A cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Shih Tzu, the Shorkie is a small dog that can inherit a number of different coat styles from straight and silky to curly and rough. Therefore, Shorkie grooming can be challenging; determining the best Shorkie cuts depend on the individual dog and your lifestyle. Because a Shorkie is not a purebred dog, there is no one cut that is accepted as the norm. However, there are some tried-and-true hairstyles that tend to compliment this hybrid breed. And some room to have a little fun.
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The art of Shorkie grooming
Shorkies need to be groomed about every six weeks. either at the home or the groomer depending on your skill level. But the rewards of seeing Shorkie haircuts before and after make the extra effort worth it. Keep in mind, though, Shorkies have sensitive skin. So, you should only bathe this breed every other week, using pet-wipes for messes in-between baths.
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Brush your Shorkie regularly, once every few days for longer hairstyles and once a week for shorter styles. Some owners also choose to cut the whiskers at the corners of a Shorkie's eyes and inside the dog's ear canal in order to avoid buildup of mucus, though you should exercise extreme caution when working so close to the eyes and ears.
Best Shorkie cuts for long hair
Shorkie's coats will grow very long if left ungroomed. Some owners take advantage of this characteristic by growing the Shorkie's hair so it hangs to the floor, similar to the American Kennel Club standards for the Yorkie and Shih Tzu. If your dog has straight hair, this style is considerably easier to care for than with a curly coat, though it still requires frequent brushing to prevent tangles or mats.
Best Shorkie cuts for short hair
Many owner's prefer to keep a Shorkie's hairstyle short and cropped close, about 2- to 3-inches or less from the dog's skin. When cut in this way, this dog has a playful, teddy-bear-like similar to that of pure terriers. It is also easier to take care of than longer styles and less apt to get caught on things, which might be helpful for particularly rambunctious dogs.
Those looking for a more elegant Shorkie hairstyles can also experiment with leaving some areas of the Shorkie's hair about 1 to 2 inches longer, such as the hair on the face, tail and ears.
Styling Shorkie hair with accessories
When styling your Shorkie's hair, it's common to add a few accessories to give your dog a little bit more personality and flair. Many owners that keep longer hairstyles may want to pull the hair on the forehead up with a ribbon or bow, pulling hair away from the eyes and giving a nod to the common fashion trend of the Shih Tzu. Small bandanas, multiple bows, and articles of clothing also compliment most Shorkie hairstyles, long and short.
Considerations for Shorkie Cuts
Overall, selecting the best Shorkie cut is a matter of personal preference depending on these considerations:
1. The coat type the dog inherited from either the Yorkie or Shih Tzu side of her family: If your dog has silky straight hair, a longer cut easy to comb might be manageable. However, short curly coats are adorable terrier short.
2. The amount of time you want to spend styling Shorkie hair: If you love grooming or are willing to pay others for the service, higher maintenance Shorkie hairstyles are for you.
3. The lifestyle you and your Shorkie embrace: Hiking and running through brush and trails invites a shorter more practical cut for easier Shorkie grooming. Many days spent on the dog-friendly patio calls for a cute selfie-ready look, perhaps leaving hair longer around the face and ears. In this case, styling Shorkie hair can be a hobby thanks to the availability of ribbons, bows and other accessories popularized by Yorkshire and Shih Tzu breeds.