Yorkshire Terrier Breed Standards
As with all purebred dogs recognized by the
American Kennel Club, there
is an approved Breed Standard for Yorkshire Terriers. This standard of
perfection is a written description of how the ideal Yorkshire Terrier should
look. All responsible breeders strive to produce dogs that conform to this
Breed Standard. Yorkshire Terriers with major deviations from that Standard
in appearance should not be bred.
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 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 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. Dew claws, if any, are generally removed
from the hind legs. Dew claws on the forelegs may be removed.
Tail
Docked to a medium length and carried slightly higher than the level of the
back.
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.
Head fall
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
© Legends Kennels 2006