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Grooming

Yorkshire Terrier Grooming

This is the main grooming page, which covers an overview and instructions for grooming tasks.


If you are looking for other information such as normal shedding, hair loss issues and more, you may wish to look to the 'Related Articles' section below.

Overview

Yorkshire Terriers are a breed with a moderate grooming level. Those with short coats require less grooming than those with long show coats. Having hair as opposed to fur makes some grooming tasks easier than for dogs with thick fur, such as less brushing, but in some ways this requires additional steps, such as attention to skin health.


This article covers every grooming task that needs to be done for Yorkshire Terrier puppies, adults and seniors and is a great place to get organized on the whole scope of required tasks. We offer a summary list and time schedule. And, as you'll see, there will be options to dive into more detailed articles.

Yorkshire Terrier with Grooming Products
Yorkshire Terrier with Grooming Products

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List of Grooming Tasks & Timing for a Yorkshire Terrier

Before we dive into the details, you should have a general idea of what needs to be done and how often to do it. Many of these grooming tasks are done at home. And a few are often delegated to a dog groomer. 


  • Dental Care: Daily tooth cleaning is key to preventing dental problems like decay and tooth loss. Their first professional dental cleaning should occur between 2 and 3 years of age, with subsequent cleanings based on the vet's advice. 
  • Face and Eye Area Cleaning: A few quick wipes of the face and eye areas with grooming wipes each day can keep the facial hairs free from food bits and other small debris. 
  • Coat Brushing: Brushing frequency for Yorkshire Terriers depends on coat length: long coats require daily combing and brushing, medium lengths every two days, short coats every three days, and shaved coats once a week, presenting a perfect opportunity to apply protective coat spray.
  • Bathing: Schedule baths every two to three weeks; however, Yorkies with skin or coat issues may benefit from more frequent bathing with specialty shampoos. 
  • Spot Cleaning: Spot-clean the body as needed to keep your Yorkie clean and smelling nice in between baths. 
  • Paw and Nose Care: Paw wax or butter and nose balm or cream is applied as needed. 
  • Ear Cleaning: Wiping the inner ear flaps should be done once per week Flushing of the ear canals is done as needed. 
  • Coat Trimming: Yorkies require a trim every four to six weeks due to their continuously growing hair. Most pet parents prefer a professional groomer's touch to keep their dog’s coat neat and stylish.
  • Nail Trimming: Trim nails every four to six weeks to prevent overgrowth and maintain paw health. This can be done at home or by a professional during a grooming session.
  • Anal Gland Care: Some dogs may need their anal glands expressed to prevent discomfort or infection. This procedure is generally performed by a groomer or veterinarian and the frequency is varied depending on the dog’s needs. 

Yorkshire Terrier At-home Dental Care

Purpose: 

To remove plaque and tartar, aiming to prevent tooth and gum diseases, including periodontal disease, and to avoid eventual tooth loss.

Frequency: 

At-home cleaning once per day, professional cleanings as needed.

Needed Supplies:

The most effective method is brushing via a canine toothbrush and canine toothpaste (which is very different than those made for people). Wipes and sprays can be used if there is no tolerance for brushing. Dental chews are a good supplement to help ensure healthy teeth and gums.

Instructions:

Good oral hygiene includes scrubbing the teeth for several minutes each day, using a dental wipe to clean off the teeth or applying a dental spray directly onto the teeth. 


See: Yorkshire Terrier Dental Care for full instructions, details and recommended products. 


Yorkshire Terrier Face and Eye Area Cleaning

Purpose:

For hygiene purposes and to keep the eye area free from tiny debris that could cause irritation. 

Frequency:

As needed, usually at least once per day. 

Needed Supplies:

This can be done with a thin , soft, damp washcloth (if so, be sure to dry the face very well afterward) or canine facial grooming wipes like Earthbath Hypo-allergenic Facial Wipes, which are gentle with soothing cucumber and Vitamin E, clean facial hairs while deodorizing, and are ideal for all ages. 

Instructions:

  1. Gently hold your Yorkie’s head steady.
  2. Do 3 main swipes: From the inner corner of the eye up and over. From the inner corner of the eye down and over. And from the inner corner of the eye and down. Please refer to the diagram below.
  3. Use 1 wipe per eye; never re-use a soiled wipe.


See Also: Yorkshire Terrier Eyes for an overview of color, appearance, care, cleaning & eye-related health conditions.


Brushing and Combing a Yorkshire Terrier’s Coat

Purposes:

  1. To clean the coat of tiny debris and irritants (like allergens), pull out dead hairs, stimulate hair follicles, distribute natural body oils, and keep hairs free of tangles. 
  2. Brushing is your opportunity to use a coat spray which has the many benefits of protecting a Yorkie’s skin and coat from UV rays, adding a barrier from irritants and allergens, protect hairs from contact friction, help moisture skin and coat and help your Yorkie smell nice. 
  3. For medium to long haircuts, it's important to brush the coat before bathing to identify and eliminate any knots, as wetting the coat can make tangles harder to remove.

Frequency:

An ideal brushing schedule for Yorkshire Terriers is daily for long show coats, every 2 days for medium-length coats, every 3 days for short coats and at least once a week for shaved coats.

Needed Supplies: 

The type of supplies you need for grooming a Yorkie’s coat depends on the length. 


Please note: Due to Yorkshire Terriers having a single coat of silky hair, as opposed to fur, using the wrong type of brush (like those designed for breeds with fur) can ruin the coat and cause serious damage to the skin; never use an under-rake brush, slicker brush, de-shedding tool, or any other brush meant for dogs with thick fur coats. 


A Pin Brush: This is the best type of brush to use on Yorkies that have medium to long coats. Either 16 or 20 mm spacing will allow the pins to glide through the hairs. One that we recommend is the Chris Christensen 20 mm Tiny Tot Wooden Pin Brush which is a gentle yet effective way to groom Yorkies, is ideally sized nicely and has a great grip. 

A Body Comb: For medium to long coats, a comb for the body is essential for detangling and ensuring a sleek finish. It's especially useful for the face's delicate areas, offering precision for fine hairs. One to consider is the Smalldog Official Tangles Be Gone Steel Metal Dog Comb, which is durable with rounded teeth for comfort.

A Face Comb: This is usually a small tool, designed to comb in the small areas of the face including around the eyes which can be a lot trickier with a larger comb or brush. One that we like is the SmallDog Official Fine Tooth Metal Comb which is a small tool without a handle, designed with rounded tips.

A Bristle Brush: This is the type of brush that should be used on Yorkshire Terriers with shaved or short coats. One that we like is the Lil Pals Bristle Brush; this is sized just right for tiny dogs, has an excellent grip, and offers quality bristles. 

Coat Spray: As touched on earlier under ‘Purposes’, a coat spray serves many functions revolving around hygiene and year-round skin and coat protection. One that we like a lot is Nootie Daily Spritz, which has some wonderful fragrances including cucumber melon and Japanese cherry blossom, and is great for sensitive skin.

Instructions:

For shaved or short coats:


  1. Using a quality bristle brush and coat spray, you can either light mist the coat (section by section) and brush or lightly mist the brush as you go along. 
  2. Brush in the direction of hair growth. 
  3. Do not ignore any areas. Brush over the entire body, including the tail. 


Tip: The starting and stopping point doesn't matter as long as you cover the entire body. Developing a routine of beginning in the same area, moving systematically, and ending in the same spot ensures no part is missed. This consistency can also calm Yorkies who struggle to stay still, as they'll learn what to expect.


For longer coats: 


The order is comb, brush, comb. 


  1. This initial combing aims to detect tangles and separate hairs, setting the stage for brushing. Lightly mist the comb with leave-in coat spray before you begin and re-mist the comb every 10 strokes (avoid spraying the hair directly at this stage). Use the wider end of the comb for the body and switch to the finer end for small areas like the face and paws. Ensure you comb every part of the body. 
  2. Use a quality pin brush, ensuring you reach down to the skin to remove any dead hairs; do not just skim the surface. Brush in the direction of hair growth. Lightly mist with the leave-in spray as you go, holding the nozzle about an inch from the roots, and gently brush through to the tips to evenly spread the spray. Note: Avoid excessive use of the spray to prevent soaking the coat; a light mist is sufficient.
  3. If you wish, use the comb to make any final touchups. 

Giving a Yorkshire Terrier a Bath

Purpose:

Bathing maintains cleanliness, reduces skin issues, and eliminates odors, promoting a Yorkshire Terrier’s overall health and well-being.

Frequency:

A Yorkie should ideally be bathed every three weeks to stay fresh while preserving natural skin oils. If they get especially dirty or need a specialty shampoo for a skin condition, more frequent baths are fine as long as quality bathing products are used. 

Needed Supplies: 

List: Ensure a safe bathing environment with a non-slip mat, high-quality shampoo, rinse-out conditioner, cotton balls for ear protection, two small, thin washcloths, a sink nozzle or cup for rinsing, and a soft, absorbent cotton towel.


A note on products: The type of shampoo and conditioner you use is vital for skin and coat health. We recommend using Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe for both shampoo and conditioner, as these products are excellent for preventing dry skin on breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier that have hair as opposed to fur, while maintaining healthy skin and a vibrant coat.


Sink vs Bath: To ensure a positive bathing experience, begin with young puppies in a kitchen sink to prevent them from feeling overwhelmed, encouraging them to be receptive to future baths and reducing the risk of developing a fear of water. If your adult Yorkie remains small enough and your sink is adequately sized, you may continue using the sink or opt to transition to the bathtub.

Instructions:

Prep:


  1. For coats prone to tangling, first comb through to identify and remove any knots before starting the bath.
  2. Place a non-slip mat in the sink/tub to prevent slipping.
  3. Fill the sink/tub with a few inches of warm water. Test the temperature with your wrist to ensure it's not too hot or cold.
  4. Place cotton lightly in the ears to block water without pushing it deep.


Bathing Steps:


  1. Wet the coat using a nozzle or scoop water with a container to thoroughly soak the coat.
  2. Apply shampoo generously, and lightly yet thoroughly scrub the entire body. Pay special attention to armpits, paws and the underbelly. Use one of the washcloths for sensitive areas including the genital area.
  3. Wet second washcloth and use it to clean the face. 
  4. Thoroughly rinse to remove all shampoo, preventing residue buildup.
  5. Apply a wash-out conditioner generously, massaging from root to tip for 2-5 minutes before rinsing well. For dry skin or dry coats, leave this in up to 10 minutes.
  6. After bathing, wrap your Yorkie in a towel and remove the cotton from their ears. For medium to long coats, avoid rubbing them dry; instead, use a dabbing and scrunching method to prevent tangling. Long coats can be blow-dried on a low setting. 

Spot Cleaning a Yorkshire Terrier

Purpose:

Utilizing grooming wipes to clean your Yorkshire Terrier between baths is a simple yet effective method to maintain their cleanliness and appearance. Canine body wipes are useful for clearing away urine splashes, traces of feces, dirt, debris and allergens. A good wipe can also reduce excess body oils and help in eliminating unpleasant odors, ensuring your Yorkie stays smelling fresh.

Frequency:

Most Yorkies can do with a little refresh via wipes every couple of days. But with quality wipes, spot-cleaning can be done daily. 

Needed Supplies:

All you need are high-quality canine grooming wipes formulated for dogs with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. We recommend Earthbath Grooming Wipes, available in several varieties to suit different needs: puppy-specific, green tea, vanilla & almond, and mango tango for odor control, as well as a fragrance-free option. Each type is equally effective and safe for Yorkies.

Instructions:

  1. Gently unfold the wipe to cover the palm of your hand.
  2. Start at the head, avoiding direct contact with the eyes and ears.
  3. Use gentle strokes to clean the face, moving towards the body. Pay special attention to areas prone to dirt accumulation, like under the chin.
  4. Proceed to wipe down the body, legs, and tail, using separate wipes as necessary to ensure cleanliness.
  5. Focus on the paws and between the toes, areas that often collect debris and dirt.
  6. For areas soiled with urine or feces, use additional wipes to ensure thorough cleaning.
  7. Finish by using a dry towel to pat any damp areas gently, ensuring the coat is not left overly moist.
  8. Dispose of the wipes properly, and wash your hands after the cleaning session.

Paw Care and Cleaning

Purpose: 

Yorkshire Terrier paws endure various challenges, from navigating different terrains to coping with extreme temperatures. Hot pavements in summer and icy conditions in winter can harm their paws. Snowballing, where snow accumulates and refreezes between the toes, causing skin splits, is another concern. Regular application of paw wax is essential for protection and part of a comprehensive grooming routine.

Frequency:

Rinse paws as needed. Apply paw wax every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on exposure to conditions and frequency of walking outside. 

Needed Supplies:

Most pet parents find it easiest to rinse their Yorkie's paws in a sink. For paw, look for one that is breathable while offering effective protection. We like Musher's Secret, known for its protective qualities, healing benefits, and enhancement of traction.

Instructions:

  1. Apply at night, before your Yorkie goes to sleep. 
  2. Clean your Yorkie's paws thoroughly to remove any debris or dirt.
  3. Dry the paws completely before applying wax to ensure it adheres properly.
  4. Take a small amount of paw wax with your fingers.
  5. Gently rub the wax into the paw pads, covering the entire area, including between the toes.
  6. Allow a few moments for the wax to absorb and form a protective layer.
  7. Repeat the process for each paw, ensuring even coverage.

Nose Care and Cleaning

Purpose:

A Yorkie's nose is exposed to various environmental factors, enduring the sun's intensity in summer and the risk of chapping in winter. The use of a nose balm can prevent or treat dryness, chapping, and peeling, ensuring the nose remains healthy and comfortable.

Frequency:

Apply as needed. This is often used proactively in the winter and year-round when signs of dryness or chapping appear.

Needed Supplies:

Choose a high-quality, all-natural nose balm. Some holistic ingredients that can work very well include rosemary oil, chamomile, jojoba oil, shea butter, aloe vera, coconut oil, beeswax, vitamin E, almond oil, and/or calendula. One that we like is Natural Dog Company's Snout Soother, known for its protective and healing properties.

Instructions:

  1. Ensure your Yorkie's nose is clean and free from dirt. Gently wipe with a soft, damp cloth if necessary.
  2. If the nose balm comes in a jar, use your fingertip to scoop a small amount. If it's packaged like a Chapstick, twist the bottom to elevate the balm slightly.
  3. Apply the balm directly onto the nose, covering the entire area
  4. Reapply the balm as often as needed, monitoring the nose's condition, and adjusting the frequency of application accordingly.

Yorkshire Terrier Nail Trimming

Purpose:

Regular nail trimming is crucial for a Yorkshire Terrier's comfort and mobility. Nails that are too long can curve inward, causing pain and potentially leading to other issues. Some pet parents prefer clip the nails at home and some choose to have a groomer or the vet do this task.

Frequency:

Typically, nails are trimmed every 6 weeks, though this can vary based on your dog's exposure to hard surfaces that may wear down nails naturally.

Needed Supplies:

A standard dog nail clipper tool and styptic powder.

Instructions:

  1. Prepare a calm, well-lit space to help keep your Yorkie at ease.
  2. Securely but gently hold your dog's paw to minimize movement.
  3. Aim to trim or file the nails up to the 'nail hook,' the point where the nail starts to curve. Proceed with small increments, removing only about 2 millimeters at a time to avoid cutting the quick (the pink part inside the nail). 
  4. Exercise caution with electronic filers, as they remove nail material quickly.
  5. After each trim or file, pause to inspect the nail. Continue gradually until you notice a gray or pinkish oval within the nail structure, indicating it's time to stop.
  6. In case of accidentally clipping the quick, apply styptic powder or cornstarch to stem any bleeding.
  7. Reward your Yorkie post-trimming to foster a positive experience.

Cleaning a Yorkshire Terrier’s Ear Flaps & Ear Canals

Regularly cleaning a Yorkie’s ear flaps can help remove excess wax and debris, preventing accumulation that can lead to discomfort or infections. And cleaning the ear canals helps remove excessive wax from the ear canal and can help prevent infections. The frequency depends on how much excess wax develops and a Yorkie's tendency to get ear infections.


Since this involves quite a few details, please see Yorkshire Terrier Ear Care and Cleaning for full instructions and details.


Yorkshire Terrier Coat Trims

Yorkshire Terriers generally receive their first haircut around the 4 to 6-month mark, blending grooming needs with their growth stage. This initial grooming focuses on trimming around the eyes, mouth, and ears to keep these areas clear and clean, while also getting the puppy used to the grooming process for less stressful future sessions.


On average, Yorkies need trimming every four to six weeks due to their hair's continuous growth. However, individual grooming needs may vary based on the dog's coat type, growth rate, and lifestyle, requiring some to have more frequent haircuts. This approach ensures both the puppy's comfort and hygiene from an early age, setting a foundation for regular grooming habits.


Top Knots

The Yorkshire Terrier top knot is a popular grooming style that involves tying the long hair on top of the dog's head into a small ponytail, secured with an elastic or bow. This styling is not merely for aesthetic appeal; it serves a practical purpose by keeping the hair out of the dog's eyes, thereby preventing irritation and possible obstruction of vision. Additionally, this grooming technique allows for easier maintenance of the facial hair, keeping it neat and clean. 


How to Keep a Yorkie Clean - A helpful guide for easy ways to keep your Yorkshire Terrier looking nice and smelling great without having to give full baths.

How to Keep a Yorkshire Terrier's Coat Healthy - Great tips on how to improve hair health (an in turn, skin health) for Yorkies of all ages. Includes advice for addressing dry skin and poor hair texture.

Choosing the Best Brush for a Yorkshire Terrier - How the pin type, heads, bristles, tension and sizing all play a role in choosing the best grooming tools for a healthy, beautiful coat.

Yorkshire Terrier Haircuts - A quick overview of haircuts typically given to this breed once the coat becomes long enough to trim.

Yorkshire Terrier Coat Shedding - Though this breed has hair, as opposed to fur, and there is no heavy shedding, the coat does go through a typical cycle of growth, fall and renewal, much like human hair.

Yorkshire Terrier Hair Loss - A helpful article covering the possible reasons for hair loss, diagnosis and treatments, including home remedies.

More Articles:

Yorkshire Terrier Separation Anxiety - Strategies to help your Yorkie do well when home alone no matter their age and tips to foster independence and reduce anxiety.

Do and Don't List for Yorkshire Terriers - A helpful, concise guide on the most important do's and the most vital don'ts for this amazing toy breed. How many are you following? 

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