Loving and loyal: is the eye-catching Parti Yorkie right for you?

Last Updated on April 23, 2023

Parti Yorkies are enjoying a rise in popularity over the past few years. With its irresistible tri-colored fur, people can’t get enough of them.

Much like the Yorkie, this breed is loyal, fun, and great for apartment living. But what makes it unique and appealing?

a fluffy Parti Yorkie sitting on the grass
Source: @winston_kingsley_theyorkie / IG

Let’s learn more about the colorful Parti Yorkie and find out if they’re the right pups for you.

What is a Parti Yorkie?

There are not much data and details about the history of the Parti Yorkie. The first references found back in the 1800s described them as tri-colored Yorkshire terriers.

Some historians believe that the Maltese may have been used to create the Yorkie.

Tri-colored Yorkies and sometimes the very rare white Yorkies would appear in a litter. They were seen as undesirable and were thus not bred further.

Parti Yorkies were either given away or put down due to their coat color. This is a practice we now recognize as inhumane, but that was prevalent well into the late 20th century

One breeder, Mrs. Gloria Lipman of Nikko’s Kennels, refused to put down her white Yorkshire terriers. Thanks to her efforts, Parti Yorkies are now enjoying well-deserved love and recognition.

In 2000, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Parti Yorkie and its bloodlines. Parti Yorkies are tri-color, made up of black, white, and tan fur, according to its breed standard.

Despite its different colors, the Parti Gene is part of purebred Yorkies. A Parti Yorkie can and often will occur in the litter of a purebred Yorkshire Terrier.

The Parti Gene is what produces the Parti color and is a recessive gene. This means that both parents need to be carriers of the Parti gene for Parti Yorkie puppies to be born.

In essence, Parti Yorkies are the same as the traditional Yorkies, their coloration being the only difference. This difference was seen as undesirable and was thus not bred further.

Signature tri-color: Parti Yorkie appearance

A Parti Yorkie puppy comfortably laying on a fluffy cushion
Source: @coco.and.coquito / IG

As previously mentioned, yes, Parti Yorkies are purebred. The dog can naturally occur when breeding two Yorkshire Terriers.

Despite this, many conservatives consider Parti Yorkies to be low-quality dogs. But this hasn’t stopped their rise to popularity among breeders and dog lovers.

Parti Yorkie versus Regular Yorkie – What’s the difference?

Parti Yorkshire Terriers are almost identical to traditional Yorkshire Terriers, except these Yorkie pups can be any number of color combinations.

They often have black, white, tan, or chocolate coloring combined with the traditional tan and blue.

How Big Will a Parti Yorkie Get?

The Parti Yorkie classifies as a toy-sized dog. Both female and male Parti Yorkies can grow around 7 to 8 inches (18 to 20 cm) and can weigh between 4 to 7 pounds (2 to 3 kg).

Parti Yorkshire Terriers are considered full-grown when they reach their adult height anywhere between 6 to 8 months of age.

Parti Yorkie
Physical Features
Male Female
Height 7 to 8 inches 
(18 to 20 cm)
7 to 8 inches 
(18 to 20 cm)
Weight 4 to 7 pounds
(2 to 3 kg)
4 to 7 pounds
(2 to 3 kg)

Given their small size, Parti Yorkies do well in apartments, as well as in larger homes. 

The different color combinations of Parti Yorkies

a Parti Yorkie wearing a cozy sweater with a blue harness
Source: @parti.with.coby / IG

We know that Parti Yorkie puppies blend a variety of colors, from white markings to black fur, but there are also some specific colorations of Parti Color Yorkies.

The Golden or Blonde Parti Yorkie is exactly as it sounds. They look like a traditional Yorkshire Terrier, but they don’t have any blue or black coloring. 

As puppies, Golden Yorkies are either gold with white markings or solid gold. In adulthood, they vary in color from lighter blonde gold to deep, rich gold.

Chocolate Parti Yorkies are also as they sound. They’re just like a traditional Yorkshire Terrier, except they’re entirely brown.

Chocolate Yorkies are unusual, but they’re thought to result from a parent carrying the double recessive chocolate gene.

These color variations are just a few of the most striking Parti Yorkie colors!

What are a Parti Yorkie’s characteristics?

a dressed Parti Yorkie wearing plaid shirt
Source: @parti.with.coby / IG

These dogs are a lot like the Yorkshire Terrier when it comes to personality, given their only differentiator is that of coat coloring.

Parti Yorkies are very brave, loyal, and excellent family dogs. They’re very protective of their owners. They will often bark to alert you of strangers and people entering your home. 

These adorable pups have high energy and are adventurous. They are more compatible with families with older children, as they can get frustrated and nip at young kids.

The Parti enjoys affection and lots of attention. They can also get very attached to their owners, and too much alone time may result in depression or separation anxiety.

Socialization is incredibly important with Parti Yorkies given how standoffish they can be with anyone but their family. They get along well and are friendly with other pets they are raised with.

And like the Yorkshire Terrier breed, Parti Yorkies are intelligent. They are easy to communicate with, which makes them fast learners. 

Parti Yorkies thrive on schedules. You need to set boundaries early on and establish a routine for eating, walking, playing, potty and napping.

How To Care for your Parti Yorkie

Like all new owners, you want to know how you can provide the best life possible for your Parti Yorkie. 

As with all dogs, they require a healthy and well-balanced diet, and they will need regular grooming.

Parti Yorkies are sensitive to extreme temperatures. They will prefer warmer weather, but temperatures too hot can cause heat exhaustion.

If it’s too cold, they will struggle to regulate body temperature and stay warm.

How much exercise does my Parti Yorkie need?

a happy Parti Yorkie standing near a garden
Source: @rameniuspup / IG

Parti Yorkies are adventurous and have a high energy level. It is highly recommended that you establish a routine and regularly take them for a short walk as daily exercise.

Like with other breeds, this varies by individual dog. Please pay attention to your pup’s needs and exercise him accordingly. 

Mental stimulation is also great for the Parti Yorkie. Teaching obedience, using a puzzle feeder, and playing hide and seek are all great ways to give your pup the mental exercise he needs.

How much grooming does a Parti Yorkie need?

This breed is relatively high maintenance and will require constant attention to its grooming and hygiene. 

Given their long coats, Parti Yorkshire Terrier puppies and adult dogs shed year-round.

They have very low shedding, but it’s harder to notice because they don’t shed like other dogs. Because of this, some consider them hypoallergenic.

While Parti Yorkies’ fur need only remain super long for dog shows, their fur will shed at any length.

Daily grooming is recommended to keep your dog’s fur healthy and free of mats.

Regular grooming stimulates hair follicles and encourages growth, so frequent visits to the groomer are helpful.

Bathe your Parti Yorkie weekly to keep their coat healthy and shiny. Ensure to untangle the hair, and you may do this while shampooing to make untangling easier.

Apply shampoo formulated for small dogs and lightly run your fingers through. Thoroughly rinse, then apply conditioner and rinse again. Conditioning helps to keep their hair healthy and shiny.

Brushing their teeth is essential. Parti Yorkies are prone to tartar build-up, and dental disease, so regular teeth cleaning will help with the longevity of your dog’s mouth.

In addition to brushing, clean out his or her ears, and regularly trim nails. 

Here are some grooming supplies you’ll need:

  • Nail clipper
  • Toothbrush + toothpaste
  • Slicker brush
  • Wire comb
  • Clippers or scissors if you plan to trim fur yourself
  • Ear cleaning solution + cotton swabs

What about my Parti Yorkie’s diet?

A Parti Yorkie sitting with empty dog bowls
Source: @parti.with.coby / IG

A well-balanced diet is required for your Parti Yorkie. However, do note that your dog’s diet depends on age:

Newborn: nursing
5-6 weeks: nursing, wet food/kibble
2-4 months: free feed, 200-400 calories
5-9 months: 175-200 calories, 3-4 meals
Adult: 150-175 calories, 2-3 meals
Senior: 135-175 calories, 2-3 meals

Feeding your Parti Yorkie dry food is best to protect their teeth. Their kibble should contain good protein sources, be easy to eat, have lots of Omega-3, and contain no artificial ingredients.

Some yummy, healthy, and safe snack options to consider include Greenies (good for teeth), sweet potatoes, green beans, bananas, and strawberries. Healthy and nutritious!

There are also poisonous foods you must NEVER give your dog, so be sure to read this list carefully. 

Here are some common foods you need to avoid:

  • Chocolate (especially unsweetened baking chocolate)
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Dairy products
  • Salty food
  • Any cooked bones
  • Coffee and other caffeinated food
  • Garlic and onions due to thiosulphate
  • Mushrooms
  • Nutmeg

What are common health issues for Parti Yorkies?

A Parti Yorkie’s life expectancy is generally 12-15 years. But Parti Yorkies, like other breeds, are prone to several health complications and genetic diseases.

Eye problems and infections are common in Yorkies of all kinds.

Some Yorkies suffer from Progressive Retinal Atrophy which is the slow loss of vision in a dog and can result in blindness.

Thankfully you are usually able to detect this long before the dog ends up blind.

Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar most often affects newborn puppies to the age of 4 months but has also been observed in older Parti Yorkies.

Symptoms include weakness, disorientation, and in severe cases, seizures and fainting. For emergency cases, you may rub honey or corn syrup as a short-term treatment. 

Parti Yorkies are also prone to joint problems such as Luxating Patella. It is an inherited condition and can eventually result in lameness or an abnormal gait. The most severe cases require corrective surgery.

Another common health issue in small breeds is a collapsed trachea.

If your dog exhibits a dry cough and labored breathing, it may be experiencing tracheal collapse. In most cases, medication or surgery can correct this problem.

Other health issues include liver disease, teeth, and gum problems.

Being aware of your Parti Yorkie’s bloodlines is incredibly helpful for preventing these diseases since many of them are congenital.

Reputable breeders do health screenings and DNA tests on their breeding dogs, ensuring they only breed healthy dogs. Visit offa.org for more information.

If your dog is a rescue, we recommend taking your dog to the vet for annual health screenings.

Doing so means you will likely catch any conditions before they become so severe that there’s no correcting them.

Most Yorkies tend to die of a respiratory disease once they are over one year of age. Be attentive and make sure your pup doesn’t miss any vaccinations or medications. 

Regular health screenings are the best way to ensure your dog lives a long, healthy life.

What will a Parti Yorkie cost me?

Parti Yorkie puppies cuddling on a moving car
Source: @sunshinepartiyorkies / IG

Given how rare Parti Yorkies are, they cost significantly more than regular Yorkshire Terriers.

While a regular Yorkie costs $1200 – $1500 on average, Parti Yorkies will run you over $2000 in most cases.

Yorkies tend to have litters of around 4 pups, but unless genetics are carefully selected, it is unusual for any of these to be Parti-colored.

Remember, the Parti Gene must be present in both parents, as it is a recessive gene to produce Parti Yorkies.

If you’re looking for a Chocolate Yorkie, that will likely cost more, as it’s even more genetically difficult to breed.

Finding a healthy Parti Yorkie pup

Since Yorkshire Terriers are registered with the AKC, start with their breeder database.

The AKC has extremely strict health and behavior standards for all breeders, so picking an affiliate breeder ensures you’re getting a healthy puppy who will live a long life.

Once you’ve perused the master list of AKC Yorkie breeders, start looking for ones who specialize in Parti Yorkies. Hoping that two traditional Yorkies will have a Parti Yorkie by chance isn’t the way to go.

No matter what breeder you choose, make sure they clearly explain their handling and socialization process with the puppies in the 8 weeks they have them.

Early socialization sets the foundation for a balanced dog.

Inspect the breeder’s facilities and make sure they are clean and spacious. Search the parent dogs’ records and verify that their bloodlines are pure.

Doing a little homework now can save you a lot of money and heartbreak later.

Again, the AKC will do most of this vetting for you, so it’s best to go through their registry.

Try to avoid puppy mills if you can. They keep their dogs in horrible conditions just so they can maximize their profit.

It has been recorded that pups from puppy mills are more likely to have illnesses which means expensive trips to the vet.

Check out this video of some adorable Parti Yorkies at 8 weeks of age!

Rescuing a Parti Yorkie

If you want to rescue a Parti Yorkie, you’ll have to look at Yorkie rescues, as there aren’t any (at least that we could find!) that specialize in tri-colored Parti Yorkies. Below are a few organizations to start with:

  • Rescue Me Yorkie Rescue
  • United Yorkie Rescue
  • Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue Inc.
  • YTCA Rescue, Inc.

Given how expensive puppies are in their first year, this is likely a more cost-effective way to add a Parti Yorkshire Terrier to your family. 

Take caution, however, because you won’t know the genetic history of your pup and maybe signing up for congenital issues down the line that you wouldn’t get with a breeder.

Many rescue dogs come from less-than-ideal circumstances and may need additional training or socialization.

Make a stringent list of requirements for your new family member so the rescue organization can help match you with the perfect pooch.

What’s the deal with the Biewer Yorkie?

A beautiful Biewer Terrier wearing a red bow and laying down
A happy Biewer Terrier enjoying the outdoors

Although the Biewer Terrier is often mistaken for Yorkies, it is a distinct breed.

Originally bred by Mr. and Mrs. Biewer in Germany, this breed has its own unique colors that aren’t normally found in Yorkie bloodlines.

Biewers’ coats are three colors, in some combination of white, blue, and black, or white, gold, and tan.

Yorkies, however, have only two or three colors that contain some variation of tan, gold, black, blue, or occasionally brown or white. 

Otherwise, Biewers seldom have docked tails, whereas Yorkies almost always have them, as it is part of the breed standard.

Is the Parti Yorkie right for you?

a Parti Yorkie looking to the left while sitting on a wooden bench
Source: @winston_kingsley_theyorkie / IG

If you’re ready to give and receive lots of love and affection, then the Parti Yorkie is perfect for you.

They are loyal, devoted, and protective companions who enjoy nothing more than spending time with you. 

Don’t be fooled by their small frames as they pack a lot of energy bound to keep you on your toes. They make a great addition to any household if you give them a chance. 

That said, Parti Yorkies can be temperamental and require commitment. They can be stubborn, so a patient and experienced handler are best.

It’s essential to be aware of the pros and cons of getting a Parti Yorkie so you can take care of them properly. 

Up for the adventure? Let us know below!

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