This new breed of companion dog is still in the early stages of development.
When an unintended mating takes place between two well-known pedigree dog breeds, the puppies are usually quietly disposed of as family pets. Occasionally,
however, the resultant litter produces such attractive dogs that they are retained for further breeding and the possible creation of a new breed.
This is what occurred in the 1980s when a Yorkshire Terrier mated with a Bichon Fris. London veterinary expert Dr Bruce Fogle who first reported the ‘Bichon Yorkie’, sang its praises because of its hybrid vigour. As a practising vet, he all too often has to deal with the medical problems that arise with prolonged ‘pure’ breeding, and he welcomed the cross, pointing out that it ‘is less likely to have slipping kneecaps or retained baby teeth’ than either of the two parent breeds. A further advantage is that it ‘has both the tenacity and resilience of the Yorkshire Terrier, as well as the insulating coat of the Bichon’.
In appearance, the Bichon Yorkie is a mixture of the two parents, perhaps slightly favouring the Yorkie. The height is 9-12 in (23-31 cm) and the weight 7-13 lb (3-6 kg). Further breeding of this dog was planned, but it remain. s to be seen whether it eventually graduates to become a true breed in its own right.
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