Types of Yorkies: A Guide to Different Yorkshire Terrier Varieties 

Yorkshire Terriers, or “Yorkies,” are maybe one of the most well-liked toy dog breeds. Their small size, silky coats, and feisty personalities make it no wonder that these creatures have won over the hearts of canine enthusiasts around the globe.

Yet few know that several varieties of Yorkies exist, each with something special about them. Here, we discuss the different breeds of Yorkies, their nature, and why each is distinct.

Whether you are a seasoned veteran in raising Yorkies or planning to welcome one to your family, it will make the breed all the more fascinating.

History and Origin of Yorkies

Yorkshire Terriers were first bred in England in the 19th century as companions to kill rats in mills and mines.

Composed originally of a mix of the Waterside Terrier, Paisley Terrier, and Skye Terrier, the Yorkie was originally a working dog. But due to its slender body and small stature, it soon became trendy among the British elite.

It was accepted into the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885, and Yorkies have since then been the popular family pet worldwide.

Mutations inherited and selective breeding created multiple different types of Yorkies, and therefore, there are multiple different types today.

1. Classic Yorkshire Terrier

It is the most typical and common type. They possess a silky, fine coat that is typically blue and tan. They are extremely active, smart, and affectionate.

Yorkies are 4 to 7 pounds and wonderful lap pets but also courageous and confident, so they are wonderful watchdogs in small packages. 

They possess a hypoallergenic coat that’s wonderful for allergy patients but also need frequent grooming to keep their typical silky coat in good condition.

True Yorkies are wonderful family pets, companion pets for the elderly, and, with proper training and socialization, pets for everyone else.

2. Black Yorkies

The classic color of the standard Yorkie is blue and tan, but the other less frequent variety exists in Black Yorkies. Black Yorkies typically are the result of crossbreeding or congenital defects.

Black Yorkies can have the typical color silky coat or the wavy bulkier coat. Remember that the Black Yorkie is a hybrid dog with a black coat that is not naturally occurring.

So, the Black Yorkie will, by necessity, be a hybrid. Black Yorkies are just as friendly and energetic as the standard breed.

Since they have a unique coloring, they can easily be mistaken for other small black breeds, such as the Affenpinscher or Miniature Schnauzer.

3. Yorkie Hybrids or Designer Yorkies

Yorkie hybrids are crossbreed canines from breeding a Yorkshire Terrier with another canine. Some of the most popular Yorkie hybrids are:

• Morkie (Yorkie + Maltese): Morkies are loving, friendly, and silky with a fluffy coat. They make great lap dogs.

• Chorkie (Yorkie + Chihuahua): Combined with the Chihuahua’s attitude and the Yorkie’s affection. This little hybrid has the best of both worlds.
• Shorkie (Shih Tzu + Yorkie): Shorkies are gentle and affectionate friends with curly, longer fur and the need for frequent grooming.
• Yorkie Poo (Poodle + Yorkie): Intelligent and hypoallergenic Yorkie Poos make great family pets for people with allergies.

• Borkie (Yorkie + Beagle): Yorkie personality with a Beagle nose.

Each of the Yorkie hybrids inherits traits from each, and they are all differently sized, coat-typed, and personality-wise. Dog owners highly prize the cream of the crop among designer Yorkies.

4. Biewer Yorkshire Terrier

Biewer Yorkshire Terrier is a special breed originally from Germany in the 1980s. Unlike most Yorkies, Biewers possess a three-colored coat pattern of gold, black, and white.

The breed has been selectively bred to bring out contrasting colors. Biewer Yorkies are extremely friendly, affectionate, and highly intelligent and are wonderful pets for families.

They require regular grooming to maintain their flow. Their silky coats are in demand for dog shows and exhibitions due to their dainty appearance.

5. Parti Yorkies

Parti Yorkies are also of a limited variety well-liked for their beautiful coat coloring. They have a tan, white, and black combination of coats rather than blue and tan, as in the traditional variety.

The Parti Yorkie became acceptable to the AKC in 2000, and though their coat coloring is different from the traditional Yorkies. They are just as good temperament and well-bred.

They are said to be extremely loving and energetic and do well in homes where they receive great attention and interaction.

6. Mismarked Yorkies

Mismarked Yorkies are those that don’t fit the breed’s color pattern. They may have an unusual marking, i.e., excessive white patches, chocolate color, or anything other than the traditional blue and tan colors.

Although the Yorkies from this litter were not registerable to place in the dog shows, they are wonderful companions and wonderful family pets.

The mismarked Yorkies, many of whom are very valuable in that they are rare and, in contrast to other coloring, get sold to enthusiasts and collectors. 

7. Teacup Yorkies

Teacup Yorkies are an under-standard-sized Yorkshire Terrier breed. They do not weigh more than 4 pounds and retain only as toys, so they are eagerly sought after to be pocket buddies.

Even though they are small, Teacup Yorkies are prone to diseases like brittle bones, hypoglycemia, and dental problems.

The fragile puppies need to be fed and handled with extra care by the owners. Although small, Teacup Yorkies have same bold and courageous nature as large Yorkies.

Yorkies’ lifespan

Yorkshire Terriers have a long life span for a dog. They can live 12-16 years, which concerns their health, nutrition, and how often they see the vet.

The Teacup Yorkies and such will not live as long because they get sick. Exercise, food, and dental care will make a Yorkie healthy and happy for many years.

Yorkies are generally good dogs but are susceptible to diseases like collapsing trachea, dental disease, and luxating patella, so vet visits are required.

Choosing the Right Yorkie! 

Yorkies come in unlimited quantities and have individualistic personalities, coat colors, and sizes.

Whether you prefer the classic Yorkshire Terrier, a uniquely colored Parti or Biewer Yorkie, or the cute Teacup Yorkie, each one has an individual personality.

Designer Yorkies bring another dimension of diversity by bringing the best of two worlds together.

Regardless of variety, all Yorkies share the same intelligence, playfulness, and loyalty, making them one of the world’s favorite pet animals.

If you are considering adopting a Yorkie, knowing the different types of Yorkies will help you choose the best furry friend to fit your lifestyle.