Why Our Yorkshire Terriers Are Unique
Discover What Sets Essence of Grace Yorkies Apart
At Essence of Grace Yorkies, we take pride in producing high-quality, AKC-registered Yorkshire Terriers that stand out for their exceptional health, loving temperament, and beautiful breed type. We focus on preserving traditional Yorkie coloring, clear pedigrees, and correct structure. Our puppies are not just pretty faces—they're bred to standard and raised with purpose.
Whether you're seeking a loving pet or a future show star, our program produces puppies with elegance, intelligence, and charm.
Our Foundation Priorities:
✔️ Health: Our breeding pairs are DNA tested with Embark and undergo OFA screening to ensure sound genetic health.
✔️ Temperament: Raised in a home environment, our puppies are loved, socialized, and well-prepared for their new families.
✔️ Breed Standard: We breed to AKC Yorkshire Terrier standards—focusing on balance, structure, silky coats, and rich color.
Unlike others who market "teacup Yorkies," we remain committed to breeding healthy, standard-sized Yorkies with integrity.
We serve families throughout Southern California—including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and beyond.
Experienced Yorkshire Terrier Breeders in Southern California
Meet Gracie Vargas: The Passion Behind Essence of Grace Yorkies
My journey with Yorkies began in 2008 when I received my very first Yorkshire Terrier, Penny Lane, as a Christmas gift. Two years later, Big Ben joined our family. Both were beloved pets who brought me endless joy and companionship. Penny Lane passed away at 15 from heart and kidney failure; Big Ben passed away at 11. Though I never bred them, my love for the breed was already deeply rooted.
How It All Began: The Start of a Dream
In 2019, I was gifted a beautiful, well-bred Yorkie female I named Eleanor Rigby (Ellie), shortly after losing Penny Lane. At first, I had no intentions of breeding—Ellie was meant to fill the space in my heart. I enrolled her in puppy preschool and obedience classes, and she even began therapy dog training until COVID-19 interrupted our plans.
With many AKC Champions available at stud, I decided to try a breeding to see what could come from it. That first litter changed everything. From it came our girl Abbey—now AKC Champion Essence Of Grace Abbey Blazin’ Down The Road. That single experience sparked my passion for responsible breeding and showing.
I had hoped to show Ellie and began training her in conformation handling, but was discouraged by others and never entered her in the ring. I vowed never to let anyone's opinions stop me again.
Growing the Program: Sasha and Show Success
As I grew more serious about breeding, we imported our first European Yorkie, Sasha, from Russia. Sasha later became our first AKC Champion, even though she wasn’t bred by us.
While Abbey was showing, we expanded further and were fortunate to be placed with a stunning male from a respected breeder in Mexico: GCHS ZIBURUA SUPER CHARGER (Charlie). Before arriving in the U.S., Charlie earned Champion, Junior Grand Champion, and Grand Champion titles in Costa Rica, along with wins in Mexico. I personally finished his AKC Championship and Grand Championship titles in the U.S. He is now ranked among the top Yorkies in the country, and we hope to show him at Westminster in 2026.
The Legacy Continues: Ellie’s Retirement & Lucy’s Rise
In 2024, we decided to let Ellie have her final litter before retiring her. I paired her with a trusted friend’s Champion male, and from that breeding came Lucy—our future star. Lucy is currently pointed with nine AKC points and one major win. She is over halfway to her Championship and represents our second homebred show girl. She is also Abbey’s half-sister.
Ellie is now retired and enjoying a spoiled life with her forever family.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Our Vision in 2025
In 2025, while attending Woofstock, I had the honor of connecting with breeders I had long admired—people whose pedigrees I respected through Abbey. Just a month later, one of those breeders offered me a co-ownership opportunity for a promising young male. I was incredibly grateful for the chance to bring these treasured lines into our program.
This male is a descendant of the same lineage behind our girl Abbey, which makes the opportunity even more meaningful. While his co-owner remains on his papers until he earns his AKC Championship, I am now his full-time owner, and I look forward to showing him later in 2025.
This addition represents our future: honoring the past, improving the present, and investing in the future of the Yorkshire Terrier breed.
