I recently discovered that I have been recognizing a Parti Yorkie wrongly the entire time. There is such a subtle difference between a Parti Yorkie and a traditional Yorkie that got me asking – just what is the difference?
What is a Parti Yorkie? In essence, a Parti Yorkie is everything a traditional Yorkie is, with the only difference being the color of their furs. A Parti Yorkie has a unique tri-colored fur of black, white, and tan, while a traditional Yorkie has the more common blue and tan-colored fur.
We will take a look at how Parti Yorkie came to be and some important information and history in greater detail, before moving on to learn about their temperament, health needs, and caring tips.
What Is A Parti Yorkie In Detail?
Parti Yorkies are purebred Yorkshire terriers that enjoy plenty of recognition nowadays. But this was not the case in the early 1800s. Yorkshire Terriers were introduced to North America in 1872 and registered to the American Kennel Club(AKC) in 1885. Fifteen years later, the Parti Yorkie was accepted as a legitimate Yorkshire Terrier variant by the American Kennel Club.
Traditional Yorkies came in a variety of two different colors; blue and tan, black and bluish-silver, or black and tan. Parti Yorkies, on the other hand, came with these combinations and an additional third color, usually a white or chocolate/tan.
Although their only difference is the color scheme, Parti Yorkies were considered low-quality animals and were shunned so much that breeders put down or secretly gave away Parti pups.
In the 1980s, one breeder, Mrs. Gloria Lipman, refused to put down parti pups simply because of their different colors. She found them loving homes where they would be taken care of. Interest in the breed gradually grew, and now it’s one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States.
Soon enough, more breeders followed suit. After the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Parti Yorkie in the year 2000, more breeders started intentionally breeding Partis. Unfortunately, their tails are required to be docked to be recognized as the official breed, as with traditional Yorkies.
Breeding Parti Yorkies are, however, not easy. The parti gene that gave the Parti Yorkie its unique features is recessive. Therefore, apart from finding the correct timing in the heat cycle, you will also need the correct Yorkie, you will also need to have a pair of Parti Yorkies couple for it to work. Sometimes the gene may be dormant, and this also presents a challenge. No wonder they are highly valued.
Note that the Parti Yorkie is different from a teacup Yorkie which has no genetic differences from the traditional Yorkie. The latter is the results of generations after generations of selective breeding among smaller Yorkies.
How Much Does A Parti Yorkie Cost? Why Is It More Expensive Than A Traditional Yorkie?
Parti Yorkies are expensive, with prices starting from $1,500 for pups.
The price you pay, though high, is still minimal as compared to what you pay for lower-priced ill-bred and sickly breeds when you consider the veterinary costs. A well-bred Parti only needs the right diet, grooming, love, and normal checkups.
In addition to raising the pups, there are other expenses associated with raising the parents. A healthy parent ensures a healthy litter. That’s why breeders take them for eye exams, DNA tests(to prove lineage), pre-breeding exams, progesterone exams, pregnancy checkups, and other breeding expenses.
A purebred dog is generally more expensive. Purebred Yorkies have beautiful color schemes, are more intelligent, obedient, and trainable. If the expenses associated with taking care of purebred parent Yorkies aren’t enough, then the fact that it takes mere luck for breeders to get a Parti pup should justify the price.
Parti Yorkie breeders are passionate about the breed. They put so much into finding the ideal combination of parents placing the dogs’ health and welfare ahead of profit. They select parent Yorkies considering health tests, temperaments, and genetics.
Some Parti Yorkies have parents/descendants who have excelled in AKC agility competitions. They are considered contenders and are the most expensive. These are the dogs you don’t find being advertised and can cost as much as $10,000
A Parti Yorkie registered with the AKC is more expensive. The AKC will only register purebred dogs and issue a document highlighting the dog-like breeders, siblings, parents, and other ancestors.
Parti Yorkie Temperament – Do They Make a Good Family Dog?
Parti Yorkies are incredibly energetic and affectionate towards family members, but they are also brave and will bark at unknown people. This is quite possibly why they tend to sleep so much throughout the day.
Parti Yorkies crave affection and prefer spending time with their family. They do not like being left alone for too long but shouldn’t be overprotected lest they become neurotic.
Yorkies are accommodating and get along with other pets they are raised with, dogs and cats in particular. They are equally possessive and will get aggressive towards new pets. They are fierce fighters and are wired to fight to the death, so be careful when introducing a new pet.
They are better suited for households with older children. They can snap if they are startled or teased (something toddlers and small children do). They also require daily exercise. Older children will have the energy for a good play session, in the living room, or a walk to the park.
A Parti Yorkie needs socialization. Though their personality towards outsiders varies greatly, exposure to people, experiences and sights ensures a friendly, well-rounded Yorkie. They are adventurous and display a range of personalities.
Although they are intelligent, they are hard to house train. They sometimes display a ‘small dog syndrome’ and try to pick fights with bigger dogs. The best way is to crate-train and take them to obedience classes while still young.
The type of household a Parti lives in can encourage it to be well behaved. Dogs love it when they know what to expect. Have a daily routine highlighting the walking, bedtime, grooming, exercise, and mealtime, and ensure you stick to it. Of course, give it some of their favorite dog treats when they do something right as a form of positive reinforcement to their good behavior.
Parti Yorkie Life Expectancy And Their Common Health Problems
Parti Yorkies have an average life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years, much like the traditional Yorkie. With the right low-calorie, high-fiber dog food, containing nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals – administered in the right quantity, your Parti Yorkie will grow healthier.
We recommend Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Dog food for small breeds. It contains the right types of nutrients for your Parti Yorkie to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is also free of filler ingredients, ensuring your Yorkie does not take in unnecessary food that may lead to complications like obesity.
However, like other breeds, they are prone to some health complications.
Physical Health Issues
They are susceptible to physical health issues such as Patellar Luxation, also called “slipped stifles”. This condition is prevalent in small dogs and causes lameness or an abdominal gait. A skilled veterinary can easily correct grade 1 Patellar Luxation through manual realignment of the femur, patella, and tibia. When it’s in its advanced stages, surgical repair will be necessary.
Eye Problems
Some suffer from a degenerative eye disorder; Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). A Parti suffering from PRA gradually loses the photoreceptors at the back of the eye resulting in blindness. Before you get a Parti, confirm whether the owner has an updated certificate from a veterinary ophthalmologist clearing it of PRA.
Stress-Infused Conditions
Yorkie pups sometimes suffer from Hypoglycemia when stressed. This condition arises from low blood sugar and is characterized by weakness, a wobbly gait, confusion, nausea sensation with vomiting, and seizure-like episodes. This condition is preventable and can be treated.
Other medical conditions your pooch may develop are eye infections, gum, and tooth problems, but these are common and a trip to the vet and a few meds later, and they’re cured. Before you buy a pup, ask for health clearances (which show a Yorkie is cleared of conditions including Willebrand’s disease, hip and elbow dysplasia among others) for both its parents.
How To Take Care Of Parti Yorkie
Apart from a healthy diet, Parti Yorkies also need grooming. Their unique tri-color coat is the main reason why people are getting them. And Parti Yorkie owners are ever so ready to fork out a fortune to pamper their Yorkies, giving it a cute teddy bear cut or a stylish one.
They generally have long, silky, perfectly straight hair, but you find some with a “soft” coat, making grooming more challenging because soft coat tangles easily.
You can decide to keep its hair short or let it grow, but you will still have to gently brush its coat to prevent mats from forming and keep it clean and smelling fresh.
Brushing
For brushing, you should use a Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush. Brushing should be fun and relaxing for your doggie; no wonder this brush has smooth, long bristles reaching the undercoat for a painless and scratch-free experience. It’s also comfortable for you, with a comfort-grip and anti-slip handle preventing hand and wrist strain.
Trimming
A Parti Yorkie’s hair grows exponentially fast, and you find hairs around the eyes curl back and irate the eyes or block its line of sight. Hairs on their upper ears weigh on the ear giving it a floppy look.
Pet Magasin Grooming Shears are recommended. It consists of two pairs of scissors; a longer one with smooth blades for trimming body fur and a smaller pair with micro-serrated blades to use on the Parti’s face and paws.
They have rounded tips making them safe to use around the eyes and ears. They are comfortable to use and have exceptional blades that can be resharpened for a lifetime of use.
Bathing
To keep your pooch’s coat beautiful and shiny, bathe it weekly using Oliver’s Choice Oatmeal Dog Shampoo. The shampoo is made of natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut, and oat proteins and other ingredients like baking soda, which soothes irritated skin and conditions the fur to keep it healthy and shiny.
Related Questions
What Is The Difference Between A Biewer And Parti Yorkie? Though the Biewer and Parti Yorkie share some similar characteristics, they are technically different breeds. Biewers originated from Germany in the mid-’80s while the Parti Yorkie originated from the United States. The Biewer is recognized as a breed on its own while the Parti is recognized as a Yorkshire Terrier with a color fault.
Is A Parti Yorkie A Purebred? Parti Yorkies are purebred Yorkshire Terriers. Some people say that they are not purebred because the Parti gene is found in very few Yorkies and requires two Yorkies with the Parti gene to give birth to a Parti. This is not true; they are purebred Yorkies born with traditional Yorkie coloration but with an additional third color.
Do Parti Yorkies Shed? Yes, Parti Yorkies do shed, but it’s harder to notice because they have different growth and shedding cycles from other dogs. A Parti Yorkie coat grows at the same rate all year long. Therefore, a Parti will not experience periods of intense shedding, and you will probably notice shedding when you bath, brush or comb it.
