Types of Yorkie Breeds

Yorkshire terriers, also known as "yorkies," belong to the terrier breed of dogs. They are small, long-haired dogs that are known for their unique temperament and glossy coat. Although there is only one type of purebred yorkie breed, it is common for Yorkshire terriers to be crossbred with other breeds. There is also two size variations of the yorkie, the regular toy size and the teacup size.

  1. Size

    • Standard-sized Yorkshire terriers belong to the toy size classification of dogs, which means they will weigh between 2 and 3 kilograms and grow no taller than 20.5 cm, according to Pet Planet. This puts the yorkie in the very small category of dogs, making it ideal for apartment living and people who do not have access to lots of outdoor space. The smaller version of the yorkie, known as the miniature or teacup Yorkshire terrier, weighs in at about 3 pounds and is half the size of the regular Yorkshire, according to Official Yorkie Guide.

    Temperament

    • Yorkshire terriers are in no way held back by their small size. They are brave, energetic, loyal and intelligent dogs, says Dog Breed Info. They make excellent watch dogs and are extremely protective of their owners. This can become a problem, however, if the yorkie is not properly socialized with humans and other dogs. Yorkies are prone to being overly protective and can become suspicious of strangers, which can make them yappy and aggressive. Yorkies are affectionate dogs but are naturally more suited to older children or elderly owners because of their sensitive nature and size.

    Appearance

    • Yorkies have a medium-sized muzzle, black-rimmed eyes, a black nose and teeth that meet in scissors, according to Dog Breed Info. When erect, their eyes are "V"-shaped and their legs are straight at front-view with rounded feet. The coat of a yorkie is traditionally a mixture of steel blue and tan, according to Official Yorkie Guide. The hair grows long, glossy and is fine-textured; it is comparable to human hair, says Pet Planet. The coat needs regular maintenance in the form of daily brushing and combing, and the hair on the top of the head, which grows very long, is often gathered with a clip or elastic band to prevent it from falling in the face and obscuring the dog's eyesight. The coat of a teacup yorkie, however, will not grow as long as that of the standard-sized yorkie, adds Official Yorkie Guide.

    Crossbreeds

    • Yorkshire terriers are popular for crossbreeding because of their appealing size, appearance and temperament. One of the most common crosses with a yorkie is the maltese-Yorkshire terrier crossbreed, known as the "yorktese" or the "mortkie," says Yorkshire Terrier Puppies. Both dogs share the benefits of a long and glossy coat. Another popular crossbreed is the yorkie apso, a cross between a Yorkshire terrier and an lhasa apso. These dogs share many of the same characteristics such as loyalty and excellent watchdog abilities, making them a suitable match for crossbreeding. The yorkie-poo is also a common crossbreed between a poodle and a yorkie. Poodles are well-matched with yorkies because of their intelligence, receptiveness and attractive appearance.