Call us: 555-555-5555

Red Legged

Red Legged Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkies that are Black and Red

Overview

Yorkshire Terriers are commonly known for their distinctive coat color transformation from black and tan as puppies to blue and gold as adults. However, there exists a rare deviation from this pattern where the Yorkshire Terrier's coat remains black, without transitioning to blue, and its secondary color, instead of lightening, either starts as a dark gold and deepens to red or has always been red.


This unique coloring defines what is known as a Red Legged Yorkshire Terrier. The occurrence of this rare coat color variation is not only fascinating but also raises intriguing questions about the genetic and environmental factors at play.

What Does a Red Legged Yorkshire Terrier Look Like?

These unique Yorkies will have several elements that set them apart from most:

1. Black does not change to blue. The black portion of the coat is typically a very deep, dark, shiny black. It is often solid black with no intermingling of any other colors. As the puppy matures, the black will not change to blue. In fact, there is no hint of blue at all. 

2. Tan or gold areas are red. The Yorkie will not have tan or gold. One of the most interesting elements about Red-legged Yorkies is that the secondary color will be a rich, shiny red. With many other breeds, red is the intensity that you achieve once an orange has crossed the borderline into red. 

3. Coat may be wavier and/or wiry. You may notice more wave to the hairs. The texture may not be quite a silky as typical Yorkies. Rather, there is more substance to the hairs; they are a bit denser and more structured.  

4. Shorter hair length potential. Commonly, but not always, the coat of a Red Legged Yorkie will not grow out long as it would otherwise. For both red and black areas, a full-length floor-level coat may not be possible; a moderate puppy cut hairstyle will be possible. 
red-legged-yorkshire-terrier
red-legged-yorkshire-terrier

A beautiful Red Legged Yorkshire Terrier named

Yorkie, at 3 years old and a bit over 2 lbs.

Photo courtesy of Pamela Redhead (last name a coincidence? Yes!)

What Causes Yorkshire Terriers to be Black and Red?

True Red Legged Yorkies can indeed be 100% purebred Yorkshire Terriers, showcasing a unique coloring that reflects the breed's rich ancestry. Yorkshire Terriers, traditionally known for their blue and tan coats, have a genetic history influenced by various terrier breeds like the Clydesdale Terrier, Paisley Terrier, and Skye Terrier, among others. These breeds contributed to the diverse gene pool from which the Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the 19th century in England, primarily for ratting and companionship.


While the breed standards today emphasize blue and tan colors, the genetic diversity within the breed can lead to variations, such as the rare "red-legged" appearance. This is a result of the breed's complex genetic heritage, allowing for the occasional emergence of unique coat colors. These variations, while not fitting the show ring standards, highlight the Yorkie's ancestral gene pool.


Typically, a Yorkie inherits traits from its immediate parents, but genetics can surprise us. Traits from as far back as five generations can appear in puppies, including size, bone structure, ear set, and coat color. Occasionally, a "genetic jump" or "throwback" occurs, where a puppy exhibits traits more closely aligned with distant ancestors than with its parents.


The Red Legged Yorkie, with its distinct coloring, may not meet the AKC standard for show purposes but remains a fascinating testament to the breed's historical genetic diversity. This variation underscores the importance of understanding that purebred dogs can still display a wide range of physical characteristics, reflecting their complex ancestries.

red and black Yorkshire Terrier
red and black Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkie (that is indeed his name), a red and black purebred Yorkshire Terrier,

aka Red-legged Yorkie,

as a pup, photo courtesy of Pamela R.

The Genetics of Red Legged Yorkshire Terriers and Coat Color Variations

Genetics of Coat Color in Yorkshire Terriers:

The coat color of Yorkshire Terriers is primarily determined by their genetic makeup, with specific genes responsible for the pigmentation and patterning of their coat. The traditional colors for Yorkshire Terriers, as recognized by breed standards, are blue and tan or blue and gold. Puppies are born black and tan, and the black typically lightens to blue as they mature. This color transformation is influenced by a combination of genetic factors.

Understanding the "Red Legged" Trait:

The "Red Legged" trait in Yorkshire Terriers, while not a standard coloration, can occur due to the complex interplay of genes. This trait may manifest as a reddish or more intense tan coloration, particularly on the legs, where the standard coloring would be a lighter tan. This unusual coloration can be attributed to variations in the genes that control coat color and distribution.

The Role of Recessive Genes:

Coat color in dogs, including Yorkshire Terriers, is influenced by both dominant and recessive genes. Dominant genes are expressed even if only one copy is present, while recessive genes require two copies (one from each parent) to be expressed. The "Red Legged" coloring can be the result of recessive genes coming together in a unique combination that is not commonly seen in the population.


MC1R (E Locus): This gene affects the production of melanin, determining whether a dog will have a black (eumelanin) or red/yellow (pheomelanin) base coat color. Variations in this gene could contribute to the intensity of the tan or red areas in Yorkshire Terriers.


TYRP1 (B Locus): Affects the intensity of the black pigment. Mutations here can dilute black to brown, which, while not directly related to the "Red Legged" trait, illustrates the complexity of genetic influence on coat color.


Recessive Gene Combinations: The specific reddish or intense tan coloring seen in "Red Legged" Yorkies may result from a unique combination of recessive genes that affect the distribution and intensity of pheomelanin, leading to the red-legged appearance.


These recessive genes may not be expressed for several generations, lying dormant until two carriers produce offspring. This phenomenon, known as a genetic throwback, can explain the sudden appearance of the "Red Legged" trait in a litter where both parents display the standard coloration. Such occurrences highlight the genetic diversity within the breed and the potential for recessive traits to emerge under the right circumstances.


Understanding the genetics behind coat color variations in Yorkshire Terriers, including the "Red Legged" trait, helps to clarify misconceptions about coat color genetics. It showcases the complexity of canine genetics and the role of recessive genes in producing unexpected coat colors. This knowledge is crucial for breeders aiming to maintain breed standards while also preserving genetic health and diversity.

FAQ

Q: I think that I have a red legged Yorkie, but his parents have the typical coloring. Can that happen?

A: Yes, while red and black Yorkies are extremely rare, it is very common for their parents to have typical coloring. This is a random gene skip; the pup did not receive his coloring from his parents or most likely not even his grandparents or great-grandparents; this comes from many generations back. 

Q: Would a breeder know if a Yorkie was a red legged Yorkie before someone bought the puppy?

A: Yes, and no. A trained breeder who has seen this before should be able to see the signs. While all pups have dark black hair, the ‘gold’ sections will often be darker, shinier and with a red tint. This said, some red legged Yorkshire Terriers grow into the red. They may not reach the ‘peak’ of this until the 12 or even 18-month mark. The other element of coat texture will also be picked up by a trained eye in most, but not all instances. The element of the coat not growing long would, of course, not be able to be noticed while the Yorkie was a young puppy. 
red legged Yorkie, 3 years old
red legged Yorkie, 3 years old

Yorkie, 3 years old, photo courtesy of Pamela R.

Q: Is a red legged Yorkshire Terrier a purebred? 


A: They can be. While an introduction of another breed could certainly offset coloring, if you have an AKC registered Yorkie with proven lineage, then yes, they are most likely a purebred. 


Q: Are red legged Yorkies excluded from show?


A: Yes. While this super-unique coat is a known factor with the breed, this is not an accepted color. The dog can be registered, of course. The red and black would be a major fault in show; so they would not be found in a conformation event. 

Related Articles:

Fully Tan Yorkies with No Black - This refers to a Yorkshire Terrier with little to no black or blue on the coat. While very rare, this can be seen now and then. 

Yorkshire Terrier Color Information - A look into the coloring of this breed and the the puppy-to-adult transformation that starts at the 6-month mark and is usually complete by the 2 to 3-year mark.

More Articles:

Which Type of Bones Can You Give to a Yorkie - Are you curious if this tiny toy breed can be given bones. What is safe and what is not. 
How Smart are Yorkies - Ranking of this breed in intelligence, compared to all other dog breeds and also compared to us humans. 

Summer Care for Yorkshire Terriers - Summer can be a challenging time to care for a toy breed. Tips to ensure your Yorkie stays cool, healthy and happy during this sunny season. 

Winter Care for Yorkshire Terriers - The winter season can present several challenges with this toy breed. Read helpful tips to ensure your Yorkie stays warm, comfortable, and content through these colder months.

How Much Water Does a Yorkie Need - Water requirements for all ages and during all types of weather. 
Share by: