Yorkshire Terriers, affectionately known as Yorkies, captivate hearts with their sassy personalities and luxurious coats. While technically a single breed, variations in size and coat appearance have led to distinctions like the “Teacup” or “Biewer.” This exploration delves into seven commonly recognized types of Yorkies, highlighting the subtle nuances that differentiate them. From the classic Yorkshire Terrier to the rarer Chocolate Yorkie, discover the fascinating diversity within this beloved breed and find the perfect Yorkie type to match your lifestyle.
So you’d like to have a “pocket dog?” A “micro” dog? A “teacup” dog? Yorkshire terriers are the perfect breed to choose from if your German Shepherd can’t fit in your purse.
Now, you’ll just need to decide exactly which Yorkie is the breed for you.
There are seven types of Yorkies:
- Original Yorkshire terrier
- Designer Yorkies (mixed breed)
- Biewer Yorkshire terriers
- Parti Yorkies
- Mismarked Yorkies
- Black Yorkies
- Teacup Yorkies
All seven types share the same personality and temperament (generally speaking), and we’re here to break down what each type is for you. These dogs are all Yorkshire terriers, although designer Yorkies are not purebred animals since they’re mixed with other breeds.
Now, let’s take a trip into the world of these tiny little dogs. Prepare to be amazed.
History and Origin of Yorkies
The real deal – The original Yorkshire terrier is sassy, affectionate, and fun. Although you wouldn’t want a Yorkie to be around other pets like hamsters or bunnies due to their strong prey drive, they can certainly be socialized to accept other dogs in the family.
Their silky hair, if left uncut, grows to the ground, yet they rarely shed. Although no dog is completely hypoallergenic, many allergy sufferer have a Yorkie by their side. If you’ve never seen a Yorkshire terrier with a hair bow tied up on its head to hold the hair back, you’re missing a glorious sight. What a wonderful dog.
They will almost certainly “sound the alarm” (or bark a lot) when people visit, but that’s what makes them good watchdogs. They’re protective of their territory and people.
More terrier than lapdogs, they can be quite bossy, so proper obedience training in the form of positive reinforcement is needed. They need to be reminded who the boss actually is.
Types of Yorkies
It’s easy to think a dog this small couldn’t be very smart, but yes, they can be. One reputable, well-known study breaks down the intelligence of dog breeds and where they rank.
Professor of Psychology Stanley Coren wrote the now famous book entitled “The Intelligence of Dogs.” The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) collaborated with the professor to test 90 breeds for intelligence and publish the results. One hundred and ninety-nine (199) judges evaluated the purebreds.
The Yorkshire terrier placed at #27 in the category of above-average intelligence. They’re also highly trainable.
Note: Just because a dog is small doesn’t mean he doesn’t need to be trained. Many guardians of small dogs believe this, thinking that something so small is easily handled. Au contraire. Begin obedience training and socializing your Yorkie as soon as you get them and continue training throughout their lives.
This will help with incessant barking and other negative behaviors that come with an out-of-control dog. Socialization with children and other animals, ideally at an obedience training class, will help them respond well to strangers and other pets.
1. Original Yorkshire terrier
| Group | Toy |
| Height | 7”-8” |
| Weight | 7 lbs. |
| Fur color | Single-coated – Blue & gold, blue & tan, black & tan, black & gold |
The real deal – The original Yorkshire terrier is sassy, affectionate, and fun. Although you wouldn’t want a Yorkie to be around other pets like hamsters or bunnies due to their strong prey drive, they can certainly be socialized to accept other dogs in the family.
Their silky hair, if left uncut, grows to the ground, yet they rarely shed. Although no dog is completely hypoallergenic, many allergy sufferer have a Yorkie by their side. If you’ve never seen a Yorkshire terrier with a hair bow tied up on its head to hold the hair back, you’re missing a glorious sight. What a wonderful dog.
They will almost certainly “sound the alarm” (or bark a lot) when people visit, but that’s what makes them good watchdogs. They’re protective of their territory and people.
More terrier than lapdogs, they can be quite bossy, so proper obedience training in the form of positive reinforcement is needed. They need to be reminded who the boss actually is.
2. Designer Yorkies (Mixed Breed)
Sometimes, people want traits – temperament or physical – in their Yorkie that aren’t innate and try to breed for them to get Yorkie mixes. Characteristics like height, weight, lifespan, and health issues will be different for all.
Here are some common mixes:
- Shorkie (Yorkie-Shih Tzu) (So cute!)
- Chorkie (Yorkie-Chihuahua)
- Borkie (Yorkie-Beagle)
- Yorkie-poo (Yorkie-Poodle)
- Morkie (Yorkie-Maltese Mix)
- Snorkie (Yorkie-Schnauzer)
- Dorkie (Yorkie-Dachshund)
- Yorkie-Pom (Yorkie-Pomeranian)
3. Biewer Yorkshire terriers
| Group | Toy |
| Height | 7”-11” |
| Weight | 4-8 lbs. |
| Fur color | Chocolate, tan, & white; Black, tan, & white; Blue, tan, & white |
This breed stands alone from the other dogs on this list since it has been registered as its own by the AKC. Developed in Germany in the 1980s, it is born from two Yorkshire Terriers with recessive piebald genes. “Piebald” is a white spotting pattern or random white markings, usually asymmetrical, that appear on the body.
An affectionate, energetic, and intelligent dog, the Biewer terrier makes an excellent family companion. They’re highly adaptable and can fit right in with those living in the city or country, seniors, singles, or families.
Their beautiful tricolored coat needs regular grooming, and brushing them every other day will keep their long, silky hair healthy. They respond well to obedience training and enjoy mental stimulation, like playing with interactive puzzle toys.
Biewers need a specific diet to replenish their spent energy, so a visit to the vet for their opinion is suggested. A fun activity for them would be to maneuver through a small obstacle/agility course in the backyard. They need mental and physical exercise to flourish.
4. Parti Yorkies
Photo Credit: @parti_yorkies
| Group | Toy |
| Height | 7″-8″ |
| Weight | 4-7 lbs. |
| Fur color | Chocolate, tan, and brown; White, black, and tan; Other variations of three colors |
Parti Yorkshire terriers aren’t just dogs who like to have a good time, they have their own distinction of being tri-colored. In the circles of people with full-bred dogs, there was a time when this variation didn’t go over too well. They called it a mistake or a flaw in breeding when, in reality, it is the result of a recessive gene called the “parti gene.”
In 2000, the AKC stepped in and, after years of genetic testing, recognized the dog as an official variant (purebred) of the Yorkshire terrier. Hooray!
There have been many advocates for the parti dog, but Mrs. Gloria Lipman stands out as one of their greatest. She lobbied, educated, and communicated essential facts about the variant breed. She wanted to stop the skepticism that surrounded them and to have them recognized as they are today.
Mature Parti Yorkies are agile and athletic and need daily exercise to stimulate their minds and bodies. They’re also, just like other Yorkshires, affectionate and playful and make excellent companions.
5. Mismarked Yorkies
| Group | Toy |
| Fur color | Varies |
A mismarked Yorkie is a Yorkshire Terrier that does not conform to the breed standard in terms of coat color and markings. – Yorkies-gram
By the AKC breed standard, a Yorkie must have a blue body with tan markings on the head, legs, chest, and tail. They’re genetic variations of the Yorkshire terrier.
Mismarked Yorkies are a Yorkie breed generally not accepted by the AKC and are disqualified from conformation shows since they don’t conform to the breed. These dogs can come in a variety of colors and color mixtures.
Some unscrupulous breeders overlook the welfare of the offspring to produce mismarked pups. Be sure to do thorough research to ensure you’re getting a reputable breeder. (But we suggest adoption since saving one dog is saving two – that particular dog and the one that follows it into the rescue organization.)
6. Black Yorkies
| Group | Toy |
| Fur color | Black |
Black Yorkies, a variant and rare type of Yorkshire terrier, can be developed through selective breeding. They’re not purebred dogs and usually have a parent of another breed.
They do share the same yummy characteristics of Yorkshire terriers as far as temperament and personality.
7. Teacup Yorkies
The “Teacup Yorkie” (not a breed) is largely bred by shifty breeders who want to sell a tiny dog, so they call it a “teacup.”
Yorkshire terriers are small enough, though, and breeding the smallest of them with the same is entirely dangerous to the health of the dog. They can and most likely will develop a number of health issues – some of which can be fatal.
Keep your money in your pocket and go adopt a small Yorkshire terrier at a breed-specific rescue.
Guide for Choosing the Perfect Yorkie Companion
Before you adopt, make sure you’ve done the legwork it takes to move forward with a Yorkshire terrier adoption. Here’s a short list – Do you want:
- A male or a female?
- A show quality Yorkie (conform to the AKC’s breed standards) or a pet quality Yorkie?
- A purebred or a mixed-breed Yorkie?
We stand firmly behind our belief that rescuing/adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue is the best way to get a best friend for your family. It’s much more humane and lots less expensive. (Generally, $50-$200 vs. thousands for purebred Yorkies)
Here are a couple of Yorkshire terrier rescues…
Specifically, for a Biewer Yorkshire terrier rescue, you can visit the Biewer Terrier Club of America. And for any other type of Yorkie, check out Save a Yorkie Rescue. Also, visit Petfinder for a comprehensive database of adoptable Yorkies.
If you must purchase from a breeder, do so intelligently. Get online. Post it on social media and research reputable breeders.
A responsible breeder prioritizes the health and welfare of their dogs, adheres to ethical breeding practices, and ensures proper socialization of the puppies. – askyorkie.com
First, to find the best dog breed for you, check out this AKC questionnaire to make sure a Yorkshire terrier is the perfect breed to take home with you.
To read about tips for finding a breeder, visit the AKC website. The AKC’s marketplace can also help you decide where to look for Yorkie puppies.
Once you decide on a particular breeder, do your due diligence:
- Visit the breeder to assess the conditions, ask the right questions, and interact with the dogs.
- Be sure to ask if they’re willing to let you take the dog to visit your vet before a final purchase.
- Make sure you receive a contract and any other necessary documentation before you leave.
Breeds Similar to Yorkies
If you’re looking for a dog similar to a Yorkshire terrier, there are plenty to choose from:
- Silky terrier
- West Highland white terrier
- Australian terrier
- Lakeland terrier
- Airedale terrier
- Norwich terrier
- Cairn terrier
- Scottish terrier
- Irish terrier
- Skye terrier
FAQs
What Is a Yorkie’s Coloring?
AKC Standard Colors: Blue & gold, blue & tan, black & tan, black & gold
How Long Do Yorkies Live?
Yorkshire terriers generally live to be 11-15 years old; however, their health and genetics should be factored in. Some Yorkies will live shorter lives, and some will live longer ones.
Are There Different Yorkie Types?
There are 7 types of Yorkies:
- Original Yorkshire terrier
- Designer Yorkies (mixed breed)
- Biewer Yorkshire terriers
- Parti Yorkies
- Mismarked Yorkies
- Black Yorkies
- Teacup Yorkies
What Is the Best Yorkie Mix?
This is definitely a question for your vet, but Yorkie poos are usually highly intelligent, full of personality, and extremely loving.
Which Breeds Create a Yorkie?
Yorkies were all originally developed from Scotch terriers (dogs from that area, not the breed type) and the Skye and Dandie Dinmont.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a small dog breed blessed with intelligence, energy, and loads of personality, the Yorkshire terrier just might be the breed for you. They can adapt to just about any family type and are always up for plenty of attention (i.e., kisses and hugs).
There’s tons of information on them out there, so you can find out if this breed will be yours forever. And you’ll have seven choices to choose from! You lucky dog.
The Yorkshire Terrier, though a standardized breed, exhibits a delightful variety in coat color, size, and even personality nuances across its different types. From the classic Biewer and Parti to the rarer Chocolate and Teacup, each variation offers a unique appeal to enthusiasts. While these distinctions aren’t officially recognized by major kennel clubs, they highlight the diverse beauty within the breed. Ultimately, whether a traditional Yorkie or a less common variation, these charming companions share the same spirited and affectionate core that makes them beloved pets worldwide.