Yorkie Ton Basics

If you want a gorgeous small pooch with a wonderful personality to boot, the Yorkie Ton will not disappoint. These mixed breed dogs are not only cute and fluffy, but their temperament is also quite wonderful. Friendly, sweet, intelligent and lively, the Yorkie Ton has a lot to offer to the right owner. Their small size makes them a favorite with people who live in apartments or like to take their pets everywhere. Similarly, their versatile temperament makes families of all shapes and sizes interested in adopting Yorkie Tons as companions.

A rare and relatively recent designer dog breed, the Yorkie Ton is developed by crossing two purebred dogs- Yorkshire Terrier and Coton de Tulear. Both his mom and dad have a reputation as excellent family pets and intelligent canines whose smarts make them suitable for roles of therapy dogs or competitors in dog sports. To boot, their nearly hypoallergenic coat makes them popular with an even wider group of pet owners, including those with mild allergies.

Yorkie Ton or Yorkie De Tulear, as it is also known, is a lovely small designer dog breed that could take the world of hybrids by the storm. Despite its many qualities, though, this breed is still quite rare. If you happened to meet one at the shelter or came across a reputable breeder that sells Yorkie Ton puppies, here’s what you need to know about the breed before you make a final decision.

Friendly, sweet, intelligent and lively, the Yorkie Ton has a lot to offer to the right owner.

Origin

Not all designer dogs have a well-documented story. This is especially true for those breeds that are more recent or those that still haven’t become popular enough. Most designer dogs have been developed in the last 40 years. Before that, mixes of purebred dogs were considered to be mutts and not many people paid them as much attention as they did to purebreds. However, it all changed in the 1980s with the creation of the Labradoodle, first mixed breed dog to be dubbed designer breed. Ever since then, breeders have been intentionally crossing purebred dogs in an effort to meet the demands of the growing pet owner market.

In those last few decades when designer dogs became all the rage, many hybrids were created- and only a small percent of them has a known origin. The Yorkie Ton is among those who don’t have their own story, but rather share it with most other hybrids. No one stepped out as the person responsible for creating the breed, so there’s no specific information. It’s highly likely, though, that the breed started out in the United States, sometime in the last 20 years.

Pedigree

The Yorkie Ton is a dog of mixed breed lineage. To develop the breed, people are crossing purebred Yorkshire Terriers with purebred Coton de Tulears. Both of the dogs are small breeds, but Coton de Tulear tend to be bigger than the Yorkie, which is why the mother of the litter is always of this breed. Hybrids whose lineage is made up from 50-50 percent of both dog breeds are so-called first generation mixes. This type of designer dogs is the least predictable one, both in terms of their behavior and looks. You can never know with certainty which of the breeds will be the more influential one in the mix. Sometimes, the whole litter will vary: some puppies could look more like one breed than the other and vice versa.

Multigenerational crossbreeding is common, but with more developed breeds. This includes further crossbreeding with other Yorkie Tons or unrelated Yorkies or Coton de Tulears. It would all depend on what the breeder’s goal is- and whose traits they want to be more prominent. However, Yorkie Ton is still a new breed in the making, so there aren’t that many multigenerational crosses around.

Food/Diet

All dogs need a high-quality, healthy diet to stay in good shape throughout different stages of their life. The Yorkie Ton is no different. To be happy and healthy, these hybrids need the right ratio of proteins (meat-based), healthy fats, carbs, and fibers, as well as plenty of minerals and vitamins. Canine nutrition is complex even though it might not seem so at first- and as a small breed dog, Yorkie Ton will have certain specific dietary requirements you will have to meet. Luckily, the right formula of high-quality dry food for dogs should be more than enough to give your pet the nutrients they need.

Yorkie Ton will do well on premium kibble that is tailored to their unique needs. Usually, small breed formula fits the bill, as they share size and activity level with most other dogs of their size. To boot, you should make sure to choose that kibble blend that is appropriate for their age group. Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors will have varying needs.

As this is a small dog breed, he will be more prone to obesity, and in turn, diabetes. To make sure your pet doesn’t get overweight, don’t let them free feed or overindulge them with treats. Split their daily dose of kibble (usually a cup) into two meals for better digestion.

The Yorkie Ton is an intelligent small breed dog that will respond well to positive reinforcement training

Training

The Yorkie Ton is an intelligent small breed dog that will respond well to positive reinforcement training. With the right approach and attitude, they can be a highly trainable breed, suitable even for beginner dog owners. The key is to use rewards, such as excited praise and yummy treats, to entice your pooch into doing the work. To boot, you’ll have to be consistent and firm during your training sessions and show your dog that you’re the leader of the pack. Aversive methods, such as yelling or punishments, won’t work with the Yorkie Ton. You could only make your dog scared of you but you won’t teach them anything.

In general, these dogs are smart and eager to please, but sometimes they can inherit a stubborn streak from their Yorkie parent. This side of their family tree also has a reputation of being difficult to housebreak, so it’s plausible that their mix will be the same. On the other hand, both of the parents have shown to be great dog sports material- they excel at obedience competitions and agility.

Weight

The Yorkie Ton is a small breed dog. On average, this hybrid will weigh between 6 to 13 pounds when fully mature. Their ultimate size will depend on which parent they favor and their sex. For instance, dogs who take up after Coton de Tulear or males will be closer to the larger number, and the opposite is true for females and puppies that resemble Yorkies more.

Temperament/Behavior

The combination of Coton de Tulear and Yorkie works perfectly to even out or enhance some of the personality traits of the parents. In fact, that was the reason that the breed was made in the first place. For instance, the sometimes bossy, irritable side of the Yorkie is mellowed out by the easy-going nature of the Coton de Tulear. Similarly, the affectionate nature of both breeds is quite noticeable in the clingy, loving Yorkie Ton. They will follow you wherever you go and always be in the mood for cuddles and snuggling.

They can also be quite clownish and playful, as they love being in the center of attention. Their goofiness and silly antics are adorable as heck! Unlike many toy breeds, Yorkie Tons can be quite adaptable and fit in nicely with various lifestyles and families.

Of course, there are no guarantees with designer dogs- every one of them is unique in looks and behavior. Some might have a temperament that’s more similar to one of the parents, others will inherit a bit from both. A big part of how your pooch acts will depend on you, so make sure to train and socialize them on time.

Common Health Problems

Like all dogs, the Yorkie Ton also has a propensity towards certain health issues. There’s a common belief that mixed breed dogs are not at risk for the same problems that affect their parents, but it’s more myth than fact. While the possibility for some issues can be lower, it doesn’t eliminate the chance altogether. The Yorkie Ton is a generally healthy dog breed, but owing to his parentage, there are some conditions you should look out for.

These include progressive retinal atrophy, portosystemic shunt, hypoglycemia, and tracheal collapse. As a small breed dog, the Yorkie Ton is also at an increased risk for patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, diabetes, and early tooth loss. The possibility of congenital issues can be minimized by opting to get a pet from a reputable breeder rather than a pet store or a puppy mill. The size-related issues are often closely connected to a dog’s lifestyle, as well, so make sure to provide a proper diet, good hygiene, and plenty of exercise to counter them.

Life Expectancy

The Yorkie Ton comes from long-lived parental breeds. It’s no surprise, then, that these designer dogs usually get to celebrate their “teen” birthdays. On average, these dogs will live from 13 to 16 years.

Exercise Requirements

For your Yorkie Ton to stay happy and healthy throughout his lifetime, he’ll need plenty of exercise. The regular activity supports your dog’s wellbeing and improves their health, both physical and mental. This designer dog is smart, playful, and energetic, so they’ll certainly appreciate a fun exercise session with their favorite family member! Luckily, their activity needs are only moderate, and they are not high-maintenance when it comes to their exercise requirements. Circa 45 to 60 minutes of activity will be just enough for a Yorkie Ton to stay fit and content.

A dog of their size could comfortably get the exercise they need indoors, but vets still recommend daily outdoor time for some fresh air and engaging playtime. Don’t neglect their need for mental stimulation, either. They are smart cookies and will need engaging activities or puzzle toys to keep boredom at bay.

For your Yorkie Ton to stay happy and healthy throughout his lifetime, he’ll need plenty of exercise.

Recognized Clubs

Since Yorkie Ton is a designer dog, American Kennel Club and other major organizations don’t recognize it as an actual breed. However, there are many smaller clubs that see the value of these dogs and want to work towards bettering the standards of the breed. Those of them that recognize the Yorkie Ton include the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, and International Designer Canine Registry.

Coat

Yorkshire Terrier has silky, long locks that are his pride. Coton de Tulear got its name for its coat which is soft as a cotton plant. Naturally, when you cross the two, it’s only normal that their offspring boats beautiful hair that’s soft to touch and gives them an adorable dose of fluffiness. The exact lengths and colors will vary, but Yorkie Tons are usually dogs with medium length hair that shed little to moderately.

There are many possible coat colors, but the most common ones are cream, gold, or bi-color coats with combinations of blue or black with gold or tan.

Puppies

The tiny size of Yorkie Ton puppies makes them very fragile. Until they grow up a bit, you should be super careful around them as even the smallest mishap could lead to a serious injury for them. These hybrids shouldn’t be alone with children without supervision. Kids could inadvertently hurt them and your Yorkie Ton can grow up to dislike all children as a result of it.

To make sure they become those friendly, loving dogs they have the potential to be, start early with training and socialization. Basic obedience and timely exposure to various people and situations are essential for a well-balanced temperament!

Photo credit: cynoclub/Shutterstock; Susan Schmitz/Shutterstock; Ray Akey Photography/Shutterstock