for Yorkie Chons to keep their coats clean and shiny. The hair around their eyes should be trimmed frequently to avoid the buildup of tear stains.

Their grooming routine should also include occasional haircuts, trimming of the nails when they overgrow, and frequent ear cleaning. Like all dogs, Yorkie Chons may be prone to certain teeth problems like periodontal disease and tartar buildup. It is beneficial to brush their teeth as frequently as possible and keep up a good dental care routine. 

Understanding your puppy's dental health is crucial. Learn more about it with our Brushing Puppy Teeth Guide

Exercise Needs

Yorkie Chons are moderately active dogs. They enjoy canine games, runs, swims, and short hiking trips. They also enjoy lazing around the house and cuddling their humans as much as possible. A few brisk walks of a combined 30 minutes each day are enough to keep the Yorkie Chons in shape and happy.  

Wondering when it's safe for your puppy to go outside and play? Check out our guide on When Can Puppies Go Outside

Health

Yorkie Chon puppies are popular designer puppies of a Yorkshire Terrier crossed with a Bichon Frise. Like their parents, these puppies are healthy and long lived. They benefit from hybrid vigor, which is a result of first-generation crossbreeding, and are blessed with improved health. Some of the health problems they may be prone to are the same common ones among all small dog breeds. These are hip or elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, hypothyroidism, ear and dental infections, and allergies.  

Lifespan

The average lifespan of these beautiful toy dogs is between 12 and 15 years. They take after both of their parents when it comes to living a long, healthy life. Yorkshire Terriers have a lifespan of 13 to 16 years, while Bichons live between 12 and 15 years. Their parents have also been known to live past their life expectancy. The oldest Yorkie lived to be 28 years old. It is recommended to provide them with enough daily exercise and high quality dog food to ensure they live long, healthy lives.

Training

Yorkie Chons are smart, easy to train dogs. They have people pleasing personalities and are known to pick up on tricks quickly. They enjoy the attention they receive when trained and are very fond of learning things they can impress with later. Yorkie Chons respond well to treat based motivation and positive reinforcement methods. Because of their Yorkshire Terrier lineage, these puppies may prove difficult to train when they are not properly motivated.

They may inherit a slight stubborn streak that will require a bit of extra patience on their trainer’s part. It is recommended to identify what they are motivated by and use plenty of rewards when training them. Some Yorkie Chon puppies respond well to treat rewards while others prefer praise, petting, and toys as rewards for good behavior.  

Socializing Yorkie Chon puppies should be done early on as they sometimes tend to be cautious and reserved around strangers. They should be introduced to new people and other pets gradually, preferably a little each day until they are comfortable with new interactions.  

Yorkie Chons are independent dogs. They are happy to keep busy with a toy or simply nap when they are left alone. They are not prone to separation anxiety, but it is always best to get them used to being alone at times when they are young. Crate training can be very beneficial for these pups.