Yorkshire Terriers, commonly known as Yorkies, are small dogs with big personalities. Originally bred in the 19th century to hunt rats in England’s mills and mines, Yorkies have a storied history as tenacious hunters. Today, their feisty nature, combined with their long, silky coats, has made them beloved companion animals worldwide.
One of the unique aspects of this breed is the variety of coat colors they can exhibit, ranging from the traditional black and tan to the rarer chocolate and even parti colors. Read on to explore the different Yorkie coat colors and what makes each one so unique.
The Genetics Behind Yorkie Colors
Yorkie colors are largely determined by genetics, with two main pigments—eumelanin (black) and phaeomelanin (red)—playing a big role. Most Yorkies are born with a black and tan coat, but as they grow, various “graying” genes can cause changes in the color, turning black into blue and tan into a golden hue.
This transformation usually begins around six months of age and can continue until the dog is around three years old. Some rare genes, like the piebald gene, can introduce white into the coat, though this is uncommon.
The final coat color of a Yorkie is often hard to predict, as it can vary based on a mix of genetic factors. While examining the parents can provide some clues, it’s always a bit of a surprise!
Do Yorkies’ Coats Change Color with Age?
Yes, Yorkie coats often change as they mature. Most Yorkie puppies start with a black and tan coat, but this coloring gradually lightens over time due to the graying gene. The color change may initially be subtle, only noticeable in sunlight, but as the dog grows, the shift becomes more apparent.
By the time a Yorkie reaches about two to three years old, its adult coat color will be fully developed. This change, though, is unique to each dog. For a preview of what your Yorkie might look like, check out this helpful video on Yorkie puppy colors.
Standard Yorkie Colors Recognized by the AKC
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes four primary color combinations for Yorkies. Here’s what you can expect from each:
1. Black and Tan
These Yorkies retain the black and tan coloring from puppyhood into adulthood, as they lack the graying gene. Black dominates most of the body, with tan accents on the face, legs, and chest.
2. Blue and Tan
With a single graying gene, black areas gradually turn a shimmering steel-blue color, while tan areas remain vibrant. This striking contrast often gives Blue and Tan Yorkies a glamorous look.
3. Black and Gold
In these Yorkies, the black color is replaced with a rich, darker gold hue, giving them a slightly warmer tone. This color change is due to a combination of graying and other gene variations.
4. Blue and Gold
The most common adult Yorkie color, Blue and Gold Yorkies have two graying genes, transforming their puppy coat into a stunning blue and golden mix. The coat often takes on a darker hue at the roots, so grooming and haircuts can influence the visible color.
Additionally, as of 2000, the AKC officially recognizes the Parti Yorkie, a color combination involving black, tan, and white, as a purebred variety. Parti Yorkies come from the piebald gene and were controversial in the past, but a study confirmed their purebred status, making them eligible for AKC registration, though not for show competitions.
Rare Yorkie Coat Colors
While standard colors are more common, some Yorkies have rare, non-traditional coat colors. These colors may result from recessive genes or selective breeding and are prized by those seeking a unique-looking Yorkie.
1. Parti Yorkie
The Parti Yorkie has a mix of black, tan, and white, often with white being the predominant color. This unique look comes from the recessive piebald gene, which both parents must carry. Parti Yorkies were originally misunderstood and rejected, but today they’re celebrated for their striking appearance and can be registered with the AKC.
2. All Black Yorkie
A solid black Yorkie is extremely rare, and these dogs are often crossbreeds. Purebred Yorkies do not typically come in solid black. If you see a Yorkie advertised as all black, it’s likely a mix, as true Yorkies would show some tan or blue under closer inspection.
If you have a black-coated pup and need name inspiration, check out these creative Black Dog Names.
3. Chocolate or Brown Yorkie
Chocolate Yorkies have a rare, rich brown coat caused by a recessive “b” gene, which lightens the eumelanin pigment. Some purebred Yorkies may exhibit this color, though many chocolate Yorkies are crossbreeds. The AKC recognizes them as liver/tan or chocolate/tan, though they cannot compete in shows.
Need ideas for naming your brown-coated pup? Explore this fun list of Brown Dog Names.
4. Red-Legged Yorkie
This variety is also known as a Red Yorkie. The red color is thought to be a “throwback” gene from Yorkie ancestors and typically appears on the chest, legs, and face. Red-legged Yorkies have a stiffer coat texture and are sometimes used to enhance Yorkie bloodlines, improving coat quality in future generations.
5. Golden Yorkie (Blonde or Sable Yorkies)
Golden Yorkies, sometimes referred to as blonde or sable, have a coat dominated by the phaeomelanin gene, resulting in an all-gold appearance. While beautiful, this color is rare and often comes from crossbreeding rather than purebred Yorkie lines.
6. Blue Born Yorkies
Occasionally, a Yorkie is born with a solid blue coat due to a unique gene combination. However, this color is often associated with severe health issues, including skin problems and allergies, and can even be life-limiting. Be cautious of breeders marketing these dogs as rare status symbols, as their lives can be marred by pain and discomfort.
Other Yorkie Colors You Might See
Yorkies can also show some less common color variations, often due to crossbreeding or rare recessive genes:
- Merle Yorkies (Chocolate Merle, Blue Merle)
- Black & Silver
- Liver & Tan
- Isabella Gold & White Parti
These colors are non-standard and are not typically recognized by the AKC, but they add variety to the breed and can be beautiful in their own right.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is It Okay to Get a Rare-Colored Yorkie?
While rare-colored Yorkies can be beautiful, potential owners should be aware that these dogs may be crossbreeds or carry genetic mutations. This is generally not a problem if you’re seeking a pet rather than a show dog.
However, some rare colors can lead to health complications due to less controlled breeding practices. For instance, chocolate and blue-born Yorkies may face a higher risk of certain health issues, making it essential to choose a responsible breeder.
Do Yorkie Colors Affect Health or Behavior?
In most cases, a Yorkie’s coat color doesn’t directly impact its health. However, dogs with certain rare colors, like blue-born Yorkies, may experience unique health challenges, especially related to skin and allergies. Standard-colored Yorkies, such as Blue and Gold or Black and Tan, tend to be the healthiest, as these colors follow the breed’s natural genetic pattern.
In terms of temperament, purebred Yorkies are generally feisty, affectionate, and loyal, regardless of coat color. Crossbred Yorkies, especially those with unique colors, might inherit temperamental traits from other breeds, which can influence their behavior.
How about Yorkie eye color?
While standard Yorkie eyes are typically dark brown or black, some rare Yorkies may have hazel, light brown, or even green or blue eyes. Eye color is primarily determined by genetics and is typically linked to coat color variations.
How to Take Care of Your Yorkie’s Coat?
Yorkies have a beautiful, hypoallergenic coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in top condition. Unlike most breeds, Yorkies don’t shed much, but their hair can grow quite long, which means they benefit from daily brushing to avoid tangling and matting. Regular baths, trims, and trips to the groomer every four to six weeks are recommended.
Need some grooming inspiration? Take a look at these cute and practical Yorkie Haircuts. If you’re also looking for other low-shedding dog breeds, check out this list of the Best Hypoallergenic Dogs for Kids.
Conclusion: Which Yorkie Color Will You Choose?
With such a wide array of colors, Yorkie owners have plenty of options to consider. Whether you prefer the classic Black and Tan or are drawn to the unique Parti or Chocolate Yorkie, remember that each Yorkie is special. Their color may change as they grow, so enjoy the journey of discovering your Yorkie’s final look.
When choosing a Yorkie, prioritize reputable breeders who focus on healthy, well-bred pups to ensure a long and happy life for your new friend.
Which Yorkie color is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!