Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

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

Share

Parti-Yorkie-vs.-Standard-Yorkie featured image

Many potential Yorkie owners wonder if there is any difference between the parti Yorkie and the Standard Yorkie. There are actually more similarities than there are differences, but there are a few to speak of.

Both dogs are adorable, intelligent, energetic, and eager to please. The main difference between the parti Yorkie and the Standard Yorkie is their coat colors. A Parti Yorkie has a tri-colored coat with black, white, and tan colors, while traditional Yorkies usually have the classic blue and tan look. When it comes to either dog, you’ll want to know about their personalities, appearance, exercise needs, and any health issues. We’ll give you an overview of these dogs in the sections below, so keep reading!

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

Visual Differences

Parti-Yorkie-vs.-Standard-Yorkie2 copy

At a Glance

Parti Yorkie Dog Breed
  • Average height (adult): 7 to 8 inches
  • Average weight (adult): 4 to 7 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
  • Exercise: 20 to 25 minutes twice a day
  • Grooming needs: Heavy
  • Family-friendly: Yes
  • Other pet-friendly: Often
  • Trainability: Intelligent, affectionate, loving, eager to please
Standard Yorkie Dog Breed
  • Average height (adult): 7 to 8 inches
  • Average weight (adult): 4 to 7 pounds
  • Lifespan: 11 to 15 years
  • Exercise: 2 short walks a day
  • Grooming needs: Heavy
  • Family-friendly: Yes
  • Other pet-friendly: Often
  • Trainability: Intelligent, alert, watchful, feisty, brave

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

Parti Yorkie Overview

Biewer Yorkshire Terrier puppy laying on a table
Image by: Dominique Bradette, Shutterstock

You may not be surprised to learn that the parti Yorkie is a part of the Yorkshire Terrier dog breed. This dog is much the same as the Standard Yorkie in appearance, weighing in at between 4 and 7 pounds and standing between 7 and 8 inches in height. They have a life expectancy of between 12 to 15 years as well.

A parti Yorkie is more of a color variation in Yorkies and isn’t limited to just this dog breed. To be fair, the only real difference between a parti Yorkie and a Standard Yorkie is the color variation. A parti Yorkie has unique tri-colored fur made up of black, white, and tan, while a traditional Yorkie has the more common blue- and tan-colored fur.

Personality/Character

The parti Yorkie is a tiny ball of energy. The dog is loving, affectionate, energetic, and eager to please. While they may be small, they have a mighty bark that will alert you quickly to anyone coming to your home. They are protective of their pet parents and can get along well with other pets if socialized and trained to do so.

The parti Yorkie is truly a sweet dog and is the very definition of a lap dog. They are prone to separation anxiety, so make sure someone is home with this tiny pet for most of the day.

Exercise

While the parti Yorkie is energetic, they are also tiny, so they don’t need as much exercise as larger dogs do. Two walks a day should be perfect for keeping your little friend in shape. Limit the walks to 20 to 25 minutes a piece, as you don’t want to tire your dog out.

They can also chase balls and play with toys in the house to get the exercise they need. They are small, so they can run around almost anywhere to get exercise and stay healthy.

Health Problems

There are a few health issues that you need to watch out for with the parti Yorkie. The best way to prevent your pet from ending up with one of these issues is by taking it to a vet for regular checkups so that any problems can be caught and dealt with early on.

  • Dental disease
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Luxating patella
  • Retinal dysplasia
  • Liver shunt
  • Collapsed trachea
  • Pancreatitis
Biewer Yorkshire Terrier
Image by: Liliya Kulianionak, Shutterstock

Suitable For:

Parti Yorkies do great with families. However, they’re more suitable for homes with older children, as they can easily become injured since they are tiny. They get along well with some pets if they are socialized and trained early. Because they bond closely to their owners, parti Yorkies have issues when left alone for long periods. Therefore, they’re ideal for families that always have someone at home.

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

Standard Yorkie Overview

bone shaped treats in front of black and brown yorkshire terrier puppies
Image by: Bill Emrich, Pexels

The Standard Yorkie is your traditional Yorkshire Terrier. It is one of the top 15 most popular dog breeds in America. They are stylish, often dressed to the tee, and carried around by the rich and famous. Of course, Standard Yorkies aren’t just for the rich; anyone can adopt or purchase one of these adorable dogs.

The dog is bold, courageous, energetic, and adorable. They are also considered feisty little animals with a big bark in their tiny bodies.

Personality/Character

These tiny dogs have bigger-than-life personalities and a yappy bark to accompany them, so you should never have to worry about someone sneaking up and knocking on your door without being alerted to their presence.

Yorkies are intelligent, but you have to watch them because they have no idea that they aren’t the size of a Great Dane and will pick a fight with larger dogs pretty quickly.

They are loyal, protective, energetic, and always ready to play. This classic lap dog can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long, so make sure you have the time to spend with your Yorke before you make the commitment to give the dog a forever home.

standard yorkshire terrier standing on grass
Image by: Imageman, Shutterstock

Exercise

Exercise, as with the parti Yorkie, can be limited to one or two walks a day of about 20 to 25 minutes apiece. It is important to note that this Yorkie is quite stubborn, so they might not do exactly what you tell them to when out for a walk. Although they don’t need as much exercise as some breeds, Yorkies need daily exercise to prevent obesity.

Obesity can be detrimental to any breed, but the Yorkie’s joints and tiny legs can suffer if it puts on too much weight.

Health Problems

As with the parti Yorkie, there are a few health issues you should also be on the lookout for with your Standard Yorkie. If you see any signs of these possible health conditions, it’s best to make an appointment with your vet for a checkup immediately.

  • Obesity
  • Patellar luxation
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Portosystemic shunt
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Collapsed trachea
  • Reverse sneezing
standard yorkshire terrier puppy getting vaccinated at the vet
Image by: gorillaimages, Shutterstock

Suitable For:

Standard Yorkies are great for people who live in apartments, people who live in the city, and pet parents who love to take their pets everywhere they go. It is best to keep this dog with a family with older children so the dog doesn’t end up injured. If socialized and trained properly, Standard Yorkies get along with children and other pets.

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

Which Breed Is Right for You?

When it comes to choosing between the parti Yorkie and the Standard Yorkie, there are not many differences to speak of. The coloring is the most significant difference, but the rest of the dog’s appearance is pretty much the same. The choice of which breed is right for you might come down to the availability of puppies you find from a reputable breeder, as parti Yorkies will be more difficult to find than standard Yorkies.

The best way to determine which of these Yorkie puppies is best for you and your family is to do your research, talk to friends and family who have one, and then decide based on what you discover. If you decide to adopt either of these Yorkies, remember that dogs are a huge responsibility and that either of these dogs is going to expect to go where you go and need a lot of attention. If you give them the attention they crave, they’ll return that attention and love for years to come.


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

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

2 Responses

  1. We now have a Parti Yorkie and her fur is not silky like our other Yorkie. It seems fly away and not shinny. Is there a special shampoo I could use?

    1. Hello Eleen,

      Thank you for your message!
      Because choosing a specific grooming product involves evaluating your dog's individual skin and coat needs, we unfortunately do not give specific recommendations for shampoos or brands. Using the wrong product can sometimes lead to skin irritation or dryness.

      For advice on the best kind of products to help with your Yorkie's coat texture and shine, we recommend you book an appointment with one of the veterinarians at PangoVet.com. They can provide professional guidance tailored to your dog's specific needs. Just head to www.PangoVet.com to schedule a consultation.

      Hope this helps!

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

The Hidden Risk in Tall Grass That Most Dog Owners Ignore

Finding a tick on your dog can look like a lot of things, depending on when you catch it. Some are engorged and...

America’s Most Popular Dog Breed Is Also One of the Unhealthiest

We’re now 3 for 3 in the category of disappointing canine accolades with the French Bulldog being announced as America’s most popular dog...

Ask Dr. Paola- Help! My Dog Keeps Barking at the TV! (March 30, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: I’m a Messy Eater (March 26, 2026)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

More related

Adopt a Senior Pet Month 2026: When It Is & How to Participate

While most pet owners have started to adopt, not shop, most people are quicker to bring home a rescue puppy or kitten than...

Do Weimaraners Shed More Than Other Dogs? Facts & FAQ

Weimaraners are hunting dogs prized for their unique appearance, short coats, and attentive personalities. When it comes to a Weimaraner’s coat, there is...

Male vs Female Border Collies: The Differences (With Pictures)

Border Collies are increasingly popular dogs. If you’re considering adopting one, it is essential that you choose the right sex for you. While...

Do Dogs Normally Pick Up Fleas on Walks? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

According to Nationwide Pet Insurance, skin allergies are the top reason people take their dogs to the vet. One of the leading causes...

Keep reading

What Is Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food? Pros, Cons, & FAQ

If your dog is allergic to proteins or struggles with inflammatory bowel disease, you have probably heard about hydrolyzed protein dog food. Meat is one of the most common allergens found in dog food, which often leads to itchiness and...

dog eating from bowl in kitchen

TLC Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary TLC Dog Food is a Canadian dog food company different from your traditional pet foods. They offer four grain-inclusive recipes: one adult recipe, one puppy recipe, one cat recipe, and one dog biscuit recipe. They certainly lack options,...

Dogster_TLC Dog Food Review

Are Dogs Allowed in Whole Foods? 2026 Pet Policy & FAQ

Many people like to shop with their pets, and you likely have seen a few dogs in stores during your shopping excursions, which might cause you to wonder if you can take your dog to the local Whole Foods. Unfortunately,...

woman holding shopping cart at a market

4health Puppy Food Review 2026: Pros, Cons & Recalls

Review Summary 4health has several recipes of pet food available for dogs and cats. There are three dry puppy foods and one canned puppy food available from this line. Many other recipes are said to be suitable for all life...

Dogster_4health Puppy Food Review

Redford Naturals Dog Food Review 2026: Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ

Review Summary Redford Naturals is a dog food brand owned by Pet Supplies Plus, a Michigan-based pet supply company. It also makes cat food that is sold through Pet Supplies Plus. Redford Naturals is a relatively young pet food brand,...

Dogster_Redford Naturals Dog Food

9 Best Inexpensive Dog Foods for Large Breeds in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

If there’s one thing that everyone can agree on, it’s the desire to feed our dogs the healthiest food there is. But this isn’t always possible, as high-quality dog food is less than budget-friendly. When it comes to large breeds,...

labrador-retriever-dog-eating

Can Dogs Eat McDonald’s? Vet-Approved Health Risks & FAQ

Can dogs eat Mcdonald’s? In general, McDonald’s is not a healthy option for dogs. Most foods at McDonald’s are higher in fat, carbs, or salt than are ideal for canines. They should have a diet high in protein and moderate...

Can Dogs Eat McDonald

Dog Nutrition: 6 Vet-Approved Essential Nutrients They Need

Nutrition and a healthy diet play a significant role in a dog’s health and well-being. Dog owners must stay on top of their dogs’ nutritional intake and ensure that they’re eating a well-balanced diet that supports daily body functions. However,...

golden retriever dog eating food from feeding bowl

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter