The average life expectancy of a Shorkie is between 12 and 15 years when properly cared for and fed an appropriate good quality diet to suit their ages.
Because the breed is still so new more time is needed to know about the health issues that might affect them. However they could develop some of the hereditary disorders that are known to affect both of their parent breeds which could include the following genetic health issues:
Shih Tzu health issues
- Hip Dysplasia - stud dogs should be hip scored
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) - DNA tests will soon be available
- Primary lens luxation (PLL) - BVA/KC testing available (annual)
- Chiari malformation Syringomyelia (CMSM) - BVA/KC test available
- Breathing issues - pinched nostrils and soft palate
- Hernias
- Dental problems
- Bladder stones
- Renal dysplasia
- Allergies
- Autoimmune diseases
- Diabetes
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
- Immune mediated thrombocytopaenia
- Hyperthyroidism
- Eye injuries
Yorkshire Terrier health issues
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) - BVA/KC testing available (annual)
- Primary lens luxation (PLL) - BVA/KC testing available (annual)
- Chiari malformation Syringomyelia (CMSM) - BVA/KC test available
- Hypoglycaemia
- Legg-Perthes Disease
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Luxating Patella - Kneecap Dislocation
- Collapsed Trachea
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Dental issues
- Cataracts
- Eye infections
What about vaccinations?
Shorkie puppies would have been given their initial vaccinations before being sold but it is up to their new owners to make sure they have their follow-up shots in a timely manner with the vaccination schedule for puppies being as follows:
- 10 -12 weeks old bearing in mind that a puppy would not have full protection straight away but would be fully protected 2 weeks after they have had their second vaccination
There has been a lot of discussion about the need for dogs to have boosters. As such it's best to talk to a vet before making a final decision on whether a dog should continue to have annual vaccinations which are known as boosters.
What about spaying and neutering?
A lot of vets these days recommend waiting until dogs are slightly older before spaying and neutering them which means they are more mature before undergoing the procedures. As such they advise neutering males and spaying females when they are between the ages of 6 to 9 months old and sometimes even when a dog is 12 months old.
Other vets recommend spaying and neutering dogs when they are 6 months old but never any earlier unless for medical reasons. With this said many breeds are different and it is always advisable to discuss things with a vet and then follow their advice on when a dog should be spayed or neutered.
What about obesity problems?
As with other breeds some Shorkies gain weight after they have been spayed or neutered and it's important to keep an eye on a dog's waistline just in case they do. If a dog starts to put on weight it's important to adjust their daily calorie intake and to up the amount of exercise they are given. Older dogs too are more prone to gaining weight and again it's essential they be fed and exercised accordingly because obesity can shorten a dog's life by several years. The reason being that it puts a lot of extra strain on a dog's internal organs including the heart which could prove fatal.
What about allergies?
Shorkies are prone to suffering from allergies and it's important for a dog to see a vet sooner rather than later if one flares up. Allergies can be notoriously hard to clear up and finding the triggers can be challenging. With this said a vet would be able to make a dog with an allergy more comfortable while they try to find out the triggers which could include the following:
- Certain dog foods that contain high levels of grains and other cereal type fillers
- Airborne pollens
- Dust mites
- Environment
- Flea and tick bites
- Chemicals found in everyday household cleaning products
Foods to avoid that could trigger allergies
There is a huge selection of pet food on the market with some being a far superior quality than others. It is important to choose better known brands and to avoid feeding any commercial dog food that contains the following because they could trigger an allergic reaction:
- Animal fat
- Cereals
- Corn
- Soy
- Wheat
- EC permitted additives
- Propylene Glycol
- Meat and animal derivatives
Participating in health schemes
All responsible Shorkie breeders would ensure that their stud dogs are tested for known hereditary and congenital health issues known to affect the breed by using the following schemes:
Shih Tzu
- Hip Dysplasia - stud dogs should be hip scored
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) - DNA tests will soon be available
Yorkshire Terriers
There are several BVA/KC health schemes available for Yorkshire Terriers which are as follows:
- Cataracts
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) - DNA test available (annual)
- Primary lens luxation (PLL) - DNA test available (annual)
- Chiari malformation Syringomyelia (CMSM)
What about breed specific breeding restrictions?
Shorkies are not a Kennel Club recognised breed as such there are no breed specific breeding restrictions in place but all breeders should follow the Kennel Club’s breeding guidelines to ensure that only health tested parent dogs are used in breeding programmes.
What about Assured Breeder Requirements?
For the moment Shorkies are not a Kennel Club recognised breed and as such there are not Assured Breeder requirements but all breeders should breed their dogs responsibly and have them health tested for known hereditary and congenital issues that are known to affect parent breeds.
