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Nicole Cosgrove Nicole Cosgrove
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Australian Yorkshire Terrier (Australian Terrier & Yorkshire Terrier Mix)

Australian Yorkshire Terrier (Australian Terrier & Yorkshire Terrier Mix) Featured Image

Height: 9 – 11 inches
Weight: 12 – 16 pounds
Lifespan: 11 – 15 years
Colors: Black and tan, Black and blue, Black and red
Suitable for: Families with older children, Living in apartments or houses
Temperament: Loyal & Loving, Intelligent, Stubborn, Playful, Curious, Spirited

The Australian Yorkshire Terrier comes from the Yorkshire Terrier (also known as the Yorkie) and the Australian Terrier (or Aussies). The Australian Yorkie has strong terrier instincts as they come from two different terrier parents, so expect lots of digging and strong, feisty personalities.

Australian Yorkie puppies usually have blue and tan or black and tan coats which change into adulthood and can be blue and red, blue and gold or blue and tan. Their coats might be short, medium, or long and might be silky or coarse in texture. They could have slightly longer bodies with short legs if they take after their Aussie parent or longer legs and compact body if they are more like their Yorkie parent.

divider 10Australian Yorkshire Terrier Puppies – Before You Buy…

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

The Australian Yorkshire Terrier is an energetic and playful dog that is generally healthy with a long lifespan of up to 15 years. They are intelligent, but they have a stubborn streak, making training more of a challenge. The Australian Yorkie is a friendly dog with its family but is wary of strangers.

What’s the Price of Australian Yorkshire Terrier Puppies?

The Australian Yorkshire Terrier puppy might be priced from $300 to $900, depending on where the puppy is found. Breeders tend to charge more for puppies than rescue groups, so expect to pay upwards of $900 or more. Rescue groups might cost anywhere from $300 to $600, but you are more likely to adopt an adult dog rather than a puppy.

It’s crucial to find a responsible and reputable breeder as you absolutely do not want to purchase a puppy through a puppy mill.

Here are some tips for determining if you’re dealing with a good breeder:
  • Meet the breeder in person: If it isn’t possible to visit their location before taking your puppy home, use video chat so you can have a look at the breeder and their dogs (and your puppy). Are the dogs happy and healthy, and do they have a good relationship with the breeder?
  • Meet the puppy’s parents: Observing your potential puppy’s parents will indicate what temperament, size, and appearance your puppy might end up with.
  • Get the medical history: A good breeder will have access to their dogs’ full medical background.
  • Ask questions: You should ask your breeder as many questions as you want. A responsible breeder wants to find loving homes for their puppies and will welcome answering your questions. And try to remember that there’s no such thing as a stupid question.

Another option that will give a dog a second chance at a better life is adopting a dog from a rescue group. As previously mentioned, adoption fees are generally lower than purchasing a puppy from a breeder, and your rescued dog will come with a clean bill of health. However, locating an Australian Yorkie will require loads of patience until you find this specific breed.

Divider 83 Little-Known Facts About the Australian Yorkshire Terrier

1. Australian Yorkies aren’t shedders.

It’s a surprising fact given how long the coats of their Yorkshire Terrier parents, but grooming isn’t terribly arduous with this mixed breed, particularly since shedding isn’t as much of an issue.

2. They are energetic but low maintenance.

The Australian Yorkie is a very sprightly and playful dog but doesn’t require a lot of exercise. It, therefore, might suit owners that aren’t very active.

3. The Australian Yorkie shouldn’t be left alone for very long.

They need to be around their people, and if they’re left alone in a backyard, they are prone to digging and other destructive behavior.

Australian Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier
The parent breeds of Australian Yorkshire Terrier: Left – Australian Terrier (Lisjatina, Shutterstock); Right – Yorkshire Terrier (Nel Botha, Pixabay)

Divider 3

Temperament & Intelligence of the Australian Yorkshire Terrier

The Australian Yorkshire Terrier is a very affectionate and loyal dog that is also very intelligent and curious. These adventurous and spirited dogs like to dig and have very strong personalities and are confident as well as sweet.

The Australian Yorkie enjoys brisk walks and playing in the water, which works well with their water-repellent coats. They can be easily distracted and must be in a fenced area when outside alone and always on a leash when out walking.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The Australian Yorkie makes a great family pet but would do best with older children. They have excellent hearing, and their wariness of strangers makes them very good watchdogs. They are playful and affectionate and will make great playmates for children within the household.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

If socialized as a puppy, the Australian Yorkshire Terrier will get along very well with family pets. They are somewhat territorial, particularly with male dogs, so this needs to be taken into consideration if there are other male dogs already established within the family. Socialization as puppies will help alleviate some of their aggressive behavior.

Divider 4Things to Know When Owning an Australian Yorkshire Terrier:

Food & Diet Requirements

The Australian Yorkie should be fed a diet designed for small breeds. This could be about 1 ½ to 2 ½ cups of kibble spread out to 2 or 3 feedings per day. However, when you find the right dog food for your dog, read the instructions on the back of the food bag and consult with your vet, particularly if there any health or weight concerns.

Exercise

The Australian Yorkie is an energetic dog but doesn’t require a lot of exercise. An average of 20 to 30 minutes every day, combined with playtime either indoors or out, will be sufficient. Playing with the children and chasing a ball around will keep them happy and in great shape.

Training

Training the Australian Yorkshire Terrier can be a challenge thanks to a strong, stubborn streak inherited from both parents. They will need a lot of socialization as puppies due to their wariness of strangers and their territorial natures. As with any stubborn dog, lots of consistent and patient training with positive reinforcement will ensure your puppy will grow up to be a confident and happy dog.

Grooming ✂️

As previously mentioned, the Australian Yorkie doesn’t shed very much, but if they take after their Yorkshire Terrier parent, they might require a little more grooming and maintenance. Depending on the length of their coat, they might require brushing about 2 or 3 times a week. Giving your dog a bath with a good dog shampoo should only occur when absolutely necessary (usually about once a month) as you don’t want to strip your dog’s coat of its natural oils.

Regular grooming habits for any dog should include cleaning your dog’s ears, brushing their teeth, and trimming your dog’s nails.

Health and Conditions

Minor Conditions
Serious Conditions

While the Australian Yorkshire Terrier isn’t a purebred and isn’t as likely to inherit the same health problems as its parents, you will still want to check your dog for any potential issues. Your vet will run knee, hip, and blood tests and conduct a liver ultrasound.

Your vet will need to run eye exams and test blood sugar levels in addition to your dog’s usual physical exam to check for any possible inherited conditions.

Divider 5Male vs Female

The female Australian Yorkshire Terrier is about the same height as the male, which runs around 9 to 11 inches. However, they are slightly lighter and weigh approximately 12 to 14 pounds compared to the male at 14 to 16 pounds.

If you decide not to breed your dog, then the next main difference is in the surgery. Spaying the female dog is more expensive and takes a slightly longer recovery time than neutering the male. However, spaying or neutering your dog has the additional benefit of warding off future health issues, decreasing any aggression as well as reducing the chances of your dog wandering off.

There is also the thought that male dogs are generally more aggressive and less affectionate than females, but there are debates on this subject. Overall, what will truly determine your dog’s behavior and personality will be how it was raised, trained, and socialized as a puppy and how you continue to treat it as an adult.

Divider 3Final Thoughts on the Australian Yorkshire Terrier

The Australian Yorkshire Terrier is an adorable little spitfire that will add a lot of personality and spirit into your household. Terriers were bred to dig and are generally feisty and energetic small dogs that will enjoy playtime as much as dinnertime.

At the time of this writing, the Australian Yorkie is not easy to find, so you should start by talking to Yorkshire Terrier and Australian Terrier breeders and keeping an eye on local rescue groups. You can also speak to local and national dog clubs and attend dog shows to talk to a more extensive and knowledgeable group. Posting online and using social media will be another easy method to get your message out to the largest audience possible.

If you’re looking to add a new member to your house that will act as a loyal watchdog but will also enjoy a good cuddle, the Australian Yorkshire Terrier will be a fantastic addition to your family.

Featured Image Credit: Pxhere

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