Yorkshire Terriers, also known as Yorkies, are beloved small breed dogs. While the most common coat color of a Yorkie is a golden tan with blue highlights, is there such a thing as black coats on a Yorkie?

In this post, we will explore the genetic factors behind black Yorkies, the characteristics of black Yorkies, breeding considerations, and how to properly care for them.

Let's dive In!

Common Coat Colors of Yorkies

So to start off with, the most common coat color of a Yorkie is a golden tan with blue highlights. This color combination is often referred to as "blue and gold" or "blue and tan." However, Yorkies can also come in other color variations, including black and tan, black and gold, parti-colored (a combination of black and white), and chocolate.

However, how is there such a thing as a full black coat? We'll get into that in just a moment. Let's go over the genetic factors behind Yorkies coats.

The Genetic Factors Behind Yorkie Coat Colors

The coat colors of Yorkshire Terriers are determined by genetic factors and that goes for all dog breeds. These factors include the presence or absence of certain genes that control pigmentation.

These are two main genes that work together to create the signature coat color of a Yorkie. Which is that tan color we mainly associate Yorkies with.

Can A Yorkie Have An All-Black Coat?

Now for the answer we've been waiting for.

Yes, Yorkies can have all-black coats. This unique color variation typically happens when Yorkies have been intentionally bred with other dog breeds known for their black coats.

While Yorkies can have a black and tan or black and gold coat, a true all-black coat is not a recognized color variation within the breed standard. Such all-black coats typically emerge when Yorkies are intentionally mixed with other breeds known for black coats, introducing new genetic traits that deviate from the traditional blue and tan coloration.

So there are all black Yorkies however, they aren't purebred but rather crossbred.

Are Black Yorkies Rare?

Due to the genetic factors involved, black Yorkies are considered to be nearly impossible as purebred. The breed standard for Yorkshire Terriers emphasizes the blue and gold color combination, and breeders typically focus on producing puppies with this desired coat color.

As a result, black Yorkies are not as commonly seen as their blue and gold counterparts. However, they do exist!

Video below of a black yorkie:

Black Yorkie Characteristics

In addition to their striking coat color, black Yorkies share many characteristics with other Yorkies. They are known for their lively and confident personalities, making them excellent companion dogs. Black Yorkies are often intelligent, curious, and affectionate, enjoying both playtime and cuddles with their owners. They are also known for their loyalty and devotion, forming strong bonds with their human families. Despite their small size, black Yorkies can be quite bold and fearless, ready to take on the world with their charming personalities.

The Bottom Line

So there you have it, while an all-black coat color is not a recognized variation within the breed standard, black Yorkies do exist. Their unique coat color sets them apart and makes them stand out in a crowd.

However, there is no such thing as a purebred black Yorkie as it simply isn't in their genetics!

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