How to Groom Yorkie Terriers
Yorkshire terriers, more commonly referred to as Yorkies, are fun and intelligent. Like all long-coated dogs, Yorkies have grooming needs that require time and commitment. Train the Yorkie puppy from the day you bring it home to tolerate being touched everywhere on its body. Begin this process when the puppy is in your lap, and let it get used to your touching its ears; massaging its feet; and touching its muzzle, tail and body. With Yorkies, maintaining a short coat will require less grooming.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Brush
- Comb
- Nail Clipper
- Ear Hair Trimmer
- Ear Spray or Powder
- Spray bottle
- Water
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1
Brush the dog daily. The Yorkie coat is different from all other terriers' coats in that it has hair, not fur. It is also a single-coated dog, which means it has no shedding undercoat. The Yorkie's hair is prone to tangling and matting; brush it daily to avoid problems.
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2
Prior to brushing, spray the Yorkie using a spray bottle containing a mixture of water and a little bit of conditioner to prevent its soft hair from tearing or splitting. This will also help clear any tangles while adding a nice scent. Comb the dog's hair first, then brush it. Brushing will help transfer the natural oils in the Yorkie's hair, which will extend a sheen to the dog's coat from top to bottom. Start with the Yorkie's head and work your way backwards.
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3
Bathe the Yorkie as often as needed. With active dogs, once a week should be enough. Brush the dog prior to bathing.
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4
Clean the male parts daily with a damp washcloth to keep the dog clean, and wipe the anus area with a warm washcloth on males or females. Even if you keep your Yorkie in long coat, keep the hair around the anus short.
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5
Trim the Yorkie's nails after every bath. The nails are softer at this time, and the job will be easier to accomplish. Train the Yorkie to stay still during nail clipping beginning when it is a puppy.
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6
Purchase an ear cleaner spray or powder to clean the Yorkie's ears. Clip ear hairs, or take your dog to a groomer to pluck any hairs, which can be a source of dirt and infection. Clean the ears weekly to keep ear infections away. Letting the hair in a Yorkie's ears grow too long can cause the ears to flop down.
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7
Brush the dog's teeth with a toothbrush regularly. Do this with each bath. Yorkies are susceptible to tooth loss; schedule a visit to the vet for a professional cleaning every 12 to 18 months.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Wash the face area daily to keep the dog clean. Placing a topknot on the Yorkie will keep the dog's eyes free of hair--and it looks good. Your Yorkie will look and feel happier if it is properly groomed; stick to a regimen and be consistent.
Even if you take your dog to a professional groomer, a minimum of one brushing/combing per day is necessary. Tangles turn into mats, and serious mats are impossible to remove from the coat. Dirty coats also do not grow properly; keep the Yorkie clean and brushed daily.
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- Photo Credit yorkshire image by Karine Macchi from Fotolia.com
