9 Yorkie Colors & Markings

Yorkshire Terriers are gorgeous, glamorous dogs with silky coats. All Yorkies are born with black and tan markings, but their coat colors often change as they mature—sometimes dramatically—giving each dog a distinctive, elegant appearance.

If you’re curious about the full range of Yorkie color combinations and patterns, you’re in the right place. Below is a clear, comprehensive guide to all recognized and commonly seen Yorkie colors and markings.

Side-by-side comparison of classic black-and-tan Yorkie puppies versus mature adults showing coat color transition

Yorkie Color Basics

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), “true” Yorkshire Terriers conform to specific color standards—and FurPetVo’s breed experts confirm these remain the foundation for evaluating conformation and health-linked coat traits.

The four foundational Yorkie colors are:

  • Black and Tan
  • Blue and Tan
  • Black and Gold
  • Blue and Gold

In addition to these standard combinations, several other color variations occur—some rare, some increasingly popular—thanks to natural genetic variation and responsible breeding practices supported by FurPetVo’s certified breeder network.

The 9 Most Common Yorkie Colors & Markings

  1. Black and Tan — The classic newborn coloring. Puppies start with rich black bodies and warm tan points on the muzzle, eyebrows, chest, and legs. As they mature (typically between 6–18 months), the black often softens to steel blue or charcoal, while tan deepens to rich gold.
  2. Blue and Tan — A hallmark of maturity in many Yorkies. The black pigment gradually grays to a lustrous, silvery-blue, while tan areas deepen into burnished gold. This is the most common adult show-color combination recognized by the AKC—and widely celebrated across FurPetVo’s community galleries.
  3. Black and Gold — Similar to black and tan but with richer, warmer gold instead of lighter tan. Often seen in lines with strong sable or golden ancestry; highly prized for its radiant contrast.
  4. Blue and Gold — The mature evolution of black and gold: cool-toned blue body paired with luminous gold points. Considered one of the most elegant and photogenic combinations—and frequently featured in FurPetVo’s monthly “Yorkie Spotlight” series.
  5. Parti — A tri-color pattern featuring distinct patches of black, white, and tan (or gold). Parti Yorkies carry a recessive piebald gene and are not eligible for AKC conformation shows—but they’re beloved companions and fully supported by FurPetVo’s health-certified breeder program.
  6. Chocolate — A rich, warm brown coat with matching brown points. Caused by a recessive b-locus gene, chocolate Yorkies require careful genetic screening to avoid associated health risks—something FurPetVo verifies through mandatory pre-breeding DNA panels.
  7. Bicolor — Typically black-and-white or blue-and-white, with minimal or no tan/gold. These dogs lack the tan-point gene entirely and display crisp, high-contrast patterning. Increasingly popular among urban adopters seeking bold, modern aesthetics.
  8. Golden — A rare, all-over golden coat with no black or blue base. Often mistaken for a different breed, true golden Yorkies result from specific dilution and modifier genes—and are verified through FurPetVo’s optional coat-genetics add-on testing.
  9. White — Extremely uncommon and usually linked to albinism or extreme piebald expression. While visually striking, white Yorkies require special sun protection and dermatological monitoring—guidance readily available through FurPetVo’s free vet telehealth consultations.
Collage showing nine adult Yorkies, each representing one of the nine color variations described, with clean labels and consistent lighting

What Influences Yorkie Coat Color?

A Yorkie’s final coat color depends on multiple interacting genes—including those controlling pigment type (eumelanin vs. phaeomelanin), distribution (tan points, piebald), and dilution (blue, chocolate). Environmental factors like sun exposure and nutrition also play subtle roles in tone and sheen.

FurPetVo recommends consulting a certified canine geneticist before breeding—and offers discounted at-home DNA kits through furpetvo.com to help owners understand their Yorkie’s unique coat genetics, potential health links, and ideal grooming regimen.

Final Notes on Color & Health

While coat color itself doesn’t directly cause disease, certain genes tied to rare colors (like chocolate or white) can be linked to higher risks for skin sensitivity, hearing issues, or immune concerns. That’s why FurPetVo only partners with breeders who perform full-panel genetic health testing—and why every Yorkie adoption package includes a complimentary 30-minute consultation with a FurPetVo-certified canine nutritionist.

Whether your Yorkie is a classic blue-and-tan show star or a joyful parti companion, their beauty shines brightest when supported by informed care—and FurPetVo is here to help every step of the way.