Parti vs Standard Yorkie: The Key Differences (With Pictures)

Parti Yorkies have been gaining a lot of attention lately. They look so similar to a standard Yorkie, that you may be wondering, what is the difference?

Whether you’re on the fence about getting a Parti Yorkie or a standard Yorkie or you’re just curious, the good news is that a Parti Yorkie is just a color pattern. Instead of the standard blue and tan color, Parti Yorkies have tri-colored fur with black, white, and tan. Let’s take a deeper look at the differences between these two Yorkie varieties.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Parti Yorkie Overview

The Parti Yorkie is a standard Yorkie with a tri-color pattern that’s different from most Yorkies. They can be purebred Yorkshire Terriers, other than three colors in the coat. A standard Yorkie only comes in a variety of two different colors, which include black, tan, or blue in different combinations. Partis have these combinations with a third color, which is usually black, white, and tan.

Traditionally, Parti Yorkies were considered low-quality dogs with a color flaw. Breeders often gave away these pups, knowing they weren’t suitable for show or breeding. Then, in the 1980s, a breeder by the name of Gloria Lipman sought to find homes for Parti puppies. The color pattern gained popularity, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Parti color in 2000.

The genetics that produce a Parti can be challenging, however. Though these genes are expressed in many breeds, it takes careful breeding with no guarantee of producing Parti puppies. As a result, these pups can command high prices for their rarity and desirability.

Personality

Yorkies have high energy and need a lot of stimulation to avoid boredom. They tend to get attached to their “one person” and enjoy spending time with family members, including other dogs and cats. Yorkies can be good family pets, but it’s important that children play appropriately to avoid injuring such a small dog.

Training

Yorkies are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. With positive reinforcement training, consistency, and proper socialization, Yorkies make excellent pets. Many Yorkies compete in canine competitions for obedience, agility, and rally. They also make good therapy dogs.

Health & Care

Yorkies are generally healthy dogs, though they are prone to some health conditions like eye issues and luxating patella (dislocated kneecaps). Responsible breeders will screen parent pups for genetic health conditions that can compromise the puppies.

Grooming

Yorkies have silky coats that are similar to human hair, so they tend to shed less than other dogs. They do need regular grooming to avoid mats and tangles that can be uncomfortable. It’s best to work with a professional grooming to trim some of the Yorkie’s long growth areas, such as the top of the head, which can lead to eye irritation if left long.

Suitable For:

Parti Yorkies are versatile and work well for different types of owners. They’re ideal for small homes and apartments that have size restrictions or limited space, but they still need regular exercise. Owners who want to compete in canine sports can certainly train a Yorkie to be a serious competitor. They’re also good companion dogs for single or elderly owners and families.

Standard Yorkie Overview

The standard Yorkie is essentially the same as the Parti, except that its colors are more limited. They come in blue and gold, blue and tan, black and tan, and black and gold, which create the signature look. Purebred standard Yorkies have been around since the early 1800s and were introduced to North America in 1872. They gained official recognition from the AKC in 1885.

Before becoming companions and lapdogs for high society, Yorkies worked as ratters in mines. Now, like the Parti, they can excel at competitions like rallies and agility courses. They’re also good watchdogs, brave, and a little bossy.

Personality / Character

Like other terriers, Yorkies are tenacious and brave, often with a “big dog” personality in a small package. They are loyal to their family members, particularly one person, and get along well with kids and other animals.

Exercise

Yorkies have a lot of energy, but they’re a good choice for small spaces. They can live comfortably in an apartment or small home with regular walks and playtime. With their hunting past, these dogs can have a high prey drive and may chase small animals.

Training

Yorkies are smart and easy to train. It’s important to use positive reinforcement training and proper socialization to create a well-adjusted dog, especially in homes with other pets and children. These dogs can perform well in different competitions.

Health & Care

Yorkies are generally healthy dogs, but they can have some genetic conditions that affect their health. Responsible breeders choose the best dogs based on health screenings for common conditions like eye problems and joint problems.

Grooming

Yorkies have long, luxurious coats that are similar to human hair. They don’t shed often, but they do need regular brushing and bathing to keep their coats healthy and tangle-free. Professional grooming can trim some of the Yorkie’s problem areas, such as the long hair on its eyes and genitals.

Suitable For:

The Yorkie was a historic lapdog of Britain’s high society. Now, it’s a companion dog for all types of owners, including families with children and single owners, due to its versatility. Though they need some exercise, Yorkies can adapt to apartments or small homes easily and enjoy spending time with their owners.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

The Parti Yorkie and the standard Yorkie are the same breeds: Yorkshire Terriers. Choosing a Parti over a standard is a matter of your preference for the dog’s looks since the Parti Yorkie has a striking tri-color pattern. Standard Yorkies come in beautiful patterns as well, however, such as blue and tan and black and gold. Whichever you choose, all these Yorkies are suitable for showing or companionship.

---

Featured Image Credit: Left – Parti Yorkie (Sam Lion, Pexels) | Right – Standard Yorkie (Josch13, Pixabay)