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Parti Yorkies
Parti yorkies are not Yorkshire terriers who love to have a good time, instead the term refers to yorkies who deviate from the standard coloration. Most parti yorkies are tri-colored with black, tan, and white like the Biewer yorkies. Prices for parti yorkies can range as high as $5,000 at some breeders, so you need to know a few facts before you spend that type of money.
Parti yorkies do not adhere to the American Kennel Club's breed standard which only recognized the traditional silky, black, and tan coat. Many breeders of parti yorkies make a big deal about their puppies being AKC registered, but that doesn't mean much. You see, the puppies of any two AKC-registered dogs will be eligible for AKC registration even if they do not meet the standard.
Furthermore, even though the parti yorkies can be registered with the AKC, they cannot be shown in dog shows. Interestingly enough, some of the breeders selling these types of dogs make a big deal about how closely their puppies match up to the breed standard, but they leave off the section of the standard which discusses coat color.
Even more important is the reason why breeding parti yorkies is discouraged. That reason is that color abnormalities often accompany other genetic defects. For example, white Great Danes are more prone to deafness than any standard coloration of the breed. Parti yorkies can have problems such as severe allergies, skin problems, illnesses, and even premature death. They can also run a greater risk of developing other genetic problems which are common to the Yorkshire Terrier breed.
As the national club for the yorkie breed explained in a notice to all consumers, parti yorkies do sometimes occur in a litter. However, a reputable breeder will have the puppy spayed or neutered as soon as possible so it does not reproduce and pass on its genetic faults to the next generation.
Parti yorkies, like doll-faced and teacup versions, are marketed to consumers who want something unique and who are willing to pay large amounts of money to get it. The problem is that by continually breeding off-colored or unnaturally small yorkies the entire breed is weakened and genetic defects become more common. True lovers of Yorkshire terriers do not want to see this happen, even if it means purchasing a traditional yorkie.
The growing popularity of parti yorkies shows how important it is for potential buyers to do their research before bringing home a new puppy. The novelty of their coloring may be appealing but the potential for large vet bills and an early death for the dog may not make it worth buying parti yorkies.
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