Different Types of Yorkie Breeds: Which One is Right for You?

Yorkies, or standardly considered as Yorkshire Terriers, are one of the prominent small dog breeds adored by the owners worldwide. These small dogs are packed with a huge personality that arrives in small frames making them well-suited across different households. Their pleasing nature, smartness, and unique silky coats make them the most favorable among several other breeds. However, did you know about the different types of Yorkie breeds out there? Knowing about the variations in which Yorkies arrive can help you narrow down your options to opt for the one well-suited according to your choice and lifestyle.

In our post today, we will explore the varied types of Yorkies and their distinctive traits and core characteristics. Our extensive guide will offer owners key insights into choosing the right Yorkie breed, whether they are planning to own a Yorkie for the first time or already own one.

Understanding the Yorkie: A Brief Overview

Before you explore the different types of Yorkie breeds, it is essential to understand them. Yorkshire Terriers, known for their feisty nature and compact sizes, are well-adored among dog owners. They were originally bred in Yorkshire, England, during the 19th century to catch rats spread throughout the textile mills. The Yorkies were rapidly adopted as furry companions due to their adorable nature and greater adaptability.

Typically, the Yorkies are small, around 7 to 9 inches in height, and weigh around 4 to 7 pounds. These breeds are outstanding due to their luxurious long coat, similar to the Maltese or Bichon Frise needing a proper grooming routine. Irrespective of their smaller sizes, they are considerably known for being courageous, energetic, and attentive, and they are the best watchdogs.

Types of Yorkie Breeds

Since Yorkies, like the Yorkie Chon, share similar traits and temperaments, there are distinctive variations of this dog breed. Such differences are often based on the color of the coat, size, or crossbreeding. Here, we will discuss a couple of prominent variations of the Yorkie breed.

Standard Yorkshire Terrier

The Standard Yorkies are the real version of the breeds that the dog owners are familiar with. These pups generally weigh between 4 to 7 pounds, standing at a height of about 7 to 8 inches. The Standard Yorkies bears a coat that generally has an aesthetically appealing blend of blue and tan with silky hair that needs frequent brushing, preventing the formation of tangles.

Temperament and Personality

The Standard Yorkies are extremely confident, energetic, and loving. They create a strong bond closely to their owners and are often considered "people dogs" since they need companionship and love. Irrespective of their small size, they are extremely bold having an assertive personality with a curiosity to please their owners mainly when introduced to the new spaces or situations. Similar to other small dog breeds like Bichon Frise or Pomeranian are often curious and high-spirited and on the verge of trying something more exciting. The Standard Yorkies live well across the active household, where they get a lot of exercise and attention. They enjoy socializing with pets and other people, displaying an individual streak often like the Teacup Havanese.

Care Needs

Due to their silky and long coats, Standard Yorkies require regular grooming. Owners are often required to brush their dogs' coats regularly and schedule professional grooming sessions to maintain their appearance and health. Furthermore, dogs need physical exercise and proper mental stimulation to remain healthier and happier, with interactive playtime and regular walk time being important.

Teacup Yorkshire Terrier

The Teacup Yorkies are miniature versions of the Standard Yorkie; however, these small dogs arrive with their distinctive set of complexities. The general weight of the Teacup Yorkies is between 2 to 3 pounds, and it stands at a height of around 5 to 7 inches. Although their size makes them more appealing, it makes this breed more delicate and needs proper care, which is often only suited for some.

Temperament and Personality

The Teacup Yorkies share several personality qualities with the standard breeds, including their loving and playful nature. But, considering their small size, they portray a lot of risk. The Teacup Yorkies are generally not tolerant of rough handling or the changes in their spaces. Similar to the Teacup Toy Yorkie Poo, these dog breeds require careful handling and proper care. These small dog breeds love to get pampered, making them the ideal furry companion for individuals with patience and time to meet their requirements. The Teacup Yorkies are considerably known to form amazingly strong bonds with their owners, following them everywhere they go. Although they are social and love being around their human parents, they are weak compared to their larger counterparts, with their energetic natures causing them to overexert themselves.

Care Needs

Considering their weak sizes, Teacup Yorkies are often prone to a few specific health issues like dental health issues, low blood sugar, and weakening bones. Their food should be portioned carefully, to prevent conditions like hypoglycemia, and ensure to offer them moderate levels of exercise that do not stress them out. The need for grooming is often identical to the Standard Yorkies; however, pet owners should handle it carefully due to their delicate structure and small sizes.

Parti-Color Yorkshire Terrier

The Parti-Colored Yorkies are yet another unique variation of the types of Yorkie breeds. The key defining attribute of these Yorkies is their coat, which includes a combination of both black and tan or white and tan, offering them their distinctive looks. It is the two-tone coloring sets that differentiate them from the common ones, including blue-and-tan Yorkies, making them the ideal option for those in search of a touch of class.

Temperament and Personality

The Parti-Colored Yorkies share several different qualities that match the standard ones, including their confident and bold personality. These dogs are known for their highly energetic, loving, and social nature, often similar to the Maltese and the Pomeranians. They often create a deep bond with their owners as they are often high-spirited and independent compared to the other breeds. The parti-colored Yorkies love to play and explore, making them the ideal furry companions for singles, couples, or families.

Also Read: Teacup Yorkie Poo | Fascinating Facts about these Tiny Terriers

Care Needs

The parti-color Yorkies are often identical to the standard ones, and so are their grooming needs. Frequent brushing is the key to effectively preventing their coats from tangling, and professional grooming is often needed. Their playful personality indicates their regular need for proper mental and physical stimulation to stay content and happy.

Chocolate Yorkshire Terrier

The Chocolate Yorkies are often the rarest and most striking variation of the breed, considered for their coats with rich brown color. These pups are generally smaller compared to the standard Yorkies, weighing around 3 to 4 pounds. Their coats often range from deep chocolate brown to contrasting the conventional colors of Blue and Tan.

Temperament and Personality

Chocolate Yorkies often share similar energetic and bold personalities identical to their standard counterparts with a lazy nature. They are often calmer compared to the other common types of Yorkie breeds, making them the ideal option for families and people in search of smaller Yorkies with quiet temperaments. Their affectionate and friendly natures make them have strong bonds with their owners, and they live well in loving homes where they get a lot of attention.

Care Needs

Similar to the other Yorkie breeds, the Chocolate Yorkies need proper grooming to retain the look of their coats. They are often prone to similar health issues that often impact other small dog breeds, including their fragile bones, dental issues, and a few specific skin conditions. Their complete care ritual involves proper vet inspections, well-balanced nutrition, and moderate levels of exercise that will make them stay happier and healthier.

Black and Tan Yorkshire Terrier

Black and tan Yorkies are yet another astonishing variation of the Yorkie breed. Their unique black coats with tan markings give them a regal look. Although Yorkies often share a similar size and build to standard breeds, their color patterns distinguish them from the rest.

Temperament and Personality

The Black and Tan Yorkies are well-known for their energetic and confident traits. Similar to the Teacup Havanese, the Yorkies are often high-spirited and enjoy the company of the pets and their owners. They bear a protective instinct, making them the ideal watchdogs irrespective of their smaller size. The dogs are extremely smart and curious, checking out the environment and watching out for new things.

Care Needs

The Black and Tan Yorkies need frequent grooming to retain the stylish appearance of their coat. They require enough physical and mental stimulation to avoid becoming more anxious and bored. Similar to the Yorkies, they often enjoy playing and exploring around, making them the ideal option for active people or families offering an adequate amount of care and engagement.

Mismarked Yorkshire Terrier

The Mismarked Yorkies often indicate to the breeds they do not follow the conventional color patterns, showcasing the unusual markings on the coats that remain right out of the normal Yorkies. These breeds have inconsistent or irregular coloring, with a few of them having a mix of varied shades in areas like their chest, head, or body. As their aesthetics may not reach the show dog standards, they form the ideal companions and pets.

Temperament and Personality

The Mismarked Yorkies are often high-spirited, affectionate, and loyal dogs with their conventionally marked counterparts. Their overall personalities typically are similar to the Standard ones. These breeds are the ideal companions who are much wanted due to their eager to please and affectionate nature. While they often need to meet the typical standards, the mismarked Yorkies should be more noticed for their show competitions. Their small size and bold nature make them well-suited across different households. 

Care Needs

The Mismarked Yorkies need the same level of care and grooming, typically as the other Yorkie breeds. They also need frequent grooming and brushing that retains the health of their coats and makes them mat-free. Irrespective of their non-standard markings, the dogs often thrive with a lot of exercise, attention, and companionship. Their distinctive appearance does not change their need for daily physical activities or mental stimulation.

Also Read: Teacup Yorkie Chon Overview | All You Need to Know

Choosing the Right Yorkie for You

When choosing the types of Yorkie breeds, consider your lifestyle, the time you can dedicate to grooming them, and whether you meet their needs for socialization and exercise. Small dog breeds have distinctive requirements; however, Yorkies are well-known for their devotion to families and bold personalities.

Size: If you are looking for a small dog breed that is portable, the Chocolate or Teacup Yorkies are ideal options. Both breeds are small, making them perfect for apartments or for those who need tiny dogs.

Temperament: Also, consider the time you can dedicate to meeting your Yorkies' needs. These breeds are highly energetic and social; however, some are more independent, like the Parti-Color Yorkies. If you are looking for a dog with a huge personality but a calm nature, a Chocolate Yorkie is the right option.

Health Considerations: Smaller Yorkies, like the Teacup ones, are often prone to health issues, so they should be prepared for frequent vet visits. Bigger Yorkies, like the Standard ones, may have fewer health concerns; however, they need proper care to maintain their beautiful and longer coats.

Conclusion

Yorkies have been famous worldwide for centuries. Their unique personality can sometimes make them difficult to care for. They often encounter possible health issues and troubles associated with potty training. Each variation has its charm, smaller size, energetic nature, and loving quality. Understand that all Yorkies, irrespective of coat color or marking, bring joy, companionship, and love to your life!