Yorkie Information Center
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Fur Issues (Hair/ Coat Issues) of the Yorkie
Overview
The Yorkie actually has hair and not fur. This makes this dog breed hypo-allergenic, as the dog's coat does not contain dander.
For this reason, most people who may be allergic to dogs will find that the having a Yorkie is the answer!
However, even with hair instead of fur, the Yorkie can experience hair (fur) issues to its coat.
Most are treatable and knowing the symptoms is the way to a fast recovery.
The Yorkie actually has hair and not fur. This makes this dog breed hypo-allergenic, as the dog's coat does not contain dander.
For this reason, most people who may be allergic to dogs will find that the having a Yorkie is the answer!
However, even with hair instead of fur, the Yorkie can experience hair (fur) issues to its coat.
Most are treatable and knowing the symptoms is the way to a fast recovery.
Alepecia- a fur loss that appears in patches
Proper Grooming
Proper grooming will help to keep a Yorkie's coat nice and healthy. However, as with any other dog breed, there are health conditions which, if a Yorkie develops, will affect the coat.
Be sure to read Grooming
Puppy Coat VS Adult Coat
Your will notice that your Yorkie's fur is dark when a young puppy. The coloring will be black and tan. At the age of 5 to 6 months, there will be a steady change over to an adult coat. The adult Yorkie will have a blue coat and gold coloring.
This stage is similar to a human going through puberty. A huge hormonal change is occurring. A Yorkie may have a smooth transition over to the adult coat, or the dog may have an awkward phase of a thinning of the puppy coat as the adult hair struggles to emerge. You will want to use gentle shampoos and dog hair conditioners especially during this time. The skin will be sensitive and not as protected in this transitional stage.
Neurodermatitis is a condition in which the Yorkie will impulsively lick their coat to such an extreme that the follicles are damaged, consequently resulting in the dog’s hair falling out. The dog many focus on one area of the body or in various areas. This medical condition is thought to be caused by the Yorkie being overstressed, nervous or extremely bored. This diagnosis is established by ruling out other medical issues. This is treated by eliminating the triggers of stress for the dog. While behavior training is an option, altering the home atmosphere often fixes this.
Acantosis Nigricans
This is rare in the Yorkie breed; however can happen. This is a thinning of the coat due to hormonal imbalances, hypersensitivities or friction. Testing will be done by a veterinarian to establish the precise cause. Management may consist of steroids and/or vitamin E supplements.
Allergic Dermatitis
A thinning of the coat is a common symptom when a dog has an allergy to an external factor. Dog shampoo, conditioner, even laundry detergent are potential causes. . Not only will the dog suffer from a thinning of the coat, but there may be red blisters, sores or abrasions on the dog’s skin as well. Luckily, this can be promptly corrected once the trigger of the allergic reaction is identified. A veterinarian can carry out patch testing to find the cause and then the owner must remove that element from the dog’s environment.. In moderate to severe cases, antihistamines and/or steroids may be given.
Alopecia
This is a condition is which the Yorkie’s coat will thin and then spontaneously grow back. Speculated to possibly be an autoimmune disorder, this will cause areas of thinning on the dog. In the majority cases, there will be no itching. This frequently resolves by itself once the dog's body achieves enough antibodies to fend off its internal attacker and the coat will grow back. Generally, it will grow back to what it once was.
Hypothyroidism
This happens to the Yorkie when the thyroid begins to slow down and produce a smaller amount of hormones. Before the thinning of the coat occurs, the coat may become very dry and hair may break off easily when brushed. The under active thyroid may also cause weight gain and weakness in the dog. This can be diagnosis when the veterinarian checks thyroid levels. Treatment will be medication, often needed indefinitely. Recovery is a slow yet steady process; in most cases the Yorkie will make a complete recovery.
Don't Forget
Proper grooming will help to keep a Yorkie's coat nice and healthy. However, as with any other dog breed, there are health conditions which, if a Yorkie develops, will affect the coat.
Be sure to read Grooming
Puppy Coat VS Adult Coat
Your will notice that your Yorkie's fur is dark when a young puppy. The coloring will be black and tan. At the age of 5 to 6 months, there will be a steady change over to an adult coat. The adult Yorkie will have a blue coat and gold coloring.
This stage is similar to a human going through puberty. A huge hormonal change is occurring. A Yorkie may have a smooth transition over to the adult coat, or the dog may have an awkward phase of a thinning of the puppy coat as the adult hair struggles to emerge. You will want to use gentle shampoos and dog hair conditioners especially during this time. The skin will be sensitive and not as protected in this transitional stage.
Note: The coat of the Yorkshire Terrier is one of their most outstanding features! For this reason, an owner should be aware of every coat issue that affects this dog breed. Find out more
Stress Affecting the Coat Neurodermatitis is a condition in which the Yorkie will impulsively lick their coat to such an extreme that the follicles are damaged, consequently resulting in the dog’s hair falling out. The dog many focus on one area of the body or in various areas. This medical condition is thought to be caused by the Yorkie being overstressed, nervous or extremely bored. This diagnosis is established by ruling out other medical issues. This is treated by eliminating the triggers of stress for the dog. While behavior training is an option, altering the home atmosphere often fixes this.
Acantosis Nigricans
This is rare in the Yorkie breed; however can happen. This is a thinning of the coat due to hormonal imbalances, hypersensitivities or friction. Testing will be done by a veterinarian to establish the precise cause. Management may consist of steroids and/or vitamin E supplements.
Allergic Dermatitis
A thinning of the coat is a common symptom when a dog has an allergy to an external factor. Dog shampoo, conditioner, even laundry detergent are potential causes. . Not only will the dog suffer from a thinning of the coat, but there may be red blisters, sores or abrasions on the dog’s skin as well. Luckily, this can be promptly corrected once the trigger of the allergic reaction is identified. A veterinarian can carry out patch testing to find the cause and then the owner must remove that element from the dog’s environment.. In moderate to severe cases, antihistamines and/or steroids may be given.
Alopecia
This is a condition is which the Yorkie’s coat will thin and then spontaneously grow back. Speculated to possibly be an autoimmune disorder, this will cause areas of thinning on the dog. In the majority cases, there will be no itching. This frequently resolves by itself once the dog's body achieves enough antibodies to fend off its internal attacker and the coat will grow back. Generally, it will grow back to what it once was.
Hypothyroidism
This happens to the Yorkie when the thyroid begins to slow down and produce a smaller amount of hormones. Before the thinning of the coat occurs, the coat may become very dry and hair may break off easily when brushed. The under active thyroid may also cause weight gain and weakness in the dog. This can be diagnosis when the veterinarian checks thyroid levels. Treatment will be medication, often needed indefinitely. Recovery is a slow yet steady process; in most cases the Yorkie will make a complete recovery.
Don't Forget
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