If you’re considering getting a Yorkie Poo, you may have wondered if their coat color will change over time. The short answer is yes, Yorkie Poos do change color as they age.
This is because both Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles are known to fade lighter as they age. This process, known as clearing, typically begins around 6 months of age and can take several months to complete. During this time, your Yorkie Poo will be growing its adult coat, and the resulting color is what it will have for the rest of its life.
While not every Yorkie Poo’s coat will fade or change color, it’s important to be aware of this possibility if you’re considering getting one of these adorable pups. In this article, we’ll explore the different colors and coat patterns of Yorkie Poos, and provide you with a comprehensive guide to understanding how their coats may change over time.
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The Genetics of Yorkie Poos
If you’re wondering whether or not your Yorkie Poo will change color, it’s important to understand the genetics behind their coat.
Yorkie Poo Coat Colors
Yorkie Poos can come in a variety of colors including brown, black, cream, white, red, apricot, tan, gray, and silver. The color of your Yorkie Poo’s coat is determined by the genes they inherit from their parents.
The genetics of coat color in dogs is complex, and many different genes can affect the color of a dog’s coat. Some genes are dominant, meaning that they will always be expressed, while others are recessive, meaning that they will only be expressed if the dog inherits two copies of the gene.
Factors that Affect Coat Color Changes
While Yorkie Poos can change color as they grow, not all dogs will experience a significant change. The extent to which your Yorkie Poo’s coat will change color is dependent on several factors.
- Age: Yorkie Poos typically begin to change color around 6 months of age, and the process can continue until they are 1 or 2 years old.
- Genetics: As mentioned, the color of a Yorkie Poo’s coat is determined by the genes they inherit from their parents.
- Environment: Environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight and diet can also affect the color of a Yorkie Poo’s coat.
It’s important to note that not all Yorkie Poos will change color, particularly if they are already white, blonde, or gray any lightning may be indistinguishable. If they are going to fade, it will likely begin around 4 to 6 months as their adult coat starts to come in fully.
The resulting color is what your dog will have for the rest of their life.
When Do Yorkie Poos Change Color?
If you’re wondering when your Yorkie Poo will change color, it’s important to understand that this process can occur at different times depending on the age of your dog.
Puppy Coat Color Changes
During the first few months of a Yorkie Poo’s life, its coat color may change dramatically. This is because puppies are born with a different coat than the one they will have as an adult.
Yorkie Poos typically begin to grow their adult coat around six months of age. From then until they are one or two years old, your Yorkie Poo will be growing in their adult coat and the resulting color is what your dog will have for the rest of their life.
Adult Coat Color Changes
It’s important to note that not all Yorkie Poos will experience a change in color as they age. However, for those that do, it’s common for their coat to lighten or fade with age, especially for those with dark-colored coats.
According to Pup Traveller, coat color changes may happen to their whole coat or just certain sections. The fading, also known as clearing, usually starts around six months of age and can take months.
So, if you have a Yorkie Poo with a dark coat, don’t be surprised if it lightens or fades as they age. However, if your dog has a lighter-colored coat, any changes may be indistinguishable.
Tips for Maintaining Your Yorkie Poo’s Coat Color
Grooming
Regular grooming is essential to maintain your Yorkie Poo’s coat color. Brush your dog’s coat daily with a slicker brush to remove any tangles or mats. Use a comb to remove any loose hair. Trim the hair around the eyes, ears, and paws to avoid irritation. Bathe your dog once a month with mild shampoo to keep the coat clean and shiny.
Diet
Your Yorkie Poo’s diet can affect the color of its coat. Feed your dog a balanced diet that includes high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Avoid feeding your dog table scraps or low-quality dog food that may contain artificial colors or preservatives. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your dog’s specific needs.
Sun Exposure
Exposure to the sun can cause your Yorkie Poo’s coat to fade or change color. Protect your dog from the sun by keeping them indoors during peak hours of sunlight. If your dog must be outside, provide them with a shaded area to rest. Use dog-friendly sunscreen on your dog’s nose and ears to prevent sunburn. Sources:
Conclusion
Now that you know that Yorkie Poos can change color, you can be prepared for any changes that may occur in your pet’s coat. Remember that not all Yorkie Poos will change color, and if they do, it may take months for the process to be complete.
If you are considering getting a Yorkie Poo, keep in mind that their coat color may change as they age. It’s important to choose a reputable breeder who can provide information about the puppy’s parents and their coat colors.
Overall, the Yorkie Poo is a delightful and adorable breed that makes a great companion. Whether their coat is black, brown, or white, you can be sure that your Yorkie Poo will be a loyal and loving friend for years to come.
FAQ
What color will my Yorkie Poo be?
Yorkie Poos come in several colors and their adult coat doesn’t start coming until they are 6 months old, with changes continuing until they are 1 or 2 years of age. Your breeder can tell you what eventual color your Yorkie Poo should be, and meeting the parents can give you a good idea.
Their adult coat should eventually be grey, black, brown, chocolate, or even blue, and there are different patterns, so be sure to check with your breeder or simply wait and see!
Do Yorkie Poos stay black?
Not always. Once your dog is around 6 months of age, then changes will start becoming apparent in its coat.
They may well stay black, or they might slowly turn a little more tan or even blue, it depends on the traits bred into the dog, the parents, and the occasional ‘generational skip’ in their DNA to determine what color your Yorkie Poo is eventually going to be.
Do Yorkie Poos need haircuts?
Yes. It seems a little weird at first until you get used to it, but Yorkie Poos have hair as we do, rather than fur. As such, they need a trim from time to time to keep that hair growing healthy and always looking its best.
A trim at your local groomer is recommended every 6 to 8 weeks and this should help to ensure that their hair grows thick, healthy, and silky-smooth.
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.
