Bring Home a Sweet New Companion Today
If you’re looking for a new companion to bring home, a Yorkie-Chon is a wonderful choice. Bright, easy to train, and eager to please, these tiny pups are a joy to have around. Fully grown, they only reach 9-12 inches in height and can weigh from 6-8 pounds. Also known as the York-Chon, this breed is a cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Bichon Frise. The Yorkie-Chon can present either the long flowing locks of the Yorkie or the dense, curly hair of the Bichon Frise. Their coats can be any one of a wide variety of colors. If you think a Yorkie-Chon would fit into your family and are considering adopting one, please contact Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, CO, today or fill out our online adoption form to get the process started. We can’t wait to match you with your perfect puppy!
History
The Yorkie-Chon is a first-generation hybrid mix, a 50/50 combo of the Bichon Frise and the Yorkshire Terrier. This tiny pup was first developed in the United States in the early 2000s and has yet to be recognized by the AKC. The Bichon Frise has its roots in the Mediterranean and became popular in the royal courts of France, England, and Spain. Their popularity started to wane in the late 1800s but French breeders worked to preserve the breed after WWI. The Yorkshire Terrier originated in Yorkshire, England with Scottish weavers migrating south and breeding different Terrier breeds to create the unique Yorkie.
Temperament
Affectionate and playful, the Yorkie-Chon love to hang out with their people even though they sport an independent streak. They’re extremely loyal to their family and are natural guardians as they will use their high-pitched bark as a warning, but early training can help with that as well as with their bossiness. Yorkie-Chons benefit greatly from socialization at a young age and make wonderful family companions.
Environment
The Yorkie-Chon is a highly adaptable breed and can live in any kind of situation, doing best in apartments or houses with small or no yards in the city. They do fine in larger dwellings with yards but the area needs to be well-fenced and secure. With their tiny stature, it’s easy for them to slip through a fence.
Exercise
Yorkie-Chons are energetic but don’t need quite as much exercise as larger breeds, requiring only 30-60 minutes a day. They love a combination of exercise, such as a walk, interactive play sessions, and mental stimulation games are a great way to keep them healthy and happy. They enjoy fetch, hide and seek, or tug-of-war with soft toys while puzzle toys, scent work, or training sessions keep them sharp. Make sure all playtime is supervised, especially if they’re playing with other dogs.
Grooming
The Yorkie-Chon requires brushing 2-3 times a week. It’s recommended to use a light mist on their coats before brushing and to start from the roots up to the ends to gently detangle any mats. You can use a pin brush, metal-toothed comb, or slicker brush. They should be bathed every 1-4 weeks as needed with dog-specific shampoo and conditioner in lukewarm water. Yorkie-Chons will need to be seen by a professional groomer every 6-10 weeks for a haircut, nail trim, and ear cleaning.