The majority of Yorkies are tan and blue, but it is possible to selectively produce black Yorkies, an uncommon variant. A Yorkie with both parents’ KB genes will have a completely black coat. But if it only receives the KB gene from one parent, it will have a coat that is either black and tan or black and blue.
In this ultimate guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about this breed, from their appearance to their personality, training, and health.
Contents Overview
What is a Black Yorkie?
A Yorkshire Terrier with black coloring is referred to as a black Yorkie. Even though the majority of purebred Yorkie puppies are born with a predominantly black coat, their ears, faces, and legs should have some tan or gold coloring. However, a Yorkie can be a mixed breed if its fur is totally black.
A Yorkshire terrier puppy with a single color coat, like gold, white, or black, is actually the product of crossbreeding.
A purebred Yorkshire terrier should have a double-colored coat composed of tan, gold, black, or blue, as stated in the breed standards established by numerous kennel organizations.
Origin and History
Scottish laborers who moved to Yorkshire during the Industrial Revolution in England to work in the factories, mines, and textile factories brought a dog known as a Clydesdale Terrier or Paisley Terrier with them. These canines were much larger than the typical Yorkshire Terrier, and it’s believed that their main purpose was to catch rats in the textile mills.
The English Black and Tan Toy Terrier and the Skye Terrier, possibly, were the terrier breeds with which the Clydesdale Terriers were most likely mixed. The Yorkshire Terrier may have evolved in part because of the Waterside Terrier. This little dog had a long coat of blue-gray fur.
An 1861 bench exhibit had a Yorkshire Terrier presented as a “broken-haired Scotch Terrier.” Born in 1865, Huddersfield Ben went on to become a well-known show dog and is regarded as the originator of the contemporary Yorkshire Terrier. Because most of the breed’s growth had taken place there, it was given that name in 1870.
In the British Kennel Club stud book, Yorkshire Terriers were first included in 1874. In England, the first breed club for Yorkshire Terriers was established in 1898.
The first Yorkshire Terrier was born in the United States in 1872, according to records. As early as 1878, Yorkshire Terriers were permitted to participate in dog competitions. The weight categories for Yorkshire Terriers in those early competitions were 5 pounds and over and under 5 pounds. Exhibitors ultimately decided on a class with an average weight of between 3 and 7 pounds.
Appearance and Size
A black Yorkie’s appearance can vary, just like that of other mixed breeds. Genetic crossbreeding of a Yorkshire Terrier with another breed might result in the youngster displaying traits from either or both parents.
But the majority of breeders of designer dogs decide to mix Yorkies with another dog breed that has a similar build.
This guarantees that the black Yorkie puppy will share the same miniature stature and characteristics as its purebred sibling.
Yorkshire Terriers should weigh no more than seven pounds and measure 8 to 9 inches at the shoulder, while four to six pounds is recommended.
Yorkies come in a variety of sizes. One Yorkie weighing under four pounds, one weighing five or six pounds, and one growing to be 12 to 15 pounds can all be found in the same litter.
Yorkshire Terriers sold by “tea cup” breeders should be avoided. Smaller-than-average dogs are more vulnerable to hereditary diseases and have worse overall health.
Coat and Grooming Needs
The Yorkshire Terrier has a long, silky coat that is absolutely straight and devoid of any wave. The hair of show dogs reaches the floor. They shed relatively little and only have a single coat.
Puppies are born with a black coat, which progressively changes to a blue and brown one after about a year. Puppies that begin to lighten before turning a year old frequently develop grey coats as opposed to blue ones.
The hair is a dark steel-blue colour that, when illuminated by the sun, appears to have a bluish shine from the back of the head to the tip of the tail. The hair on the head is tan, deeper at the roots than the ends, and the colour of the head is bright gold, not reddish.
On the muzzle and at the back of the ears, the hair is a little bit darker. There are no black hairs interspersed with the tan, and the tan does not reach past the ears. Although the tan colour doesn’t go past the elbow, Yorkshire Terriers also have tan legs.
The fact that Yorkies tend to lose weight as they age is an intriguing truth. Colour can also alter due to hormonal changes. Females lighten when they are in heat and then darken once the season is done.
A long-haired Yorkshire Terrier requires a lot of care to groom, especially if his coat is “soft” and prone to tangling rather than smooth. Even if you regularly trim your Yorkie’s coat, lightly brush him every day to help prevent mats and keep him tidy.
Yorkies are one of many little breeds that are prone to dental issues. Yorkshire Terriers frequently develop tartar on their teeth and are susceptible to tooth loss at a young age, so brush their teeth frequently and arrange for your vet to perform a professional cleaning at least once a year.
Regularly inspect your Yorkie’s ears as part of grooming. Take a good look inside and give them a nice whiff. Ask your veterinarian to examine them if they seem infected (have an unpleasant smell, redness, or a brown discharge). To remove hair from the ear canal, use your fingers or contact your veterinarian or groomer to assist you.
Bathe your Yorkie once a week to maintain a gorgeous, lustrous coat. Rub-free washing of the coat is not necessary. All you have to do to remove the dirt is run your fingers through the coat after washing it and shampooing it. After using conditioner, thoroughly rinse.
Personality and Temperament
The Yorkshire Terrier combines an endearingly petite size with an independent terrier character to produce a smart and confident dog. There are several personalities present in the breed. Some are cute and vivacious, wishing nothing more than to spend the day following in their people’s footsteps. Some people are naughty, extroverted, and interested in everything.
Your Yorkie will make a fantastic companion if you set boundaries, but be careful not to spoil him. If you start teaching them as young puppies, your chances of success will be far higher than if you wait until they are fully grown before attempting to break negative habits.
Like all dogs, Yorkies require early socialization, which involves exposing them to a variety of sights, noises, experiences, and people when they are young. Your Yorkie will be a sociable, well-rounded dog thanks to socialization.
Training and Exercise Needs
Live animals shouldn’t be given away for free because they require care and commitment. It’s important to carefully examine the responsibility of pet ownership before bringing a pet into your home. It is also unethical to give a live animal away as a gift or for free because it sends the message that the animal is not respected and might be left behind if the recipient does not want it.
These are little, lively canines who require daily walks. They will get most of the exercise they need from play, but like all breeds, it won’t satisfy their innate urge to walk. Dogs who are deprived of daily walks are more prone to exhibit behavioural issues. Your Yorkie has to go on more/longer walks where he is made to heel beside or behind the human if he is zooming around the house like a speeding bullet. Bear in mind that a dog follows the leader at all times. They will also like a nice romp in a secure, unrestricted area without a leash, such a sizable, fenced-in yard.
Black Yorkie Puppies for Sale
If you’re ready to start your search for a Black Yorkie puppy, there are several places you can look.
Breeders
A breeder is one of the most well-liked places to look for a Pomeranian-poodle mix puppy for sale. Do your research and locate a reputable breeder who is concerned about the health and welfare of their puppies. A reputable breeder will let you meet the puppy’s parents and will provide you copies of any certifications and health documents.
Pet Stores
Black Yorkie puppies may be available for purchase in some pet stores, but it’s important to exercise caution when doing so. Puppies are frequently purchased by pet shops from puppy mills, where the animals are frequently mistreated and maintained in subpar conditions. If you decide to purchase from a pet shop, be sure to enquire about the puppy’s lineage and medical history.
Adoption
A wonderful approach to offer a furry buddy a second chance in life is to adopt a Black Yorkie puppy. Ask if there are any Black Yorkie pups up for adoption at your neighborhood animal shelter or rescue group.
Training Tips
They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train with positive reinforcement techniques. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when training your Black Yorkie:
- As soon as you bring your Black Yorkie home, begin training them. The key is consistency, and early norms and boundary setting are crucial. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise and treats, to encourage good behavior. Avoid using punishment or negative reinforcement, which can cause fear and anxiety in your dog.
- Training sessions should be brief, frequent, and singularly focused on one instruction or behavior. This will lessen the likelihood of your Black Yorkie getting overwhelmed or bored.
- Expose your Pomeranian poodle mix to a range of people, environments, and situations to help socialize them. They will feel more at ease and certain in unfamiliar circumstances as a result.
- Practice consistency and patience, and keep in mind that training is a lifelong process. Your Black Yorkie can learn to be a well-mannered and obedient pet with practise and patience.
Common Health Problems
Although Yorkies are mostly healthy, they are susceptible to some health issues like all breeds.
Find a reputable breeder who will provide you with the health clearances for both of your puppy’s parents if you are purchasing a puppy. Health certifications attest to a dog’s having undergone testing and being declared free of a specific ailment. You can anticipate seeing health certificates for von Willebrand’s disease, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and thrombopathia from the Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), thrombopathia from Auburn University, and normal eyes from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) in Yorkies. You can visit the OFA website (offa.org) to validate health certifications.
- Patellar Luxation: This issue, sometimes known as “slipped stifles,” affects a lot of little dogs. It results from improper patella alignment, which comprises three components: the femur (thigh bone), patella (knee cap), and tibia (calf). This results in the dog’s limb being lame or having an unusual stride. Although the physical misalignment or luxation does not often happen until much later, it is a condition that is present at birth. Arthritis, a degenerative joint disease, can develop as a result of the rubbing that patellar luxation causes. There are four different grades of patellar luxation, ranging from grade I, which is a rare luxation that only temporarily impairs the joint, to grade IV, in which the tibia is severely turned and the patella is incapable of being manually straightened. The dog appears to have bowlegged legs as a result. Surgery may be necessary to correct severe grades of patellar luxation.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): a degenerative condition of the eyes. Due to the gradual loss of photoreceptors at the rear of the eye, PRA leads to blindness. Years before the dog exhibits any evidence of blindness, PRA is evident. Reputable breeders have a veterinary ophthalmologist certify the eyes of their dogs every year.
- Portosystemic Shunt: The term “portosystemic shunt” (PSS) refers to an irregular blood flow from the liver to the body. That’s a concern because the liver handles the body’s detoxification, nutritional metabolism, and drug elimination. Neurobehavioral disorders, anorexia, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), intermittent gastrointestinal problems, urinary tract problems, medication intolerance, and stunted growth are only a few symptoms. Symptoms typically start to show before the age of two. A particular diet and corrective surgery both aid in long-term control.
- Hypoglycemia: Yorkies, like many toy and tiny breed dogs, are susceptible to hypoglycemia when under stress, especially as puppies. Low blood sugar is the cause of hypoglycemia. Weakness, confusion, a shaky stride, and seizure-like episodes are a few of the symptoms that may appear. Consult your veterinarian about prevention and treatment options if your dog is at risk.
- Collapsed trachea: The trachea, which transports air to the lungs, has a propensity to readily collapse. The most typical tracheal collapse symptom is a persistent, dry, loud cough that many people compare to a “goose honk.” Medical or surgical treatment is available for collapsed trachea.
- Reverse sneezing: This condition can occasionally be mistaken for a collapsed trachea. This condition is far less severe and only lasts a short while. Getting excited or trying to eat or drink too quickly are the two main causes of reverse sneezing in dogs. Additionally, it could happen if the air is polluted or contains other irritants. The soft palate of the dog automatically closes over its windpipe when secretions from its nose fall upon it. Your Yorkie may find this to be extremely terrifying, but as soon as he relaxes, the reverse sneezing ceases. To encourage relaxation, lightly touch his throat.
Choosing the Right Black Yorkie for You
If you’re interested in getting a Black Yorkie, it’s important to choose the right dog for your lifestyle and personality. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a Black Yorkie:
• Take into account your living situation: They may adapt and thrive in smaller homes or apartments, but they do need daily exercise and mental stimulation.
• Consider your degree of activity: They have moderate exercise requirements and love going for walks and playing. A Black Yorkie might not be the greatest choice if you’re searching for a dog to go on walks with you or runs with you.
• Pick a trustworthy breeder: Doing business with a trustworthy breeder can help to ensure that your Black Yorkie is healthy and socialized. Avoid purchasing from pet shops or internet marketplaces as these places frequently use subpar breeding techniques.
• Spend time with the puppy before adopting: By getting to know the puppy in advance of taking them home, you can decide whether they are a suitable fit for your family and way of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are black Yorkies rare?
Aside from black, there are a few other rare color variations in Yorkies. These include: Chocolate Yorkies – They have brown coats and are one of the rarest color variations within the breed. Parti Yorkies – These Yorkies have a white base coat with black or brown patches.
What is a black Yorkie called?
No—there’s no such thing as a black Yorkie that’s purebred. It’s common for a brand new Yorkie puppy’s coat to be almost entirely black, but upon close inspection, you should see a few patches of tan hair, and this lighter hair will only continue to expand as the Yorkie ages.
What is the rarest color of a Yorkie?
Blue, White, and Tan.
What is KB black Yorkie?
This dog carries two copies of KB which prevents expression of the agouti gene (A locus) and allows for solid eumelanin (black pigment) production in pigmented areas of the dog. However, this dog’s coat color is also dependent on its genotypes at the E and B genes.
Are black dogs good dogs?
Labs, Newfoundlands, and rottweilers are some of the most loyal dog breeds you can find out there. It’s probably why some of them make excellent guard dogs, too. Their loyalty sometimes extends beyond the grave.
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