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Pet Insurance for Yorkipoos

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

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, updated on October 6th, 2023       

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Price range

$3,000 – $5,000

Height

18–23cm

Weight

2.5–5.5kg

Personality

Intelligent, affectionate, energetic

Coat length

Medium, straight or wavy

Exercise needs

Moderate

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

12–15 years

Yorkipoo

Overview

Yorkipoos, or Yorkie Poos, are a crossbreed between Yorkshire Terriers and Miniature or Toy Poodles. This designer breed has a relatively recent history, emerging in the late 20th century with the aim of combining the desirable traits of both parent breeds.   

In Australia, Yorkipoos have gained popularity as endearing companion dogs. Their delightful personalities and hypoallergenic coats have made them a sought-after choice for families, individuals and older owners. Despite their small stature, they bring a lively presence to any household, making them well-suited for various living environments, from houses to urban apartments. Their adaptability, combined with their compact size, makes them a popular choice with dog owners across Australia.

Common diseases and conditions of Yorkipoos

  • Luxating patella: this is a common orthopaedic issue in Yorkipoos. It occurs when the kneecap (patella) dislocates from its normal position, causing discomfort and lameness.
  • Portosystemic shunt: some Yorkipoos may inherit a congenital condition where blood bypasses the liver, leading to a build-up of toxins in the body.
  • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): this is a hereditary eye disorder that leads to gradual vision loss, eventually resulting in blindness.
  • Hypothyroidism: this is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, leading to various health issues including weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.
  • Dental issues: small breeds like Yorkipoos are susceptible to dental problems, including gum disease and tooth decay, which can lead to pain and discomfort.

Breed-specific issues:  

Yorkipoos are lively and intelligent companions, but like many small breeds, they can sometimes be reserved around strangers. Early and positive socialisation is key to ensuring they grow up to be well-adjusted and confident dogs. Their high level of intelligence means they thrive on mental stimulation, and without it, they may resort to behaviours like excessive barking or destructive chewing. Additionally, Yorkipoos are known for their overprotective tendencies towards their owners. Owners should focus on balanced training techniques that include firmness and positive reinforcement.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Yorkipoo?

There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Yorkipoo, 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

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Yorkipoos

How much exercise does a Yorkipoo need?

Yorkipoos have moderate exercise needs. Daily walks and playtime are usually sufficient to keep them happy and healthy. They enjoy interactive play with their owners and can also benefit from mental stimulation activities like puzzle toys.

Are Yorkipoos hypoallergenic?

Yes – Yorkipoos are generally considered hypoallergenic. They have low-shedding hair instead of fur, which produces fewer allergens. However, it’s important to note that no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, and individual reactions may vary.

Do Yorkipoos bark a lot?

Yes – Yorkipoos are known to be quite alert and may bark frequently to notify their owners of potential threats or changes in their surroundings. This alertness can lead to regular barking, which is a characteristic of the breed. Early training and consistent positive reinforcement can be effective in managing their barking tendencies.

Do Yorkipoos suffer from separation anxiety?

Yes – Yorkipoos are known to form strong attachments to their owners and can sometimes experience separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Gradual training in short increments of alone time and providing engaging toys and comfortable spaces can help alleviate this anxiety.

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Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
Yorkipoo

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