Are you someone who simply loves dogs and wants to know more about them and the different species? Well, you are certainly in the right spot! The Yorkshire Terrier as many of you would know is a very popular breed and it comes in a lot of different combinations. The Black Yorkie is one such variant that is extremely popular and unique! And if you thought that they are just cute, well you might be mistaken then! These are cute Yorkies with a black silky coat and intelligent looks!
History of the Black Yorkie
In the most simple terms, the Yorkie black is a variant of the Yorkshire Terrier with a completely black pigment.
A black Yorkshire terrier/ black Yorkie terrier is the result of crossbreeding among variants like the black Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, and the Poodle.
If you do not use these particular three breeds then it is highly possible that there will be some other colors on the dog’s body like golden, tan, cream, or similar others.
There are some variants that do not come with the same color all over the body and you will be able to find some white patches as well. This is usually seen near the chest and on the face.
What Makes the Black Yorkie So Rare?
A lot of people do not know this but the black Yorkie in particular is an extremely rare breed of dog and very hard to procure. This is one of the major reasons why you might have to spend some extra bucks on the same as well.
After all, if you want a completely Black Yorkie without any kind of golden or white markings on the body, it would not be purebred.
This is one of the major reasons why you will not be able to find them very commonly.
Not everybody is authorized to cross-breed them for the black variant and hence you have to trust authentic sources to get a black Yorkshire.
What Are the Characteristic Features of A Black Yorkie?
The black and white Yorkies both are extremely good-looking dogs however, they are not very big in their physical build. They have intelligent eyes and we can guarantee that once you pay a look at those eyes, you will simply fall in love with them!
They can be a bit different in their appearance because cross-breeding always does not get you uniform features.
Appearance and Characteristics
The physical features of a Yorkie black are quite impressive and although they are small, it does not come in the way of their striking smart features! So what are the physical features and how do they look?
- The body of the Yorkie does not go beyond 7-8 inches in height. On the other hand, they are really lightweight as dogs and hence the body weight of a full-grown one is not more than 7 pounds. You can literally carry them around your arms very easily!
- They are supposed to have an extremely shiny black coat, however, crossbreeding does cause some kind of variations in the coat. The coat texture is curly and wavy in most cases.
How Does A Black Yorkie Differ From Other Variants?
It is true that a black Yorkie is different in looks and the primary difference is in the color of the coat.
For the ones which are purebred, you will notice that they will always come in some kind of combination. Be it black- golden, black- tan and similar others.
Not only that, it is possible that the texture of the coat for a black Yorkshire is not similar to the other variants. This is usually because a completely black Yorkie is a result of cross-breeding and is not a purebred at all.
Eumelanin is one of the leading factors that lead to the color of the coat and is responsible for causing the black pigment.
However, in the case of the ones which are purebred, this pigmentation usually fades away and gives way to golden or tan color markings on the adult.
Although, in the crossbreed variants, this fading with age does not occur at all.
Does the Black Colour Stay This Dark Throughout Their Entire Life?
This is a highly subjective question and it depends on what is the lineage of the crossbreed and what is the colour of the parents like.
However, it is highly possible that the black color will fade with time and will develop into a more dark blue steel-type color. A full-grown black Yorkie might have some notes of blue in it.
The temperament of Black Yorkies
What Are the General Temperamental Features of Yorkies?
One of the most important things about this particular variant is that they are extremely playful and the perfect option if you want a cheerful breed at home.
Black Yorkies puppies are essentially extremely active and vibrant and can light up your homes.
Not only that, they are extremely adaptable which makes them the perfect feature for your homes!
Unique Features of the Black Yorkie
As we have already discussed, this particular variant is a result of cross breed and hence it is possible that it might have some unique features which are not present in other types of Yorkies.
- They are extremely intelligent and their eyes are the most sharp features.
- They can be extremely naughty and sometimes the mischief does get out of control.
- Although they are small dogs, it does not mean that they aren’t good enough gatekeepers for your home. They are Usha extremely active and hence the right partner for your houses.
- They have a watchful nature and this is what allows them to pay extra attention to the safety of your homes.
- If they feel that they are not secure, they might show a difficult temperament like barking and sometimes might even bite in extreme cases. They have 42 teeth which are extremely sharp.
Are There Any Differences in the Behaviour of Black Yorkies and Other Types of Yorkshire?
If you go through the black Yorkies’ pictures and compare them with the purebred Yorkshire, then surely there are some apparent differences.
However, the behavior difference between the two variants is not very prominent. They usually show a similar kind of behavior. However, the way they have been brought up usually plays quite an important role in this case.
Care and Maintenance of Black Yorkies
How Can You Maintain the Black Yorkies In The Best Condition?
One of the most important factors that you need to pay attention to is the texture of the coat. They usually have a lot of hair and this becomes extremely difficult to maintain as they grow up.
The best way to maintain the ultimate tangle-free coat is to brush them at least twice a day.
Grooming Requirements of Black Yorkies
Just like any other variants of Yorkies, it is important that you maintain the grooming needs of your furry baby.
- Bathing – Bathing them at least once in two weeks is extremely important. Always make sure that you use good quality shampoo which can help them to feel fresh.
- Brush – Make sure that you ask your vet which is the perfect option to brush them with. Usually, a slicker brush is used because it has fine teeth and can detangle the coat very easily.
- Dental Care- They have a tendency to develop dental problems. Hence always make sure that you take good care of not only their teeth but also the hygiene of their gums.
- Nail Trimming – if you do not have enough idea about how to do this with precision then the best thing to do is call a professional who can help you with it. Usually, black Yorkies develop big nails very soon and hence trimming them regularly is important.
- Eye and Ear Cleaning – Although this is not a requirement every day, make sure that you clean them at least once a month. This will allow them to not develop any kind of infections.
Dietary Requirements
The appearance of the breed is not very big and hence it does not need a lot of food at one go.
However, the right combination is extremely important. It is always best to get in touch with your doctor and ask them what dog food they suggest.
You can also choose to develop the habit of eating home-cooked food for your dog. The easiest way to go about this is by giving them rice and chicken with a little bit of vegetables as prescribed by the vet.
Portion control is the key. They are small breeds and hence if you end up feeding them more than required, they will be overweight very soon.
Not only that, make sure that you feed them at regular intervals. The treat count should not go more than 10% of their daily food intake!
PS: Remember that giving them access to clean water is extremely important and can keep them hydrated from within.
Health Issues of Black Yorkies
All black Yorkies are prone to some health problems and this is because of their genetic composure.
- Luxating Patella – It is an extremely painful disorder and happens when the knee cap moves from the original position. It can cause inflammation, pain and even cause the dog to limp.
- Hypoglycemia – This is one of the most common diseases that they are prone to. It usually results in low levels of blood sugar. This is one of the major reasons why you need to be very aware of what you are feeding them.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease – This one is extremely common not only in black Yorkies but even in other small dogs. It is a condition where the thigh bone does not receive enough blood supply and hence it causes osteoarthritis.
Tips for Maintenance of Good Health
It is extremely important that you a certain about the lineage of the dog as it has an important role to play in the health of the breed. Some of the most effective tips to keep in mind for good health maintenance are:
- Take them out for regular walks. This will not only keep them fit but at the same time enhance the levels of optimum blood circulation.
- Don’t miss out on any of the vaccination schedules. This might further comprise their immune system.
- Mental stimulation is extremely important and can keep them healthy and happy. Make sure that you do not keep them alone for long periods of time because they are social dogs and will fall into depression otherwise.
- Try to find a good dog food that will take care of all the dietary requirements and provide ultimate nutritional benefits.
How Many Times Should One Visit the Veterinarian?
It is extremely difficult to say like this how many times one should visit the veterinarian because it completely depends on the requirements of your little baby.
However, it is always suggested that you do not miss any kind of appointments with the doctor at least for the first six weeks.
This is the initial development time and it will help the doctor to understand if there is anything that needs special attention.
If you notice that there is any kind of difficulty that your Black Yorkie is facing, visit the vet at the earliest!
Training and Socialization for the Black Yorkies
To answer this question, we have to first understand….are black Yorkies Purebred?
The answer is no! This is why the socialization symptoms for each of them are also quite unique and depends on the parents used for crossbreeding.
However, there are some basic ways to achieve that. They are extremely social and if you are able to use the right kind of techniques, you will be able to train them in the best possible way.
Always make sure that you start from early childhood because this way they can learn the concept better.
Being patient is extremely important and always using the same cues to avoid any kind of confusion!
Does the Positive Reinforcement Tactic Work Well With Them?
Positive reinforcement is a tactic where you give them a small treat every time they depict desirable behavior.
What happens then? This tactic automatically ensures that the dog is able to condition the positive reinforcement with the behavior and will increase the likelihood of showing the same.
If you are able to use the tactic in the right way then the positive reinforcement tactic does have great feedback!
Common Training Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t mix up the command and the cues. This will lead to confusion for the black Yorkies.
- Refrain from giving too many treats. It will deviate their attention.
- Do not hit them ever. This will make them more aggressive and will make it impossible to train them.
- Practice is the key. Always make sure that you repeat the behavior every single day.
- There should be only one person who is training the dog every single day otherwise it can lead to a lot of confusion. The dog will not be able to understand who is the trainer and which is the instruction to be followed.
Exercise and Activities
Like any other small variant of dog, it is very common for this particular breed to get overweight without any kind of exercise or activities.
Getting them for an exercise or activity also mentally stimulates them.
- Try to take them for a walk at least for half an hour. You can come back from work and take them for a walk or at the same time go for morning walks as well. This will keep them physically healthy and mentally activated.
- You can allow your children to play with them and if you have a big ground or a backyard then make sure that they have access to the same.
- Another very important way to keep them healthy is by allowing them to socialize with other dogs.
How Much Does A Black Yorkie Cost?
Usually, the bloodline, gender, and appearance of the dog set the price. However, it is given that it will cost you somewhere between $900- $5000. Usually, the reputation of the breeder also plays a very important role in setting the price.
Misconceptions About Black Yorkies
- Black Yorkies do not have a biting tendency. Development of the tendency completely depends on how you socialize your dog from childhood and train them.
- There is a very common misconception that they do not shed their coat at all. However, this is not the case because they do shed the coat.
- They are not dumb. On the other hand, they are extremely intelligent and can be trained in the best possible manner.
Q1. Do black Yorkies change color?
Yes, there are times when they will change their color and will transform into a slightly blue shade.
Sometimes they will also develop golden and white markings near the chest and the legs.
Q2. Do black Yorkie puppies change color?
No, if you see the black Yorkies’ pictures, you will notice that the puppies do not change color and usually have pitch-black coats. The answer to do black yorkie puppies change color remains negative unless they are purebred. In that case, there will be markings on their coat.
FAQ
- Are black Yorkies prone to specific health issues?
Yes, just like most other small dogs this one is also susceptible to a few kinds of health issues. These include:
- Hypoglycemia
- Luxating Patella
- Osteoarthritis
- Overweight
- Eye Problems
- Can black Yorkies have variations in coat color?
Yes, it is possible that they will have some kind of radiation in the coat color. Some of the most common options in this case include:
- Cream
- Tan
- Golden
- Brown
- Are black Yorkies suitable for families with children?
Yes, they are extremely adaptable and happy. If you have children at your home, then they are the perfect companion. Not only that, they can be extremely good playmates as well.
- How can I find a reputable breeder for black Yorkies?
If you want to find a reputable breeder then the best thing to do is ask for recommendations from those who know about the field. There are some websites like Keystone Puppies and Greenfield Puppies that can provide you with authentic options.
- Do black Yorkies have any specific dietary requirements?
Yes, it is extremely important to control their portion because they have a tendency to gain weight very easily. You also need to give them optimum quantities of protein for development. Try to avoid feeding them anything which is sweet.
Over to you…
There are a lot of people who genuinely had the question: are there black Yorkies? Yes, there are completely black Yorkies available. However, if you do not want to go for a crossbreed and want a purebred, in that case, you have to choose combinations like black-golden, black-white, black-tan, and similar others. It can also be a great option for those who do not want to take up a lot of maintenance duties and want to keep the cost affordable.