The official breed standard is written to describe the ideal dog. In the case of the Yorkshire terrier, it describes physical qualities only. The standard has not changed since 1966, so one would expect dogs to be meeting it easily by now.

However, the details of coat are hard to obtain, and puppies can still grow to be oversized. And even though no mention of temperament is made in the breed standard, you should always make sure that any breeder you are considering takes temperament into account. A spectacularly beautiful dog that is irritable and snappish will not be a joy to live with.

Also, though standards don't customarily mention health, you certainly want your Yorkie to enjoy good health and a long life.

Where Standards Come From

A breed's parent club writes the standard for the breed; in this case, it was written by the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America. The American Kennel Club does not play a part in writing the standard. It publishes the standard it receives from the breed club.

The breeders and other devotees of the breed can from time to time bring up points they feel need some change or clarification. However, it's difficult to amend a standard, as everyone might not agree on the fine points. Standards do not change frequently; the Yorkshire terrier standard was last amended in 1966.

General Appearance

That of a long-haired toy terrier whose blue-and-tan coat is parted on the face and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail and hangs evenly and quite straight down each side of the body. The body is neat, compact, and well proportioned. The dog's high head carriage and confident manner should give the appearance of vigor and self-importance.

Head

Small and rather flat on top, the skull not too prominent or round, the muzzle not too long, with the bite neither undershot nor overshot and teeth sound. Either scissors bite or level bite is acceptable. The nose is black. Eyes are medium in size and not too prominent; dark in color and sparkling with a sharp, intelligent expression. Eye rims are dark. Ears are small, V-shaped, carried erect and set not too far apart.

Body

Well proportioned and very compact. The back is rather short, the back line level, with height at the shoulder the same as at the rump.

Legs and Feet

Forelegs should be straight, elbows neither in nor out. Hind legs straight when viewed from behind, but stifles are moderately bent when viewed from the sides. Feet are round with black toenails. Dewclaws, if any, are generally removed from the hind legs. Dewclaws on the forelegs may be removed.

Tail

Docked to a medium length and carried slightly higher than the level of the back.

Coat

Quality, texture, and quantity of coat are of prime importance. Hair is glossy, fine, and silky in texture. Coat on the body is moderately long and perfectly straight (not wavy). It may be trimmed to floor length to give ease of movement and a neater appearance, if desired. The fall on the head is long, tied with one bow in center of head or parted in the middle and tied with two bows. Hair muzzles is very long. Hair should be trimmed short on tips of ears and may be trimmed on feet to give them a neat appearance.

Colors

Puppies are born black and tan and are normally darker in body color, showing an intermingling of black hair in the tan until they are matured. Color of hair on body and richness of tan on head and legs are of prime importance in adult dogs, to which the following color requirements apply:

• Blue: Is a dark steel-blue, not a silver-blue and not mingled with fawn, bronzy, or black hairs.
• Tan: All tan hair is darker at the roots than in the middle, shading to still lighter tan at the tips. There should be no sooty or black hair intermingled with any of the tan.
• Color on Body: The blue extends over the body from back of neck to root of tail. Hair on tail is a darker blue, especially at end of tail.
• Headfall: A rich golden tan, deeper in color at sides of head, at ear roots and on the muzzle, with ears a deep rich tan. Tan color should not extend down on back of neck.
• Chest and Legs: A bright, rich tan, not extending above the elbow on the forelegs nor above the stifle on the hind legs.

Weight

Must not exceed seven pounds.

Approved April 12, 1966.