Yorkshire Terriers, also affectionately known as Yorkies, are famous for their lively personalities and luxurious coats. Originating in England, these small terriers are not only considered alert and brave companions but are also admired for their beautiful and diverse coat colors. While blue and brown are traditionally associated with the breed, Yorkies display a surprising range of colors that can be both rare and visually striking. This article explores seven notable color variations of the Yorkshire Terrier, each adding its own charm to this already popular breed. From classic to unusual, these colors enhance the aesthetic diversity of Yorkers, making each color uniquely captivating.
1. Black and Tan
The black and tan Yorkie is a classic style that is widely recognized around the world. Puppies are born black and gradually turn black as they mature with tan spots. Tan usually appears above the eyes, on the muzzle, legs and chest, becoming more apparent as they mature. This color highlights the Yorkie’s expressive eyes and adds striking contrast to their overall appearance. Owners may notice that the black color of their Yorkie’s coat can turn steel blue as the dog ages, resulting in a beautiful and sophisticated silver color around the face and body.
2. Green and Yellow
Blue and yellow Yorkies carry a gene that dilutes the black pigment in their coat, turning it a deep steel blue. On the other hand, their tans turn a bright, rich yellow, providing a vibrant complement to the blue. This variation is especially striking because the blue coat can develop a shine, giving these dogs a regal appearance. Blue and yellow Yorkies are often sought after in shows thanks to their eye-catching and luxurious coat color.
3. Green and Tan
Blue and tan Yorkies are similar to black and tan, but have a softer, thinner black color that resembles a dark blue. This color often develops as the dog matures, with the dark steel blue becoming more apparent over time. Tan marks remain, adding a warm hue to the cool blue of their coats. This variation is known to be exceptionally silky and smooth, requiring regular grooming to maintain its stunning appearance.
4. Black and Gold
The black and yellow Yorkie is a less common but no less beautiful variation. These dogs retain their deep black color as adults but have luxurious gold accents instead of tan. This color combination creates a dramatic and elegant look, especially when the yellow is bright and stands out against the darker black background. People who own black and yellow Yorkies often report that their pet’s coat shimmers beautifully in the sunlight, adding to their appeal.
5. Chocolate
Chocolate Yorkies are a rarer color variation that carries brown genes instead of the traditional black. This results in a warm and rich chocolate brown color over the dog’s entire body, sometimes accompanied by light brown or tan spots. Chocolate Yorkies can also have lighter colored eyes, which can range from hazel to green, making them quite distinctive. This color is due to a recessive gene, which means that both parents must carry this recessive gene to produce a chocolate-colored child.
6. Yorkers
Parti Yorkies are characterized by their tri-colored coat, which includes white, black and tan, or sometimes chocolate and tan. White is often clean and bright, adding striking contrast to darker colors. This color is caused by a specific recessive gene, making it less common than monochromatic color variations. Parti Yorkies are especially popular in the United States, where their unique and colorful appearance makes them stand out at dog shows and in public.
7. Gold
Golden Yorkies are not pure gold but have a lighter, lighter version of the tan color commonly found in traditional Yorkies. They can have an almost golden appearance, with soft, pale yellow fur covering most of their body. Sometimes, they may have a darker back but the main coat color is pale yellow. This color can vary from creamy white to darker yellow, depending on the individual’s genetics.
Each of these color variations demonstrates the adaptability of the Yorkshire Terrier and the genetic diversity within the breed. Whether you prefer the striking contrast of black and brown or the unusual hues of chocolate or gold, there’s a Yorkie color variation to suit every taste.
In short, the Yorkshire Terrier is a breed that not only has a cheerful temperament and portable size; it also offers a stunning palette of coat colors. Each color variation not only adds visual appeal but also contributes to the charm and personality of the breed. From glossy blacks and brilliant golds to rare chocolates and eye-catching partis, the variety of colors available makes the Yorkie continually a popular choice among dog lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yorkie Colors
1. What is the traditional color of the Yorkshire terrier?
The traditional colors of the Yorkshire Terrier are blue and fawn. Yorkie puppies are born with black and tan fur that gradually changes to their adult color. As they grow older, their black fur fades to blue. This is not blue in the usual sense but a diluted black that looks dark gray or blue. The tan remains but becomes brighter and more obvious. This color change may continue until the dog is about two years old. The unique aspect of this color variation lies in its progression over time, which makes it interesting to observe the gradual change from the puppy’s initial coat to its adult color.
2. Can Yorkshire Terriers be white?
Yorkshire terriers are not usually white. The traditional colors of Yorkies are a combination of blue, black and brown. However, there are some rare cases where a Yorkie may be white due to a genetic condition known as albinism, a condition that is very rare and is not usually intentionally bred. Another example of white appearing in Yorkies is the Parti color, which includes patches of white along with typical black and brown or other colors. This specific color is due to a specific genetic variation and is recognized in breed standards by several breed clubs.
3. How do Yorkies get their chocolate color?
The chocolate color in the Yorkshire Terrier comes from a recessive gene that both parents must carry. This gene causes dilution of black pigment, turning it a dark brown or chocolate color. Unlike the more common blue and tan Yorkies, chocolate Yorkies have a uniform brown color that covers their body, legs, and sometimes their face. The eyes and nose of chocolate Yorkies may also be lighter, contributing to their distinctive appearance. Chocolate Yorkies are relatively rare because the specific genetic makeup required for this color is rarely found in breeding populations.
4. Are Parti Yorkers considered purebred?
Yes, Parti Yorkies are considered purebred. The Parti color, which includes substantial white markings along with traditional colors such as black and tan, is a recognized color variation within the Yorkshire terrier breed. It is caused by a specific recessive gene related to coat color. Breed clubs have different standards for color and although some may not recognize Parti as a standard color, that does not affect the purebred status of the dog. These Yorkies are similar to Yorkshire terriers as they have more typical blue and brown coats.
5. What causes the yellow color in some Yorkers?
The yellow color in some Yorkshire terrier breeds is often the result of a lighter and more extensive expression of the tan pigment in their coat. Instead of the darker tan markings seen in blue and tan Yorkies, golden Yorkies have a pale yellow or golden color that can cover most of their body. This variation is still relatively rare and is not one of the standard colors of the breed. It is the result of unique genetic variations that affect the distribution and intensity of pigmentation in the Yorkie’s coat.
6. Do Yorkies change color as they age?
Yes, Yorkies do change color as they age. Newborn Yorkie puppies are usually black and tan in color, which gradually changes as they mature. Black fades to blue or silver, and tan can become brighter and more widespread. The color change process can continue until the dog is about two to three years old. The degree and type of color change can vary from York to York, making each dog’s final color unique.
7. What is the rarest color of a Yorkshire Terrier?
The rarest Yorkshire Terrier color is probably chocolate or white. Chocolate Yorkies require a specific recessive gene from both parents, making them less common. White Yorkies are even rarer and often occur due to genetic defects such as albinism, which is often undesirable due to associated health problems. Parti Yorkies, while not as rare as white, are also uncommon and feature a mixture of white with other colors.
8. Can Yorkers be black?
Yorkshire terriers may have a mostly black appearance during their puppy stages, but as they mature, their coat color often changes to standard blues and browns. The solid black color is actually very rare and is not the norm for the breed. If a Yorkie is black as an adult it may be due to a rare genetic condition. Such cases are the exception and not the rule.
9. How can I know what color my Yorkie will be when he grows up?
Predicting the exact color a Yorkie puppy will mature into can be challenging. However, you can get a general idea based on the colors of the parents and the current color of the puppy. Remember that all Yorkie puppies are born black and tan and the black will gradually change to blue or silver. By observing changes in their coat during the first few months and knowing the genetic history of their parents, you can predict whether they will lean toward the more traditional blues and tans or a variation other colors like chocolate or yellow.
10. Does a Yorkie’s color affect its health?
The color of the Yorkshire Terrier does not inherently affect its health. However, Yorkies with unusual colors due to specific genetic traits, such as albinism or very rare color mutations, may be susceptible to health problems related to genetic conditions That’s more. It is essential to ensure that any color variations in Yorkies come from healthily and ethically bred lines to avoid perpetuating any genetic health problems.
