Grooming a Yorkshire Terrier Dog; Different Grooming Styles for Your Yorkie
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- by Adam
- 04 Apr 2025
- 0 Comments
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small English breed that dates back to the 19th century. They weigh between 4-7 pounds and stand 7-8 inches tall, making them petite and compact. They have long, silky, human-like hair on their coat, which requires regular grooming for upkeep. Sometimes tan and sometimes seen in steel blue color, which makes their coat unique and has them stand out.
AN OVERVIEW OF THE BREED; 2 MOST IMPORTANT GROOMING ASPECTS
Yorkie is a high maintenance breed that requires consistent dedication to care for them, especially when it comes to grooming. They have fine human like hair for their coat which needs to be groomed a certain way to avoid matting as well as retain its shine. The second crucial aspect to this breed is the maintenance of their highly sensitive skin. Therefore, these two parts of the Yorkie breed are the major aspects to be groomed.
Coat/Hair
The breed grows hair such that one straight hair sprouts from each follicle, meaning that they have no undercoat, so the Yorkshire is a single-coat breed. These hair can grow up to 1-1.5cm long each month. Now, because there is no undercoat, the skin is exposed all the time to harsh climate factors such as heat, sun, cold, and rain. This is why they may need additional protection when outdoors. Not just that, but as a responsible pet parent, you must keep a close eye on their skin to check for allergies and irritation/redness. In addition, they do not shed or molt like other dog breeds.
Skin
Skin, being the largest vital organ in this breed, is essential when it comes to protecting the body. it renews every three weeks, which is why importance is given to their nutrition to keep the skin healthy, because this breed in particular has extremely sensitive skin. There are multiple factors that can lead to skin issues which include grooming and a well-balanced diet.
NOTE: Yorkie hair is 90% protein, and the hair and skin alone account for the 30% overall protein needs of this dog. Therefore, they need a diet high in protein. Proteins rich in Sulphur amino acids help boost hair growth by promoting keratin synthesis. Other elements, such as Methionine and cystine, contribute to the strengthening of hair follicles and regenerate skin cells, while Tyrosine and phenylalanine help maintain color. Omeg6 and Omega 3 Fatty acids improve hair and help support the skin barrier. Carbs such as Niancin will help improve the skin, and Biotin will support both hair and skin.
Grooming a Yorkie Dog
Of course, grooming a breed such as the Yorkie is a high-maintenance job that requires time and dedication. The grooming process involves brushing your dog's coat daily to remove any loose/dead hair as well as tangles to prevent matting and keep the coat healthy. Brushing also helps stimulate sebum production and distributes itself evenly around the coat to keep the skin moisturized and waterproof. It also helps you check for debris, such as clunks, thorns, and other gunk that gets stuck on their hair. They need to be bathed weekly to keep them clean and their skin infection-free. Further, you will need to schedule monthly appointments for trimming as well as professional grooming to take care of their skin, coat, eyes, ears, and nails.
The grooming process can be simplified by choosing a short, manageable grooming style for your Yorkie dog. The short hair is less prone to tangling, and the brushing frequency is reduced from daily to 3 times a week. The dog will stay clean for longer even if the little fur balls are as active as can be. The drawback is, however, the regular trims for maintenance. So, in order to maintain your chosen length, we suggest a grooming session every 6-8 weeks for coat trimming.
TIPS FROM OUR GROOMER:
- Start the grooming process as early as when your puppy is 4 months old.
- Puppies should be groomed once every 2 months to familiarise them with the tools and regular brushing.
- The initial body trim can be performed on your Yorkie puppy when they are 9-12 months old.
- There are 5 main levels of haircuts, shaved, short, medium, long, and floor length (show dog cut)
- Each of them can be customized as per your preference and lifestyle.
Yorkie Dog Grooming Styles
A Yorkshire Terrier mainly offers about 8 different grooming styles that vary from long flowing coats to short-length teddy or puppy styles that are more practical. The grooming style you choose depends on both you and the dog's lifestyle, climate and your consistency to be regular with grooming appointments. You can handle the grooming tasks at home or regularly visit professional groomers. We must, however, recommend you choose professional groomers over home grooming to maintain your Yorkie's delicate skin and long coat.
1. Teddy Bear Cut
Owners prefer a cute, almost plush-like appearance of their Yorkie resembling a teddy bear, hence the teddy cut. The haircut consists of an overall uniform length of hair, typically 1-2 inches long, keeping it safe from matting and tangles. The key feature is the hair shape on the face, which is slightly longer and rounder. The hair around the eyes, cheeks, and muzzle is left navigable so the eyes pop. Ears are either rounded or left slightly long or pointed, depending on the owner's choice.
Leg hair is kept slightly long, trimmed such that it looks full and round. Paws are rounded to keep them neat and tidy, this also help them have better grip and avoid slipping. The body hair is short and uniform making is practical and manageable. The tail is trimmed to match the body length with a soft feathered appearance.
The haircut is low maintenance and requires brushing up to 3 times a week to avoid tangles. Trimming sessions are recommended every 4-6 weeks for length and shape up keep. We recommend it for warmer weathers as it keeps the dog cool.
2. Summer Cut
The Summer cut, as the name suggests, is designed for Yorkshire Terriers living in high-temperature climates. It focuses particularly on the short length of the dog's coat. The body hair is trimmed as short as 1/2 an inch or even less, keeping the dog cool. Some variations can leave the hair as long as an inch, depending on the owner's preference. The face, muzzle, and head similarly have shorter hair, minimizing any fullness and keeping it clean. The ears match the rest of the body and are trimmed and slightly rounded.
The leg hair is short, and the hair between the paws is rid of to help with traction which is especially important in the summers. The short body clipping helps reduce heat exposure and helps rid of any ticks and fleas that are common in summers. Tail can be left longer for as per the owners preference but it is generally kept in line with the rest of the body.
This haircut is extremely low maintenance requires minimal brushing but it is crucial that you check for irritation on the skin as it is left more exposed. Summer cut is perfect for spending time with your Yorkie by the beach without worrying about dirt and debris as well as your dog's overheating problems.
3. Puppy Cut
If you're looking for the best low-maintenance cut for your Yorkie, then the puppy cut is your go-to option. The haircut has a uniform length of hair all over the body, 1-2 inches long, while the hair on the face is trimmed short to match the body. Our groomers slightly round out the edges; however, the hair is trimmed short around the eyes. The muzzle is short-trimmed to keep a clean and fresh look. The ears are trimmed short yet kept perky, but harsh lines are avoided.
Legs are trimmed to the same length, which means it is uniform throughout. The body hair is contours their natural appearance without any additional styling. The tail however is customisable as per the owners wishes, some like it short and some prefer a little bit of flair.
This haircut is particularly easy to maintain; brush it every few days, and you're good to go; trims are recommended for 6-8 weeks. If you have trouble up-keeping a Yorkie's long coat, this is the haircut you should choose, especially if your dog is active.
4. Show Dog Cut
As the name suggests, this haircut is curated for the show dogs to flaunt their long, silky coats, meeting the show dog standards for Yorkies. The overall length of this coat is long; it is fully grown to the point where it touches the ground. It is straight, silky, and naturally flows as the dog moves. The hair on the head is tied into a top knot and secured with a bow clip or ribbon. The muzzle blends in with the rest of the face, enhancing the Yorkie's natural features.
The ears are trimmed to keep them upright and perky, and about 1/3rd of the ear's length is trimmed starting from the tip, which is then trimmed into the longer facial hair. Complementing the overall look. The legs are kept full and long and blended into the rest of the body's hair. The paw fur is trimmed to be shaped such that it doesn't drag on the floor. The tail matches the length of the body hair and blends in with the coat, adding to the elegance of this breed.
Of course, this cut is a high-maintenance grooming style; it has to be brushed daily and needs frequent baths to keep the coat clean. Our groomers often use a light spritz of conditioning spray oil to keep it hydrated and shiny. Some advise to wrap the coat up when not in show-ring to prevent any breakage. Trimming is crucial to keep it neat and tidy as well as maintain the overall structure of the coat. We recommend that only show dogs should opt for this haircut because it is not practical for pet owners.
5. Schnauzer Trim
If you want to opt for one of the more traditional cuts for your Yorkie, the Schnauzer cut should be your go-to. It showcases a neatly trimmed body with a full beard, eyebrows, and leg finishing. The coat of the body is cut really short, about 1/4 of an inch or up to 1/2 an inch, mimicking a Schnauzer's clipped body. The muzzle is trimmed short such that it almost forms a beard, which is a distinctive feature of this cut. The eyebrows are long and shaped into an arch for a V-shape down towards the nose.
Ears are trimmed short, matching the body, very close to the skin, and the edges are rounded slightly as per your preference. Leg hair, however, is left long and full for textured looks. Using scissoring techniques, a cylindrical shape is created, and simultaneously, the paws are trimmed neatly as well. The short body coat helps create a sharp contrast between the long hair on the face and legs. The tail is usually trimmed to match the length of the body hair, but you can keep it longer if you prefer.
The Schnauzer cut is highly maintained to keep the shape of the beard, eyebrows, and legs intact, and regular daily brushing is also required. Grooming sessions need to be scheduled every 4-6 weeks. It is practical and easy to maintain in regards to the short body clipping, but not when it comes to the legs and head. It works for both active and more laid-back dogs. Suitable for Yorkies living in the cooler regions.
6. Long Length Cut
The long-length cut, also known as the poodle cut, is an excellent choice for owners who want to opt for a sophisticated look for their Yorkie, with the distinctive feature being their long silky coat. The overall length of the coat is kept intact, keeping it full all around the legs, chest, and tail. The hair on the head can be cut out in a rounded manner or be put into a top knot by leaving it long. The look is achieved using the scissoring technique to shape the hair. The muzzle hair is shaped such that it drapes down with a beard and mustache while rounding the edges. The hair is blended smoothly into the rest of the coat.
The ears are kept perky, the length can be as per the owners preference, usually kept rounded at the tips. The leg hair is left long and full like that of a poodle, creating a bell-bottom silhouette with flaring fur down towards the paws. The body is kept long and straight ending a little below the belly. So it is full around the chest creating a mane-like effect. The tail matches the rest of the body as it is left fluffy and blends in with the rest of the hair.
This haircut is high maintenance as it needs up-keep with regular grooming to maintain the length, keep the hair clean as well as matt free. Regular trimming is essential, about every 4-6 weeks. It is recommended for dogs who keep enjoy regular visits to the groomers without fussing around.
7. Top knot
The top knot is a classic grooming style that is designed to highlight the breed's signature long silky hair by adding a little ponytail on top of the head. Of course this helps keep the hair out of the dog's eyes. The coat is left long and flowy on the body, legs and the tail, of course the length is customiseable.
The top knot is the distinctive standout feature of this grooming style. The hair on top of the head is grown out long enough to pull it into a small ponytail secured with a hair elastic or a little bow. It can be positioned on top of the head or slightly tilted back; our groomers usually place it high on the head. The hair on the muzzle is left long and flowing. However, you can trim it if you want. The beard and mustache are left long to match the head. The hair on the ears is seamlessly blended into the rest of the coat. The length of the hair on the body and legs is left long and maintained.
The haircut is suitable for Yorkies with long silky coats for owners who don't mind a high maintenance hair style. The knot should be brushed daily to keep it neat and tangle free, adjust the elastic to avoid any pulling on the hair strands. It keeps your dog cool and maintains its length.
8. Westie Cut
This particular grooming style is inspired by the look of a West Highland White Terrier called 'Westie.' The haircut involves trimming the Yorkie coat to a short-medium length.
The body hair is clipped close to the skin while keeping some length to show its silky soft texture. The facial hair is trimmed short and round; the muzzle is similarly cut close, and the beard and mustache are shaped similarly to Westie's look. The ears are short and pointed. However, it can be rounded off if desired. The leg hair is trimmed shorter than the body but not shaved, and the fur around the paws is clipped away as well. The body is clipped close to the skin but not shaved; typically, around 1 to 2 inches of hair is left on, blending in with the legs and the head. The tail matches the body length but takes off any extra fluff.
The haircut is low maintenance but requires regular brushing to stay void of tangles and matting, especially around the face and legs. You'll need to have them groomed professionally every 4-6 weeks to keep up with the appearance. It is recommended for Yorkies who have medium to thick coats and owners looking for a more practical grooming routine.
CONCLUSION
To summerise, a Yorkshire Terrier has to be groomed with keeping their health in mind apart from the visual aesthetics. Their silky fine coat requires commitment for maintenance in order to avoid tangles, matting and skin issues. There is a variety of grooming styles to choose from, from ranging from practical puppy cut to the luxurious show cut.
Each grooming style serves different needs. The ideal puppy cut, westie cut, summer cut, and teddy cut are suitable for low-maintenance active dogs and their busy owners who opt for minimal grooming requirements. while other grooming styles such as the long length cut, show cut, Schnauzer cut, and the top knot are preferred by owners who don't mind regular visits to the groomers as they can not compromise on their Yorkie's natural beauty. Regular up-keeps aid in maintaining their well-being and optimal health.
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