Judging Yorkshire Terrier Quality and When They Get Their Full Coat

When evaluating a Yorkshire Terrier, several key physical characteristics contribute to its overall quality. These include the head, neck, backline, body, legs, and paws. Ideally, a Yorkie should have a small, flat-topped head, a short back with a level topline, and straight legs.

Detailed Assessment of Yorkshire Terrier Conformation

Let’s delve deeper into specific aspects:

1. Head: A quality Yorkie possesses a small, flat-topped head, devoid of any bulging or arching. The muzzle should not be overly long, and the bite should neither be overshot nor undershot. A strong bite with either a scissor or level alignment is acceptable. The nose is black, and the eyes are medium-sized, dark, bright, and not protruding, reflecting an intelligent and sharp gaze. The eye rims should also be dark. The ears are small, V-shaped, and erect, set not too far apart.

2. Body: The Yorkshire Terrier has a compact build. The back should be short with a level topline, and the shoulders should be at the same height as the rest of the body. The tail is typically docked at half the overall length and carried slightly higher than the back.

3. Legs and Paws: The forelegs should be straight, with elbows that neither turn inward nor outward. The hind legs, when viewed from behind, should be straight, and the hock joints should be angled appropriately when seen from the side. The paws are round, and the nails are black. Dewclaws on the hind legs should be removed, while those on the forelegs can be removed.

When Do Yorkshire Terriers Get Their Full Coat?

Yorkshire Terriers typically begin to develop their full, flowing coat around seven months old. Some might experience a slight delay and reach their full coat around eight months. If a Yorkie does not have a full, dense coat beyond this timeframe, it may indicate that the owner has not provided adequate grooming or nutritional support. Regular grooming and a balanced diet are essential for promoting a healthy, full coat in Yorkies.Free access here:Pet Grooming