The Boston Yorkie, also known as the Borkie, is a designer hybrid breed that combines the Boston Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier.
Though the precise origins of this crossbreed are unknown, the Boston Yorkie first emerged in recent decades as mixed breed dogs grew in popularity.
By crossbreeding the energetic Yorkshire Terrier with the friendly Boston Terrier, breeders aimed to develop a petite companion dog well-suited for urban living environments.
Bringing together an energetic Yorkshire Terrier with a gentle and sociable Boston Terrier produces an intelligent and lively family-oriented hybrid.
In this blog post, we will cover seven key considerations for those interested in the Boston Yorkie breed. Learning about their typical characteristics and needs can help determine if this crossbreed would thrive in your home.
From their physical appearance and personality to their exercise requirements and grooming needs, here are seven things prospective owners should know before welcoming one of these Boston Terrier mixes into their home.
- Origin and History
- Size and Appearance
- Personality and Temperament
- Health and Lifespan
- Exercise Needs
- Grooming Needs
- Suitability as Family Pets
Origin and History
The Boston Yorkie is a relatively new hybrid breed that was developed within the last few decades. As a cross between two purebreds, the Boston Yorkie does not have a long documented history.
However, looking at the background of its parent breeds – the Boston Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier – can provide insight into the traits and origin of this mixed breed.
The Boston Terrier originated in the late 1800s in Boston, Massachusetts. They were the result of crossing an English Bulldog with a now extinct English White Terrier. Bred to be a lively and friendly companion, the Boston Terrier became popular in Boston and was later named after the city.
The Yorkshire Terrier has origins from 19th century Yorkshire, England. They were originally working dogs bred to hunt rats in mines and factories. Over time, their affectionate nature and compact size made them a favorite as a companion and lap dog.
By combining these two purebreds, Boston Yorkie breeders aimed to develop a new small-sized hybrid that embodied the best traits of both parental lines – the gentle, people-oriented personality of the Boston Terrier and the energetic spirit of the Yorkshire Terrier.
While the exact timeline is unknown, the Boston Yorkie hybrid likely emerged in the last 20-30 years as interest in designer dogs increased. They have quickly become popular due to their affectionate personality and cute, pint-sized appearance.
Size and Appearance
The Boston Yorkie is a small hybrid breed, typically measuring between 9 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 10 to 25 pounds. Their compact, well-balanced body and facial features blend characteristics of both parental lineages.
The head is broad and rounded with a short muzzle, bearing similarity to the Boston Terrier. Eyes are large, dark, and expressive. Ears may stand erect or be pendulous, reflecting either the Boston or Yorkshire Terrier parent respectively.
The coat is moderately long, fine in texture, and silky. Coat colors vary and commonly include black, brown, tan, or white, often with combinations of markings seen in the parental breeds.
These small hybrids have a short, compact body with good muscle tone and balanced proportions. The chest is broad, back straight, and tail of medium length. Overall structure echoes the Boston Terrier on a slightly smaller scale.
The Boston Yorkie’s expressive eyes, unique coat patterns, and petite stature reflect an amalgam of both parental breeds. Their small size suits them well as apartment-dwellers and lap companions.
Personality and Temperament
The Boston Yorkie typically displays a combination of personality traits from both the Boston Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier parents.
The Boston Terrier personality is known for being friendly, gentle, eager to please, and sociable. They enjoy being around people and get along well with children and other pets.
The Yorkshire Terrier breed tends to be lively, energetic, inquisitive, and at times stubborn despite their small size. They are extremely devoted to their owners.
The Boston Yorkie hybrid blends these traits to create a loving and affectionate companion. They are playful, intelligent, and often highly attached to their families. Boston Yorkies get along well with children, thriving in a household with plenty of activity and interaction.
Proper socialization and training is important for shaping a Boston Yorkie’s temperament. When provided with enough exercise and mental stimulation, the Boston Yorkie makes a wonderful family pet and companion. However, individual personalities may vary across different dogs.
In general, the Boston Yorkie aims to please and enjoys spending quality time with their loved ones. Their energetic spirit combined with their loyal affection makes them a popular choice for urban pet owners seeking a friendly small breed.
Health and Lifespan
The Boston Yorkie is at risk for some of the same health issues seen in the Boston Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier breeds. Reputable breeders will screen for any genetic diseases present in the parent lines.
Some potential health problems include:
- Patellar Luxation – dislocation of the kneecap. Symptoms include limping or skipping while running.
- Hypoglycemia – Low blood sugar common in small dogs. Causes lethargy, tremors.
- Collapsing Trachea – Weakened windpipe that can restrict breathing. Causes coughing fits.
- Dental Disease – Likely due to their shortened muzzle shape. Requires diligent dental care.
- Intervertebral Disc Disease – Degeneration of spinal discs leading to neck or back pain.
Regular veterinary checkups and a balanced diet can help maintain good health.
The expected lifespan of a Boston Yorkie is 10 to 15 years, though mixing two breeds can result in variable longevity. Providing proper nutrition, exercise, veterinary care, and a safe environment can help maximize your dog’s lifespan.
Exercise Needs
The Boston Yorkie is an energetic hybrid that requires daily activity and exercise. A minimum of 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day is recommended.
- Walks – Boston Yorkies benefit from multiple short walks throughout the day to meet their exercise needs. Walking provides both physical activity and mental stimulation.
- Play – Interactive games and play sessions are important to burn energy and prevent boredom. Fetch, tug-of-war, chase games or doggy puzzles provide fun exercise.
- Training – Incorporating obedience training or running through simple commands and tricks provides mental stimulation.
- Indoor Play – If outdoor space is limited, indoor play time and providing interactive toys helps meet activity requirements.
As with any dog, proper exercise helps prevent unwanted behaviors from developing. Mentally stimulating activities are just as important as physical exercise.
The Boston Yorkie’s moderate energy level makes them well-suited for urban apartment living as long as their daily activity requirements are met.
Grooming Needs
The Boston Yorkie has a medium length coat that requires regular grooming and maintenance. Their grooming regimen should include:
- Brushing – Their moderately long coat needs brushing 2-3 times per week to prevent mats and tangles. Use a slicker brush or fine-toothed comb.
- Bathing – Bathe every 3-4 weeks or as needed with a mild canine shampoo. Rinse thoroughly. Excessive bathing can dry out their skin.
- Nail Trimming – Trim nails every 2-3 weeks to prevent overgrowth. Use dog nail clippers and avoid the quick.
- Ear Cleaning – Check and wipe their floppy ears weekly to prevent infections. Use a vet-approved ear cleanser.
- Dental Care – Brush their teeth 2-3 times per week using a toothbrush and dog toothpaste. Provide chews and treats to aid dental health.
- Hair Trimming – Periodically trim long hair around the paws and face for a neater appearance. Seek professional grooming if needed.
Proper grooming prevents skin problems and discomfort. It also strengthens the bond between dog and owner. For best results, introduce grooming early on to get your Boston Yorkie used to the routine.
Suitability as Family Pets
The Boston Yorkie’s endearing temperament, compact size, and moderately energetic nature make them well-suited as family companion dogs.
These hybrids thrive when given abundant love and attention by their owners. They form strong attachments to all members of a household and get along well with children and other pets.
Their small stature, typically weighing 10-25 pounds, means they can live comfortably in apartments without requiring extensive space. Their petite frame also suits them well as lap dogs.
Despite being lively and playful when indoors, Boston Yorkies have a moderate activity level overall. They are content with one or two short daily walks as their main exercise. This manageable exercise requirement makes them adaptable to apartments and urban living.
Boston Yorkies aim to please their owners and respond positively to training based on positive reinforcement. Early socialization prepares them for safe interactions with kids and strangers.
Their grooming needs are relatively low compared to some high-maintenance breeds, with occasional brushing and bathing being sufficient.
Overall, the Boston Yorkie’s moderate care requirements, trainable nature, and eager-to-please personality makes them highly suitable as urban family companions.
This loyal and energetic hybrid thrives when showered with affection. Their innate desire for human companionship allows Boston Yorkies to flourish in families with adults and children alike.
Their compact size also suits them well for city living. For those seeking a loving small breed dog, the Boston Yorkie makes for a wonderful family pet.
Is the Boston Yorkie Right for You?
The Boston Yorkie is a hybrid merging the best attributes of the Boston Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier. This relatively new crossbreed makes for a friendly, lively, and affectionate family companion.
Their gentle, people-pleasing personality combined with their pint-sized package makes them well-suited for urban dwellers seeking a devoted small pet. Boston Yorkies thrive on human interaction and fit in well with singles, couples, and families with children.
While their exercise requirements are moderate, prospective owners should be prepared to provide this energetic breed with adequate daily walks and playtime. Their moderately long coat also requires regular grooming to keep it free of tangles and debris.
For experienced owners seeking a good-natured pint-sized companion that enjoys being close to their loved ones, the Boston Yorkie has many qualities that make them a wonderful pet.
Before bringing one of these hybrids home, be sure to meet the parents when possible to get a better sense of temperament. Adopting from a responsible breeder or rescue can help avoid any genetic health issues.
If given proper care, training, and attention, the Boston Yorkie’s winning personality helps them live up to their reputation as a top-notch family-friendly hybrid breed.
Similar Mixed Breeds
- Jack Russell Terrier Yorkshire Terrier Mix (Jorkie): The Jorkie is a small and energetic breed, a mix between the Jack Russell Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier, known for its intelligence and playful nature.
- Boston Terrier Pomeranian Mix (Pomston): The Pomston is a mix between the Boston Terrier and Pomeranian, known for its lively and affectionate nature, small size, and unique look.