Mixed breed is a widely accepted term that represents genetically diverse dog breeds. The parents of a mixed breed are dogs belonging to different breeds, the crossing of which makes it possible to produce a similar cross. Today, mixed breeds are a popular type of dog, especially in Western countries. But such a crossing will be successful only if a puppy is born that satisfies a number of certain requirements.
Such requirements include the following:
- both parents must be of different breeds, acceptable for crossing, and must be purebred;
- Both parents are crossbreeds of some dog breed, but they must be crossbreeds of the same crossbreeds.
Origin story
Historically, the mixed type of mating was used not only to produce new breeds, but also to improve their qualities.
In the past, much less attention was paid to blood purity, and stud books and pedigrees have only existed for a few centuries. There is nothing wrong with crosses, as the hybrid offspring may have advantages over the parent species.
It is unknown when the first Spitz crossed with the Yorkshire Terrier appeared. But the active sale of York Spitz dogs began in the last decade.
Dogs with a special appearance are popular and often have a high price.
Buying a hybrid
Since the mestizos of these breeds are not designer breeds, you can buy them for a very nominal fee. This is due to the fact that the majority of breeders, despite the fact that both parents are purebreds, classify these hybrids as mongrels. At the same time, very often such puppies are quite charming and are in demand among those who want to buy a dog for their soul.
Yorkie-Spitz hybrid puppy
Naturally, when choosing a mestizo, it makes no sense to adhere to any breed standards. Most importantly, pay attention to the following nuances:
- the puppy should be active and cheerful, easy to make contact with;
- inspect the eyes to make sure there is no oxide;
- check the spout - it should be wet;
- inspect the fur - there should be no dandruff;
- check the limbs to avoid lameness of the animal.
Of course, you will not receive any documents about the pedigree, but be sure to get a veterinary book from the breeder with the vaccinations and further vaccination schedule. Find out exactly what the puppy was fed and stick to this diet for the first time. Change it gradually over two months to avoid problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
Often such pets are given away for free, but if the baby turns out to be a very charming one, they may ask for a small amount for it. Prices are individual for each breeder, some may ask for 1,000 rubles, others - 5,000 rubles.
Appearance
The appearance of dogs obtained as a result of crossing different breeds is not subject to standardization and is
random character. It is generally accepted that puppies inherit the most attractive parts of the exterior from their parents.
At the birth of hybrids, quite often not only parental traits appear, but also signs of distant ancestors: The growth of puppies as they grow older may differ. It is difficult to imagine in advance the dimensions and height at the withers of an adult mestizo.
Since Yorkies are produced by mating breeds of similar size, it can be assumed that the offspring will not exceed them.
The color and quality of the Yorkie's coat can be inherited from either parent, or a combination of both.
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale does not recognize the Spitz-Yorkie cross as a separate breed; such dogs cannot participate in exhibitions or receive awards.
How to distinguish Spitz dogs from other breeds and mixed breeds
Sometimes, Spitz dogs can be easily confused with mixed breeds and representatives of other breeds. To prevent this from happening, you need to buy an animal from a trusted place, where you can be sure that the puppy has been well fed and is healthy. In addition, Spitz dogs can be distinguished by external characteristics .
First of all, it's wool. Spitz have a double warm coat: one part is long straight hair, the second is a delicate soft undercoat consisting of short hairs. The coat should be combed regularly and washed when dirty.
Spitz dogs have neat ears that are set wide apart. The tail is above their back and curls into a ring. Growth varies depending on age and variety.
When buying a Spitz, you need to inquire about the availability of documents about the origin of the offspring . If the pedigree is zero, the dog may not be purebred. But this will not prevent the animal from being a faithful friend, and not all owners take animals to exhibitions.
Choosing a dog is not only pleasure, but also responsibility. First you need to weigh the pros and cons, because the animal requires a lot of attention. But this care will more than pay off with the love and devotion of the pet.
Character
The Yorkshire Terrier and the Pomeranian Spitz are quite different in character and behavior. The Yorkie's temperament is characterized by strong will, stubbornness, and determination, while the Pomeranian is characterized by gentleness and good nature. Differences in the behavior of the parent breeds affect the character of Yorkies.
The greater the differences in temperament, the more likely it is that the puppies will develop a nervous and aggressive disposition. The behavior of an adult dog can largely be corrected by education and training. However, it takes a lot of time and effort to fix it.
Application
The Hybrid Yorkie is used exclusively as a companion dog. If the crossing was successful, then the puppy will receive devotion, friendliness and affection for the owner from the parents.
Metis is well suited for a single person who has time to raise a pet, or for a family with growing children.
Crossing a Yorkshire Terrier with hunting instincts and a originally guard Spitz may result in some of these qualities being passed on to the offspring. However, you shouldn’t count on this - the characters of the breeds are too different.
Shorkie
Very often, in order to obtain designer puppies, Yorkshire terriers are also bred with Shih Tzus. The price of such mestizos, like carrots, is quite high. Such puppies cost around 700 dollars (40-45 thousand rubles).
The main feature of Shorks is their small size. Their color is in most cases Yorkshire. At the same time, additional spots of different shades can be seen on the fur. The muzzle of these dogs is wide, very cute and cute. The build of the Shorkie is more like a Shih Tzu. The fur of these dogs is hypoallergenic (according to some sources).
Socialization
It is difficult to predict in advance how a Yorkie and Spitz mix will get along with other animals. Both parent breeds are loyal to living together with dogs and cats, so you can count on the Yorkie also not reacting negatively to their presence. The main condition will be early socialization and constant communication between animals.
A well-mannered adult Yorkie feels great in a family with children. If a puppy does not show aggression or distrust of people from childhood, most likely he will grow up good-natured and patient. However, it doesn’t hurt to tell children how to properly handle a dog so as not to injure or frighten it.
Family life
These hybrids get along well with other pets and love children very much. To avoid injury, do not leave your child and puppy alone.
Find out which dogs are most similar to Spitz.
They love to walk, so they are suitable for people who prefer an active lifestyle, but they can also adapt to the habits of older people.
When arranging space in an apartment, do not give preference to passage areas or corridors, so as not to step on the dog. They prefer to coexist in the room directly with the owner, then they do not feel lonely.
How to choose a puppy
Choosing a Yorkie puppy is difficult and simple at the same time. Since the result of a crossbreed is unpredictable,
The characteristics of a puppy's appearance make it difficult to understand what the dog will grow up to be in the future. The color and quality of the coat may change with age, as well as the face and body type.
The general principles for choosing a Yorkie puppy are as follows:
- evaluate the puppy’s appearance for visible genetic abnormalities;
- the puppy’s eyes should be clear and his gaze focused on objects;
- The baby's belly is round and soft;
- the coat is healthy and shiny;
- ears are clean, with the same position;
- active behavior, without cowardice or aggression.
Feeding
The dog's diet should contain animal proteins, cereals, and vegetables. You definitely need to add vitamins. If we are talking about dry food, then your choice should be based on the individual needs of the pet, its growth and physical activity.
If problems arise with the preparation of the diet, you should consult a veterinarian. Spicy, salty, sweet foods, as well as smoked foods are prohibited.
Features of maintenance and care
You can keep a Yorkie even in a small apartment. It is enough to arrange a bed for the pet not far from the owner so that the dog does not feel lonely. It is impossible to keep mestizos on the street or in an enclosure, as they urgently feel the need for the presence of the owner.
These dogs do not need a long walk; they easily get used to relieving themselves on a hygienic diaper. The principles of grooming a Yorkie differ little from the requirements for caring for a Yorkshire terrier or Pomeranian.
Grooming
The photo shows a typical Spitz-Yorkshire terrier mix.
Mixed breeds often get long, silky hair from the Yorkshire Terrier, while the Spitz gives it density and density, which makes grooming much more difficult. Yorkies need to be brushed from early childhood, as their hair growth rate is quite high.
The condition of the coat is adversely affected by dry air, lack of nutrients and exposure to sunlight.
It is advisable to comb your Yorkie every day using brushes with a massage effect. Thick fur is prone to matting and matting, so you need to constantly check the neck, armpits, and inner thighs.
Dogs need to constantly wash their eyes and check the condition of their ears and teeth. If the nails are growing rapidly and cannot be worn down on their own, they can be trimmed. The Yorkie's paws are washed after every walk, but the dog does not need to be bathed more than once a month.
Walk
A hybrid cross between a Yorkshire terrier and a Spitz, it is a low-active pet. Modest dimensions allow the dog to lose energy at home, and walking can be short. It is enough to take the dog outside 2 times a day for 20-30 minutes.
It doesn’t hurt to teach your Yorkie to relieve himself at home in a diaper, as this will save the animal from having to go outside in the rain and cold. The pet is always taken out on a leash, as a small dog can get lost or get hit by a car.
Feeding
The diet of the Spitz-York mix meets the requirements of the parent breeds. A natural diet should be based on animal proteins with the addition of cereals, vegetables and a complex of vitamins. Dry food is selected taking into account the size and activity of the Yorkie. Inexperienced dog owners may want to consult a veterinarian.
Under no circumstances should your dog be given salty, sweet, smoked or spicy foods.
What kind of people is this or that breed suitable for?
They may differ in character, identical to people.
If the owner is energetic and leads an active lifestyle, then Toy will suit him. For those who like regularity, sneezing is typical. If you have children who are ready to walk the kids for a long time and play with them, an Englishman will do. This breed loves to run, jump and be outdoors. It is not recommended for those who have children of kindergarten age. They see the animal as a toy.
For a Chihuahua, being active can be a burden. Toys have fragile bones. Active play with young children often leads to injury.
Separate attention should be paid to the comparability of breeds. If there are others, you need to take into account the nature of both. Toys get along well with Yorkies or Pinschers. They have similar, active characters.
For a sneeze, the best friends can be: Shih Tzus or Papillons. Both will calmly coexist with large, purebred dogs. Thus, Toy Terriers are dogs that have a longer muzzle, a docked tail and erect ears. They are more mobile and aggressive. Susceptible to injury. They have thin, fragile bones.
A fringe of hair emerges from behind the ears. Long-haired dogs have uneven hair. Most of the body is practically hairless. No undercoat. The color is monochromatic. There are only red and fawn colors, in various shades.
Chihuahuas have a more measured character. Small length and smaller paws than the English ones. The pedigree breed has a slightly flattened muzzle. Ears droop. The fur is evenly distributed. The color is different.
Various shades and color schemes are combined. For both it is necessary to create special living conditions. The house must be on the floor. They are afraid of heights and can get injured when jumping. The choice is yours!
Health
The Yorkie and Spitz mix is quite healthy. Biologists believe that hybrid crosses lead to stronger immunity and a reduced risk of genetic abnormalities. Yorkspitz is less susceptible to hereditary diseases.
Diseases
Despite good health indicators, the Spitz-Yorkie mix can inherit pathologies from the parent breeds. There is some risk of the Yorkie having:
- congenital dislocations of joints;
- hypothyroidism;
- cryptorchidism;
- eye diseases;
- liver pathologies;
- allergic dermatitis.
Vaccinations
Mixed breeds, just like Yorkies and Spitz dogs, need timely and regular vaccinations. Vaccination preparations should protect your Yorkie from:
- rabies;
- carnivore plague;
- parvovirus infection;
- leptospirosis;
- parainfluenza;
- coronavirus;
- viral hepatitis.
The first vaccination is given to York Spitz puppies at the age of 8.5 weeks, 10 days after deworming. After 14 days, the dog is revaccinated with the same drug. A single rabies vaccine is given to an animal at 4.5 months, and a comprehensive vaccination is repeated at six months and a year. After this, prophylaxis for mixed-breed puppies is carried out annually according to the schedule established by the treating veterinarian.
Photo gallery
We tried to find out what this charming mixture of two breeds looks like. Since these are mixed breeds, they do not have strict standards, so some puppies may not be exactly like what you expected.
Mating
Dogs are very carefully selected for mating a Yorkshire Terrier with a Spitz. Representatives of both breeds should be in exceptional health, without any congenital pathologies. In addition, animals with defects in appearance or color are excluded from the list of possible partners.
The main criterion is the appearance of the animals, since a cross between a Spitz and a Yorkie will receive partial characteristics of both breeds. However, it is impossible to guarantee the appearance of at least one specific sign in a York Spitz, because even in the same litter there can be puppies completely different from each other.
The successful result of crossing is influenced by compliance with the following requirements:
- parents are purebred representatives of their breeds;
- both dogs are mixed breeds of the same breeds with equal shares;
- partners have access to mating.
Goals pursued for breeding mestizos
As you can see, breeding a mestizo is also a rather painstaking and difficult process. Here, by analogy with breeding a purebred dog, various methods of selecting parents are used, and different goals for crossing may also be pursued.
The most popular, one might say the main, but far from the main reason for breeding such a crossbreed or the appearance of a mestizo of a certain breed may be the appearance of the future dog.
It’s not for nothing that such techniques are called design techniques. The breeder identifies two breeds of outwardly attractive and popular dogs, the crossing of which will in the future produce an animal that has attractive features from both breeds at once.
Such dogs often have a bright personality and unique appearance . They are very loved by their owners, who, having essentially received a new crossed breed, are pioneers and can independently identify any interesting or remarkable features of such an animal.
Other purposes of breeding mestizos may be to pursue another goal; there are known cases of breeding guide dogs for poor drivers who also have problems with allergens.
How much do puppies cost?
The price of Yorkie puppies depends on their appearance and characteristics received from their parents.
A healthy baby can cost 5-7 thousand rubles. Since mixed breed is not a recognized breed and does not require a pedigree or documents, you can buy a puppy even cheaper.
Mixed breeds cannot be purchased from an official nursery or from a Yorkie or Spitz breeder; only amateurs breed Yorkies. But such puppies are easy to find on social networks and on private advertisement sites.
The cute Yorkie is not a separate breed, but attracts attention with its cute appearance and good health. Having absorbed the best qualities of the Pomeranian Spitz and Yorkshire Terrier, the little mixed breed will become a faithful companion for a person who is ready to devote time to education and training.
Grooming
Yorkies have long, beautiful hair, while the Spitz has thick and dense fur. The combination of these factors in mestizos significantly complicates the grooming procedure.
Even very young puppies need to be brushed, as the hair grows quite quickly. The procedure must be carried out daily. A brush that has a massage effect is best suited for it If this is not done, tangles will form, and the appearance of your pet may suffer.
The condition of your pet's fur is influenced by many factors, such as dry air, lack of vitamins and minerals, and exposure to sunlight. It is also necessary to monitor the condition of the dog’s eyes, ears and teeth. Frequent bathing is not recommended - washing your dog once a month is enough.
