The colors of Yorkshire Terriers, as defined by the American Kennel Club (AKC) is Black/Tan puppy that turns Blue/Gold later in adulthood. This is carried by the DD genes. A normal coat of the Yorkshire Terrier should only carry the DD gene. I

"Blue" coloring: if a yorkie is born blue in color instead of black/tan, it is considered a genetic defect. The blue color is created by the GG or Gg genes. Whenever you have a pup born one color that turns blue later in life, it is the GG/Gg genes that cause this to happen. Blue born puppies will also have self colored pigment, such as a blue nose. The DD gene is what allows the color to change colors in a regular yorkie, the Gg is abnormal in this breed. It is a result of a recessive gene passed onto the resulting puppy. The breeds that are born blue are born with the dd gene, but in Yorkshire Terriers this should not be the situation to cause blue coloring. Unfortunately with blue born puppies, the situation is often fatal. A few live beyond the first few days, while others do not. The ones that do survive, at the time that they would normally break blue, lose all of their blue body coat and get a very leathery skin (somewhat like an elephant's hide) and be very pain for the pup. At which time, the pup would need to be humanely put down. On the other hand, some do survive and even thrive. Time will tell, but be aware of any changes noted in the pups progression and seek your veterinarians advice.

"Red" or "Chocolate": Red or chocolate born pups are affected by the bb genes. Referred to as "liver" in some breeds, will also have self colored pigment such as a red, chocolate or liver nose.

Blue, red or chocolate puppies are not acceptable colors of the Yorkshire Terrier breed. Yorkies should only be born Black/Tan, later turning to a dark steel blue (or staying black and tan). It is not advisable to willfully breed any unacceptable colors of this breed. All reputable breeders should strive to achieve the acceptable standard of any breed dogs that they are responsible for. As a breeder, it is wrong to knowingly breed a dog that is producing such known defects. It is our job to ensure the health and breed standard of every puppy we help bring into this world as what's sets up apart from puppy mills. The standard from the AKC and the YTCA is very specific regarding Yorkshire Terriers. It states the puppies should be born Black/Tan and then change color to a Blue/Tan coat. Standards are written to protect the breed. Health problems associated with the breed make it critical that we stick to breed standards.