Breed Health Score

Shorkie

The Shorkie (also called the Shorkie Tzu) is a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier. No large study has measured the cross directly, so the honest guide to its health is the data for its two parent breeds, shown below.

Estimated lifespan: ~13 to 13 years. This is the range between the two parent breeds' median lifespans (Shih Tzu 12.8 yr, Yorkshire Terrier 13.3 yr), not a measured figure for the cross. The same study found crossbred dogs lived a median of about 12 years overall, close to the 12.7 years for pedigree dogs, so a cross is not automatically longer-lived.

The parent breeds

65
Shih Tzu12.8 yr · grade B
80
Yorkshire Terrier13.3 yr · grade A

Health conditions reported in either parent

BOASCorneal ulcersIVDDDental diseaseRenal dysplasiaPatellar luxationPortosystemic shuntTracheal collapseLegg-Calve-Perthes

A cross can inherit conditions from either side, so this combines the lists for both parent breeds. It is indicative, from RVC VetCompass / AKC / PDSA, not a diagnosis. Note: the Shih Tzu is a flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed, so some Shorkies can inherit shorter-muzzle breathing risks.

More crossbreeds

CockapooEnglish Cocker Spaniel × Poodle · ~13–14 yr
CavapooCavalier King Charles Spaniel × Poodle · ~12–14 yr
LabradoodleLabrador Retriever × Poodle · ~13–14 yr
GoldendoodleGolden Retriever × Poodle · ~13–14 yr
CavachonCavalier King Charles Spaniel × Bichon Frise · ~12–13 yr
SprockerEnglish Springer Spaniel × English Cocker Spaniel · ~13–14 yr

Why we do not give the cross its own score. The Breed Health Score is built on cited, breed-level data. Designer crosses are not tracked as breeds in the source study, so assigning one a single number would imply a precision the data does not support. Instead we show both parents, cited and linked. Median lifespan: McMillan, K.M. et al. (2024) "Longevity of companion dog breeds", Scientific Reports (584,734 UK dogs). Data CC-BY 4.0. Not veterinary advice.