AKC Yorkshire Terrier Standard

Because they're so tiny and have such splendid coats, many people think Yorkshire Terriers are delicate dogs. Actually, it's better not to baby these dogs too much. Excessive pampering confuses them. Common sense care must be taken because of their size, but Yorkies are little terriers. That means they love to play and investigate. They are bundles of energy as puppies, though older Yorkies can be quiet and settled.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a member of the Toy Group and was first registered by the AKC in 1885. General Appearance The general appearance of a long-haired toy terrier whose blue and tan coat is parted on the face and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail and hangs evenly and quite straight down each side of body. The body is neat, compact and well proportioned. The dog's high head carriage and confident manner should give the appearance of vigor and self-importance.

Head Small and rather flat on top, the skull not too prominent or round, the muzzle not too long, with the bite neither undershot nor overshot and teeth sound. Either scissors bite or level bite is acceptable. The nose is black. Eyes are medium in size and not too prominent; dark in color and sparkling with a sharp, intelligent expression. Eye rims are dark. Ears are small, V-shaped, carried erect and set not too far apart.

Body Well proportioned and very compact. The back is rather short, the back line level, with height at shoulder the same as at the rump.

Legs and Feet Forelegs should be straight, elbows neither in nor out. Hind legs straight when viewed from behind, but stifles are moderately bent when viewed from the sides. Feet are round with black toenails. Dewclaws, if any, are generally removed from the hind legs. Dewclaws on the forelegs may be removed.

Tail Docked to a medium length and carried slightly higher than the level of the back. 

Coat quality, texture and quantity of coat are of prime importance Hair is glossy, fine and silky in texture. Coat on the body is moderately long and perfectly straight (not wavy). It may be trimmed to floor length to give ease of movement and a neater appearance, if desired. The fall on the head is long, tied with one bow in center of head or parted in the middle and tied with two bows.

Hair on muzzle is very long. Hair should be trimmed short on tips of ears and may be trimmed on feet to give them a neat appearance.

Colors Puppies are born black and tan and are normally darker in body color, showing an intermingling of black hair in the tan until they are matured. Color of hair on body and richness of tan on head and legs are of prime importance in adult dogs, to which the following color requirements apply: Blue: Is a dark steel-blue, not a silver-blue and not mingled with fawn, bronzy or black hairs. Tan: All tan hair is darker at the roots than in the middle, shading to still lighter tan at the tips. There should be no sooty or black hair intermingled with any of the tan. Color on Body -The blue extends over the body from back of neck to root of tail. Hair on tail is a darker blue, especially at end of tail. Headfall A rich golden tan, deeper in color at sides of head, at ear roots and on the muzzle, with ears a deep rich tan. Tan color should not extend down on back of neck. Chest and Legs - A bright, rich tan, not extending above the elbow on the forelegs nor above the stifle on the hind legs.

Weight Must not exceed seven pounds. History The Yorkshire Terrier made its first appearance at a bench show in England in 1861 as a "broken-haired Scotch Terrier." The earliest record of a Yorkshire Terrier born in the United States dates to 1872. During the late Victorian era, the Yorkshire Terrier quickly became a popular pet. As Americans embraced Victorian customs, so too did they embrace the Yorkshire Terrier. The Yorkshire Terrier became an AKC-recognized breed in 1885. So you want to own a Yorkshire Terrier?

Grooming must be done on a regular basis. Although the coat is easy to care for it is time consuming and necessary in order to keep your dog in healthy condition.

The Yorkshire Terrier can easily be injured by small children; if you are considering a Yorkshire Terrier you must be able to supervise the dog around small children. The Yorkshire Terrier is an independent dog, but a devoted companion. Despite his small size, he is more than willing to act as a guardian for his master.

This information was obtained from AKC.org Approved April 12, 1966