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White Yorkshire terrier, often referred to as a White Yorkie, is not a recognized breed within the official Yorkshire Terrier standards. Yorkshire Terriers are typically known for their distinctive blue and tan coat. However, some dogs may appear lighter due to genetic variations or health conditions.
In some cases, a White Yorkie could result from crossbreeding a Yorkshire Terrier with a white-coated breed, leading to a lighter or predominantly white coat. However, these dogs wouldn’t be purebred Yorkshire Terriers and wouldn’t meet the breed standards set by major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC).
It’s important to note that responsible breeders should aim to maintain the breed standards, and significant deviations from the standard coloration should be approached with caution, as they could indicate underlying health issues or unethical breeding practices.
Are white Yorkies rare?
White Yorkshire terrier, White Yorkies stand out as an exceptional and uncommon subset of the Yorkshire Terrier breed.
What is the rarest Yorkie color?
White Yorkshire terrier, Golden Yorkies (also known as Blonde Yorkies or Sable Yorkies) are extremely rare. They are born with a solid golden color or gold with white markings. For example, they may be solid gold with a white chest or white feet.
Are white Yorkies healthy?
Yorkshire Terriers are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as eye anomalies and luxating patella, a dislocated kneecap once called a ‘trick knee’ in humans.
How long do white Yorkies live?
The Yorkshire Terrier is a generally healthy breed with a long lifespan of 11 to 15 years. However, like all purebred dogs, Yorkies can be predisposed to certain health conditions such as: Collapsing Trachea. Luxating Patella (dislocated kneecap)
Appearance & Coat
A White Yorkshire terrier, although not a standard or recognized variation of the breed, typically has the following appearance and coat characteristics if it exists due to crossbreeding or genetic variations:
Appearance
- Size: Similar to standard Yorkshire Terriers, they are small dogs, usually weighing between 4 to 7 pounds.
- Body: Compact and well-proportioned with a sturdy build.
- Head: Small, with a moderately flat skull and a black nose. Eyes are medium-sized and dark, giving an intelligent expression.
- Ears: Small, V-shaped, and carried erect.
Coat Type
- Texture: The coat is usually fine, silky, and straight. It may not have the same quality as a purebred Yorkshire Terrier if the white coloration is due to crossbreeding.
- Length: The hair can grow long and needs regular grooming to prevent tangles and matting.
- Color: Predominantly white or a mix of white with some other colors. Unlike the typical blue and tan of a standard Yorkie, the coat will lack the standard coloration.
It’s important to consult with a veterinarian or a reputable breeder if you encounter a White Yorkshire terrier to ensure the dog’s health and understand its background.
Nature and Personality
The nature and personality of a White Yorkshire terrier, assuming it has the same general traits as a standard Yorkshire Terrier, can be described as follows:
Nature
- Friendly: They are usually very sociable and enjoy being around people and other pets.
- Affectionate: Known for being loving and loyal, they form strong bonds with their owners.
- Energetic: Despite their small size, they are lively and enjoy playtime and physical activity.
- Alert: They have a keen sense of awareness and often make good watchdogs, alerting their owners to any unusual activity.
Personality
- Confident: Yorkshire Terriers tend to be bold and confident, often showing more bravery than their size would suggest.
- Intelligent: They are quick learners and respond well to training, especially when positive reinforcement techniques are used.
- Curious: They have a natural curiosity and like to explore their surroundings.
- Stubborn: At times, they can be a bit headstrong and may need consistent training to curb any willful behavior.
Overall, White Yorkshire terrier, like their standard counterparts, make delightful companions due to their lively, affectionate, and intelligent nature. They thrive in environments where they receive plenty of attention and mental stimulation.
Food and Diet
Feeding a White Yorkshire terrier should follow the same principles as feeding any Yorkshire Terrier. Here are some guidelines to ensure a healthy and balanced diet for your dog:
Diet Guidelines
High-Quality Commercial Dog Food:Choose a premium dog food brand that lists meat as the first ingredient. Look for foods specifically formulated for small breeds, as they have the right balance of nutrients and smaller kibble sizes.
- Protein: Ensure the diet is rich in high-quality protein sources such as chicken, beef, fish, or lamb.Protein is essential for muscle maintenance and overall health.
- Healthy Fats:Include sources of healthy fats like fish oil or flaxseed oil, which are beneficial for coat health and skin condition.
- Carbohydrates:Provide complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, or barley for sustained energy levels.
- Fruits and Vegetables:Incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Examples include carrots, blueberries, and spinach.Avoid toxic foods like grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic.
- Portion Control:Follow the feeding guidelines provided on the dog food packaging, adjusting portions based on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level.Small breeds can be prone to obesity, so monitor their weight and adjust food intake accordingly.
- Regular Feeding Schedule:Feed your dog two to three small meals per day rather than one large meal. This helps maintain energy levels and prevents hypoglycemia, which small breeds are susceptible to.
- Hydration:Ensure fresh water is available at all times. Proper hydration is crucial for overall health.
- Treats and Snacks:Use healthy treats in moderation, especially during training. Opt for low-calorie, nutritious options to avoid excessive weight gain.
Special Considerations
Allergies: If your White Yorkshire terrier has food allergies, consult with a veterinarian to identify the allergens and choose appropriate hypoallergenic food options.
Dental Health: Small breeds are prone to dental issues, so provide dental chews or dry kibble that helps clean their teeth.
So Conclusion
A White Yorkshire terrier, while not a recognized variation of the traditional Yorkshire Terrier breed, can still be a wonderful companion if it exists due to genetic variation or crossbreeding. Here are the key points to consider:
- Appearance and Coat Type
- Temperament and Personality
- Diet
- Health Considerations
- Overall Care
Despite the non-standard coloration, a White Yorkshire Terrier can make a delightful, loving, and loyal pet, bringing joy and companionship to any household. Always ensure to source your dog from reputable breeders to avoid health issues associated with unethical breeding practices.