If someone bottled pure mischief, added a dash of determination and a sprinkling of sass, they’d call it a Borkie. A cross between the Boston Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier, this little livewire is packed with confidence, curiosity, and comedy.
Borkies first popped up in the early 2000s when breeders decided to blend the Boston’s good humour with the Yorkie’s spunk. What they got was a dog that’s friendly, feisty, and occasionally far too sure of itself — in the most lovable way possible.
If you’re tempted by their cheeky grin and boundless charm, take the Which Dog Breed Is Best for Me? Quiz before you fall too hard. You’ll need patience, playtime, and a sense of humour to keep up.
Pickles’ Aside: Think pocket rocket… with opinions.
Great Names for a Borkie
You’ll want something as full of character as they are.
Playful picks: Biscuit, Wiggles, Fizz, Pickle, Zoom, Pogo
Classic charmers: Bella, Alfie, Ruby, Max, Molly, Charlie
Quirky whirlwinds: Gadget, Tizzy, Sprocket, Noodle, Chaos, Buttons
Heritage nods: Winston, Darcy, Beatrix, Byron, Florence, Percy
Need help? Try the Dog Name Generator — perfect for when you’ve spent an hour arguing over who gets the final say.
Exercise
Boston Terriers love zoomies, Yorkies love exploration — put them together, and you’ve got a compact bundle of perpetual motion.
One owner wrote: “He’s tiny but thinks he’s training for Crufts.” Another said: “She goes from snoozing to full sprint in 0.5 seconds flat.”
Daily needs:
- 45–60 minutes of walks or playtime
- Off-lead zooms in safe areas
- Mental games and sniffing challenges
Pickles’ Aside: Walkies are a full-contact sport for this lot.
Spaniel Energy / Terrier Trouble Warning
High energy, high sass, and a touch of selective hearing — they’ll keep you on your toes.
Temperament
Equal parts clown and cuddlebug, the Borkie is endlessly entertaining. They adore attention, make friends easily, and will do just about anything for a laugh.
You’ll see:
- Big personality in a small body
- Fierce loyalty to their humans
- Playful, mischievous behaviour
- The odd stubborn moment (usually when you’re in a rush)
An owner said: “He’s hilarious — a drama queen who farts and blames the cat.” Another laughed: “She’s bossy but brilliant. I’ve never met a dog with more personality.”
Pickles’ Aside: Comedian, companion, chaos gremlin — all in one.
Training
Smart, yes. Cooperative, sometimes. The Borkie loves praise and play, but you’ll need a pocket full of treats and a good sense of humour to get the best results.
Tips for success:
- Keep it short, upbeat, and consistent
- Reward good behaviour instantly
- Socialise early — they can be bossy with other dogs
- Patience and laughter are your best tools
An owner confessed: “He learned sit, stay, and ‘ignore mum completely’ within a week.”
Need backup? The World’s First AI Dog Trainer can help you keep things fun (and fair) while you navigate the sass.
Stubborn Streak Warning
They’ll happily perform a trick — once. Twice if you’re lucky. After that, you’d better have cheese.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Small but mighty, the Borkie makes an excellent little watchdog. They’re alert, vocal, and very protective of their people — but once a guest is approved, it’s all wags and kisses.
Other Animals
Generally sociable, though their inner terrier can make them a bit bossy with other small dogs. With good socialisation, they fit well into multi-pet homes.
One owner said: “She gets on with everyone… as long as they accept she’s in charge.”
Pickles’ Aside: CEO of the household, unpaid but self-appointed.
Grooming
Depending on which parent they take after, you might get the Yorkie’s fine, silky coat or the Boston’s smooth, short one — or something gloriously in-between.
Routine:
- Brush 2–3 times a week (daily if long-haired)
- Bath monthly
- Nail trims and ear checks
- Professional groom every 6–8 weeks for the fluffier types
Grooming Commitment / Seasonal Shed Warning
They don’t shed much, but they do demand maintenance. Ignore it and you’ll have knots — and attitude.
Health
Borkies are generally healthy, though they can inherit a few quirks from both sides.
Keep an eye out for:
- Dental issues (tiny Yorkie jaws)
- Eye problems
- Skin sensitivity
- Breathing issues (if they take after the Boston side)
An owner wrote: “Ours snores like a chainsaw and doesn’t care who knows it.”
Always choose breeders listed in the Best in Breeder Guide — responsible breeding keeps these mixes thriving.
Cost of Ownership
Small dog, mid-sized costs.
- Puppy price: £800–£1,500
- Insurance: £20–£45 per month
- Food: £15–£30 per month
- Grooming: £35–£60 every 6–8 weeks
- Vet bills: £200–£400 per year
Famous Owners & Moments
No official celebrity Borkies (yet), but they’re building a strong fanbase online. With their expressive faces and natural comedic timing, they’re naturals for social media stardom.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| “They’re quiet lapdogs.” | They’ll chat your ear off if they’ve got something to say. |
| “They don’t need much exercise.” | Tell that to the zoomies. |
| “They’re hypoallergenic.” | Coat types vary — no guarantees! |
FAQs
Are Borkies good for first-time owners?
Yes, if you’ve got time for training and energy to match their sass.
Do they bark a lot?
They love the sound of their own voice, but training can help.
Can they live in a flat?
Yes — they’re perfect city dogs as long as you keep them busy.
Are they good with kids?
Brilliant with older children who respect their boundaries.
Thinking of Bringing One Home?
A Borkie is like a shot of espresso with fur — fun, fiery, and guaranteed to wake you up. They’re full of love and laughter, but they’ll keep you on your toes.
If you’re ready for a tiny dog with a huge personality, a Borkie might just be your perfect match.
Start your journey with the New Puppy Paw-rent Planner, and capture their signature smirk with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Breed Stats
- Size: Small
- Weight: 4–8 kg
- Height: 25–35 cm
- Lifespan: 12–16 years
- Best Trait: Funny, affectionate, confident
- Challenging Trait: Stubborn and noisy when bored