Technical Breed Standard

Breed: Yorkshire Terrier
Group: 9 Companion Dogs
Type: Toy Terrier / Companion Terrier
Working Trial: not required
Recognition: WDF-recognized breed

Recognized varieties:

• Yorkshire Terrier Classic
• Yorkshire Terrier Color

1. Historical Background

The Yorkshire Terrier is a dog breed of British origin, developed mainly in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire during the 19th century.

The development of the breed is closely linked to the small terriers brought to northern England by workers from Scotland during the Industrial Revolution.

These dogs were used mainly in industrial areas, textile mills, mines and urban environments for rodent control.

Several strains of small British terriers of the period contributed to the development of the Yorkshire Terrier, characterized by:

• small size;
• lively temperament;
• aptitude for hunting small vermin;
• progressively longer and silkier coat;
• colours attributable to black, blue and tan.

Among the historical types associated with the development of the breed, particular mention is made of small Scottish terriers with long, silky coats and local terriers from northern England.

During the second half of the 19th century, breeding progressively began to favour:

• smaller size;
• greater elegance;
• long and perfectly straight coat;
• fine and silky texture;
• steel-blue and golden colouring;
• compact construction;
• erect and distinguished carriage.

A fundamental figure in the development of the modern Yorkshire Terrier was Huddersfield Ben, born in 1865, considered one of the principal historical foundation sires of the breed.

Over successive generations, the Yorkshire Terrier gradually evolved from its original function as a small working terrier into a companion and show dog, while nevertheless retaining the alert, determined, active and intelligent character typical of terriers.

Modern breeding has also revealed different genetic expressions of colour.

In order to allow precise genealogical and morphological classification without confusing breed type with colour alone, the Yorkshire Terrier is therefore divided into two varieties:

Yorkshire Terrier Classic

Includes dogs displaying the traditional colour typical of the breed.

Yorkshire Terrier Color

Includes dogs genetically and genealogically attributable to the Yorkshire Terrier that display colours, dilutions, piebald patterns or colour combinations different from the Classic colour.

The two varieties belong to the same breed and must share the same fundamental characteristics of:

• morphology;
• structure;
• proportions;
• coat texture;
• movement;
• temperament;
• functionality.

The difference between the two varieties concerns mainly colour expression and, where genetically related to colour, pigmentation.

2. General Appearance

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small, long-haired companion terrier, elegant, compact, harmonious and well proportioned.

The coat is one of the most distinctive characteristics of the breed.

The hair must fall perfectly straight and evenly along both sides of the body, ideally divided by a longitudinal parting beginning at the head and continuing along the body.

The dog must display:

• compact structure;
• stable topline;
• erect carriage;
• relatively small head;
• lively and intelligent expression;
• bone appropriate to size;
• straight limbs;
• free movement;
• long, fine and silky coat.

The overall impression must be that of a small but vigorous, balanced and functional dog.

Small size must never be achieved at the expense of:

• skeletal strength;
• correct dentition;
• joint functionality;
• locomotor ability;
• overall health.

Extremely miniaturized, fragile dogs or dogs showing disproportionate dwarfism are undesirable.

3. Breed Type

The Yorkshire Terrier must clearly retain the type of a small terrier.

Aesthetic refinement must not turn it into a dog that is:

• weak;
• apathetic;
• excessively fragile;
• morphologically exaggerated.

The dog must simultaneously convey:

• elegance;
• liveliness;
• confidence;
• compactness;
• proportion;
• character.

Sexual dimorphism may be perceptible, but without compromising breed type.

4. Important Proportions

The body must be compact and well proportioned.

Body length must be substantially balanced in relation to height at the withers.

A construction is preferred that is:

• compact;
• close to square;
• without excessive body length.

The topline must be regular.

The height of the croup should not clearly exceed the height at the withers.

The limbs must be proportionate to the depth of the chest.

The head must be proportionate to the body and never excessively large.

5. Behaviour and Temperament

The Yorkshire Terrier is a terrier that is:

• active;
• intelligent;
• alert;
• curious;
• courageous;
• lively;
• affectionate;
• strongly attached to its owner.

It must display a balanced temperament.

Despite its small size, it generally retains:

• confidence;
• determination;
• awareness of the environment;
• responsiveness;
• a strong personality.

It is particularly suited to family life and to the role of companion dog.

The following must not be considered typical:

• unjustified aggression;
• extreme fear;
• disabling shyness;
• behavioural instability;
• marked apathy.

6. Head

The head must be relatively small and proportionate to the body.

It must appear:

• elegant;
• clean-cut;
• harmonious;
• not heavy.

It must not show excessively rounded or brachycephalic characteristics.

7. Cranial Region

Skull

Rather small.

Moderately flat.

Not excessively prominent.

Not strongly rounded.

It must not display an excessively domed shape.

Stop

Clearly perceptible but balanced.

It must not be:

• absent;
• excessively deep;
• exaggeratedly pronounced.

8. Facial Region

Nose

In the Classic variety, it must be black and fully pigmented.

In the Color variety, pigmentation may be genetically related to coat colour.

The following are therefore permitted when genetically consistent with colour:

• black pigmentation;
• brown/chocolate pigmentation;
• lighter pigmentation genetically compatible with certain dilutions.

Pigmentation must in any case be:

• uniform;
• sufficiently complete;
• genetically consistent with the phenotype.

Pathological depigmentation or depigmentation not genetically related to colour is undesirable.

Muzzle

Not too long.

It must be proportionate to the head.

It must not be:

• excessively short;
• pointed;
• coarse;
• extremely narrow.

The facial region must retain sufficient mandibular structure.

Lips

Close-fitting.

Pigmentation must be consistent with that of the nose and with the dog’s colour genetics.

Cheeks

Not prominent.

Moderately developed.

9. Jaws and Dentition

The jaws must be regular, correctly developed and proportionate.

The ideal bite is:

scissor bite, with the upper incisors closely overlapping the lower incisors.

The teeth must be:

• correctly set;
• sufficiently developed;
• white;
• functional.

The lower jaw must not show:

• marked undershot bite;
• marked overshot bite;
• significant lateral deviation.

Breeding must pay particular attention to maintaining functional dentition.

Miniaturization must not justify serious dental deficiencies or mandibular abnormalities.

10. Eyes

The eyes must be medium-sized in relation to the head.

They must not be excessively prominent.

They must display:

• intelligent expression;
• liveliness;
• attentiveness;
• good openness.

The shape may be:

• moderately round;
• slightly oval.

In the Classic variety, very dark eyes are preferred.

In the Color variety, iris shade may vary according to coat genetics.

Depending on colour, the following are possible:

• very dark brown;
• brown;
• hazel;
• amber.

In dogs with particular genetic expressions of merle, variations in iris pigmentation may occur and must be evaluated together with overall ocular health.

The eyelid rims must be well pigmented and chromatically consistent with the dog.

11. Ears

Small.

V-shaped.

Carried erect.

Set without excessive distance between them.

They must be covered with short hair at the tips, possibly trimmed according to show presentation.

The ears must contribute to the alert and breed-typical expression.

Persistently dropped ears in an adult dog constitute a serious fault.

12. Neck

Of good length in relation to size.

Elegant.

Well set into the shoulders.

It must allow a proud and elevated head carriage.

It must not be:

• excessively short;
• coarse;
• burdened with loose skin.

No dewlap.

13. Body

Topline

Regular and substantially level.

It must remain stable:

• when standing;
• during movement.

Withers

Well integrated.

Not excessively pronounced.

Back

Compact.

Straight.

Firm.

It must not show:

• kyphosis;
• lordosis;
• swayback;
• pronounced curvature.

Loin

Compact.

Well connected to the back and croup.

It must contribute to the solidity of the whole.

Croup

Regular.

Not excessively sloping.

Not obviously higher than the withers.

Chest

Moderately developed.

The ribs must be sufficiently sprung without producing an excessively rounded chest.

Depth must be proportionate to size.

Underline

Moderately defined.

The abdomen must be neither excessively tucked up nor slack.

14. Tail

The tail must be proportionate to the body.

Natural, it must be abundantly covered with hair.

It must be carried slightly above the topline, contributing to the dog’s overall balance.

It must not be:

• excessively curled;
• rigidly laid over the back;
• constantly carried low due to insecurity.

The colour of the tail hair follows the characteristics of the colour variety.

In the Classic variety, the tail colour may be a darker blue than the body, especially toward the tip.

15. Forelimbs

General Appearance

Viewed from the front they must be:

• straight;
• parallel;
• well positioned beneath the body;
• proportionate to size.

Shoulder

Well positioned.

Moderately sloping.

It must allow correct forward extension of the limb.

Upper Arm

Proportionate.

Well connected to the shoulder.

Elbow

Close to the body.

Turning neither inward nor outward.

Forearm

Straight.

With sufficiently strong bone for the size.

Carpus

Stable.

Metacarpus

Compact.

Almost vertical.

16. Forefeet

Round.

Compact.

Toes well gathered.

Pads must be well developed.

In the Classic variety, nails are preferably black.

In the Color variety, pigmentation of nails and pads may be related to coat genetics.

17. Hindlimbs

General Appearance

Viewed from behind they must be:

• straight;
• parallel;
• stable.

Angulation must be balanced with that of the forequarters.

Thigh

Adequately muscled.

Stifle

Moderately angulated.

Stable.

Lower Thigh

Proportionate.

With adequate musculature.

Hock

Stable.

Not deviating:

• medially;
• laterally.

Metatarsus

Short.

Sufficiently vertical.

18. Hind Feet

Round.

Compact.

Toes well gathered.

Pigmentation of nails and pads must be consistent with the colour variety.

19. Movement

Movement must be:

• free;
• regular;
• harmonious;
• flowing;
• confident;
• straight.

The forequarters must show good reach.

The hindquarters must provide sufficient drive.

The limbs must move on regular planes.

The topline must remain stable during gait.

Undesirable are:

• short and stiff stride;
• high-stepping action;
• pronounced hackney action;
• deviated forelimbs;
• cow hocks;
• excessively open hindquarters;
• insufficient drive;
• unstable movement.

Quality of movement must take precedence over exaggerated showmanship in gait.

20. Skin

Fine.

Elastic.

Well fitting to the body.

Free from excessive looseness.

Skin pigmentation may vary according to colour genetics.

21. Coat

Texture

The coat represents one of the fundamental characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier.

The hair must be:

• fine;
• silky;
• glossy;
• perfectly straight;
• flowing.

It must not be:

• woolly;
• cottony;
• frizzy;
• curly;
• excessively wavy.

The coat must be free from an undercoat component capable of altering its typical fine and silky texture.

Length may be considerable, but it must not compromise the dog’s natural movement.

Distribution

On the body, the hair falls evenly along both sides.

The longitudinal parting is characteristic.

Hair on the Head

Long.

It may be gathered on the top of the skull to keep the field of vision clear.

Coat preparation must not artificially alter:

• texture;
• colour;
• structure;
• natural volume.

22. Colour Varieties

The Yorkshire Terrier is divided into:

A. Yorkshire Terrier Classic

B. Yorkshire Terrier Color

The colour variety must be recorded in the dog’s genealogical documentation.

Colour must not alter the assessment of:

• structure;
• proportions;
• movement;
• temperament;
• coat quality;
• functionality.

23. Yorkshire Terrier Classic

The Classic variety represents the historically typical colouring of the Yorkshire Terrier.

Puppies

Puppies are generally born with:

• black;
• tan markings.

During growth, a progressive colour transformation normally occurs.

The black of the dorsal coat evolves toward the characteristic steel blue, while the tan areas develop richer and more golden shades.

The process may continue as the dog matures.

Adult Body Colour

The body must be:

dark steel blue, not silver blue.

The blue should extend approximately:

• from the occipital/posterior neck region;
• along the back;
• to the root of the tail.

The steel blue should not be mixed with:

• fawn;
• bronze;
• persistent black in the adult.

Head

The hair on the head must show a rich:

golden tan.

The shade must be:

• more intense at the roots;
• progressively lighter toward the tips.

The colouring must be particularly rich:

• at the sides of the head;
• at the base of the ears;
• on the muzzle.

The tan of the head must not extend significantly along the back of the neck.

Black or sooty hairs mixed into the golden areas are undesirable.

Chest and Limbs

The hair must be:

rich, bright golden tan.

On the forelimbs, tan should not extend above the elbow.

On the hindlimbs, tan should not extend above the stifle.

Colour Designations of the Classic Variety

For colour registration purposes, the following descriptions may be assigned to the Classic variety:

• Blue & Tan;
• Blue & Gold;
• Dark Steel Blue & Tan;
• Dark Steel Blue & Gold.

In young dogs, before complete coat colour transformation, birth colours compatible with later Classic development may be temporarily recorded.

24. Yorkshire Terrier Color

The Color variety includes Yorkshire Terriers that retain the breed’s morphological type but display colour expressions different from the traditional steel blue and tan.

Belonging to the Color variety must not be determined solely by a commercial colour name.

Where necessary, colour must be supportable through:

• genealogy;
• phenotype;
• genetic colour testing.

The principal colour families described below are recognized within the Color variety.

24.1 Black

Includes dogs in which black eumelanin remains predominant beyond the normal period of coat maturation.

Included combinations are:

• Black;
• Black & Tan;
• Black & Gold;
• Black & White;
• Black, White & Tan;
• Black, White & Gold.

24.2 Chocolate / Liver

Black pigmentation is genetically transformed into brown/chocolate shades.

Included are:

• Chocolate;
• Chocolate & Tan;
• Chocolate & Gold;
• Chocolate & White;
• Chocolate, White & Tan;
• Chocolate, White & Gold.

In chocolate dogs, pigmentation of the nose, eyelid rims, pads and nails may be brown rather than black.

The eyes may be genetically lighter than in the Classic variety.

24.3 Gold / Golden

Includes dogs with predominantly:

• golden;
• gold;
• light tan;
• gold-coloured expression.

Included are:

• Gold;
• Golden;
• Gold & White;
• Golden & White;
• Gold Chocolate.

The colour must nevertheless be accompanied by the typical Yorkshire Terrier coat texture.

24.4 Golddust-type

Includes dogs displaying predominantly:

• gold;
• gold and white.

Nose pigmentation is normally dark in dogs with black eumelanin.

Where brown is genetically present, gold-chocolate variants with brown pigmentation may be observed.

Recognized are:

• Gold;
• Gold & White;
• Gold Chocolate.

24.5 Parti-color

Includes dogs in which white forms an important component of the colouring together with the other pigmentations typical of the Yorkshire Terrier.

For classification purposes, these include:

• Black & White;
• Black, White & Tan;
• Black, White & Gold;
• Blue & White;
• Blue, White & Tan;
• Blue, White & Gold;
• Chocolate & White;
• Chocolate, White & Tan;
• Chocolate, White & Gold;
• Gold & White.

White distribution may involve:

• chest;
• abdomen;
• limbs;
• neck;
• muzzle;
• skull;
• body;
• tip of the tail.

Perfect colour symmetry is not required.

24.6 Biro-type

Includes the colour expression characterized mainly by:

• chocolate/brown;
• white;
• gold/tan.

Therefore recognized are:

• Chocolate & White;
• Chocolate, White & Tan;
• Chocolate, White & Gold.

The nose is normally brown.

Gold/tan areas must retain harmonious distribution.

The designation describes a colour variety of the Yorkshire Terrier Color and does not alter the breed identity of the dog.

24.7 Ocean Pearl

Includes particular colour expressions characterized by shades of:

• sable;
• gold;
• reddish brown;
• pearly tones;
• possible white.

Recognized are:

• Ocean Pearl;
• Ocean Pearl & White;
• Ocean Pearl, White & Tan.

Colour may change considerably during growth.

Assessment must therefore consider:

• colour at birth;
• colour evolution;
• adult colour;
• any available genetic documentation.

24.8 White

Dogs may be registered in the Color variety when white is the predominant or, exceptionally, almost total colour, provided that:

• overall pigmentation is compatible with a genetic colour condition and not pathological albinism;
• the dog retains all morphological characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier;
• clinical conditions associated with pathological pigmentation defects are excluded.

The following may be registered:

• White;
• White & Gold;
• White & Tan;
• White with other genetically documentable pigmentations.

Albinism must not be confused with a white coat.

24.9 Blue / Dilute

Includes dogs in which eumelanin pigmentation shows colour dilution.

Possible colours include:

• Blue;
• Blue & Tan;
• Blue & Gold;
• Blue & White;
• Blue, White & Tan;
• Blue, White & Gold.

Breeding of dilute dogs must pay particular attention to coat quality and skin health.

24.10 Silver

The designation Silver may be used for dogs displaying a particular dilution or lightening of the coat producing silver shades clearly different from Classic steel blue.

Possible colours include:

• Silver;
• Silver & Tan;
• Silver & Gold;
• Silver & White;
• Silver, White & Tan.

The designation Silver must be used with caution and preferably supported by correct genetic and phenotypic assessment, avoiding classification as Silver of a normal mature Classic Yorkshire Terrier with light steel-blue colouring.

25. Merle and Related Variants

Merle expressions belong exclusively to the Yorkshire Terrier Color variety.

The following may be recognized:

• Blue Merle;
• Blue Merle & White;
• Blue Merle, White & Tan;
• Blueberry;
• Chocolate Merle;
• Chocolate Merle & White;
• Chocolate Merle, White & Tan;
• Chocoberry;
• Harlequin Merle;
• Tweed Merle.

Blueberry

The designation Blueberry generally identifies a colour characterized by:

• blue merle;
• a significant presence of white.

The following may be present:

• black;
• grey/blue;
• white;
• tan/gold.

Chocoberry

The designation Chocoberry generally identifies:

• chocolate merle;
• associated with white;
• with possible tan/gold areas.

Nose pigmentation may be brown.

Harlequin / Tweed

Includes merle patterns characterized by a more complex and fragmented distribution of pigmented areas.

Combinations may include:

• black;
• grey;
• blue;
• brown;
• white;
• gold/tan.

Health Rule for Merle

The merle gene must be managed with particular care.

For responsible breeding purposes:

Merle × Merle mating must not be planned.

Before breeding merle dogs or dogs of uncertain phenotype, genetic characterization of the relevant locus is strongly recommended.

Particular attention must be paid to:

• hearing;
• vision;
• ocular development;
• pigmentation;
• possible congenital abnormalities associated with high-risk genetic combinations.

26. Registration of the Colour Variety

Each dog must be registered indicating:

1. breed: Yorkshire Terrier;
2. variety: Classic or Color;
3. phenotypic colour;
4. any specific colour designation;
5. any available genetic test results.

Examples:

Yorkshire Terrier – Classic – Dark Steel Blue & Tan

Yorkshire Terrier – Color – Chocolate & Tan

Yorkshire Terrier – Color – Gold & White

Yorkshire Terrier – Color – Ocean Pearl

Yorkshire Terrier – Color – Blueberry

Yorkshire Terrier – Color – Chocolate Merle & White

The colour designation must not replace the official breed name.

27. Principle of Distinction from the Biewer Terrier

The presence of white in a Yorkshire Terrier Color does not automatically determine membership of the Biewer Terrier breed.

The Biewer Terrier has its own identity:

• genealogical;
• selective;
• morphological;
• genetic;
• standard-based.

Therefore, a Yorkshire Terrier with parti, tricolour or white colouring must be registered as Yorkshire Terrier Color when its genealogical and selective origin is attributable to the Yorkshire Terrier.

Likewise, a Biewer Terrier genealogically belonging to its own breed population must not be reclassified as a Yorkshire Terrier solely on the basis of morphological similarity.

Classification must therefore be carried out by jointly considering:

• genealogy;
• genetic heritage;
• breeding programme;
• morphology;
• colour.

28. Size

The Yorkshire Terrier must retain a size compatible with Toy Terrier type.

The standard must not encourage extreme forms of miniaturization.

No separate category is defined as:

• Mini;
• Micro;
• Teacup;
• Toy miniature.

These terms do not identify official varieties of the breed.

The overall structure must remain harmonious, robust and functional.

29. Weight

Ideal weight must remain compatible with the traditional structure of the breed.

Maximum reference weight: approximately 3.2 kg.

Weight must nevertheless be assessed together with:

• bone;
• proportions;
• body condition;
• functionality;
• overall health.

Extreme weight reduction is not a merit.

Excessive miniaturization causing the following must be penalized:

• skeletal fragility;
• significant dental abnormalities;
• persistently open fontanelle;
• insufficient body development;
• joint problems;
• reproductive difficulties;
• overall impairment of welfare.

30. Sexual Characteristics

Males must have two testicles:

• normally developed;
• fully descended into the scrotum.

Sexual dimorphism is permitted and desirable when harmonious.

31. Faults

Any deviation from this standard must be evaluated considering:

• extent of the deviation;
• influence on breed type;
• influence on functionality;
• consequences for health;
• consequences for welfare.

The following may be considered faults:

• excessively long body;
• overly heavy structure;
• excessively fragile structure;
• excessively large head;
• excessively rounded skull;
• excessively long muzzle;
• extremely short muzzle;
• overly prominent eyes;
• excessively large eyes;
• excessively large ears;
• short neck;
• unstable back;
• excessively sloping croup;
• insufficient chest;
• limbs not perfectly straight;
• insufficient angulation;
• insufficiently flowing movement;
• coat texture not sufficiently silky;
• excessively wavy hair;
• overly cottony coat;
• insufficient overall coat quality.

In the Classic variety, significant deviations from the typical colour distribution prescribed for that variety must also be negatively evaluated.

In the Color variety, different colouring in itself does not constitute a fault.

32. Serious Faults

The following must be considered particularly serious:

• severe body disproportion;
• extreme skeletal fragility;
• disproportionate dwarfism;
• severe mandibular insufficiency;
• marked undershot or overshot bite;
• severe dental abnormalities;
• persistently dropped ears in the adult;
• strongly curved topline;
• obvious limb instability;
• evident joint luxations;
• severely altered movement;
• woolly or clearly atypical coat;
• severe loss of breed type;
• significant behavioural abnormalities.

For the Classic variety, an adult colour substantially incompatible with the definition of the variety also constitutes a serious fault; the dog may possibly be reclassified as Yorkshire Terrier Color if the genealogical and phenotypic requirements are met.

33. Eliminating or Disqualifying Faults

Dogs presenting the following must be excluded from breeding or show evaluation:

• uncontrollable aggression;
• extreme disabling fear;
• severe physical abnormalities incompatible with welfare;
• disabling deformities;
• severe neurological disorders;
• severe behavioural disorders;
• pathological albinism;
• absence of fundamental breed characteristics;
• unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism in males.

Colour, when correctly classified within the Color variety, does not in itself constitute grounds for exclusion.

34. Health Guidelines for Breeding

Breeding must favour dogs that are:

• clinically healthy;
• functionally healthy;
• morphologically balanced;
• of good temperament;
• genealogically identified;
• genetically compatible.

Particular attention must be paid to:

• patellar luxation;
• joint health;
• correct dentition;
• mandibular conformation;
• ocular health;
• cardiac health;
• liver function;
• respiratory health;
• skin and coat quality;
• maintenance of genetic diversity;
• prevention of excessive inbreeding.

In Color dogs, specific genetic tests for loci responsible for colouring must be used when appropriate.

35. Colour Selection

Colour must be regarded as a genetic trait of the breed and must not take precedence over health.

Matings must not be planned solely for the purpose of obtaining a rare colour when this would result in:

• increased inbreeding;
• use of clinically unsuitable dogs;
• high-risk genetic combinations;
• loss of morphological breed type;
• impairment of coat quality.

The same morphological requirements established for the Classic variety must be maintained in the breeding of the Color variety.

A Yorkshire Terrier Color must first and foremost be recognizable as a Yorkshire Terrier, regardless of colour.

36. Breed Identity

The division into Classic and Color must not lead to the formation of two different morphological types.

The two varieties must maintain:

• the same general structure;
• the same fundamental proportions;
• the same coat texture;
• the same head type;
• the same movement;
• the same temperament;
• the same functional identity.

Colour selection must not progressively transform the Yorkshire Terrier Color into a dog morphologically different from the Yorkshire Terrier Classic.

Colour constitutes a phenotypic variety, not a justification for modifying breed type.

37. Cynognostic Summary

The ideal Yorkshire Terrier is a small Toy Terrier that is elegant yet vigorous, compact, proportionate and self-confident, with a relatively small head, skull not excessively rounded, expressive eyes, small erect ears, stable topline, straight limbs, free and propulsive movement, and a characteristic long, straight, glossy, fine and silky coat.

The Classic variety displays in the adult the characteristic dark steel blue and rich golden tan distribution, with a precise colour evolution from the darker puppy coat.

The Color variety includes the different colour expressions genetically compatible with the Yorkshire Terrier, including black, chocolate, gold, parti-color, white, Ocean Pearl, Golddust-type, Biro-type, blue/dilute, silver, merle, Blueberry, Chocoberry, Harlequin/Tweed and their respective combinations.

Colour difference must not result in a difference in the morphological quality required.

In both varieties, priority must be given to:

health, functionality, balance, breed type, coat quality, correct structure and genealogical traceability.