Yorkshire Terrier × Pekingese
Yorkinese Breed Guide
Royal Pekingese poise meets Yorkie fire — a uniquely dignified little companion.
- Weight
- 5–12 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Energy
- Low
- Shedding
- Low
- Trainability
- Moderate
- Coat
- Silky to soft — varies by parental influence
- Good with kids
- Yes
- Good with other dogs
- Yes
The Yorkinese (Yorkshire Terrier × Pekingese) is a unique hybrid that blends the Yorkie's bold, lively personality with the Pekingese's ancient dignity and calm self-assurance. The result is a dog that's more relaxed than a purebred Yorkie, more energetic than a purebred Pekingese, and deeply devoted to its family.
Personality
Yorkinese dogs tend to be calmer and more composed than pure Yorkies while retaining the Yorkie's affectionate, people-loving nature. The Pekingese influence adds a quiet dignity and a preference for calm environments over chaos. They're loyal and loving, typically bonding deeply with one or two people. They can be reserved with strangers initially but warm up once comfortable.
Appearance
Coat type varies significantly by which parent's genetics dominate. Some Yorkineses have the Yorkie's straight, silky coat; others develop a softer, slightly fuller coat from the Pekingese side. Colors can include tan and blue-black (Yorkie classic), gold, fawn, cream, or a combination. Facial structure varies — some show more Pekingese influence (broader head, slightly shorter muzzle) and some favor the Yorkie's more refined face.
Feeding
High-quality small-breed formula twice daily. Monitor weight — both parent breeds can gain weight easily on excessive treats or free-feeding. Avoid foods with artificial preservatives or dyes, which can aggravate skin issues in some small breeds.
Grooming
If the coat is more Yorkie-type (silky and straight), brush 3–4 times weekly and groom professionally every 6–8 weeks. If more Pekingese-influenced (fuller and slightly coarser), the same schedule applies but pay attention to the chest and mane area, which can form dramatic ruff hair. Check skin folds around the face if the dog has any Pekingese-type facial structure.
Exercise
Moderate exercise needs — 20–30 minutes of daily walking and play is typically sufficient. The Pekingese influence makes this a less demanding breed on the exercise front. They're good apartment dogs.
Training
The Poodle is absent here, so training takes more patience than with Poodle crosses. Both the Yorkie and Pekingese have independent streaks. Positive reinforcement, consistency, and short sessions work best. Socialization from an early age helps manage any reserved or standoffish tendencies toward strangers.
Health
Generally healthy. The Pekingese side may contribute mild brachycephalic tendencies and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. The Yorkie side contributes luxating patella, tracheal collapse risk, and dental disease vulnerability. DNA of parent dogs screens for many of these.
Health Concerns to Know
- Luxating patella
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Tracheal collapse (Yorkie tendency)
- Brachycephalic tendencies (if flat-faced)
- Dental disease
Fun Facts
- The Pekingese is one of the few breeds whose exact ancient Chinese origins are well-documented — they were gifts between Chinese emperors.
- Yorkineses are a less common hybrid, meaning litter sizes are often small and demand can exceed availability.
- The combination of Yorkie boldness and Pekingese calm creates a dog that's confident but not frantically energetic — a balance many owners appreciate.