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Find out all about Chorkies and their common health conditions, then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

Written by , updated on October 6th, 2023

Price range

$500 – $1,000

Height

20–25cm

Weight

2–4kg

Personality

Affectionate, alert, spirited

Coat length

Medium, silky

Exercise needs

Low to moderate

Kid-friendly?

Yes – but younger children must be supervised due to the Chorkie’s small size

Life expectancy

12–15 years

Overview

The Chorkie is a designer mixed breed that has gained popularity in Australia in recent years. A blend of the Chihuahua and the Yorkshire Terrier, the dogs are small with a silky coat and expressive eyes.

Known for their affectionate and loyal nature, Chorkies form strong bonds with their owners. They are spirited and alert companions suitable for a range of living situations. Whether in bustling urban centres or more laid-back rural settings, Chorkies adapt with ease, making delightful companions to those who choose to welcome them into their homes.

Common diseases and conditions of Chorkies

Dental issues: due to their small size, Chorkies are prone to dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Regular dental care, including brushing and professional cleanings, is crucial.
Patellar luxation: this condition involves the dislocation of the kneecap, which can cause pain and discomfort. It’s more common in smaller breeds like Chorkies.
Tracheal collapse: the trachea, or windpipe, weakens and narrows, leading to breathing difficulties. This condition can be exacerbated by pulling on a leash, so using a harness instead of a collar is recommended.
Hypoglycaemia: Chorkies are susceptible to low blood sugar levels, especially as puppies. This can result in weakness, seizures and, in severe cases, coma. Small, frequent meals are advised.
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease: this is a hip joint disorder that can lead to arthritis. It's more common in toy and small breeds like the Chorkie.
Eye problems: Chorkies may be prone to various eye issues, including cataracts, glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for early detection and treatment.

Breed-specific issues:

Chorkies can be reserved around strangers, emphasising the need for early socialisation. They also tend to be vocal, alerting to potential threats. Loyalty may verge on protectiveness, and separation anxiety is common, requiring gradual training and engaging distractions. Furthermore, Chorkies’ high intelligence can lead to boredom-related issues like excessive barking and destructive behaviour if not stimulated.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Chorkie?

There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Chorkie, including the following:

Age: the older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because older dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.
Type of insurance you choose: there are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.
The policy annual limit: each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.
Sub limits: in addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub limits that apply to the policy, for example a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.
Benefit percentage: pet insurance may not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies up to 90% for top-of-the-range cover.
Excess amount: this is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, while others do.
Any add-ons you choose: it’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.
Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Accident-only

This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions.

Accident and illness

This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.

Comprehensive

This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.

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Common questions about Chorkies

Are Chorkies good with children?

Chorkies can be great companions for families with older children or those who can handle smaller dogs delicately. They are affectionate and often form strong bonds with their human siblings. However, due to their small size, it's important to supervise interactions to prevent any accidental rough play that might be too much for the Chorkie to handle. Their petite stature means they may not be suitable for young children who may not understand how to interact gently with a small dog.

Are Chorkies easy to train?

Chorkies are intelligent dogs that learn quickly, but they can also be a bit independent and stubborn at times. This may require patient and consistent training techniques. Positive reinforcement, treats and praise for good behaviour tend to work well in motivating them during training sessions.

Are Chorkies suitable for first-time dog owners?

Yes – Chorkies can be suitable for first-time dog owners due to their manageable size and affectionate nature. Their small stature makes them easy to handle, and their loyalty and eagerness to please can be rewarding for novice owners. However, it’s essential to approach Chorkie ownership with patience, consistency and a commitment to providing proper socialisation and mental stimulation. Seeking advice from experienced dog owners or professional trainers can also be highly beneficial for those new to dog ownership.

How much exercise does a Chorkie need?

Chorkies, despite their small size, are full of energy and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They have moderate exercise needs and benefit from daily walks and playtime with their owners. Interactive play sessions can be particularly enjoyable for them. In addition to physical activity, Chorkies thrive on mental stimulation, so providing puzzle toys and engaging activities is important. Allocating around 30 minutes to an hour of exercise and playtime per day can help meet their needs and ensure they remain content and well-balanced companions.

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