Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terriers are different dog breeds with distinct temperaments, sizes, personal traits, and behaviors. However, it is possible to breed a Yorkshire Terrier and a Bichon Frise. So, what do you call a mix between a Bichon Frise and a Yorkshire Terrier?
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What Do You Call a Mix Between a Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier?
The mix between a Bichon Frise and a Yorkshire Terrier is commonly known as a Bichon Yorkie or Yorkie Bichon. However, different dog organizations recognize this dog with different names.
For instance, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club calls it Borkie, while the American Canine Hybrid Club calls it Yo-Chon.
The Designer Breed Registry recognizes this mix as Yorkshire Frises or Borkie, while the International Designer Canine Registry calls it Borkie or Yo-Chon. Fortunately, the Dog Registry of America recognizes this mix with all the above names.
On top of how different registries and dog organizations recognize this breed, it is not uncommon to find people calling it Yorkie Chons or BichYorkie. Regardless of how this dog is identified in the breeders’ registration documents, you can give your Bichon Yorkie puppy one of the following personalized names.
- Gracie
- Ellie
- Ruby
- Bella
- Daisy
- Oakley
- Tucker
- Finn
- Milo
Keeping in mind that this is one of the dog breeds with the highest number of different names, you need to understand how it looks to recognize it regardless of its name in the breeders’ papers. Some of the attributes that can help you identify a Bichon Yorkie include:
Temperament
The temperament of Bichon Yorkies varies widely depending on whether the dominant genes are from the Yorkshire Terrier or the Bichon Frise. However, like Yorkshire Terriers, Bichon Yorkies have strong hunting instincts and love chasing small prey and challenging larger animals.
Although Bichon Yorkies tend to be territorial and independent, they can get along well with other home pets if you give them proper socialization. They are, however, affectionate and loyal towards their family members.
Like Bichon Frise parents, this affectionate nature of Bichon Yorkies makes them develop separation anxiety if you leave them alone for too long. This anxiety makes them develop destructive behavior and make high-pitched barks.
Physical Appearance
Bichon Yorkies are generally small dogs, just like their parents Yorkshire Terriers and Bichon Frises. The ears of Bichon Yorkies can either hang down or stand upright depending on the dominant genes.
When it comes to sizes, they are toy-sized dogs, with adults weighing around 7 pounds with a standing height of 8 to 9 inches.
Bichon Yorkies can have curly, soft, and dense hair similar to that of the Bichon Frise or a long, silky coat resembling the Yorkshire Terrier. In most cases, Bichon Yorkies will have black, brown, blue, gray, golden, cream, or white color combinations.
Grooming
Like Yorkshire Terriers, Bichon Yorkies are light shedders, and grooming won’t be an issue. However, their long coats need daily brushing as the hair can easily tangle and mat. It is also advisable to occasionally trim the hair around the face area to prevent possible eye infections.
Although Bichon Yorkies do not smell, it is advisable to bathe them after around 2 to 4 weeks to maintain their gorgeous looks. The nails regenerate quickly, so you’ll need to trim them regularly.
Training
Bichon Yorkies combine the high adaptive intelligence of Bichon Frises and the high instinctive intelligence of the Yorkshire Terriers, making them equally intelligent and easy to train. Although they can be stubborn, especially if the dominant genes are from the Yorkshire Terriers, they are generally eager to learn new tricks.
Therefore, it is advisable to use positive reinforcement methods during training and keep the training session full of fun. However, you should consider training the puppies while they are still young for the best training results.
Health Conditions
Since a Bichon Yorkie is a hybrid between a Bichon Frise and a Yorkshire Terrier, it is prone to health conditions affecting both the Yorkshire Terriers and the Bichon Frises.
However, the risks of suffering from these health conditions primarily depend on the lifestyle the dog leads and the individual genetics. Some of the health conditions you should watch out for are:
- Dental problems
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hypothyroidism
- Slipped kneecaps
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Related Questions
What Is the Difference Between a Morkie and a Borkie?
A Morkie is a crossbreed between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Maltese, while Borkie is a crossbreed between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Bichon Frise. That means both the Morkies and Borkies share a Yorkshire Terrier parent.
Do Bichon Yorkies Bark Like Purebred Yorkies?
Bichon Yorkies bark a lot just like purebred Yorkies. Yorkie Bichons tend to make high-pitch barks, especially when they see or hear a stranger, making them good watchdogs.
Final Thoughts
Different clubs and dog organizations recognize the mix between a Bichon Frise and a Yorkshire Terrier with many different names. However, the Dog Registry of America accepts these names, so you don’t have to worry about the name the breeder uses.
