Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Yorkshire Terrier is a decorative breed developed in Great Britain in the 19th century. Its main breeding took place in Yorkshire County, from which the breed derives its name. The first representatives were used by miners and weavers to control rats and other small pests. Various small terriers, including the Skye, Manchester, and Maltese, were used in its development. As a result of selective breeding, a miniature dog with a strong constitution, expressive head, and uniquely long, straight, silky coat was obtained. Over time, its working role gave way to a decorative one, and the Yorkshire Terrier became a fashionable favorite among the nobility. By the end of the 19th century, it had gained recognition at shows and achieved great popularity in England and later worldwide.
General Appearance
The Yorkshire Terrier is a miniature, squarely built dog with a harmonious structure and strong bones. Despite its small size, it retains the confidence and alertness typical of terriers. The body is compact, with a straight back, short loin, and deep chest. The head is small yet expressive, with a flat skull and short muzzle. The eyes are medium-sized, dark, with an intelligent and alert expression. The ears are small, erect, and triangular. The tail is of medium length, set high, and carried straight or slightly curved. The coat is long, straight, and silky, hanging evenly down both sides of the body. The main color is dark steel-blue with golden shades on the head and chest. The breed’s overall appearance conveys elegance, refinement, and cheerful temperament.
Important Proportions
The Yorkshire Terrier has a balanced, square outline. Height at the withers equals body length from shoulder to tail base. The head is small but proportional to the body, with the muzzle comprising about one-third of the head length. The skull is flat and moderately broad between the ears, with a clearly defined stop. The muzzle is short, dry, with a black nose and tight lips. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, and the ribs are slightly rounded. The limbs are straight and parallel; paws are compact and round. The tail is proportionate to the body, set high, and carried upward. The coat falls evenly and emphasizes the body’s lines. All proportions should highlight harmony, strength, and elegance.
Temperament and Character
The Yorkshire Terrier is energetic, intelligent, and loyal. Despite its small size, it preserves the courage and confidence of terriers. It combines liveliness and independence with a strong attachment to its owner. Curious and active, it enjoys exploration, games, and walks. The Yorkshire Terrier is alert and serves as a good watchdog, barking to warn of strangers. With proper socialization, it is friendly with children and other animals, though sometimes stubborn, requiring patient training. Its intelligence and learning ability make it easy to train, though excessive indulgence from the owner can lead to spoiled behavior. The breed’s character blends playfulness, sociability, and self-assurance.
Head
The head is small, proportionate to the body, light, and refined. The skull is flat and not too wide, with a moderately high forehead. The stop is well defined but not abrupt. The abundant coat enhances the refined appearance of the head, giving the breed its elegant and decorative expression. The head harmonizes with the body and highlights compactness and grace.
Muzzle
The muzzle is short, dry, and harmonious, about one-third the length of the head. The nose is black, of medium size, with well-developed nostrils. Lips are thin, tight, and fully pigmented. The jaws are strong, the teeth white and even, with a scissor bite. The muzzle contributes to the breed’s typical expression and refined appearance.
Eyes
The eyes are medium-sized, dark, round, with a bright iris and intelligent expression. They are set straight, neither deep nor protruding. The expression is always alert, attentive, and friendly. Eyelids are tight and fully pigmented. Light, overly large, or bulging eyes, as well as lack of pigmentation, are faults that distort the breed’s appearance.
Ears
The ears are small, triangular, with pointed tips. They are set high and close together. Naturally erect, they are covered with short hair of a reddish tint. The ears should be proportionate to the head; overly large, low-set, or drooping ears are considered serious faults. Their position emphasizes the breed’s attentiveness and vitality.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, dry, strong, and elegant, smoothly blending into the shoulders. It is set high, giving the dog a proud carriage. The skin is tight, without folds or dewlap. The abundant coat frames the neck, enhancing its graceful outline. The neck must be strong enough to support the head and ensure proper movement.
Body
The body is compact and squarely built, with solid bones and well-developed muscles. The back is straight and of medium length; the loin is short and firm. The chest is deep but not too broad, with slightly rounded ribs. The abdomen is tucked up, emphasizing the lightness of silhouette. The croup is short and slightly sloping. The body gives an impression of harmony, strength, and refinement.
Tail
The tail is set high and of medium length. In motion, it is carried straight or slightly curved upward, covered with long straight hair that falls evenly, forming a balanced silhouette. The tail complements the body and emphasizes confidence. A short, low-set, or tightly curled tail is a fault.
Forequarters
The forelegs are straight and parallel, with strong bones and dry muscles. The shoulder blades are long and well laid back, the shoulders well developed. The elbows are directed backward, close to the body, and not turned out. The pasterns are short, firm, and slightly sloping. The feet are compact, round, with firm black nails and resilient pads.
Hindquarters
The hind legs are strong, muscular, and parallel when viewed from behind. The thighs are of medium length and broad, with well-bent stifles. The hocks are low set, strong, and elastic. The feet are compact, round, with strong pads and black nails. Cow-hocked, sabre-legged, or X-shaped hindquarters are considered faults.
Movement
The gait is light, lively, free, and springy. Movements are confident and rhythmic, with good reach in the forelegs and strong drive from the hindquarters. The back remains straight, the body balanced and steady. Stiffness, wobbling, pigeon-toed movement, or excessively short steps are faults that spoil the breed’s typical gait.
Coat
The coat is long, straight, silky, fine, and glossy, falling evenly down both sides of the body. There is almost no undercoat. The head coat is shorter, forming a neat outline. Wavy, curly, dull, or excessively dense hair that distorts the typical silhouette is undesirable.
Acceptable Colors
The Yorkshire Terrier’s color is strictly defined. The body from the occiput to the tail base should be a rich dark steel-blue. The head, chest, and limbs display a bright golden-tan shade, evenly distributed without dark shading. White markings, gray or black tones, and uneven coloration are disqualifying. Purity of color is an essential breed trait.
Size
The Yorkshire Terrier is a miniature dog with a strong build. Height at the withers in both males and females is approximately 20–23 cm. Ideal weight is 2.5–3.2 kg, up to 3.5 kg is acceptable. Males appear stronger, females more refined but not fragile. Exceeding the standard or being excessively small is a serious fault.
Faults
Faults include any deviations from the standard that diminish breed type. Among them are: overly large or small size, disproportionate body (long back, weak loin, narrow chest), oversized or undersized head, muzzle too long or too short, insufficient stop, light or incompletely pigmented nose, lips, or eyelids; light or bulging eyes; large or low-set ears; too long or low-set tail; coat soft, wavy, sparse, short, or lacking silkiness; uneven or pale coloration. Behavioral faults include excessive aggression, timidity, nervousness, or excitability.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include serious deviations making the dog unfit for breeding or shows: weight over 3.5 kg or too light to maintain balance; lack of breed type; muzzle too long or too short; pink or liver-colored nose; total depigmentation of lips or eyelids; blue, yellow, or mismatched eyes; incorrect bite (overshot, undershot, jaw asymmetry, multiple missing teeth); drooping or cropped ears; docked or missing tail; short, soft, or rough coat lacking silkiness and shine; white markings, uneven or “dirty” coloration, absence of steel-blue body tone or golden-tan head and limbs; behavioral defects such as fear, aggression, or instability; hereditary diseases or congenital defects affecting health or vitality.
Important Notes
The Yorkshire Terrier is a miniature decorative breed, where coat quality is the most essential trait. It must be long, straight, silky, and shiny, parted down the middle. The color must strictly conform to the standard — steel-blue body with golden-tan markings. Any white patches, dull tones, or uneven distribution are unacceptable. Show evaluation focuses on balanced proportions, facial expression, coat quality, and temperament. The dog must be lively, confident, and free from fear or aggression. Cropping of ears or tail is prohibited in the ICCF system. Breeding selection must prioritize health and genetic purity, excluding dogs with congenital or hereditary defects. Participation in shows and breeding is permitted only with official ICCF documents verifying pedigree and conformity to the standard, ensuring preservation of the breed’s unique type and development.
Conclusion
The Yorkshire Terrier is an elegant miniature breed combining refinement with the true terrier spirit. It is distinguished by balanced build, expressive head, glossy silky coat, and characteristic coloring. Despite its size, it remains brave, alert, and full of energy. Under the ICCF system, evaluation follows the standard strictly, considering exterior, proportions, coat, and temperament. Shyness and aggression are unacceptable, as the breed must display confidence and friendliness. Official ICCF documentation confirming pedigree and conformity is required for shows and breeding, ensuring purity, health, and preservation of traditional type. The Yorkshire Terrier symbolizes elegance, intelligence, and devotion, remaining one of the world’s most beloved decorative breeds and a worthy representative of ICCF international standards.
