Rare Yorkie Colors: Exotic and Unusual Yorkies Coat Variations

Are you thinking of buying a rare Yorkie, but you still haven’t decided which color to choose? Well, one thing is for sure – rare Yorkie colors catch everyone’s eye and steal everyone’s heart. They come in a wide range of color varieties and are often priced higher than the standard ones. In case you want to find out all the facts about these lovable pooches, then this blog post is for you.

Yorkshire Terriers are famous for their silky coats, typically in a steel-blue-and-gold or black-and-tan pattern. However, a growing number of pet lovers are intrigued by rare Yorkie colors. Those unusual coats are outside the AKC standard.

These include solid gold or white Yorkies, merle (mottled) coats, red-legged Yorkies, brindle stripes, and even “Parti” tri-color patterns. In this blog, we’ll reveal these exotic Yorkie colors: what they are, how they happen, how common (or rare) they really are, and how much they cost. 

Standard vs. Rare Yorkie Coat Colors

First, it helps to know the normal Yorkie coat. All Yorkies are born with a black-and-tan puppy coat. As they grow, that black often “dilutes” to a steel blue and the tan darkens to a rich gold. 

By adulthood most purebred Yorkies display either a blue (diluted black) back with gold legs (a “blue & gold” coat) or a black back with gold legs (a “black & gold” coat). 

The AKC official standard still essentially has four color variants: black & tan, black & gold, blue & tan, and blue & gold. So any other color (all-gold, chocolate brown, merle patches, white markings, etc.) is not a recognized “standard” Yorkie coat. In practice, true color change in Yorkies is normal, not rare – a Yorkie’s coat naturally transitions from puppy to adult colors.

“Rare Yorkie colors” refers to colors that fall outside the traditional palette. These unusual coats arise when recessive genes or breed mixes come into play. As one expert notes, rare Yorkie colors only appear if “parents carry recessive genes” for that color. In well-bred litters of pure Yorkies, you almost never see them. Many of these exotic coats are deliberately bred (sometimes by unscrupulous breeders) and can involve crossbreeding or inbreeding. Below we’ll cover the most talked-about rare colors.

Golden and Other Solid-Colored Yorkies

Some of the flashiest rare Yorkies are solid-colored or all-golden coats. This includes solid gold/blonde (sometimes called “sable” Yorkies), solid white (cashmere white), solid black, or solid chocolate brown. 

None of these solid colors is accepted under AKC breed standards. To get a litter of truly solid-gold or all-white Yorkies, breeders often must use inbreeding or crossbreeding tricks.

 For example, a Golden (all-blonde) Yorkie is so rare that breeders have been known to mate two Golden lines together. In some cases, they even introduce other breeds to achieve the color. Unfortunately, this also leads to health risks. The AKC disqualifies any Yorkie with more than a tiny white spot on the chest, partly to discourage the inbreeding needed for solid coats.

Solid-golden and white Yorkies fetch very high prices. A survey of breeders notes that a pure Golden Yorkie has sold for up to $8,000.

By contrast, a traditional black/tan puppy typically goes for around $1,800–$2,500 in the U.S.. For example, one Texas breeder lists black & tan Yorkies at ~$1,895–$2,895, while golden-blonde Yorkies are about $1,895–$2,495. Even a white “Cashmere” Yorkie is uncommon and costly: some breeders quote $2,995+ for a male and $3,995+ for a female in this cream color.

Breeders warn that these eye-catching colors often come with a cost to health and ethics. Because producing solid colors often involves skipping genetic health tests or heavy inbreeding, health problems can result. They typically require multiple recessive genes or breed crosses. So, if you’re buying a Golden or all-white Yorkie, it’s wise to vet the breeder carefully. Ask about genetic testing and the puppy’s lineage.

Merle, Blue, and Brindle Yorkies

Another exotic category involves patterned or diluted coats. The Merle Yorkie is the most famous. Merle Yorkies have a marbled coat with lighter and darker patches (e.g., gray-blue patches on a black or chocolate base) and often striking light or mismatched eyes. Merle is caused by a specific gene that breaks up the color. These dogs look cute, but double-merle matings can cause severe health issues (deafness, vision loss). Importantly, AKC does not recognize Merle as a valid Yorkie color, so Merle Yorkies are registered under less strict clubs (like the Continental Kennel Club).

Closely related is the so-called “Blue Yorkie.” This refers to a puppy born with a solid steel-gray coat instead of black. Like merles, true blue Yorkies are extremely rare and controversial. In fact, health experts say blue-Yorkie pups often have lethal defects. A report notes that “Blue Yorkies… rarely live more than a few days,” and those that do often suffer intense skin problems. Breeders typically avoid blue Yorkies due to these issues. Merle and blue Yorkies usually command high prices; for example, one U.S. kennel lists Blue Merle males at $2,595–$3,495 and females at $3,495–$4,595.

A Brindle Yorkie has faint tiger-like stripes on a red base coat. This pattern is extremely rare in purebreds – most “brindle Yorkies” on the market are crossbred dogs passed off as pure Yorkies. Authentic Yorkie brindle would mean a red-and-black striped coat, but again it usually signals mixed heritage. Any Yorkie advertised as brindle should be approached with caution.

Red-Legged and Sable Yorkies

Beyond coat patterns, gene throwbacks produce other unusual colors. Red-legged Yorkies are solid black Yorkies with rich red-gold on the muzzle and legs. This occurs when ancient genes reappear, giving a vibrant red hue to parts of the coat. These dogs also tend to have a coarser, wirier fur. Red-legged Yorkies are actually purebred, just carrying rare recessive genes. They’re very uncommon, especially in the US and UK, and any showing of pure black not fading to blue plus red legs would surely catch a breeder’s attention. There’s no fixed price (they’re so rare), but if you find one, expect it to be premium.

Sable Yorkies

Sable Yorkies look like gold or tan Yorkies with black tips on the hairs (similar to how some golden retrievers are “sable”). A sable Yorkie’s tan coat is dusted with black at the ends, giving it an iridescent sheen. This pattern is subtle and can be hard to spot until adulthood. Golden/Sable Yorkies are noted as “extremely rare” by breeders. They may appear almost all blonde when young, but black tipping shows up as they mature. Again, any Yorkie with a surprisingly light coat might signal sable genetics.

All-white Yorkies a.k.a. Cashmere Yorkshire terrier

All-white Yorkies are sometimes labeled “Cashmere” or “Blonde,” but pure white coats are not officially allowed. The AKC rules allow only tiny white chest spots. Any largely white Yorkie would be disqualified from the show. 

Most all-white pups likely result from breeding Yorkies to Biewer Terriers or similar. The Biewer Terrier is a separate breed that is particolored by standard. 

In rare cases, a solid-white Yorkie may come from two Yorkie parents if, by chance, they both carry the recessive white gene. These “albino-like” pups can be healthy pets, but beware: truly albino Yorkies (pink noses, blue eyes) suffer light sensitivity and other issues. Seeking an albino pup is not recommended due to serious health risks.

Lilac Yorkies

Lilac Yorkies are made when a certain set of genes from their parent Yorkies come together. The dilute gene, also called the “dd” gene, is the main gene that makes the lilac coat color. This gene works with other genes that control color, like the chocolate gene (bb) and the blue gene (bb). 

When a Yorkie gets two copies of the dilute gene (dd), one from each parent, and carries one copy of the chocolate gene (bb) and one copy of the blue gene (bb), the beautiful and rare Lilac Yorkie with its beautiful pale gray coat is born. Breeders must carefully pair Yorkies with the right gene pairings to make these adorable fur babies, which adds to their uniqueness and charm.

Parti-Colored and Tri-Color Yorkies

Some Yorkies carry the Parti-color gene, giving them patches of white plus black (or chocolate) and tan. These tri-color Yorkies (black/white/tan or chocolate/white/tan) look very distinctive. A tri-color Yorkie can only appear when both parents carry the hidden recessive gene.

 Historically these “surprise” Parti pups were rare and often unregistered. After decades of debate, the AKC now allows Parti-colored Yorkies in the registry (since 2000). However, breeders caution that early on some Parti puppies were still not papered. 

By contrast, the Biewer Terrier breed is essentially a recognized tri-color Yorkie. Real Biewers always have white patches, whereas Yorkshire Terriers (per AKC) usually do not.

In practice, a Yorkie advertised as “Parti” usually has a white chest or a mix of black, tan, and white. Still, many purebred Yorkie breeders sell tri-color puppies, often under Continental registries. Parti Yorkies tend to be popular and expensive: for example, an Alabama breeder lists Parti-colored Yorkies at $2,195–$2,995 (male) and $2,495–$2,995 (female). Blueberry Brook Yorkies (CA) notes that golden Parti and chocolate Parti Yorkies are beautiful creatures with purebred lineage.

Pricing and Where to Find Rare Yorkies

If you’re set on a rare color, prepare to pay extra and do your homework. Prices vary by color rarity, breeder reputation, and location. 

In the U.S., solid-golden Yorkies often run $2,000–$3,000 from reputable kennels. Double merles or Parti Merles can be in the mid-$3k and up. 

In comparison, a normal black-and-tan Yorkie pup might be under $2,500. Note that some breeder charts list their exotic lines clearly. For example, Blue Merle females $3,495–$4,595, Parti Merle $3,995+, and Cashmere White $3,995+.

Across the Atlantic, rare Yorkies also fetch premiums. UK listings for “rare” Yorkies show prices around £2,000–£2,300 for unique coats. 

For instance, ads on Pets4Homes UK have a Blue Merle Yorkie at £2,000 and chocolate-and-black Yorkies at £2,300. By contrast, average AKC-registry Yorkies in the UK are around £800–£1,500, so the rarer colors cost noticeably more. Pet4Homes notes a typical purebred Yorkie runs about £801 on average, so a rare tri-color or merle is significantly above that.

In both countries, your safest bet is a reputable breeder or rescue. 

Specialized breeders advertise exotic colors on their websites and social media. They can often register rare-color pups with the Continental Kennel Club (CKC) or other registries if AKC won’t accept the color. Some AKC or CKC Yorkie clubs and forums list upcoming litters. It’s also worth checking breed-specific rescues or local shelters; sometimes a tri-colored or sable Yorkie ends up needing a home.

Always ask breeders about health guarantees and genetic testing, especially with rare coats. As a reminder, many dog experts emphasize that health should come first. The rich price tag of an exotic Yorkie shouldn’t blind you to potential issues. If possible, meet the parents or see vet records. A really questionable advert (for example, a “rare albino” Yorkie) could indicate irresponsible breeding. But done right, a rare-color Yorkie from a careful breeder can be a healthy, cherished pet – just one with a show-stopping coat.

Yorkie Color Chart

Color Variation	Recognition	Approx. Price Range	Notes
Black & Tan (traditional)	AKC standard	$1,800–$2,500+ (US)	Most common; puppies born black/tan.
Blue & Gold	AKC standard	Similar to black/tan	Standard “blue & tan” adult coat.
Black & Gold	AKC standard	Similar to black/tan	Rarer than black/tan but standard.
Blue & Tan	AKC standard	Similar	Transitional phase of color change.
Golden/Sable (solid)	Not AKC	~$1,800–$3,000 (US) Up to $8,000	Solid blonde/golden coat; extremely rare. Inbreeding often used.
White (Cashmere)	Not AKC	~$3,000+ (US)	Solid cream/white coat; disallowed by AKC. Rare and costly.
Chocolate (Liver)	Not AKC	~$2,000 (US)	Solid brown coat from recessive gene; not recognized under AKC standards.
Solid Black	Not AKC	~$2,000 (US)	All-black coat (beyond black-and-tan) is rare. AKC calls black coats “blue” in adults.
Red-Legged	Not AKC	(Unavailable in most registries)	Black body with deep red face/legs; recessive gene. Rare purebred throwback.
Brindle	Not AKC	(Usually crossbreeds)	Striped red-black pattern. Almost always from mixed breeding.
Merle (Blue/Chocolate)	Not AKC	$2,600–$4,600+ (US)	Patchy diluted coat (blue or chocolate base). Cute but double-merle pups can be deaf or blind.
Parti/Tri-Color	AKC (since 2000)	$2,200–$3,000 (US)	Combines white, tan, and black (or chocolate). Purebred but recessive.
Albino (cream)	Not AKC	—	True albinism (pink nose, blue eyes) is ultra-rare. Health issues (light sensitivity, etc.) make it undesirable

What questions to ask a breeder if you’re buying a rare Yorkie?

When buying a rare Yorkie, it’s important to find out as much as you can to make sure you’re getting a healthy, real furry friend. Here are some things you should ask the breeder:

Can you give me names of people who have bought from you before? Reliable breeders will be happy to give you references and feedback from people who have bought from them before.

Can I see where the puppy came from? Seeing the parents will give you a good idea of how the baby will look and act.

What tests of the parents’ genes have been done? Genetic testing helps find possible health problems and makes sure that breeding is done in a sensible way.

Socialization is an important part of your Yorkie’s life

How do they get used to people? For a dog to be well-adjusted and strong as an adult, it is important that they are socialized well when they are young.

Have the puppies been vaccinated and treated for worms? It is very important for the puppy’s health to get the right medical care.

Is there a promise or warranty about health? Reputable breeders often offer health promises to give buyers peace of mind in case any health problems pop up out of the blue.

Can I visit the place where the animals are raised or the breeder’s house? A visit lets you see how the puppies live and what kind of setting they are raised in.

Pay attention to how a breeder ships the puppies

How do you handle shipping, if that’s something you have to do? If the breeder will ship, make sure it is done in a safe and kind way.

How does the rare color in the litter differ from the other colors? If you know what makes the rare color special, you can make a better choice.

Can you show proof that the puppy has a background and is registered with a reputable kennel club? This proves that the puppy is real and comes from a real family.

Remember to choose a breeder who knows what they are doing, is honest, and really cares about the pups. By asking these questions, you’ll be able to find a good parent and make sure you get a healthy, happy rare Yorkie.

How to take care of rare Yorkies?

Brushing and Caring for the Coat: 

You need to brush your Yorkie’s coat often to keep it from getting tangled or matted. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean their hair of dirt and other things.

Pay extra attention to places like behind the ears and under the legs where knots tend to form.

Bathing of your Yorkie: 

Give your Yorkie a bath every two to three weeks or as needed to keep its hair clean and smelling good. Use a gentle shampoo that won’t hurt their skin or take the natural oils out of their fur. Dry your Yorkie well after giving it a bath so it doesn’t get cold.

Trimming the nails of your Yorkie: 

Trim your Yorkie’s nails often to keep their paws healthy.

Be careful not to cut too close to the quick if you don’t want to bleed and hurt yourself.

You might want to use a grinder to get a smoother finish and lessen the chance of overcutting.

Regular ear cleaning in your Yorkie:

Check the ears of your Yorkie once a week for dirt, wax buildup, or signs of an illness.

Use a gentle ear cleaner that your vet recommends and a cotton ball to clean their ears.

To avoid hurting them, don’t put anything deep into their ear canal.

Dental care of Yorkies: 

Yorkies often have problems with their teeth, so brush them every day with toothpaste made for dogs. Give them oral chews or toys to help clean their teeth and stop plaque from building up. Click on the image down to check our toothpaste that is safe for yorkshire terriers.

Chose a balanced diet for your Yorkie:

To keep your rare-colored Yorkie in good health, its food must be well-balanced and nutritious. As small-breed dogs, Yorkies have special nutritional needs that should be met with high-quality dog food made for their size and age. Look for dog food that has real meat, like chicken or lamb, as the first ingredient.

This is because protein is important for your dog’s muscles and general development. Also, the food for your Yorkie should have healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids to help keep their skin and fur in good shape. Avoid foods with a lot of fillers, artificial preservatives, or by-products. They can cause stomach problems and don’t provide much nutrition.

Think about your Yorkie’s age, how active he or she is, and weight to figure out the right serving size. Split their daily food intake into two or three smaller meals. That’s how you avoid overeating and keep their energy levels steady throughout the day. Yorkies can become overweight, so it’s important to keep an eye on their weight and adjust their food intake properly.

Hydration of your Yorkie is important:

In addition to a healthy diet, make sure your rare Yorkie always has access to clean, fresh water. Their health depends on staying properly hydrated, especially when it’s hot or after they’ve been active. Remember that a well-fed and well-hydrated Yorkie is more likely to have a strong immune system and better general health. It makes them better able to live a full, active life.

By paying close attention to your rare-colored Yorkie’s dietary needs and giving them a carefully planned diet, you can do a lot to help them live longer and be happier as a loved part of your family.

Rare Yorkie Colors: Wrapping up

As you start the process of getting one of these rare gems into your life, you must be careful and responsible. Your top priority should be to find a good breeder who cares about the health and happiness of their dogs. A good breeder will not only make sure that the rare-colored Yorkies are bred in an ethical way, but they will also give us good advice and help as we start this new stage.

Even though rare Yorkie colors are hard to resist, it’s important to think about how much they cost. Beware of sellers who exploit their rarity with exorbitant prices. Instead, opt for breeders who price their dogs fairly and transparently, ensuring that your purchase is not only ethical but also financially sensible.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What exactly makes a Yorkie color “rare”? 

Any coat outside the standard black-&-tan or blue-&-gold is rare. This includes solid golden/blonde, solid black or chocolate, parti-color (tri-color with white), merle patterns, red-legged, brindle stripes, etc. All of these rely on unusual recessive genes or crossbreeding. In a responsible purebred lineage, you almost never see them.

• Are rare-colored Yorkies healthy?

 It depends. Some rare Yorkies (like Parti or red-legged) can be healthy, but others have risks. For example, true albino or extreme blue-merle Yorkies often suffer serious health problems (skin, eyes, hearing). Always check for health clearances. Many breeders stress that color should be secondary to health.

• How rare is a black Yorkie?

Black Yorkshire terriers are quite rare, and it can be very difficult to find a breeder who breeds these pups. Therefore, when buying these dogs, you need to ask the breeder about the puppy’s health history. Ask to meet its parents and observe the living conditions in the litter,

• Do Yorkies really change color as they grow? 

Yes! This is a normal process. Nearly all Yorkie puppies are born black and tan. Over 6–24 months the black fades to a silvery blue and the tan spreads and deepens to gold. So seeing color change is expected, not rare.

• How much do rare-colored Yorkies cost? 

Quite a bit more than a standard Yorkie. Expect prices in the thousands of dollars (or a few thousand pounds). For example, one U.S. kennel lists golden Yorkies around $2,000–$2,500, blue-merles $2,600–$4,600, and white Yorkies $3,000+. UK ads show blue-merle Yorkies at ~£2,000 and chocolate Yorkies ~£2,300. Rarity and health guarantee affect the price.

• Are there special registries for exotic Yorkies? 

Yes. If the color isn’t AKC-approved (like merle or some chocolate/black combinations), breeders often register with the Continental Kennel Club (CKC) or other open registries.