How to Groom a Yorkie With a Puppy Cut

The puppy cut is a short, layered look that accentuates the features on a Yorkie.

Yorkies, or Yorkshire Terriers, are small terrier dogs that originate from Yorkshire in England. They are known for their very small and light bodies and their unique fur, which is silky and can grow to be very long. Yorkies are usually a mixture of tan, black and blue, and their fur is often considered to be hypoallergenic due to their infrequent shedding. Yorkshire Terriers need regular grooming, including washing, haircuts and daily brushing. The most common show cut, the puppy cut, is relatively easy to maintain and will keep your Yorkshire looking well-groomed.

Things You'll Need

• Brush
• Comb
• Scissors
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Clippers
• Towel
• Shampoo

Instructions

General Care

1. Brush your dog's hair thoroughly every day. Ensure there are no knots and focus on typical problem areas, such as around the anus, feet and ears.

2. Pick apart any knots as much as possible using your fingers. Use minimal pressure and do not pull on the hair. Comb through the knot as soon as possible to straighten the hairs. If the knot is too bad to unpick, cut it off carefully using scissors.

3. Clean your dog's teeth using a dog toothbrush and toothpaste daily or every two days. This prevents mouth problems and tooth decay, and is much easier if you start while your dog is a puppy so they get used to the routine.

4. Clip your dog's nails as necessary when they become too long. Use dog nail clippers and be careful to avoid the nerve. If you are not confident about clipping your dog's nails, ask your groomer to do this for you. This may be included in the price of grooming or there may be a small charge.

Bathing

1. Stand your puppy in the shower on a small towel. Ensure the towel does not cover the drain.

2. Spray warm water over the dog's coat, to thoroughly wet the hair.

3. Apply a suitable dog or baby shampoo in strokes, down the back of the head and over the body. Ensure you apply shampoo to the tail and stomach hair.

4. Allow the shampoo to soak in for a minute or two.

5. Spray warm water over the coat again to wash off the shampoo. Spray in the direction the fur usually lies to give a clean, show finish.

6. Squeeze as much water out of the coat as possible.

7. Wrap a large towel around the dog and take it out of the shower.

8. Wipe the towel over the dog's coat in strokes, in the direction the fur lies, to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• If it is a cold or wet day, dry your dog's hair using a hairdryer on a low setting.

• Never leave your dog in the bath or shower unattended.

References

• "Yorkshire Terriers"; Everything You Need To Know; 2005
• "Yorkshire Terriers for Dummies"; Tracy Barr and Peter F. Veling; 2004
• " The Ultimate Yorkshire Terrier Book: Guide to Caring, Raising, Training, Breeding, Whelping, Feeding and Loving a Yorkie"; Patricia O'Grady; 2009