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

Yorkshire Terriers, or commonly known as the “Yorkies”, remain one of the well-known small dog breeds across the globe. They are well-liked for their silky coats, feisty confidence, and strong loyalty to their owners. Knowing all seven variations makes it easier to choose the right fit for your household. Whether their size, coat color, or grooming needs matter most to you.

In today's post, we’ll cover the size, unique features, temperament, and specific care needs of each type. We'll also share a side-by-side comparison table to answer the questions most Yorkie owners ask.

Understanding the Yorkie: A Brief Overview

Originally from Yorkshire, Yorkies are a small breed of dog that have stolen hearts all over.  They were first bred to catch rats in textile mills. 

As their popularity grew, they gained countless friends since they were loving and adaptable. They became one of the world’s most popular toy breeds. The average Yorkie stands about 7 to 9 inches tall and weighs about 4 to 7 pounds.  The Bichon Frise and Maltese both have long, silky, braided coats that require a proper grooming ritual, much like those with a powerful silky coat.

Even though Yorkies are small, they are usually brave, energetic and alert watchdogs. 

Yorkies also share traits with other hybrids, like the Yorkie Chon, a mix of Yorkie and Bichon Frise that’s energetic and lively.

Types of Yorkie Breeds

Every kind has its own size, coat color, and pattern. They all share the breed's core temperament.

🐾Standard Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are naturally self-assured, energetic and extremely devoted to their family.  They form strong bonds with their owners quickly. They are indeed true “people dogs”, always seeking attention. They’re quite brave and inquisitive, adapt well to new situations, and do well in an active household with plenty of socialization.

Size/Weight

4 to 7 pounds in weight and around 7 to 8 inches in height. 

Distinguishing feature

Signature silky coat in blue and tan.

Care Needs

Standard Yorkies should get brushed regularly between grooms. It helps keep their long silky coat from tangling. Frequent walks and interactive play will keep them satisfied physically and mentally, as boredom can turn into anxiety and/or attention-seeking behavior.

🐾Teacup Yorkshire Terrier

The Teacup Yorkie shares a similar playful, loving personality as its larger counterpart. However, its smaller size makes it extremely delicate. These pups form a strong bond with their owners and follow them from room to room. This variety needs gentle, careful handling instead of the rough play larger dogs often tolerate.

Size/Weight

2 to 3 pounds, standing 5 to 7 inches tall.

Distinguishing feature

A miniature build, noticeably smaller than the Standard Yorkie.

Care Needs

Due to their smaller size, Yorkies are often prone to hypoglycemia. Therefore, portion meals carefully and maintain a consistent feeding schedule. Also keep exercise moderate, avoid overexertion, and use extra caution during play and handling because of their fragile bones.

🐾Parti-Color Yorkshire Terrier

The Parti-Color Yorkshire Terrier shares the same confidence and bold personality often found across the breed, paired with a visibly social streak. These pups form a deep bond with their owners while maintaining their spirited, high-energy personality. Their playful nature makes them well-suited to singles, couples and families alike.

Size/Weight

Weight varies and is generally comparable to the Standard Yorkie.

Distinguishing feature

A tri-color coat combining black, white, and tan, rather than the traditional blue and tan.

Care Needs

Like other Yorkies, parti-color coats should be brushed frequently to prevent tangles and limit sun exposure. The white and tan spots may lose their color because of the hot sun. Permanent mental and physical activities keep this active breed satisfied.

🐾Chocolate Yorkshire Terrier

Chocolate Yorkshire Terrier is usually more relaxed and calmer than other Yorkshire Terrier types. Regardless of appearance, they share the same core traits of love and loyalty found in the breed. This is why they’re a popular choice for owners wanting a dog that is more low-key. They also tend to bond well with family and develop better in calm, attentive households.

Size/Weight

3 to 4 pounds.

Distinguishing feature

The coat is chocolate brown, rather than the more common blue and tan.

Care Needs

Over time and with sun exposure, chocolate coats can fade. Limit harsh sunlight and use a milder, color-safe shampoo to help keep their brown color. Like other smaller Yorkies, they benefit from consistent dental check-ups and a well-balanced diet to protect their fragile bones.

🐾Black and Tan Yorkshire Terrier

The Black and Tan Yorkshire Terrier is energetic, confident, and notably protective of its family, often taking on a watchdog role despite its small size. These dogs are smart and curious, frequently investigating new sights and sounds around the home. They enjoy close company with both people and other pets.

Size/Weight

4 to 7 pounds, with a build similar to the Standard Yorkie.

Distinguishing feature

A bold black coat with crisp tan markings.

Care Needs

Maintaining the sharp contrast between the black and tan markings takes consistent brushing and occasional trims to keep the coat looking crisp. Their protective instincts also mean they benefit from regular socialization to prevent excessive wariness around strangers.

🐾Mismarked Yorkshire Terrier

The Mismarked Yorkshire Terrier carries the same affectionate, eager-to-please personality found throughout the breed, unaffected by its unconventional coloring. These dogs bond closely with their families and adapt well to many households. Their bold, high-spirited nature makes them just as lively as any conventionally marked Yorkie.

Size/Weight

Weight varies and is generally similar to the Standard Yorkie.

Distinguishing feature

Irregular or inconsistent coat coloring that falls outside standard Yorkie markings.

Care Needs

Because show-ring standards don't apply to Mismarked Yorkies, grooming can focus on comfort and coat health rather than achieving a specific look. Regular brushing still prevents mats, and regular exercise and attention keep this variety happy and well-adjusted.

🐾Biewer Yorkshire Terrier

The Biewer Yorkshire Terrier is playful and affectionate, generally described as slightly calmer and more easygoing than some other Yorkie types. Despite that laid-back streak, Biewers stay alert and social, enjoy attention from their family, and stay curious about their surroundings. They tend to adapt well to households with children and other pets.

Size/Weight

4 to 8 pounds.

Distinguishing feature

A piebald coat pattern combining white, gold, and black, distinctly different from any traditional Yorkie coloring.

Care Needs

The Biewer's long, silky coat needs regular brushing like other Yorkie types to prevent tangles, along with routine trims to keep hair away from the eyes. Regular dental care is also important, since small breeds like the Biewer are prone to dental issues without consistent attention.

How the 7 Types Compare at a Glance

Lining up all seven types side by side makes the differences in size, coloring, and grooming demands easier to compare.

Type	Weight	Iconic Feature	Grooming Level
Standard	4–7 lbs	Classic blue & tan coat	High
Teacup	2–3 lbs	Smallest size, delicate build	High
Parti-Color	Varies	Black, white & tan coat	High
Chocolate	3–4 lbs	Rare deep brown coat	High
Black and Tan	4–7 lbs	Bold black coat markings	High
Mismarked	Varies	Irregular, non-standard coloring	Medium
Biewer	4–8 lbs	Piebald white, gold & black coat	High

Choosing the Right Yorkie for You

The choice of Yorkie type depends on three things. One, the size you want. Second, how much time you have to groom the dog. And third, any health issues you may have if you want a smaller variant.

Find Your Perfect Yorkie Match

Yorkshire Terriers have gained immense popularity for a reason. Each of these seven Yorkshire Terrier types has something unique to offer, from the Teacup’s daintiness to the Chocolate’s rarity. Finding the right size, disposition, and grooming willingness to fit your lifestyle is more important than anything else, as the essence of all Yorkie types is the same loyal and loving companionship.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different kinds of Yorkshire Terriers?

The Yorkshire Terrier’s breeds or types are Standard, Teacup, Parti-Color, Chocolate, Black and Tan, Mismarked, and Biewer. Although they differ mainly in size, coat color, and coat pattern, all are energetic and affectionate.

Which Yorkie is the least common type?

The Chocolate Yorkie is often considered the rarest, as it comes in a dark brown shade rather than the usual blue and tan. Biewer Yorkies are also rare because this piebald pattern comes from a specific genetic mutation first discovered in the 1980s.

Are Teacup Yorkies a different breed?

No, Teacup Yorkies are not a breed of their own. They’re simply a size variation of the Standard Yorkshire Terrier. They typically weigh 2 to 3 pounds. Miniature Yorkshire Terriers are basically Standard Yorkies in temperament and history, but slightly smaller and much more delicate.

What is the best Yorkie type for families?

The Standard Yorkie is typically better suited for families, as its larger size makes it more resistant to standard household activity than the Teacup kind.  Its confident, affectionate nature also makes it suitable for children and other pets.

Which Yorkie type has the least need for grooming?

The Chocolate and Mismarked Yorkies require less grooming compared to the standard Yorkshire Terrier, since they are not bred to meet the show-ring standard. Still, all types of Yorkies need brushing too; otherwise, their long, silky coats will get tangled.