AKC Breed Standard – Yorkshire Terrier

(Adapted from the American Kennel Club: akc.org/dog-breeds/yorkshire-terrier)

What is a Breed Standard?

A breed standard is essentially a blueprint for the ideal dog. It’s a written description of the perfect type, structure, gait, and temperament for each breed. While no dog meets every detail of the standard, it serves as a guiding vision for breeders, exhibitors, and enthusiasts who take the preservation and betterment of purebred dogs seriously.

About the Breed

Don’t let their elegant looks fool you—beneath the Yorkshire Terrier’s glossy, floor-length coat beats the heart of a true terrier. Originally bred as ratters in mines and mills, Yorkies later became the treasured lapdogs of Victorian society.

Compact and toy-sized (never exceeding seven pounds), the Yorkie is famous for its silky, steel-blue coat paired with rich golden tan markings. But their beauty is matched with boldness: Yorkies are tenacious, brave, feisty, and often a little bossy—hallmarks of their terrier heritage.

They’re also a favorite among city dwellers thanks to their portability, watchdog instincts, and confident personality. With their long lifespan, hypoallergenic coat, and endless charm, Yorkies are truly a “personality breed”—bringing laughter, love, and loyalty to their families.

Official Standard of the Yorkshire Terrier

General Appearance

A long-haired toy terrier with a blue-and-tan coat, parted on the face and down the back to the tail. The coat should hang evenly and straight. The body is neat, compact, and well-proportioned. Carriage of the head is high, with a confident, vigorous manner.

Head

Small and flat on top, not too round or prominent. The muzzle is of medium length, with a level or scissors bite. Teeth must be sound. Nose is black. Eyes are medium, dark, and sparkling with intelligence; eye rims are also dark. Ears are small, V-shaped, carried erect, and set well apart.

Body

Compact and well-proportioned. Back is short and level, with equal height at shoulders and rump.

Legs and Feet

Forelegs are straight; elbows close to the body. Hind legs are straight when viewed from behind, with moderate bend at the stifles. Feet are round with black toenails. Dewclaws are generally removed.

Tail

Docked to a medium length, carried slightly higher than the backline.

Coat

Silky, fine, and glossy in texture. Moderately long and perfectly straight, not wavy. Hair on head is long and tied up with one or two bows. Hair on muzzle is very long; tips of ears and feet may be neatly trimmed.

Color

Puppies: Born black and tan, usually darker overall.
Adults:
- Blue: A dark steel blue, extending from back of neck to tail. Should not be silver, fawn, bronzy, or mixed with black.
- Tan: Rich golden tan, darker at the roots and lighter at the tips. Found on head, chest, and legs. Should not mix with black or sooty hairs.

Weight

Must not exceed 7 pounds.

Disqualifications