Yorkshire Terrier Hair and Coat

Overview

The Yorkshire Terrier has a beautiful and unique coat that is one of the defining features of this breed. This article will cover various aspects related to a Yorkie's hair, including type of coat, change in hair from puppy to adult, the most commonly seen problems with the coat, and helpful care tips to keep both skin and coat in excellent shape. 
Yorkshire Terrier Healthy Coat of Hair
Yorkshire Terrier Healthy Coat of Hair

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Yorkshire Terrier Coat Elements

A Single Coat of Hair

One of the most distinctive features of the Yorkshire Terrier is its coat. Unlike many dog breeds that possess a double coat, comprising both an undercoat and an overcoat of hair or fur, the Yorkshire Terrier boasts a single layer of hair. This single-layer coat is very similar to human hair in texture and growth patterns, contributing to the breed's popularity among people with allergies, as it is considered to be more hypoallergenic than many other breeds.

The Difference Between Hair and Fur

Understanding the distinction between hair and fur in dogs is not just a matter of semantics; it reflects significant differences in texture, growth patterns, and grooming needs that can affect both the dog's health and the owner's lifestyle. Here are the three main differences between hair and fur:


  1. Growth Patterns and Length: A key difference between dog hair and fur lies in their growth: hair, like that of Yorkshire Terriers, grows continuously, allowing for longer lengths and varied styling, while fur has a set length before shedding, leading to distinct grooming needs.
  2. Renewal Cycle and Shedding: Hair has a slower renewal cycle than fur, involving growth, rest, and shedding phases, leading to less frequent shedding. This trait is beneficial for allergy sufferers or those aiming to reduce pet hair in their homes. Though this often puts breeds with hair into the hypoallergenic category, no breed is completely allergen-free.
  3. Texture and Density: The texture of hair is generally smoother and silkier compared to fur. This quality is due to the absence of the coarse guard hairs that are characteristic of fur. Additionally, hair is less densely packed on the skin, featuring fewer follicles per square inch. This lower density contributes to the sleek, refined appearance of hair-coated breeds and influences grooming techniques and tools that are most effective for their care.

Silky Coated Yorkshire Terriers vs Cotton Coats

Silky coats: Most Yorkshire Terriers have silky coats; it is one of the defining traits of this breed. The AKC breed standard describes this as ‘Hair is glossy, fine and silky in texture’. It is also straight and capable of growing quite long; this is seen in the breed standard as well with ‘Coat on the body is moderately long and perfectly straight’.  

With silky coats, your biggest challenges will be to keep your Yorkie's skin properly moisturized since the fine, silky hairs do not offer much protection, keep the hairs in good condition since they can lose their beautiful texture with drying and split-ends being two of the biggest issues, and work to prevent tangles if the coat has a medium to long length. 

Cotton coats: Some Yorkies have a much different type of coat, often referred to as a ‘cotton coat’. This is considered a major fault and these dogs should not be bred since coat texture is a heredity trait. That said, there is nothing wrong with having a pet Yorkshire Terrier that has a cotton coat. There will, however, be more upkeep and grooming. 

Cotton-type coats are much thicker, are not able to grow long, and hairs often have a wave to them. Even though the coat cannot reach floor length, as it grows the wavy hairs curl back into themselves making for a dense coat that is exceedingly prone to developing mats. For this reason, most owners opt to keep the coat short. 

Coat Color

Yorkshire Terrier puppies are initially black and tan, a color pattern that significantly changes as they mature. Though it is a slow process, generally by the two year mark and no later than the three year mark, the black and tan will transform to blue and tan (or gold). This fascinating change is due to their genetics, with the "blue" ranging from a dark steel (preferred in the show ring) to a lighter silver (common with pet Yorkies) and the "tan" presenting a deep, rich gold that intensifies at the tips. 

Cuteness break!
three Yorkshire Terriers with shiny hair
three Yorkshire Terriers with shiny hair
Leyla Zoe (left), Bruno Marz (center) and Biggie Smallz (right), photos courtesy of Celestina Rodriguez 

Yorkshire Terrier Shedding: The Process of Renewal

The Yorkshire Terrier, having a coat of hair, does not go through a typical shedding phase as is seen with breeds that have fur. However, this does not mean that hairs do not fall out; they do, and this is a good thing as it keeps the coat refreshed.
Hairs independently go through a cycle of growth (when hair follicles are active), rest (15 to 20% of hairs are in this phase at any one given time), and a fall stage (a hair loosens from the follicle and sheds off). 

Because a Yorkie's hair is so fine, you may not see hairs that have fallen to the ground. It is, however, perfectly normal to see stray hairs in the brush when you are tending to the coat. 

There are some elements that can cause faster than normal fallout, such as inferior coat products or using the wrong type of brush (details ahead). There are also some health issues that can cause major hair loss, either in patches or over the entire body, though these are rare (also discussed ahead). 

For females that have just gone through a pregnancy, a drop in hormones that occurs directly after whelping can cause a heavy shed. This typically resolves as hormone levels re-balance. 

Puppy to Adult Changes in the Coat: Color, Texture, Length

There are amazing changes that occur to the coat as a Yorkshire Terrier transitions from a puppy to an adult.


Color: Yorkshire Terrier puppies start with coats predominantly black and tan, with black being the more dominant shade. As they mature, the black recedes to mainly cover the saddle (back), while the tan brightens, especially on the head, legs, and feet. This transition, influenced by genetic factors, typically completes by the second or third year, resulting in the characteristic blue and tan adult coat. Unlike many other breeds with blue coats that have blue skin pigmentation, Yorkies retain black skin pigmentation around their eye rims, nose, lips, and paw pads.


Texture: The Yorkshire Terrier's coat undergoes a change in texture from the softer, more manageable coat of a puppy to the fine, silky texture of an adult. This silky texture is a breed hallmark, requiring regular grooming to maintain its health and sheen.


Length: Adult Yorkies can grow their hair to reach the floor, typically achieving this milestone between 18 to 24 months. For owners preferring a shorter, 'puppy' hairstyle, the first trim typically occurs within the first year. It's important to start grooming sessions early so that a Yorkie becomes accustomed being handled as well as the scissors and other trimming tools.

Cuteness break!
cute 8 month old Yorkie

Remy, at 8.5 months old in his cordouroy jacket; photo courtesy of Chrisie J.

Taking Good Care of Your Yorkshire Terrier's Coat

A Yorkshire Terrier's coat of hair can be amazingly beautiful with shine and a soft texture, no matter the length. However, elements such as arid air, sun exposure, and contact friction can have detrimental effects. In addition, the products that you use (like shampoo, conditioner, and coat spray) and tools you use (like combs and brushes) will make a big difference in the quality of your Yorkie's hair. 

Common issues seen with the coat that can be resolved by making a few changes include poor texture (dry or brittle hair), split ends, and/or lack of shine. This can, in turn, affect a Yorkie's skin health. 

Let's look at the ways that you can keep your Yorkshire Terrier's coat in great shape: 

#1 Baths once every 3 weeks to renew and restore.

To ensure a Yorkshire Terrier's coat remains healthy and vibrant, finding the right balance in bathing frequency is crucial. Bathing too often can strip the coat of its natural oils, making it hard for the Yorkie's skin to maintain its natural moisture balance. Conversely, infrequent baths lead to the buildup of body oils, clogging skin pores and resulting in an unpleasant odor. For most Yorkshire Terriers, bathing every three weeks strikes an optimal balance, though exceptions may arise if specific skin or coat issues require more frequent care with specialized products.

#2 Use quality bathing products.

This is one grooming element to never gloss over. Far too many pet coat products have the same base ingredients as human products (to keep production costs down) and this can be very damaging to both skin and coat. 
You will want to use superior shampoos and canine hair conditioners that have a pH balance of between 6.5 and 7.5, no soaping agents (plant-based cleansers are best), and no additives or preservatives that can cause skin reactions or strip the hairs of their protective cuticles (this includes parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde-based or isothiazolinone preservatives, isopropyl or SD-40 alcohol, dyes, and artificial fragrances). 
A great line of shampoos that are all-natural and super healthy for this breed's silky hair is Earthbath Shampoo which uses coconut-based cleansers, has zero additives, and uses luxurious ingredients to pamper both skin and coat. The Oatmeal and Aloe formula is fantastic for all Yorkies, their Mediterranean Magic is ideal for dogs whose coat tends to hold in odors, and their Eucalyptus and Peppermint is a wonderful soothing formula to treat irritated skin. With any of these, the Oatmeal and Aloe conditioner works exceedingly well.

#3 Protect the coat with a leave-in spray.

A leave-in conditioner spray can be great for the coat, whether your Yorkie has a short puppy cut or a longer hair style. A quality one will have the following benefits:  
  • Helps the coat repel dirt, debris, urine splashes, allergens, and irritants (such as lawn care chemicals)
  • Creates a layer of protection on the hairs to protect from contact friction and environmental exposure including arid winter air and the UV rays of the sun in the summertime
  • Locks in moisture and helps prevent dryness for both skin and coat
  • Works as a detangler and helps prevent tangles
  • As an added plus, it can keep a Yorkie smelling nice and clean
This sort of product can be applied as you brush your Yorkie or be spritzed on and raked through the hair by hand.
A great spritz to keep hair healthy is The Stuff which also is a fantastic repellent and detangler with a light fragrance. 
And, if you're looking for a really good leave-in with a heavenly fragrance, Nootie Daily Spritz is amazing; choices include warm vanilla cookie, coconut lime verbena, Japanese cherry blossom, and cucumber melon. 

#4 Use the right combs and brushes.

Since there are all sorts of coats on various dog breeds, there are all sorts of brushes and tools. So, it's important that you do not use those designed for breeds with thick coats of fur, such as a grooming rake or a slicker brush. These can severely damage a Yorkie's hair. 
The best type of brush to use on your Yorkie will depend on coat length. 
For puppies and for adults with short coats, a bristle brush works best and specifically the Chris Christensen Soft Tufted Boar Brush is ideal. This works great to massage the skin while you brush which stimulates hair follicles, is very effective in removing dirt and debris particles from the coat, and the boar bristles give the coat a wonderful shine. 
And, for Yorkshire Terriers with medium or long coats, a pin brush works best. Look for one with durable pins with moderate spacing. Tips should be rounded or rubber-tipped. A good example of this is the Chris Christensen 20mm Tiny Toy Wooden Pin Brush. 
Yorkies with medium to long hair should be combed before they are brushed, to separate hairs and check for any possible tangles.
Cuteness break!
Yorkshire Terrier sisters
Yorkshire Terrier sisters
Hugs & Kisses (litter sisters), 6 years old and each 6 pounds, photo courtesy of Rebecca Ford, Dayton OH

Yorkshire Terrier Hair and Coat Issues

Though rare, there are some health conditions that can affect the coat, including moderate to severe hair loss. From parasitic infections like demodectic mange and ringworm, which cause patchy hair loss and skin irritation, to hormonal imbalances resulting from thyroid issues that lead to a lackluster coat and weight changes, these conditions require prompt and careful attention. 

Genetic conditions such as Alopecia X and Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA) present unique challenges, with the former causing unexplained hair loss without skin inflammation, and the latter affecting dogs with specific coat color dilutions, leading to texture changes and thinning hair. Additionally, stress-related hair loss, known as telogen effluvium, showcases how emotional well-being can directly impact physical health, resulting in significant shedding without other skin symptoms.

Managing these issues involves a comprehensive approach that includes accurate diagnosis through veterinary examinations, blood tests, skin scrapings, and sometimes genetic testing. Treatments vary from the use of medicated shampoos and creams to address infections and inflammation, to hormone replacement therapy for thyroid imbalances, and specific care routines to manage genetic hair loss conditions. 

For full details and information, see: Yorkshire Terrier Hair Loss Causes and Treatments. 

More Articles:

Tips to keep a Yorkie clean: If your little guy or gal gets messy or smells less-than-ideal soon after a bath, follow these easy steps for keeping your Yorkie looking nice and smelling great. 

Yorkshire Terrier Allergies - Details of airborne, contact, and food allergies. Signs (some may surprise you) and steps for effective treatment, including home remedies.

How to keep a Yorkie safe: When you have a tiny toy breed like the Yorkshire Terrier, some precautions should be taken to help avoid common injuries and issues. 
Why a Yorkie should have a harness: If you've been attaching your Yorkie's leash to a collar, read this article; it can help prevent a serious health issue seen primarily with toy breeds.