If you’re a fan of Yorkshire Terriers, then you’re probably already familiar with their trademark features: their tiny size, adorable faces, and luscious, silky coats. But did you know that Yorkies come in a variety of colours and patterns, ranging from the classic black and tan to the rare and unique chocolate and merle? In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the many different colours and patterns of Yorkie coats, and explore what makes each one special. So get ready to discover the rainbow of Yorkie colours and find out which one is your favourite!
Traditional Colour Patterns
The most common and traditional colour pattern of a Yorkie’s coat is a combination of tan and black. This is often referred to as the “black and tan” colour pattern. The black usually appears on the back, tail, and ears, while the tan covers the face, legs, and chest. The coat is usually long, silky, and straight, and requires regular grooming to maintain its beautiful appearance.
Another traditional colour pattern of Yorkies is the “blue and gold” colour pattern. The blue refers to a dark greyish-blue colour, which appears on the back, tail, and ears, while the gold covers the face, legs, and chest. This colour pattern is also seen in other breeds like the Shih-Tzu and the Havanese.
Unusual Colour Patterns
In addition to the traditional colour patterns, Yorkies can also have some unique and rare colour patterns that are not often seen in other breeds. One of these is the parti-coloured or bi-coloured Yorkie. This refers to a Yorkie with a coat that is made up of more than one colour, with distinct patches or areas of each colour. For example, a parti-coloured Yorkie may have a white coat with black or tan patches.
Another unique colour pattern of Yorkies is the chocolate colour. This refers to a deep brown colour that can range from light to dark chocolate. It is a recessive gene, which means that both parents must carry the gene for a puppy to be born with a chocolate coat. The chocolate colour pattern is quite rare in Yorkies, and as such, chocolate Yorkies can be quite expensive.
There is also a parti-coloured variation of the chocolate Yorkie, known as the chocolate parti-coloured Yorkie. This refers to a Yorkie with a coat that is made up of more than one colour, with distinct patches or areas of chocolate and white. Like the chocolate Yorkie, the chocolate parti-coloured Yorkie is quite rare and expensive.
Another Yorkie type that originated in Germany in the 1980s. Biewer Yorkies are known for their unique and stunning colour pattern, which is a combination of white, black, and tan. The white and black colours are usually symmetrical on either side of the dog’s body, while the tan colour is seen on the face, legs, and chest. This colour pattern is quite rare and is the result of a recessive gene.
In recent years, the merle colour pattern has become increasingly popular in Yorkies. Merle refers to a marbled or speckled pattern of two or more colours, usually with a base colour of blue, black, or chocolate. Merle Yorkies can have blue, green, or hazel eyes and are quite striking in appearance. However, it is important to note that merle is not a traditional colour pattern for Yorkies and can be associated with health problems, so it is important to research and choose a reputable breeder if you are interested in getting a merle Yorkie.
Yorkies are a beautiful and popular breed known for their long, silky coats and friendly personalities. They come in a variety of traditional and unusual colour patterns, including black and tan, blue and gold, parti-coloured, chocolate, and merle. While some of these colour patterns are quite rare and expensive, all Yorkies are equally adorable and deserving of love and care. If you are interested in getting a Yorkie, be sure to research the breed thoroughly and choose a reputable breeder who can provide you with a healthy and happy puppy.
