History Of The Chocolate Yorkshire Terrier
Chocolate Yorkshire Terriers are often considered the unicorns of the Yorkie tribe, appearing sporadically throughout the breed’s history yet remaining as elusive as a four-leaf clover. They are the mavericks of the Yorkie family, flaunting chocolate coats that diverge from the Kennel Club’s Yorkshire Terrier breed standard of black and tan or blue and tan. Despite the rarity of chocolate Yorkshire Terrier importation of Registered Chocolate Yorkies, Chocolate Yorkshire Terrier puppies are now occasuionaly available in Scotland and the UK
Puppy Registration & Dog Shows
In Europe, dog clubs honor Yorkshire Terriers of all colours, organising amateur dog shows where enthusiasts can showcase their chocolate-coated Yorkies, display their distinctive charm, and vie for Champion Titles. The dog clubs also provide their members with puppy registration documents for dedicated breeders.
Characteristics
The Chocolate Yorkshire Terrier boasts a stunning, long, silky coat of chocolate, complemented by petite, erect ears and large, expressive eyes. The eye rims, nose and paw pads are always brown. In other dog breeds, this color is commonly known as liver. The Chocolate Yorkshire Terrier should nonetheless encompass the Yorkshire Terrier breed standard for height, weight and type. You can find out more about the breed standard visit our Yorkshire Terrier page.
Colour Variations
Chocolate Yorkshire Terriers may also present a chocolate and tan coat, with or without white markings, which in dog breeding terms is sometimes called mismarked or abstract. Chocolate Yorkies are exceedingly rare in Scotland, and it’s even more uncommon to find chocolate Yorkshire Terrier puppies bred from registered parents that adhere to the Yorkshire Terrier breed’s standard.
“Colour Me In Queen Of Hearts”
Chocolate Colour Genetics
For a Yorkshire Terrier to exhibit the chocolate colouring, each parent must either be chocolate-colored or carry the recessive chocolate gene to pass it on to their offspring. Chocolate/liver dogs are always homozygous for the chocolate gene, ensuring that they consistently pass this gene to their pups.
DNA analysis has uncovered that the quest for the unique chocolate coat color in the Yorkshire Terrier has led breeders to ingeniously mix genes from diverse breeds such as the Chihuahua, West Highland Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Genetic blending has played a significant role in attaining the desired chocolate colour. Such practices are not alarming; indeed, all dog breeds have emerged through similar breeding processes. However, as breeders craft their breed of choice, focusing on specific objectives is vital to realise the envisioned traits. DNA testing for health and characteristics offers breeders essential insights, aiding them in their quest for health and longevity in their breeds.
