Yorkinese Puppies for Sale: A Complete Buyer's Guide

The Yorkinese is a charming designer crossbreed that combines the spirited personality of the Yorkshire Terrier with the gentle, affectionate nature of the Maltese. This mix produces a small companion dog with a big heart, making it a popular choice for apartment dwellers, singles, and families with older children.

If you are searching for Yorkinese puppies for sale, you have likely already decided that this breed fits your lifestyle. What you need now is reliable information to help you evaluate breeders, understand what to expect, and avoid the pitfalls that catch many first-time buyers. This guide provides that foundation.

What Is a Yorkinese?

A Yorkinese is a first-generation or multi-generation cross between a purebred Yorkshire Terrier and a purebred Maltese. Unlike purebreds, the Yorkinese is not recognized by major kennel clubs such as the AKC, and there is no fixed breed standard. This means appearance and temperament can vary significantly from litter to litter and even between puppies in the same litter.

Because they are a hybrid, Yorkinese dogs often benefit from hybrid vigor — the tendency for crossbreeds to have fewer inherited health problems than their purebred parents. However, this is not a guarantee, and both parent breeds carry genetic risks that can be passed on.

Temperament & Personality

Yorkinese dogs are known for their affectionate, playful, and sometimes stubborn personalities. They typically bond closely with one or two people and can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Early socialization and consistent training help them become well-adjusted adults.

Because they are small and somewhat delicate, Yorkinese puppies are best suited to households with older children who understand how to handle small dogs gently. They may not tolerate rough play or being picked up awkwardly. For families with very young children, consider whether a more robust breed might be a better fit.

Appearance & Size

Yorkinese dogs typically weigh between 4 and 10 pounds and stand about 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder. Their coats can be silky, wavy, or slightly curly, depending on which parent breed's genes are more dominant. Coat colors range from black and tan to silver, white, and cream, often with a mix of shades.

Because the Yorkinese is a hybrid, there is no guarantee of a specific appearance. Puppies in the same litter can vary in size, coat type, and color. Reputable breeders will help you understand what to expect, but you should be prepared for variability.

Care & Grooming Needs

Yorkinese dogs require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and free of mats. The specific routine depends on the coat type, but most Yorkinese dogs benefit from daily or every-other-day brushing, professional grooming every 4–6 weeks, and regular bathing with a gentle dog shampoo.

Daily Care Checklist

• Brushing: Use a slicker brush and metal comb to prevent mats, especially behind the ears and under the legs.
• Dental care: Brush teeth several times per week. Small breeds are prone to dental disease, so this is essential.
• Eye care: Wipe tear stains daily and check for redness or discharge.
• Ear cleaning: Clean ears weekly with a dog-specific ear cleaner.
• Nail trimming: Trim nails every 2–4 weeks to prevent discomfort and gait problems.

For grooming supplies, explore our recommendations for dog shampoo, dog brushes, nail clippers, and dog toothbrushes.

Exercise & Mental Stimulation

Yorkinese dogs need moderate daily exercise. Two short walks of 15–20 minutes each, plus indoor play, are usually sufficient. Mental stimulation is equally important — puzzle toys, training games, and scent work keep their minds engaged and prevent boredom.

For exercise and enrichment products, see our guides to interactive dog toys, puzzle toys, and dog harnesses for safe walking.

Health Considerations

Yorkinese dogs can inherit health issues from both parent breeds. While hybrid vigor may reduce some risks, it does not eliminate them. Understanding common conditions helps you plan for veterinary care and ask the right questions when buying a puppy.

For parasite prevention, see our guides to dog flea treatment and over-the-counter flea and tick treatment. For general health products, explore dog vitamins and dog first aid kits.

Finding a Reputable Breeder

Finding a responsible breeder is the most important decision you will make when buying a Yorkinese puppy. A reputable breeder prioritizes the health and temperament of their dogs over profit, and they will be transparent about their breeding practices.

What to Look For

• Health testing: Reputable breeders test their breeding dogs for common genetic conditions, including patellar luxation, eye disorders, and dental issues. Ask to see the test results.
• Clean environment: Puppies should be raised in a clean, stimulating environment with plenty of human interaction.
• Meet the parents: At minimum, you should meet the mother. Ideally, you can also meet the father or see photos and health records.
• Health guarantee: A written health guarantee covering genetic conditions for at least one year is a good sign.
• Questions for you: A good breeder will ask about your lifestyle, home, and experience with dogs to ensure the puppy is a good match.
• Puppy socialization: Puppies should be exposed to household sounds, handling, and different surfaces before going home.

For a deeper dive into evaluating breeders, read our guides on how to find a reputable dog breeder, questions to ask a dog breeder, and puppy visit checklist.

Questions to Ask a Breeder

Before committing to a Yorkinese puppy, ask the breeder these questions. Their answers — and their willingness to answer — tell you a lot about their operation.

• What health tests have been performed on the parent dogs, and can I see the results?
• How old are the puppies when they go home? (They should be at least 8 weeks old.)
• What vaccinations and deworming have the puppies received?
• What is the puppy's diet, and what food do you recommend for the transition?
• How have the puppies been socialized?
• What is your health guarantee?
• Will you provide a written contract?
• Can I visit the puppies before taking one home?
• What is your policy if I can no longer care for the dog?

For a more comprehensive list, see our guide on questions to ask a dog breeder and breeder contract guide.

Red Flags to Avoid

Unfortunately, the market for designer puppies attracts unscrupulous sellers. Protect yourself by recognizing these warning signs.

• No health testing: If a breeder cannot provide health test results for the parent dogs, walk away.
• Multiple litters at once: This is often a sign of a puppy mill or backyard breeder.
• No home visits: A breeder who refuses to let you see the puppies in their environment is hiding something.
• Pressure to buy: High-pressure sales tactics, such as claiming the puppy is "the last one" or "priced to sell today," are red flags.
• Puppies sold before 8 weeks: Puppies need to stay with their mother and littermates until at least 8 weeks of age.
• No paperwork: A reputable breeder provides a contract, health records, and registration paperwork (if applicable).
• Meeting in a parking lot: While some breeders have legitimate reasons for this, it is often a tactic to hide the breeding environment.

For more detailed guidance, read our articles on red flags of a bad dog breeder, puppy mill vs reputable breeder, and backyard breeder dangers.

Preparing for Your Yorkinese Puppy

Before your puppy comes home, prepare your home and gather essential supplies. Yorkinese puppies are small and curious, so puppy-proofing is critical.

Essential Supplies

• Crate or playpen: A safe, cozy space for your puppy to rest and sleep. See our guide to dog crates.
• Bedding: A soft bed or blanket that can be washed easily. Explore dog beds.
• Food and water bowls: Small, shallow bowls work best for tiny breeds. See dog bowls.
• High-quality puppy food: Choose a formula appropriate for small-breed puppies. See our guide to puppy food.
• Collar or harness and leash: A lightweight harness is safer for small breeds prone to tracheal issues. See dog harnesses and dog leashes.
• Grooming supplies: Brush, comb, nail clippers, toothbrush, and dog shampoo.
• Toys: Small, soft toys and puzzle toys for mental stimulation. See dog toys and puzzle toys.
• Potty pads or training supplies: For indoor training during the early weeks.

Puppy-Proofing Your Home

• Secure electrical cords and cables out of reach.
• Remove toxic plants and household chemicals from low shelves.
• Install baby gates to block off stairs and rooms you want to keep off-limits. See dog gates.
• Pick up small objects, strings, and rubber bands that could be swallowed.
• Store human medications and food securely.
• Set up a safe, quiet space for your puppy to retreat to when overwhelmed.

For a complete checklist, see our puppy supplies checklist and how to puppy-proof your home.

Frequently Asked Questions