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.
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.
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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.
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.
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:
See Also: Yorkshire Terrier Eyes for an overview of color, appearance, care, cleaning & eye-related health conditions.
Purposes:
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:
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.
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:
Bathing Steps:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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 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.
Related Articles:
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?