Yorkie Breed Standard

Breed standards describe in detail the ideal type of a particular breed. It covers both the physical appearance and character traits of the dog. The breed standard is the basis of all breeding programs and is used for judging dogs that participate in dog shows.

Here are some of the most important parts of the breed standard for Yorkies:

• General Appearance: Yorkies should have its long, straight hair parted on the nose and all the way down the back to the tip of the tail. The yorkie's overall shape should be compact and well-proportioned and the erect posture should command attention.

• Head: A yorkie's head should be small, flat and to too rounded. The muzzle shouldn't be too long. The yorkie's nose should be black and its eyes should be medium large, dark, bright, and with an alert, intelligent expression. The teeth should meet in a regular sissor bite. A level bite is acceptable. A yorkie's V-shaped ears should stand upright and not be set too far apart. Drop ears and hanging ears are not permitted.

• Body: A yorkie's body should be compact and short and not too square in shape. It should have a straight back line and powerful flanks.

• Feet: Yorkie feet should be rounded and have black claws.

• Tail: Yorkie tails should be docked to a medium length and have plenty of hair. The yorkie should carry his tail slightly higher than the level of the back.

• Coat: The yorkie's coat is the most important aspect of the breed. The coat should be moderately long and smooth (not wavy) and be fine and silky in texture.

• Color: From the back of its head to the tip of its tail, a yorkie's coat should be steel blue. Mixtures of pale, brown or black hair are not allowed. On the yorkie's head and crest, the hair should be a rich tan (a yellow gold, not red gold). The hair should be darker at the roots than at the midportion of the hair shaft and should be lighter at the tip. The shaded tan should never reach higher than the elbow or the stifle.

• Weight: A yorkie's weight should not reach more than 7 pounds. An ideal weight is between 4 and 6 pounds.

These breed standards should only be considered if you are interested in showing your yorkie. As long as the yorkie is happy and healthy, it will be a great pet and friend regardless of the breed standard rules.