Yorkie Bichon (Bichon Frise & Yorkshire Terrier Mix): Info, Pictures, Facts

If you have been looking around for a new puppy and you are partial to those tiny faces that will make even the toughest person melt, the Yorkie Bichon is a great choice. Bred from the Bichon Frise and the Yorkshire Terrier, this tiny pooch is fluffy, playful, and energetic. With the best traits from both parents, this pooch is an excellent family pet or a companion for a single-person home.

When trying to find the right dog breed for you and your home, many people automatically think that smaller dogs are easier to take care of and handle. Unfortunately, even the tiniest and cutest breeds can require a lot of care. It is important to research the dog breed you are considering to ensure that they will make a good fit for your lifestyle.

If the Yorkie Bichon is on your radar, you have come to the right place for more details. We will share all the info you need below so you can make the best decision for yourself and your new pet. Keep on reading to find out why this cute canine is a handful that may be worth the effort!

Yorkie Bichon Puppies

If your heart is set on a tiny pair of paws with a face that will melt your heart, the Yorkie Bichon is a good option. Bred from a Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier, this pup is a hybrid designer breed that has not yet been recognized by the American Kennel Club. That being said, smaller canine circles have recognized them for their long-standing pedigree.

Unfortunately, there is not a lot known about the origins of this hybrid. What we can deduce is that the Yorkie Bichon has traits from their non-sporting Bichon Frise and toy Yorkshire Terrier parents. As both of these dogs are small, the Yorkie Bichon will only reach eight pounds tops as an adult.

That being said, they are very small and delicate as puppies. They need to be handled with care to avoid injury. If you have small children or other pets, supervision is required to ensure that they are not handled too roughly.

Another feature of the Yorkie Bichon puppy is their intelligence. Even from a young age, this dog shows their ability to learn quickly. Training and socializing are recommended as early as possible. It is also important to note that this pup can have a curious nature, so it is important to watch them carefully and give them toys to keep their attention focused.

Crate training is another essential early care for this breed. As a puppy, your pet will recognize their crate as a safe place for them to sleep and relax. This breed does particularly well with crate training, and it is helpful when you are not able to be with them consistently.

• We reviewed the best crates for puppies – see our top picks here!

3 Little-Known Facts About the Yorkie Bichon

1. They have “hypoallergenic” coats.

Thanks to both of their parents, the Yorkie Bichon has “hypoallergenic” fur. This makes them a great pet for anyone who has pet dander sensitivities. That being said, they still tend to shed quite a bit. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic breed, though, and just because this breed tends to be better for allergy sufferers doesn’t meant the individual dog won’t trigger you.

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2. They are thought to have originated 20 years ago.

As there is not a lot of background information about this hybrid breed, it is hard to know when they came into existence. It is thought that they originated in the United States about 20 years ago; however, they could be quite a bit older than that as designer breeds were not recognized beforehand.

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3. They’re as curious as a cat.

Though they may not like to be compared to a feline, the Yorkie Bichon shares the same curiosity that many cats exhibit. In fact, sticking their noses where they don’t belong can you get them into some sticky situations, so it is important to keep an eye on your pup, especially as a puppy.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Yorkie Bichon

The Yorkie Bichon is an active, playful, and intelligent canine. They can be very affectionate and eager for your approval, yet they are still independent and do well with some alone time. Typically, this is not a dog that shows a lot of separation anxiety. That being said, they enjoy spending time with the entire family or with an individual owner.

This pup is alert and curious, as mentioned above. They like to get into mischief every once in a while, although it is usually with good intentions. As a decently social animal, your pooch will do well at dog parks or even with other family pets.

Besides those great qualities, the Yorkie Bichon can also be independent and stubborn at times. They can also exhibit destructive behavior if they are not properly exercised and given toys to focus their attention on positive amusements.

Your Yorkie Bichon can also make a good guard dog if they are suspicious of new people and pets. They are rarely aggressive, but they are very vocal about anything they find out of the ordinary. Training your Yorkie Bichon not to bark excessively as a puppy is important for this reason. They have a high-pitched, shrill bark that needs to be kept under control for you and your neighbor’s sanity.

When all is said and done, the Yorkie Bichon is a happy, intelligent, and playful companion. They are eager to please you and are experts on looking cute and performing funny antics. They are also great for families, which we will discuss next.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

This designer breed is a great option for families. They do well with children of all ages and are happy to frolic, play, and cuddle with kids. As mentioned, however, you need to be careful when the Yorkie Bichon mix is a puppy, as they are very delicate. Other than that, you will most likely find them running behind your little tikes, barking and playing away. They very rarely nip or bite, nor are they aggressive.

On the other hand, this is also a dog that does well in single-person homes. As they can tend to have an independent nature, it makes them a good candidate for someone that is in and out of the house. They will do well with time alone in their crate, as well as spending a lot of time in your company. They are comfortable in both houses and apartment settings, as well.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

For the most part, the Yorkie Bichon does well with other dogs. They are decently social animals, especially if they are trained young with other dogs around. Be that as it may, every dog is different. In some circumstances, this breed has shown signs of being aggressive and fearful of other animals. They can also be a little jealous of their food dish and your attention. Typically, this stems from territorial issues if they were not properly trained as a puppy.

Things to Know When Owning a Yorkie Bichon:

Getting to know the physical aspects and personality traits your Yorkie Bichon mix will most likely exhibit is only half the battle when determining whether or not this breed is right for you. Though they may be the cutest dog you have ever set your sights on, there are still other aspects of their care that can make the difference on whether or not this is the right pooch for you.

In these next sections, we will take a look at other areas of your dog’s care such as their diet, exercise needs, training abilities, and grooming requirements. We will also give you a few more details, so you can make a well-rounded decision about whether this tiny tot is a good fit.

Food & Diet Requirements

Being such a small dog, the Yorkie Bichon does not require a lot of food. They typically will eat about half a cup of dry food per day, with some added treats and snacks to keep them satisfied. Again, each dog is different, so feeding them the correct amount of food should be a discussion between you and your vet.

Something to note about this particular breed is they can become overweight quickly. For that reason, it is important to give them healthy and nutritious meals that have lean proteins, healthy fats, and a good amount of fiber. Also, foods that are high in antioxidants, vitamins, calcium, and other nutrients are important to support their immune system, digestive system, teeth, bones, and eye health.

You should also stay away from table scraps and give your pets wholesome treats and snacks. While leftovers from the table are not a good idea, people’s food is not necessarily off-limits. Peanut butter, pumpkin, and fruits are all good options in moderation. Plus, there are many healthy brands available that offer tasty snacks.

As the Yorkie Bichon mix has few known food allergies or dietary restrictions, the choice of recipe is up to you and your pet. It is recommended that this breed stays within the dry or freeze-dried food genre, however. Wet or canned dog food can be high in calories and fat and not healthy for their small frame.

Exercise

You will find this pet to be an energetic and playful companion that needs moderate exercise. Typically, a daily short walk and additional playtime in or around the house is best to rid them of excess energy that can manifest itself into mischief and misplaced curiosity.

This small breed can show some destructive behaviors when they do not get the proper amount of exercise. This can include chewing, excessive barking, and digging. That being said, short walks are usually best when the weather is pleasant. The Yorkie Bichon does not do well in severe weather. If it is too cold or too hot and humid, they will not enjoy the exercise.

Due to the weather restrictions and their general temperament, this pup is not a great candidate for extended backyard time. Even though the Yorkie Bichon does well alone, long periods outside is not recommended for this breed.

Training

As a very intelligent breed, the Yorkie Bichon is easy to train. They pick up on obedience, behavior, and housebreaking quickly. They also excel at learning other tricks and fun activities such as obstacle courses. Keep in mind, however, that they can have a stubborn streak.

As a pack animal, this canine will be looking to the leader of the pack to guide them in correct behavior. Cultivating a firm yet gentle hand from their early puppy years is the best way to train them properly. What’s more, this breed does well with positive reinforcement. Any aggression, yelling, or angry behavior on your part will have the opposite effect. It can make your pet fearful, aggressive, and timid.

This breed will delight in learning tricks that will gain them a smile and treat from you. Be that as it may, you want to concentrate on proper behavior concerning barking, chewing, and boundaries, as this is where the Yorkie Bichon can show their stubborn streak. Of course, this is in addition to the normal housebreaking training and other commands, such as sit, stay, and heel.

Grooming ✂️

As we mentioned above, the Yorkie Bichon is a hypoallergenic pet that is good for anyone with breathing difficulties or allergies due to pet dander. With medium to long, dense, and soft fur, you should be aware that this canine still sheds considerably. Maintaining their coat by brushing them daily is important not only to maintain their fur’s shine but also to rid them of tangles and mats.

This is also a pet that will need to have their hair trimmed occasionally. Most importantly, you want to make sure that their fur is not restricting their vision and is not growing into their ears. As far as baths, you can subject them to this only as needed. On the whole, the Yorkie Bichon is typically not a fan of the tub, yet positive reinforcement can go a long way to smoothing the situation over.

Other grooming requirements for this pooch include ear, eye, and nail maintenance. This breed is predisposed to ear infections, so cleaning them out with a cotton ball should be done weekly. What’s more, checking their eyes for tearing and discharge is also important.

Their nails should also be trimmed as needed. As a general rule, if you can hear little clicking feet when they walk across the floor, it is time for their nails to be trimmed. As they are smaller dogs, this can be a bit more difficult. If you are unsure, it is better to seek professional assistance. Cutting your dog’s nails too short can cause them to bleed.

Finally, you want to maintain your pet’s dental hygiene. Their teeth should be brushed weekly to ensure there is no tartar or plaque buildup. They should also get regular check-ups from the vet to check for cavities and other oral infections.

Health and Conditions

Like any dog, your Yorkie Bichon mix may exhibit illnesses and other conditions throughout their lifetime. Certain breeds are more predisposed than others to conditions that you should be on the lookout for, however. Below, we will take a look at both the serious and minor illnesses that could befall your pet.

While some of these issues are hereditary, others can be the result of their chemistry and lifestyle. Feeding your pet a nutritious diet and keeping them well exercised and in a loving household goes a long way to keeping any illnesses to a minimum. That being said, you should always consult your veterinarian if you see anything out of the ordinary.

Male vs. Female

As a hybrid designer breed, there is not a lot of research on the difference between the male and female Yorkie Bichon. That being said, pet parents have indicated that there is not a lot of difference between the two genders. Both exhibit friendliness, affection, playfulness, and intelligence. Equally so, they can both be stubborn, independent, and curious.

It is important to keep in mind that each dog has their own personality that is derived from their parents, upbringing, and current lifestyle. Health can also play a major role in their temperament and personality. For example, spaying and neutering your pets can make a big difference in their behavior.

If you do not plan on breeding your Yorkie Bichon, it is recommended that you have them spayed or neutered. This is important for not only controlling the species but also reducing the likelihood of their developing illnesses. What’s more, it can extend their overall lifespan.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Yorkie Bichon is an adorable and playful companion for a solitary person or a large family. They do well in small homes or large areas. They are quick to learn tricks, frolic, and get into mischief. This breed is also a great fit for those who work outside of the house, as they do well with alone time and do not suffer from separation anxiety.

Although there is some grooming and care required, this small canine is a great fit for any home. As long as they are trained properly from their puppy years, you will find a Yorkie Bichon mix is loving, happy, and ready to be a great companion.

See Also:

• Yorkillon (Yorkie Papillon) Dog: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits
• Affenpinscher & Bichon Frise Mix Breed Info: Pics, Facts, Personality

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Featured Image Credit: Pezibear, Pixabay