the many colours of yorkshire terriers

 
 

and you thought yorkies only came in black & tan…

Many of us know the classic look of an adorable “black & tan” or “blue & tan” Yorkshire Terrier. They are small, cute as a button, have a passion for barking and are extremely loyal to their people.

The truth is that even the traditional “black and tan” Yorkie comes in a variety of shades, and carries a variety of colour genes that determine whether or not it will fade out or stay dark. Their size also varies quite remarkably also. In North America it is not uncommon to meet a Yorkie that is upwards of 12 lbs, and others as small as 3lbs.

Because of the breed’s history, some Yorke’s carry recessive colour genes. This means that if two Yorkies that carry recessive colour genes are bred, very occasionally they will give birth to a puppy whose colour is something other than “black & tan.”

Over the past 40 years, most especially in Europe, breeders have been selecting to bring out the varied recessive genes in Yorkshire Terriers. They have also bred new size categories of Yorkies that include mediums sized Yorkies that weigh in over 15lbs.

VERY IMPORTANT FUN FACT: YORKIES DO NOT SHED. THEY ARE HYPOALLERGENIC AND SUITABLE FOR ALLERGY SUFFERERS!!!

MANY DIFFERENT COLOURS

Thanks to the concerted and selective breeding efforts on the part of European and North American breeders, new colours are emerging in the Yorkshire Terrier Breed, and DNA testing confirms their pedigrees to be true, verified Yorkies. These colours include;

  • Single toned and two-toned chocolate brown,

  • Sable,

  • White,

  • Tri-Colour,

  • Brown & White Parti, Black & White Parti,

  • Solid Black

  • and even Merle!

YORKIE TEMPERAMENT & DISPOSITION

Yorkies are traditionally alert, quick witted little dogs. They are very loving and extremely loyal to one owner. The median size range for a Yorkie is 7lbs, although the European coloured stock can be a little sturdier, sometimes weighing in closer to 10lbs.

Yorkies do very well as single dogs for single owners. They also do well in pairs, and with older children. Because of their small size, its important to keep them safe from the perils of being stepped on and sat on. Yorkies also hate the cold! Dress them well in winter and do not leave them outside for long.

Yorkie’s were bred to hunt rats and chase them down holes. This explains their extra-small size. They have feisty personalities that can become very protective of their owners. Naturally they will bark to alert their house-hold of danger. Its possible to train your Yorkie not to bark.

While these traits are true of all Yorkies, the European coloured stock does tend to be a little calmer that some lines of traditionally bred North American Yorkshire Terriers.

IS A TOY DOG THE RIGHT PET FOR MY FAMILY?

When choosing a breed for your family, there are a number of factors to consider. The small size of toy dogs make them portable and a good option for families on the move.

Small dogs do tend to need their people very much. They are not suitable for families that spend many hours away from home every day. A toy dog needs to stay with their family. So if you work from home, or have a dog friendly work-place, a Yorkie or toy dog may be a very compact and portable option.

If you need to leave your pet alone for hours at a time, a Yorkie or toy sized dog is likely not a good match.

More questions? We’re here to help. Please get in touch by clicking the button below and we’ll be pleased to chat more with you about your perfect puppy!