Yorkshire Terriers come in many color combinations, but have you ever heard of a black Yorkie? Like other Yorkie varieties, this black-coated dog has long, silky hair and diminutive size.
However, many are wondering if the black Yorkshire Terrier is purebred or not. Some Yorkie enthusiasts are also concerned about its temperament and the health issues that come with its unique coat coloring.
This article will provide you with everything you need to know about black Yorkshire Terriers, including their overall appearance and personality traits, as well as the color genetics of these eye-catching pooches. Let’s begin!
What Is a Black Yorkie?
A black Yorkie is a Yorkshire Terrier with black pigmentation. Although most purebred Yorkie pups are born with a predominant black coat, some tan or gold shade should be visible on their ears, faces, and legs. But if a Yorkie has entirely black fur, it might be a mixed breed.
In reality, a Yorkshire Terrier puppy that exhibits a single-colored coat such as gold, white, and black is a result of crossbreeding.
As indicated in the breed standards set by many kennel organizations, a purebred Yorkshire Terrier should have a double-colored coat consisting of tan, gold, black, or blue.
In some cases, however, a Yorkshire Terrier may also display white markings on its chest and face. This variation is commonly known as the parti-Yorkie or the tri-colored Yorkshire Terrier.
Simply put, an all-black Yorkie can only be produced by crossing a Yorkshire Terrier with a black Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, or Poodle.
Are Black Yorkies Purebred?
Black Yorkies with visible tan or gold streaks on their coat are purebred. However, all-black Yorkies are regarded as mixed breeds and cannot be registered in many well-known kennel clubs.
According to the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America (YTCA), purebred Yorkies should only appear in any of the following color combinations: black and tan, blue and tan, black and gold, and blue and gold.
Nonetheless, when a Yorkie is crossed with different breeds like the Poodle, Pom, Maltese, or Shih Tzu, single-colored canines can also be produced, including pure black Yorkies.
Are Black Yorkies Rare?
Yes. Black Yorkies are rare if tan and gold markings are not present on their coats.
Unfortunately, they can only be produced through accurate breeding practices and are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Moreover, not all breeders offer this shade option because of the difficulty associated with producing it. They need to mate two specific breeds to increase the chances of getting a black Yorkie puppy.
It is also noteworthy that genes play a role in determining the coat coloration and pattern in pooches.
However, if you do find a breeder who can help you get your hands on one of these black-coated puppies, you will probably have to pay twice as much as you would for a regular Yorkshire Terrier.
Black Yorkie Appearance
Like other mixed breeds, the appearance of a black Yorkie is not always predictable. Genetically, crossing a Yorkshire Terrier with a different breed can cause the puppy to exhibit characteristics from one or both parents.
However, most designer dog breeders choose to cross their Yorkies with another breed that bears a similar build.
This ensures that the black Yorkie puppy will have the same tiny stature and traits as its purebred counterpart.
On average, a full-grown black Yorkie can stand from 7 to 8 inches tall and weigh about 7 pounds. Remember that these calculations will still vary on the dog’s genes and whether it is a male or female.
Although purebred Yorkies have a naturally long and silky coat, black Yorkshire Terriers display a range of variations in the texture of their hair.
It is also worth noting that the black shade of purebred Yorkshire Terriers mostly appears on their backs, while the tan or gold hue can be seen on their heads and legs.
Some have the same glossy hair as purebred pooches, while others appear wavy or curly.
Black Yorkie Color Genetics
As with humans, the appearance of a black Yorkie is determined by a combination of genes. For starters, these genes control the presence and absence of the two pigments responsible for a dog’s coat color.
Eumelanin is the first pigment responsible for black pigmentation, while the pheomelanin pigment gives a tan, orange, and gold hue to Yorkshire Terriers.
In most purebred Yorkies born with black and tan shades, the K locus or dominant black must be present to execute their coloring. Generally, this locus will cause the eumelanin pigment to dominate.
However, as these pups mature, their coats will likely lighten, and the tan markings should become more prominent.
This process is known as fading since the tan or gold color becomes dominant on top of the black base coat.
Meanwhile, if a Yorkie is crossed with a black Pom or Shih Tzu, their offspring with an all-black coat will retain its pigmentation as it reaches maturity.
Do Black Yorkie Puppies Stay Black as They Grow?
Black Yorkie puppies do not stay black as they grow if they are purebred. Due to their unique genetic makeup, their tan or gold markings will gradually become more noticeable as they mature.
In fact, the black portions of a black Yorkshire Terrier puppy can even transition to a dark steel-blue pigment.
This color change usually starts around six months of age, though some dogs may take longer than others to develop their actual colors.
As a general rule, it is best to wait until your fur baby is at least one or two years old before judging the final color of its hair.
On the contrary, mixed black Yorkies such as the Yorkie Pom, Shorkie Poo, and Yorkie Poo tend to maintain their dark coat throughout adulthood and into old age.
Watch this video to see adorable mixed black Yorkie Poo puppies in action:
Yorkie Poo puppies age 7 weeks<a href="https://youtu.be/M2q5KgRSfRc" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FM2q5KgRSfRc%2F0.jpg" alt="Yorkie Poo puppies age 7 weeks" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Does the AKC Recognize Black Yorkshire Terriers?
Unfortunately, the American Kennel Club (AKC) only recognizes black Yorkshire Terriers with a mix of tan or gold shades.
Based on the breed standard set for the Yorkie, these gold or tan pigments should be present in all color varieties of this breed.
The kennel club also established that such colorings must be seen on the dog’s legs and face.
Nonetheless, you can still enlist your black Yorkshire Terrier to some mixed breed registries, like the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Dog Registry of America (DRA), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Black Yorkie Temperament and Personality
Black Yorkshire Terriers are bright, playful pups with a love of people and a willingness to please. They are also intelligent and adaptable, which makes them ideal family companions.
With their diminutive stature, many people might think that the black Yorkshire Terrier would be too fragile for roughhousing with kids or other pets.
However, this is not true at all. These dogs are known for their tenacity and high spirits.
Furthermore, most black Yorkies inherited the watchful nature of the Yorkshire Terrier breed, making them perfect for individuals looking for a reliable guard dog.
Though potential owners should also be aware that, when feeling threatened, these canines tend to show a feisty temperament. They may resort to biting and barking if not trained and socialized early in life.
Black Yorkie Lifespan and Health Issues
Black Yorkshire Terriers are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 11 to 15 years. In fact, if they are obtained from a reliable breeder and adequately cared for, they might even live longer than that.
However, regardless of breed, canines are susceptible to many health issues. That is why black Yorkie owners must keep an eye out for any symptoms that may indicate a health problem.
Here are some health conditions common to black Yorkshire Terriers:
Luxating Patella: Luxating patella is a painful disorder that happens when the kneecap of an all-black Yorkie pops out from its normal position. Inflammation of the affected leg, limping, and lameness are some of the most common warning signs of this condition.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD): Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a condition that causes osteoarthritis in small dogs like all-black Yorkies. This happens when the blood supply to the head of the thighbone is interrupted, which can impair the pooch’s ball-and-socket joint. LCPD usually needs surgery to repair and prevent further damage.
Hypoglycemia: Black Yorkshire Terriers are predisposed to another health problem called hypoglycemia. This condition is characterized by low blood sugar levels and is often caused by several factors, including extreme exercise, chronic renal failure, or improper diet.
As pinpointed in the list above, knowing how much to feed a Yorkie can lessen the risk of most common canine illnesses.
Frequent visits to the vet are also necessary, as they help ensure that your pet will have a long, healthy life.
For additional information, you can also check out our article about how long Yorkies live.
How Much Does a Black Yorkie Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Depending on the pup’s gender, bloodline, and overall appearance, a black Yorkie puppy will run you between $800 and $5,000.
The reputation and location of the breeder also affect the final price of your potential pet.
If you want to save money, or perhaps you are on a tight budget, you can adopt instead. The price of a black Yorkshire Terrier from rescue organizations and shelters usually ranges from $200 to $800.
Here is an overview of the initial expenses involved in owning a black Yorkie:
To learn more about the pricing and expenses of owning this pooch, check out our article about Yorkie costs and expenses. We have a separate guide for aspiring teacup Yorkie owners as well.
Places to Find Black Yorkie Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Because of their mixed heritage, all-black Yorkies are less common than their purebred counterparts. Hence, finding black Yorkie puppies for sale and adoption can be really challenging.
Nonetheless, there are countless resources available online that can help you locate a black Yorkie puppy.
However, note that puppy mills and backyard breeders are not the best places to buy from if you want a healthy fur baby.
Here are some websites that may help you locate black Yorkie puppies for sale:
Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is a puppy advertising site that allows you to search for black Yorkshire Terrier puppies by color, size, gender, and more. The website also provides prospective owners with a list of available puppies in their area.
Greenfield Puppies – Another online directory that can help you find black Yorkshire Terrier puppies is Greenfield Puppies. They have a user-friendly website that allows users to search for a specific breed, price range, and even puppy traits, including activity level.
Keystone Puppies – With thousands of purebreds and mixed breeds listed on the Keystone Puppies website, aspiring owners are sure to find a black Yorkie puppy here. This site also provides pictures and videos of each puppy, as well as detailed descriptions of their current health.
You can also contact some of our recommended Yorkshire Terrier breeders and ask if any of them have an all-black Yorkie puppy for sale.
For more tips on how to locate your furry friend, you might find our puppy buying guide helpful.
If you’re thinking of adopting, here is a list of rescue organizations that may have black Yorkshire Terriers available for adoption:
Wren Yorkie Rescue (WYR) – A rescue group based in California, WYR has been saving, rehabilitating, and rehoming neglected Yorkshire Terriers for many years. The adoption fee of their black Yorkies can cost anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on the chosen dog’s age and health status.
United Yorkie Rescue (UYR) – Established in 2005, UYR is a volunteer-run rescue committed to saving unwanted purebred Yorkies and mixes like all-black Yorkshire Terriers. Moreover, they are dedicated to educating the public about the importance of responsible pet ownership and spaying/neutering pets.
Yorkie Rescue Houston (YRH) – Since 2015, YRH has been rescuing abandoned, surrendered, and abused Yorkshire Terriers. If you’re interested in adopting a black Yorkshire Terrier from this rescue, note that the prospective adoptive parent must be at least 21 years old and able to provide adequate care.
For additional places to look for a black Yorkshire Terrier, visit our list of the ten best Yorkshire Terrier rescues in the United States.
To help you ace your application, we have also created an ultimate adoption guide that will help you understand this tedious adoption process.
If the sources above did not work out for you, joining social media groups and online forums dedicated to Yorkies is also recommended.
Dog Name Ideas for Black Yorkie Puppies
Choosing a perfect name for your black Yorkie puppy is one of the most exciting parts of welcoming a new pet into your home. You can opt for a classic one or something clever that will always be fun to say.
If you are having a problem coming up with ideas, here are some of the most common names given to male black Yorkie puppies:
Asher
Milo
Cooper
Matty
Pepper
Oreo
Bear
Piper
Dusty
Fudge
Shadow
Loki
Cosmo
Jinx
Smokey
Midnight
Carbon
Coal
Jet
Flynn
Crow or Crowe
Knight
Hunter
Shade
Darth
Meanwhile, the following are some dog names for female black Yorkshire Terrier puppies:
Pixie
Olive
Sandy
Lucy
Mochi
Stella
Artemis
Raven
Luna
Sasha
Maia
Salem
Nox
Bellatrix
Ash
Koda
Kali
Eve
Xena
Inky
Minnie
Sabrina
Misty
Astrid
Cookie
You may, of course, give your black Yorkshire Terrier a name that does not conform to the traditional naming schemes. If you want to get creative, you can even come up with a completely original dog name.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Rarest Color of Yorkshire Terrier?
According to many dog enthusiasts, the rarest color of the Yorkshire Terrier breed is pure gold.
While some people often believe that gold or blonde Yorkies are a product of crossbreeding, note that two purebred Yorkshire Terriers can indeed produce a golden-colored puppy.
If both parents carry the recessive allele or the ee combination, then there is a high probability that the resulting puppy will have a pure golden coat.
In summary, gold Yorkies are exceptionally rare. The majority of kennel clubs and expert breeders consider their color an abnormality of the breed.
Do Black Yorkies Shed a Lot?
Usually, black Yorkies do not shed a lot. To preserve the low-shedding trait of the Yorkshire Terrier breed, most breeders cross their Yorkie with other black canines that exhibit the same characteristic.
Therefore, buying from a reputable kennel or breeder is recommended. This will guarantee that you will get a black Yorkshire Terrier puppy that doesn’t shed heavy amounts of fur.
Are Black Yorkies Hypoallergenic?
Because purebred Yorkies possess a hair-like coat, they do not produce too much dander, making them hypoallergenic.
This means that when a Yorkshire Terrier is crossed with another hypoallergenic breed — such as a black Shih Tzu or a black Poodle — the resulting black Yorkie puppies will also be hypoallergenic.
Final Thoughts: Is a Black Yorkie the Right Dog for You?
Despite its rarity, the black Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most talked about pooches in the United States. It is a curious combination of traits that makes it such a perfect companion for many people.
Furthermore, black Yorkies are known for their playful and energetic personalities. These make them an ideal choice for households with children or other pets.
Are you thinking of welcoming a black Yorkshire Terrier into your home? Make sure to leave your thoughts about the black Yorkie in the comments below!
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