Have you considered a Biewer? While they can't be registered with the AKC yet, they probably will be allowed to someday, and they actually have a standard. They look similar to a Parti, but have specific markings. The Parti can be registered, but it's just under the Yorkshire terrier name, and this is considered a fault, like a bad bite. Biewers are registered with a European registry, but others can tell you more about this. They are a beautiful dog; and many owners say that their personality is a little more laid back then the Yorkie. Unfortunately, because of the popularity of "off colored dogs", it has attracted many poor breeders who are only breeding for the off trait, and are not taking into consideration other genetic flaws the dam or sire could have. So while there may be no real diseases linked to the Parti as yet, so many "greeders" are indiscriminately breeding them for this one trait only. A good breeder looks at many different traits, not just one, and when puppies are born with genetic problems they would stop breeding the dam and sire, but this doesn't happen with some Parti breeders or golden breeders because money is their only motivation. So while the puppies can be cute, finding a good breeder would be extreemly difficult. |