Shorkie vs Scotch Collie - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Shorkie vs Scotch Collie - Breed ComparisonShorkie is originated from United States but Scotch Collie is originated from United Kingdom. Shorkie may grow 37 cm / 14 inches shorter than Scotch Collie. Shorkie may weigh 25 kg / 55 pounds lesser than Scotch Collie. Both Shorkie and Scotch Collie has almost same life span. Shorkie may have less litter size than Scotch Collie. Both Shorkie and Scotch Collie requires Moderate maintenance.

History

shorkie - historyThe Shorkie is a mix between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Shih Tzu. This little dog actually thinks he’s quite big. He is a great watchdog and a barker, and he is a loyal and loving member of his family. He will let you know if he thinks something is going on that shouldn’t be.

This hybrid combines two breeds known for their good looks, cuteness and personalities. Shorkies get their watchdog instincts and their loyalty to their people from the Shih Tzu and their personalities and good looks from the Yorkie. This designer breed has no known standard and every puppy is different, but traits from its founding breeds will remain. Both breeds have great personalities.

Regardless of the differences within the litter, because the personalities and adorableness of the two founding breeds are equal, all of the puppies will have those characteristics. They will all be energetic, playful and think they are big dogs. They will all love people and especially kids – playing and watching over them.

The Shorkie is intelligent, trainable, and snuggly. They will also have the stubborn trait that the two founding breeds can show at times. Developed in the United States, this crossbreed is extremely popular even though they have been in existence for only ten years or so. Breeders in the U.S. began to mix these two breeds in order to develop a cute, friendly and intelligent little dog that will cuddle on your lap – perfect lap dog.

Even if we already have breeds similar to the Shorkie, its development allows breeders to diversify and improve the genetics of the dogs. It is important that these be responsible breeders whose intentions are not financial but to legitimately improve the positive traits of each breed while sorting out the undesirable or weak traits. This is the positive side of the new designer breeds.

Even though it is still being developed, at least the Shorkie seems to be a success story for designer breeds as a loving, popular little dog. It will take a lot more time and a lot more development before the Shorkie becomes an actual recognized breed. At the moment it remains a hybrid, a crossbreed, a so called designer dog.

It will be at least 7-10 generations of careful and quality breeding before the Shorkies are potentially recognized as its own pedigree breed. It is important to breed Shorkies to Shorkies in order to develop a standard that could be accepted for a new breed by the AKC and UKC. Over time the puppies must become more and more standardized in their conformity to that new breed standard. Their physical appearance and their temperament will be standardized. At this stage the second generation of Shorkies is rare. Their popularity is rising in the United Kingdom. Both Britain and Ireland have a growing interest in this hybrid.

scotch collie - historyThe landrace breed, which started in the highlands of Scotland is known as the Scotch Collie. There were at the time two types of collies – the Rough or long haired collie and the smooth or short haired collie. The Scotch Collie is considered to be from a line of very ancient herding dogs. It might have existed in the days of the Roman Empire, these herding dogs might have included the Native Celtic Dogs, Roman Cattle Dogs, Gordon Setter, Viking Herding Spitzes and Irish Setters.

In its native land the Scotch Collie is often called the colley dogs, coaly and cooley. Collie comes from the Scottish words for black coal – or the Coaley Sheep they herded. In addition to herding, the Scotch Collie also acted as a hunter and guard dog for its family. A large group of these collies were exported to America to work on family farms. Soon they were so popular they became family pets. They were first shown in both England and America in in the mid to late 1800’s.

The Scotch Collie Club was formed in 1885 and the breed accepted into the AKC the same year. The Collie Club of America started the following year. The AKC eventually dropped the moniker Scotch in favor or Rough and Smooth Collie. This move also separated the show dogs from the still working/herding Scotch Collies.

Aa time went on and the collie became more prominent in conformation competitions, some breeders mixed in the Greyhound and perhaps the Borzoi to get the collie we see today. The Scotch Collie itself eventually lost its independent recognition in the UKC and the NKC. It was mixed in with the English Shepard, but it was an important element in the development of the Australian Shepard, Shetland Sheepdogs and Border Collies.

The breed had a revival of sorts in the early 2000’s as the Old Time Scotch Collie. Any type of farm collie in America and Canada can be registered in the OTSCA. They are more often referred to as Old Time Farm Shepherds to avoid confusion them with the very popular collies. In 2017 there were 174 of these OTSCA dogs. Collies today have less working instincts, and the heeling instinct seems to be gone.

Today the show version of the Scotch Collie is recognized by both the AKC and UKC in the herding group.

It has been said of the Scotch Collie that they have “the majesty of a lion, the pride of a great thoroughbred stallion, the confidence of a Winston Churchill.”

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
18 - 24 cm
7 - 10 inches
53 - 61 cm
20 - 25 inches
Height Female:
16 - 22 cm
6 - 9 inches
47 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
21 - 32 kg
46 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 7 kg
8 - 16 pounds
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 5
2 - 8
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Shorki • Shorkie • Yorkie Tzu Shorkie Tzu
Farm Collie • Old Farm Collie
Colors Available:
Black and tan • Brown and white • Gold • Red • Gold, black, and white • Particolored
All colors and markings traditionally found on collies
Coat:
coat type soft and relatively long coats. They should be silky and never coarse
double top harsh under soft
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Responsive
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

shorkie puppy - descriptionThe Shorkie, being a cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Shih Tzu, and as such has physical and temperament characteristics from both breeds. They could be 50-50 but most likely each puppy will be more like one of the founding parents than the other. Because there is a lot of similarity between the founding breeds there is a lot of similarity between the Shorkies.

Their hair is either wavy or straight, but it is soft. It can be a wide variety of colors and usually they have a darker mask on the face. Usually they have the eyes of the Shih Tzu – large -but not protruding. Their muzzle is short, and the skull is round with triangle ears. Their bodies are compact, small with plenty of muscle for their size. They also have fine bones and short legs, with a thin curled tail.

scotch collie puppy - descriptionThis Scotch Collie is an athletic, intelligent, well-balanced and alert dog. This collie has no exaggerated features like the long nose/muzzle of the current collies. This Scotch Collie is sound in mind and body, a hard working dog. He is hearty and versatile. They are longer than they are tall. Their heads are moderate and the stoop is well defined. They have a wide, flat skull. Their lips are tight and they are fitted well.

Their ears are also moderate in size and pointed or partially erect. They should not have long or droopy ears. They have eyes that might be oblique, almond, and round. The eyes are usually brown and merles may have blue eyes. The breed has a deep chest, broad shoulders and a long tail. There are also some bobtails that occur naturally.

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness – yes, they are very child friendly.

2.Special talents – Loyal and loving.

3.Adaptability – The Shorkie could happen.

4.Learning ability – Highly intelligent, but they can be stubborn.

1.Children friendliness - they are great with children.

2.Special talents agility and speed.

scotch collie dog - characteristics3.Adaptability - Scotch Collies are versatile and adaptable. There is no need to crate them as they are not destructive. If you have a large run or kennel, they can live anywhere. However they are happiest on farms and open lands.

4.Learning ability - They are very intelligent and open to learning.

Health Problems

shorkie puppies - health problemsMany hybrids are in better health at least genetically than their parent breeds. Responsible breeders will breed any genetic issues out of their puppies. Still there are many health issues that the Shorkies are prone to. These include:

  • Tooth loss, tooth decay and gum disease caused by dental overcrowding.
  • Joint issues – can cause lameness.
  • Diabetes – high blood sugar.
  • Kidney stones.
  • Liver disease and potential shunt.
  • Progressive Retinal Apathy - visual imparity.
  • Patellar Luxation – can cause arthritis.
  • Hypoglycemia. – low blood sugar.
  • Collapsed Trachea.

• Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome – “smashed face” causes problems with breathing, heat, flying and more.

• Glaucoma – Yorkshires have this, and it can be secondary to the lens Luxation.

scotch collie puppies - health problemsThe old line breed was hearty with few health issues. The ones they did have included:

  • Musculoskeletal problems - can cause weakness or even some lameness.

• Skin problems - can have skin diseases like mange that may or may not be acute, may have allergies or sensitivities.

  • Bloat – can cause death if not treated quickly.

Caring The Pet

shorkie dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy - The Shorkies need a high-quality, well-balanced dry kibble. Make sure it is a formula for small, active dogs. It should have lean meat and essential minerals and vitamins. Make sure it is puppy food not adult. The puppy needs 300 -550 calories a day in 3 meals.

2.Feeding the adult – Obesity is a problem for the Shorkie as it is for many small dogs. Don’t overfeed your adult but give her the same kind of high quality small breed dog food, only for adults. They need about 200-300 calories a day in 2 meals.

3.Points for Good Health – Few genetic diseases.

4. Games and Exercises – These are very active little dogs and need exercise every day. They needs walks, games, and time with you. They also love to cuddle with you at the end of the day. They love squeaky toys and playing fetch outside or inside.

scotch collie dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy - The Scotch Collie is not a medium dog nor is it a large dog. It is somewhere in-between. Because of this there is some discretion in not only how much you feed your puppy, but also what you feed. Normally we would feed according to breed size but here you need a high quality formula that is made for working breeds. The puppy will need enough calories to meet their high energy needs. Feed at least 3-4 times a day.

2.Feeding the adult - you need a high quality formula that is made for working breeds. The adult will need enough calories to meet their high energy needs. Feed at least 2 times a day.

3.Points for Good Health - stamina and athleticism.

4. Games and Exercises

There is a high need for exercise starting with walks or jog but that is not going to be enough. The Scotch Collie is not a Border Collie or a Corgi in terms of energy, but they are not couch potaoes. They need more than access to a yard. They need a job or they need defined exercise and play. The daily walk or jog will do it but intense play is better.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Shorkie vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  2. Shorkie vs Brug - Breed Comparison
  3. Shorkie vs Pomeranian - Breed Comparison
  4. Shorkie vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  5. Shorkie vs Pug - Breed Comparison
  6. Shorkie vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Shorkie vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Shorkie vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  9. Shorkie vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. Shorkie vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  11. Shorkie vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  12. Shorkie vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Shorkie vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  14. Shorkie vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Shorkie vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  16. Shorkie vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  17. Shorkie vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  18. Shorkie vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  19. Shorkie vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  20. Shorkie vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. Shorkie vs Papillon - Breed Comparison
  22. Shorkie vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Shorkie vs Japanese Chin - Breed Comparison
  24. Shorkie vs Miniature English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  25. Shorkie vs Miniature Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  26. Scotch Collie vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  27. Scotch Collie vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Scotch Collie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  29. Scotch Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Scotch Collie vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  31. Scotch Collie vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  32. Scotch Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  33. Scotch Collie vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Scotch Collie vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  35. Scotch Collie vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Scotch Collie vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  37. Scotch Collie vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  38. Scotch Collie vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  39. Scotch Collie vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  40. Scotch Collie vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  41. Scotch Collie vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  42. Scotch Collie vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  43. Scotch Collie vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Scotch Collie vs Queensland Heeler - Breed Comparison
  45. Scotch Collie vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  46. Scotch Collie vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Scotch Collie vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  48. Scotch Collie vs Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  49. Scotch Collie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  50. Scotch Collie vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds