The black and white Yorkshire Terrier, also known as a bicolor Parti Yorkie, represents a unique color variation of the purebred Yorkshire Terrier breed. While traditional Yorkies display the classic blue and tan coloring, these distinctive dogs showcase a striking combination of black and white coat patterns due to the presence of the piebald gene. First officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2000 under color code 014, black and white Yorkies maintain all the beloved characteristics of standard Yorkies - including their small size, intelligence, and affectionate nature - while featuring their own special aesthetic appeal. Like all Parti Yorkies, they are considered purebred despite their non-traditional coloring.
Black and White Yorkie Characteristics
Coat Pattern and Genetics
Black and white Yorkies are considered Parti Yorkies that display a bi-colored pattern rather than the typical tri-colored combination. The distinctive black and white coloring is caused by the piebald gene, which creates patches of white in the coat. While standard Yorkies have the traditional blue and tan coloring, black and white Yorkies can display varying amounts of each color with no specific pattern requirements.
Physical Traits and Recognition
These dogs maintain the same physical characteristics as standard Yorkies, standing 7-8 inches tall and weighing 4-7 pounds. The key difference is their striking black and white coat pattern. Since 2000, black and white Parti Yorkies have been officially recognized by the AKC and can be registered with the color code 014, confirming their status as purebred Yorkshire Terriers despite their unique coloring.
Overview of Black and White Yorkies
Appearance Variations
While the previous section covered general physical traits, black and white Yorkies specifically exhibit distinct coat variations. These Parti Yorkies can present either as predominantly black with white markings or predominantly white with black patches. The white portions commonly appear on the chest, paws, and face, while black coloring tends to be more prominent on the back and tail areas.
Breed Characteristics
Beyond the coat pattern differences already discussed, black and white Yorkies maintain the same breed-standard characteristics as traditional Yorkies. Like other Parti colored Yorkies, they have a silky, straight coat texture that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Their hair continues growing throughout their life rather than shedding seasonally. The black portions of their coat typically remain black throughout their life, unlike standard Yorkies whose black coat often lightens to blue with age.
Black and White Yorkie Health and Care
Specialized Care Requirements
While the previous sections covered physical traits and appearance, black and white Yorkies require specific care considerations. According to veterinary guidelines, they need twice-daily walks of 20-25 minutes each to maintain optimal health, despite their small size. Their distinctive bi-colored coat demands regular professional grooming every 6-8 weeks to prevent matting, particularly where the black and white portions meet.
Health Monitoring
Beyond the standard Yorkie health concerns, black and white specimens need careful monitoring of their skin condition, especially in the white-pigmented areas which can be more sensitive to sun exposure. These Parti Yorkies are also prone to specific health issues including luxating patella, dental disease, and hypoglycemia. Regular veterinary checkups focused on these conditions help ensure their 12-15 year life expectancy.
Conclusion
Black and white Yorkies, officially known as Parti Yorkies, represent a distinct variation of the Yorkshire Terrier breed that has gained AKC recognition since 2000. These dogs maintain the same physical characteristics as standard Yorkies in terms of size and build, but display a unique bi-colored coat pattern caused by the piebald gene. The black and white coloring can appear in varying proportions and patterns, though white is commonly found on the chest, paws, and face, while black tends to dominate the back and tail areas.
While these Parti Yorkies share many characteristics with traditional Yorkies, they require some specialized care considerations, particularly regarding their distinctive coat and health monitoring. Their bi-colored coat needs regular professional grooming to prevent matting, and their white-pigmented areas require extra attention due to increased sun sensitivity. With proper care including regular exercise, grooming, and veterinary checkups focused on breed-specific health concerns, black and white Yorkies can enjoy a healthy lifespan of 12-15 years. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the unique needs of this Yorkie variation while maintaining standard breed care protocols.