Yorkshire Terriers are beloved for their small size, charming personalities, and luxurious coats. While traditional Yorkies are well-known, there are also variations within the breed, including Parti Yorkies and Biewer Terriers. These two types of Yorkies may look similar at first glance, but there are some surprising differences between them. Let’s explore the distinctions between Parti Yorkies and Biewer Terriers.
Parti Yorkie
1. Coat Color:
- Parti Yorkies have a distinct coat color pattern characterized by two or more colors, typically white combined with black, blue, or gold. The colors are distributed evenly on the body, with patches of white interspersed with patches of the secondary color.
2. AKC Recognition:
- The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not officially recognize Parti Yorkies as a separate breed variety. However, they do allow Parti-colored Yorkshire Terriers to compete in conformation events under the Yorkshire Terrier breed standard.
3. Genetic Origin:
- Parti-colored Yorkies are believed to have originated from breeding programs aimed at producing dogs with unique coat colors. While not recognized by all kennel clubs, Parti Yorkies have gained popularity among enthusiasts for their distinctive appearance.
Biewer Terrier
1. Coat Color and Pattern:
- Biewer Terriers have a tri-colored coat pattern consisting of black, white, and gold or tan markings. The colors are typically well-distributed on the body, with specific markings on the head, ears, and body.
2. Breed Recognition:
- The Biewer Terrier is recognized as a distinct breed by several kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), and the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI). They have their own breed standard and are considered a separate breed from the Yorkshire Terrier.
3. Genetic Origin:
- The Biewer Terrier originated in Germany in the 1980s when Gertrud and Werner Biewer produced a Yorkshire Terrier puppy with unique tri-colored markings. This puppy, named Schneeflocken von Friedheck, became the foundation of the Biewer Terrier breed through selective breeding.
Conclusion
While Parti Yorkies and Biewer Terriers may share some similarities in appearance, they are distinct in terms of coat color, breed recognition, and genetic origin. Parti Yorkies are Yorkshire Terriers with a specific coat color pattern, while Biewer Terriers are a separate breed recognized for their tri-colored coat and unique history. Whether you’re a fan of Parti Yorkies or Biewer Terriers, both breeds offer charm, personality, and companionship to their lucky owners.
