How to Identify a Yorkshire Terrier

Last Updated: February 25, 2023 References

Yorkshire Terriers, also called Yorkies, are one of the most popular dog breeds.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Originally bred to pursue rodents, they became lapdogs in late Victorian times and are a member of the toy group.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Yorkies share some traits with other breeds but do have some key identifying features. This wikiHow will help you know whether or not a dog is a Yorkshire Terrier.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Differentiating Between Similar Breeds

1
Know if the dog is a Yorkshire Terrier or a Silky Terrier. Silky Terriers are an Australian breed and a part of the toy group.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Silkys and Yorkies are remarkably similar in appearance, since Yorkies were part of Silkys' development.^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} The breeds are close in size, though Silkys are the larger of the two, being 10–11 pounds (4.5–5.0 kg).^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Both breeds have straight, silky blue and tan coats; however, the coat of a Silky isn't as long as a Yorkie's for show. Silkys have more of a wedge-shaped head while Yorkies have round heads, and a Silky's ears are sharper and not as large at the base.^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Yorkies and Silkys have similar terrier temperaments, but a distinct characteristic of the Silky Terrier is being alert and constantly watchful.^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
2
Identify differences between Yorkshire Terriers and Australian Terriers. Australian Terriers are another native Australian breed, and they are a member of the terrier group.^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Aussies are larger than Yorkies, weighing 15–20 pounds (6.8–9.1 kg).^{[9]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Both Aussies and Yorkies may be seen with blue and tan coats, though Aussies may also be solid sandy or solid red in color.^{[10]
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Research source} Australian Terriers have harsh, straight coats^{[11]
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Research source} rather than the straight, silky coat of a Yorkie. When it comes to temperament, Aussies are spirited and alert.^{[12]
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3
Understand how Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese differ. The Maltese is a popular breed from the toy group that was once a fashion symbol in Rome.^{[13]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Maltese and Yorkies are almost identical in size; Maltese stand at 7–9 inches (18–23 cm) in height with a weight of under 7 pounds (3.2 kg).^{[14]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} While Yorkies sport blue and tan coats, Maltese are solid white with long, straight single coats.^{[15]
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Research source} The tail of a Maltese is carried over the back,^{[16]
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Research source} while a Yorkie's tail is docked to a medium length. Maltese are affectionate and gentle yet lively.^{[17]
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4
See if the dog is a Yorkshire Terrier or a Chihuahua. Chihuahuas are a national symbol of Mexico and part of the toy group.^{[18]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Yorkies are very small dogs, but Chihuahuas are even smaller, weighing no more than 6 pounds (2.7 kg) and standing at 5–8 inches (13–20 cm) tall.^{[19]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Chihuahuas have large, erect ears and undocked sickle tails,^{[20]
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Research source} while a Yorkie's tail is typically docked. Yorkies are blue and tan, but a Chihuahua's soft coat, which may be smooth or long, may be any color or pattern.^{[21]
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Research source} Chihuahuas are terrier-like in temperament and are alert and confident.^{[22]
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5
Recognize how Yorkshire Terriers and Pomeranians differ. Pomeranians are a spitz-type breed and part of the toy group.^{[23]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Yorkies are one of the smallest breeds, but Pomeranians can be smaller, standing at 6–7 inches (15–18 cm) in height and weighing 3–7 pounds (1.4–3.2 kg).^{[24]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} They have small, erect ears and, unlike the docked tail of a Yorkie, a heavily plumed tail that lies flat and straight on the back.^{[25]
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Research source} Pomeranians have long, harsh double coats that may be any color or pattern.^{[26]
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Research source} When it comes to temperament, Pomeranians are extroverted, being vivacious and intelligent.^{[27]
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6
Tell the differences between Yorkshire Terriers and Papillons. Papillons are a European toy breed.^{[28]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Like Yorkies, Papillons are small dogs, but they are slightly larger than Yorkies, having a weight of 5–10 pounds (2.3–4.5 kg) and a height of 8–11 pounds (3.6–5.0 kg).^{[29]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} A Papillon may have erect or drop ears, the erect ears resembling butterfly wings and the drop ears being completely down.^{[30]
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Research source} Papillons have long, silky, straight coats, similar to a Yorkie, but are always parti-color or white with patches of any color.^{[31]
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Research source} They are happy, alert, and friendly.^{[32]
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7
Spot differences between Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu is a toy breed from Ancient China.^{[33]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Shih Tzu are small dogs but larger than Yorkies, being 9–10.5 inches (23–27 cm) tall with a weight of 9–16 pounds (4.1–7.3 kg).^{[34]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Shih Tzu have long, flowing coats that may be slightly wavy and come in every color.^{[35]
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Research source} Instead of a docked tail, Shih Tzu have tails that curl over the back.^{[36]
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Research source} The personality of a Shih Tzu is described as outgoing, happy, and friendly.^{[37]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Examining the Body Structure

1
Pay attention to the dog's size. Yorkshire Terriers are very small dogs. They are 7–8 inches (18–20 cm) tall and weigh under 7 pounds (3.2 kg).^{[38]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
- Sometimes people consider "Teacup Yorkies" a separate size,^{[39]
  X
  Research source} but these aren't recognized as an individual size of Yorkshire Terrier by dog show standards.
2
Look at the eyes. A Yorkie's eyes are medium in size and dark in color, with dark eye rims.^{[40]
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Research source} They seem to sparkle with a sharp, intelligent expression.^{[41]
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3
Inspect the ears. Yorkies have small ears that are carried erect. They are V-shaped and set not too far apart.^{[42]
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4
Examine the muzzle. The muzzle of a Yorkshire Terrier is not too long. The head is small and rather flat on the top, and Yorkies may have either a scissors or level bite, with a black nose.^{[43]
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5
Check the tail. A Yorkie's tail is carried slightly higher than the level of the back. For show, it is docked to a medium length,^{[44]
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Research source} though it may be kept long otherwise.
6
See the dog's overall structure. Yorkshire Terriers have well-proportioned, very compact bodies. They have short backs, a level backline, and straight legs.^{[45]
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Research source} Yorkies give off an appearance of vigor and self-importance.^{[46]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Looking at the Coat

1
Analyze the texture of the coat. Yorkshire Terriers have glossy, fine, silky hair.^{[47]
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Research source} The coat is moderately long and perfectly straight, with very long hair on the muzzle.^{[48]
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Research source} Yorkies may have hair tied up with a bow on the head.^{[49]
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- Yorkies have long hair for show, but a Yorkie may be seen with a different haircut. This may include having the coat trimmed short.
Did you know? The hair of a Yorkshire Terrier is similar in texture to that of humans.^{[50]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
2
Check the coat color. Yorkies have blue and tan coats. The blue is a dark steel-blue color that extends over the body from the back of the neck to the tail, and the tail may even have a darker blue.^{[51]
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Research source} The head is a rich golden tan that may be darker at the sides, ears, and muzzle.^{[52]
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Research source} The chest and legs are a bright tan that doesn't extend above the elbows.^{[53]
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- Puppies are born with black and tan coats, and they are normally darker in color, with an intermingling of black hair with tan until the dog matures, so take age into account.^{[54]
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3
Understand that Yorkshire Terriers are not white. Though they may have a small white spot on the forechest,^{[55]
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Research source} Yorkshire Terriers aren't seen in white. The Biewer Terrier is another toy terrier breed that was originally from a piebald gene in Yorkies.^{[56]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} They are tri-colored, being blue or black, gold or tan, and white. Biewers are now recognized as a separate breed from Yorkies,^{[57]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} not as piebald or parti Yorkies.
- Some people consider the "Parti Yorkie" and Biewer Terrier separate breeds, the former being a Yorkshire Terrier with white markings. However, dog show standards only permit solid blue and tan Yorkies, with only a small spot of white on the chest permissible.^{[58]
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- Additionally, solid white and gold dogs are considered their own breed or a variety of Biewer Terrier called the Golddust Yorkshire Terrier.^{[59]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Understanding Temperament

1
See if the dog is attention-seeking. Yorkies like being the center of attention. This may lead to frequent barking or stubbornness if they aren't given the attention they desire.^{[60]
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2
Expect high self-esteem. Yorkshire Terriers are spunky and don't act their size. They may try to act dominant or aggressive and may stand up to bigger dogs.^{[61]
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3
Notice if the dog is protective. A Yorkie may be wary or suspicious of strangers. Combined with their barking, this can make them good watchdogs.^{[62]
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4
Check if the dog is affectionate. Yorkshire Terriers are very affectionate and loyal. Once they learn their place in the household, they are loving and show more signs of affection, such as sitting on their owner's lap.^{[63]
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5
Watch for a desire to be with their owner. Yorkies are possessive of their owners and don't enjoy being alone. They are prone to having separation anxiety if they aren't around their owner.^{[64]
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