The Chorkie grooming requirements will vary based on the coat type. And due to their size, they have certain special grooming requirements. Here are some of the ideas for you on the maintenance of your loveable Chorkie in the best way:
Ears: If the Chorkie has droopy ears, it has to be cleaned at least once in a week to avoid excess wax, dirt, or debris.
Eyes: Their eyes need to be cleaned once in a while to clean the dirt and debris.
Teeth: Dental care is very crucial for the Chorkies as they begin to lose teeth due to periodontitis at a young age. Brushing every day is a habit that needs to be introduced at a young age.
Nails: This little pup does not spoil its nails so quickly, so trimming them once a month is enough.
Hair: Those with short coats will require brushing once or twice a week. Those with long coats will need them trimmed at least once in two months. Monthly baths are necessary to keep them clean and healthy.
Recommended daily amount: You will be required to feed 1 cup of food per day. Underfeeding will make them suffer from hypoglycemia.
What food to choose: A top quality dog food is recommended for this designer breed. You will be required to limit their treats.
How to keep good shape: These little pups tend to gain weight very easily. Hence you will be required to give a proper diet plus the required exercise.
How many times to feed your dog: You will be required to divide your dog’s meal into 2 parts.
All the Chorkies are at some of the other risks of developing health issues. Some of these concerns are mentioned below:
Collapsing Trachea
Condition: This is a condition common in both the parents, and is characterized by the collapsing of the walls of the trachea against each other. This is associated with a severe cough that occurs after exercise and exhilaration.
Treatment – This condition is mainly because of excess weight, hence weight management is a solution. Some may also require surgery.
Hypoglycemia
Condition – Usually Chorkie puppies are at a higher risk of suffering from low blood glucose, due to mismatch in dietary intake and exertion. The affected pups may be sluggish, cold, and may even get seizures.
Treatment – The best treatment is the instant administration of glucose. A proper diet needs to be given to avoid such occurrences.
Legg Calvé Perthes Disease
Condition – In this disease, there is an improper blood supply to the tip of the thigh bone during the growth period of the small size pups. This leads to tiny fractures in the weakened structure. This results in pain, lameness, and discomfort.
Treatment - Corrective surgery is needed to get good long-term benefits.
Lens Luxation
Condition – This condition is characterized by the deterioration of fibers surrounding the lens of the eye. This results in loss of vision also.
Treatment- Surgery is the only treatment for this disease.
Porto-systemic Shunt
Condition – This is a congenital disease in which an anomalous blood vessel evades the liver, resulting in confusion and lethargy in dogs.
Treatment – This condition can either be medically treated. Depending on the severity of the case, surgery can also be done.
Chorkies are intelligent, at the same time stubborn too, which makes them “not-so-easy” to train. They have to be bribed with extra treats and more appreciation to achieve the desired results. House-training may take considerably longer in some pups; hence it is suggested to go for crate training to expedite the learning process.
Given their attitudes, Chorkies must be provided socialization training from the start. Yet again, they work well under a slightly dominating alpha, but positive reinforcement must never be given away.
Chorkies have a great personality and attitude, which is inversely proportional to their size. Their energy, poise, and confidence can make them difficult to manage; hence new owners find them difficult to deal with. With the correct amount of restraint and socialization, they are a perfect package for adults. However, they don’t enjoy the company of children much, as they may not be able to handle the little dog so responsibly.
They tend to get along with other small dogs, but should not be left on their own with an unacquainted large dog. Their attitude may bring then problems beyond their capabilities.
They are playful dogs, hence would enjoy playing with practically anything you give them. Hence any chew toy would give those pups, hours of uninterrupted pleasure.
