King Charles Yorkie: Your Complete Guide

The King Charles Yorkie could be the ideal hybrid breed for dog lovers seeking a petite pooch with the perfect blend of spunk and snuggle.

Resulting from a crossing between the perennially popular cavalier King Charles spaniel and the sprightly Yorkshire terrier, the King Charles Yorkie – also known as a cavalier Yorkie or Yorkie – pulls the most desirable traits from its parent breeds.

Though a fairly new breed, the King Charles Yorkie has quickly become a favorite thanks to its lovable temperament and hypoallergenic, low-shedding coats. This guide covers everything potential owners need to know about these sweet designer dogs — from their history to their suitability as family pets and everything in between.

Whether you’re considering welcoming one of these lively lap dogs into your home or want to learn more, read on for a complete introduction to the King Charles Yorkie.

Quick Look at the King Charles Yorkie

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament and grooming needs.

What Is the History of King Charles Yorkie?

As a designer mixed breed, the King Charles Yorkie doesn’t have a specific historical origin like established breeds. It’s likely a recent development, emerging in the 1990s or early 2000s when designer hybrid dogs started becoming popular.

As you may have guessed from the name, this breed was created by crossing a cavalier King Charles spaniel with a Yorkshire terrier. The goal was to blend the best traits from each parent breed into one adorable, affectionate pup.

To understand the history of this charming hybrid, we must delve into the backgrounds of its parent breeds:

• Cavalier King Charles spaniel: This breed gained favor with Kings Charles I and II of England, earning its regal name. However, its popularity waned after their reign, leading to dedicated efforts in the 20th century to revive the breed through selective breeding.
• Yorkshire terrier: Hailing from 19th century Yorkshire, England, these feisty terriers were initially bred to combat pesky rats in textile mills. Their intelligence, luxurious coats, and spirited personalities eventually won them over as cherished companions.

The King Charles Yorkie inherits a delightful blend of its parent’s characteristics. However, as with any breed, there are considerations to keep in mind. Being a designer crossbreed, the King Charles Yorkie may inherit health issues common to its parent breeds. Regular vet check-ups and proper care are essential to ensure their well-being.

What Do King Charles Yorkies Look Like?

The King Charles Yorkies have compact and well-proportioned bodies with a slight build. They have a rounded skull, often adorned with expressive, dark eyes that exude warmth and intelligence. Their ears may vary depending on their parentage, ranging from floppy like the cavalier’s to erect like the Yorkshire terrier’s.

One of the most striking features of the King Charles Yorkie is its luxurious coat. They typically inherit a long, silky fur texture from the Yorkshire terrier parent. It may come in various colors, including black and tan, blue and tan, white, silver, and reddish-brown.

What Size Is a King Charles Yorkie?

The King Charles Yorkie is classified as a “toy breed” – typically standing no taller than 13 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 7 and 18 pounds.

It’s important to remember that these are general ranges, and individual King Charles Yorkies may vary slightly in size depending on their specific genetics. Responsible breeders typically aim for consistency within their breeding lines, but you can see some natural variations in this mixed breed.

What Is a King Charles Yorkie’s Coat Type and Length?

Most King Charles Yorkies have a long, silky, and straight, requiring regular brushing and grooming to maintain its luxurious texture and prevent matting.

Some coat texture and length variations might occur due to their mixed-breed nature. These variations are generally subtle and wouldn’t significantly alter the overall impression of the coat.

What Is a King Charles Yorkie’s Temperament?

The King Charles Yorkie boasts a delightful temperament that combines the best qualities of its parent breeds. They’re typically:

• Affectionate: These little dogs are known for their caring nature and love being close to their human companions. They often enjoy cuddling and snuggling on laps or beside their owners.
• Playful: King Charles Yorkies have an active and energetic disposition. They enjoy interactive playtime and engaging in activities that stimulate their minds and bodies.
• Intelligent: With lineage from two intelligent parent breeds, King Charles Yorkies are typically quick learners. They respond well to positive reinforcement training and enjoy mental stimulation through games and puzzles.
• Loyal: King Charles Yorkies are dedicated and devoted to their families like their parents. They form strong bonds with their owners and thrive on attention and companionship.
• Bold: King Charles Yorkies often exhibit a bold and confident demeanor despite their small size. They are not afraid to assert themselves and may display a certain level of independence.
• Friendly: King Charles Yorkies are usually friendly and sociable with people and other pets when properly socialized from a young age. They enjoy meeting new friends and are generally welcoming to strangers.
• Adaptability: King Charles Yorkies can thrive in various living situations due to their small size and adaptable nature. They are equally content curling up on the couch or accompanying their owners on outdoor adventures.
• Alert: King Charles Yorkies have a keen awareness and are often alert to their surroundings. They may bark to warn their owners of perceived threats or environmental changes.
• Potentially Vocal: While not inherently aggressive barkers, they can be prone to vocalization, especially if not properly trained or stimulated.

Overall, King Charles Yorkies make wonderful companions for individuals and families seeking a small, affectionate, playful dog with a big personality. Proper care, socialization, and training can bring joy and laughter to their owners’ lives for many years.

Are King Charles Yorkies Good With Kids?

King Charles Yorkies can be good companions for families with children, but some important considerations exist. Due to their small size, they may be more susceptible to accidental injury from rough handling, so teaching children to be gentle and respectful when interacting with them is essential.

Supervision is crucial to ensure that interactions between the dog and children are safe and positive. Even the most well-behaved dog can react unexpectedly, so it’s important for adults to be present and attentive.

Early socialization is key to helping King Charles Yorkies feel comfortable around children. Exposing them to well-behaved kids and teaching children to interact appropriately with the dog can foster a positive relationship.

While Yorkies are often affectionate and enjoy the company of children, individual temperament can vary. Choosing a dog with a temperament that matches well with your family’s lifestyle and energy level is important.

Additionally, providing a calm and peaceful environment can help King Charles Yorkies feel more relaxed and secure, especially if they need a quiet retreat to unwind.

Teaching children to respect the dog’s boundaries, such as giving them space during meal times or when resting, helps prevent potential conflicts and ensures a harmonious relationship between the dog and the children.

Are King Charles Yorkies Good With Other Animals?

King Charles Yorkies can get along well with other animals when properly socialized from a young age. They often enjoy the company of other dogs and cats in the household.

However, their natural prey drive may lead them to chase smaller animals like Guinea pigs or hamsters. Supervising interactions and providing proper training to manage hunting instincts are important.

They may be prone to chasing wild animals outdoors, so it’s essential to keep them on a leash or in a fenced area for their safety.

Are King Charles Yorkies Aggressive?

King Charles Yorkies are not typically known for being aggressive, but like any dog, individual temperament can vary. They are generally affectionate and friendly but may exhibit snapping, growling, or territoriality if they feel threatened or their boundaries are not respected.

Proper training, socialization, and positive reinforcement can help mitigate potential aggression and ensure they behave well in various situations. It’s important to address any concerning behaviors early and seek guidance from a professional dog trainer.

Do King Charles Yorkies Bark?

King Charles Yorkies can be vocal dogs and may bark to alert their owners of visitors or changes in their environment. However, the volume and frequency of their barking can vary between individuals. Some may be more prone to excessive barking, while others may be relatively quiet.

For apartments with noise restrictions, it’s essential to consider the dog’s temperament and training. Providing mental and physical stimulation and establishing clear boundaries can help prevent excessive barking.

Additionally, positive reinforcement techniques to reward quiet behavior and teach a “quiet” command can effectively manage barking in apartment settings.

Are King Charles Yorkies Affectionate?

King Charles Yorkies are known for their affectionate nature and often enjoy cuddling and being petted by their owners. Many consider them lap dogs, who love to snuggle up close to their favorite humans. Their affectionate demeanor makes them excellent companions for those seeking a loving and devoted pet.

Are King Charles Yorkies Intelligent?

Yorkies are considered intelligent dogs with a curious and alert demeanor. They are quick learners and often excel in obedience training and learning new commands. Their intelligence is demonstrated through their problem-solving abilities and their ability to adapt to various situations.

Their intelligence, coupled with their curious and alert disposition, makes them engaging companions who enjoy mental stimulation and interaction with their owners. Providing them with toys, puzzles, and training activities can help satisfy their intellectual needs and keep them mentally stimulated and content.

Are King Charles Yorkies Energetic?

Yorkies are typically energetic dogs, despite their small size. They enjoy daily walks and play sessions to help burn off excess energy and keep them mentally stimulated.

While they may not require as much exercise as larger breeds, they still benefit from regular physical activity to maintain their health and well-being.

Are King Charles Yorkies Easy to Train?

King Charles Yorkies are considered intelligent dogs, which can positively impact their trainability. Their intelligence allows them to pick up on commands quickly and learn new behaviors with consistency and positive reinforcement.

Their small size and agility make them good candidates for agility training. They can easily navigate agility courses and enjoy the physical and mental challenges they provide. While they may not be as eager to please as some other breeds, such as retrievers, they can still learn complex tricks and commands.

Are King Charles Yorkies Good Watchdogs?

While King Charles Yorkies may not be the most intimidating guard dogs, their alertness and vocal nature can make them effective watchdogs, providing an early warning system for their owners. They can fulfill this role admirably with proper training and socialization while being loving and affectionate companions.

Their small size makes them more agile and aware of their surroundings, making them attentive to changes or threats. They are usually brave and will bark to alert their owners to perceived dangers, making them effective at warning of intruders or unusual activity.

Are King Charles Yorkies Good Service Dogs?

Yorkies aren’t the most common choice for traditional service dog work due to their small size and potential limitations in physical tasks. However, their temperament and nature make them suitable candidates for emotional support animals and therapy dogs.

How to Care for a King Charles Yorkie?

Caring for a King Charles Yorkie involves balancing love, attention, exercise, and grooming.

Ensure your pup gets regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Daily walks, play sessions, and interactive games help fulfill their energy needs.

Similarly, regular grooming is essential to keep their coat healthy and tangle-free. Brush their long, silky fur several times weekly to prevent mats and remove loose hair. Additionally, trim their nails regularly, clean their ears, and brush their teeth to maintain overall hygiene.

You’ll also want to focus on their nutrition by providing a balanced diet formulated for small-breed dogs to meet their nutritional needs. Avoid overfeeding, as Yorkies are prone to obesity, which can lead to health issues.

Most importantly, schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor your dog’s health and address any potential issues promptly. Stay up-to-date on vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and heartworm medication to keep them healthy and protected.

Do You Need to Groom a King Charles Yorkie?

Grooming is essential for Yorkies to maintain their long, silky coat and overall hygiene. Their coat requires regular brushing several times weekly to prevent mats and tangles.

Conversely, the bathing frequency depends on their activity level and coat condition. Typically, a bath every 4-6 weeks is sufficient. Trimming around their eyes, ears, and paws may be necessary to keep them tidy. Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care are important aspects of their grooming routine.

Do King Charles Yorkies Shed?

King Charles Yorkies are considered low-shedding dogs. While they won’t leave behind mountains of fur like some breeds, they do shed moderately throughout the year, with increased shedding during seasonal changes.

Although they aren’t entirely hypoallergenic, their low shedding makes them a good option for people with allergies compared to high-shedding breeds.

What Health Problems Do King Charles Yorkies Have?

King Charles Yorkies can be prone to several health issues, including patellar luxation, dental problems, tracheal collapse, hypoglycemia, and heart problems like mitral valve disease. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to monitoring their health and detecting issues early.

To prevent health problems, maintain a healthy diet, provide regular exercise, practice good dental hygiene, and avoid stressful situations. Additionally, using a harness instead of a collar can reduce strain on their trachea, and feeding small, frequent meals can help prevent hypoglycemia.

How Long Do King Charles Yorkies Live?

On average, King Charles Yorkies have a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years. Some may even exceed this lifespan with proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, a healthy diet, and a loving environment.

What Should a King Charles Yorkie Eat?

King Charles Yorkies thrive on a balanced diet tailored to their nutritional needs. Opt for high-quality commercial dog food designed for small breeds. Ensure the food lists meat as the primary ingredient and is free from fillers and artificial additives.

Some may have specific dietary needs or food sensitivities. If your dog has allergies or digestive issues, consider a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet recommended by a vet.

Note: Obesity is a concern for Yorkies, so monitor their weight and adjust portions accordingly to maintain a healthy weight.

Is a King Charles Yorkie the Right Dog for Me?

The King Charles Yorkie is the perfect fit for those seeking a compact and affectionate companion. Whether nestled in a cozy apartment or frolicking in a spacious backyard, these pint-sized pups will bring joy and laughter to any home.

They can bring years of joy, companionship, and affection to their owners’ lives with the right care and environment.