Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Getting Started

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

4 common mistakes people make when grooming their Yorkie

Vera Lawlor
By

Developing a regular grooming habit for your Yorkshire terrier (Yorkie) is not just about making him look good. Grooming provides important health benefits along with keeping your little friend comfortable. When you’re grooming your dog, you’re not only keeping his coat, skin, feet, ears, and teeth healthy, you’re also getting to know his body, which helps you catch any problems early on.

Yorkies have different coat types

The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes the show-quality Yorkie as a compact terrier of no more than 7 pounds whose “crowning glory is a floor-length, silky coat of steel blue and a rich golden tan.” According to breed experts at the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America (YTCA), not all terriers inherit this “correct coat.” Pet Yorkies come in a range of colors, and their coats can be silky, wavy, or woolly. The silky coats grow long and straight, while the wavy or woolly coats don’t grow as quickly or as long. Most owners opt to keep their Yorkies’ coats trimmed short, with the most popular looks being the puppy cut and the teddy bear cut. While clipping is best left in the hands of a professional, it’s up to owners to keep up a regular maintenance grooming routine between visits.

Recommended Videos

Common mistakes people make when grooming Yorkies at home

1. Not training the dog at a young age to accept grooming

Since coat grooming is an essential part of basic care for Yorkies, training experts at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) say that the earlier you get your terrier comfortable with being brushed, the better. And remember, a good grooming routine includes bathing, nail trimming, and cleaning the ears, eyes, and teeth. You can prepare your dog for these grooming sessions by getting him used to being handled as a puppy. Positive-motivation training helps with this. Keep sessions short and use lots of praise and treats to reward your dog for allowing you to brush his coat and to touch his paws, ears, and mouth.

Related
Woman training Yorkie.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

2. Not brushing the coat every day

Because a Yorkie’s hair is similar to human hair, it can easily become matted. A “good brushing every day will keep tangles away,” say experts at the YTCA. Here are some tips for brushing your Yorkie:

  • Spray his coat with water or conditioner before you begin brushing to help the brush run freely through the strands. The hair should be damp but not saturated.
  • Use a good pin brush with a rubber back, as natural bristle brushes can break your Yorkie’s fine hair.
  • Pay special attention to the groin, armpits, and around the neck, as these are the most likely places for the hair to get tangled. Any mats should be gently pulled out with your fingers first and then with a wide-toothed grooming comb. A little detangling solution can help with this process.
  • You may need to trim the hair around your Yorkie’s face to prevent eye irritation between trips to the groomer. Some owners opt to use bows or elastic hair bands to pull the hair away from their dog’s face.

3. Not giving regular baths

Breeders at the YTCA recommend bathing your toy-sized terrier once every week or two, with some dogs needing a bath more than others. Since frequent bathing can dry the skin, grooming experts at the ASPCA recommend using a prescription shampoo that won’t strip away moisture. You should also use a good conditioner to help soften and bring out the natural luster of your Yorkie’s coat. Following are some tips for bathing your terrier:

  • It’s extremely important to brush your terrier’s coat to remove any tangles before bathing him.
  • Make sure to rinse the coat thoroughly after shampooing. Use a small sponge to rinse the face and avoid getting water into the nose and mouth.
  • Check the hair around your dog’s anus as it can become matted with feces. Grooming experts recommend clipping the hair right around the edge of the anus if needed between professional grooming visits to prevent your dog from having problems when pooping.
Two Yorkies in bathtub.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

4. Not brushing the teeth regularly

Yorkies, like many other small breeds, are at a higher risk of developing periodontal disease. According to the American Veterinary Dental College, periodontal disease is an infection that can cause the loss of teeth and jawbone. The infection can also spread throughout the body, damaging vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. To help keep your Yorkie’s mouth healthy, veterinary experts recommend annual professional cleanings. In addition, you should clean your dog’s teeth and gums every day or at the very least a few times a week. The American Veterinary Medical Association provides a video demonstrating the correct way to clean your dog’s teeth.

Establishing a good grooming routine is so important for the well-being of your Yorkie and will help him live a long, healthy, and happy life. It also makes you take time out of your busy schedule to focus on your pup and provides a wonderful bonding opportunity for you both.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Vera Lawlor
Vera Lawlor
Contributor
Vera was the pet columnist for 201 Family magazine and has contributed pet and animal welfare articles to Bone-A-Fide Mutts…
Could it be a dog paw infection? Signs, symptoms, and treatments for these pesky, painful issues
Dog paw infection 101: How to avoid and treat this problem
Dog paws on a wood slab

It's hard not to relish daily walks with your dog. You both get fresh air and much-needed exercise, and seeing your dog explore and discover the world is oh-so-fun. Afterward, you and your pup might even engage in a cozy snuggle session on the couch. What could be better?
Dogs also walk in small amounts at home, whether during a play session or a trip to the backyard, and paw health is essential to keep them comfortable and walking. If one or more of your dog’s paws gets injured or infected, mobility can be tricky, painful, and sometimes impossible. As a pet parent, the last thing you want is to see your fur baby in pain. Injuries might be inevitable, but understanding the causes, signs, and treatment for a dog paw infection can ensure your pet gets the proper care as soon as possible. After all, early detection and treatment can prevent the condition from getting worse.
Here’s what you need to know.

What causes a dog paw infection? You can help your pup avoid paw discomfort if you know what to look for
As much as we'd like to give you an easy answer, several factors can contribute to a paw infection. Here are a few common ones.

Read more
Why do cats like to sleep on the bed with people? This common behavior explained
Does your kitty adore sleeping on your bed? Here's why that's so normal
Orange cat sleeping on a bed covered by a blanket

Few first-time cat owners expect their cats to be affectionate, yet many cats seek their owner's attention. Compared to dogs, cats are typically thought of as more standoffish and less loving. That's certainly not always the case. You may be surprised when your otherwise aloof cat prefers to sleep in your bed over any other place in the house, but cats have many reasons for wanting to sleep in your bed. Read on to learn why your cat likes sleeping in your bed and the pros and cons of letting them do so.

Reasons your cat likes sleeping on your bed
How did your bed become your kitty's favorite sleep space? Several reasons could be in play.
Your cat loves you
Though they sometimes act indifferent, cats love people just as much as dogs do. Sleeping in your bed may be your cat's way of letting you know they care. When your cat sleeps with you, they show that they enjoy your company. This is especially common if you met your cat during the first four to nine weeks of their life when imprinting occurs. If you were a stable and caring presence during this time, you've likely imprinted on your cat and gained their complete adoration and trust.
Your bed is oh-so-comfortable
Cats can sleep up to 15 hours a day -- they are sleep pros. They’ve probably tried to nap in every spot in your home, so they know the comfiest, warmest, and best locations for napping. It makes sense that they would try sleeping in your bed. And all the blankets and pillows you put on your bed for yourself only make it more enticing for your cat. After all, you find your bed comfy, so why wouldn’t they?

Read more
Does your dog drink a lot of water? Here’s when you should be concerned
Is your dog thirstier than usual? This could be the reason why
A pug drinking water from a sink faucet

Ensuring your furry best friend gets plenty of water is one of the most important parts of being a pet parent. But how much water should your dog drink on a daily basis? Veterinarians claim the general rule of thumb is a simple equation: The majority of dogs require around 1/2 to 1 ounce (about 1/8 of a cup) of water per pound of body weight each day. Don't want to reach for your measuring cup? Make sure your pup has round-the-clock access to clean water, and everything should be fine.

That being said, if your dog empties their water bowl several times a day, or you notice their intake has increased drastically, you should probably keep a close eye on things. If your dog drinks a lot of water, you may be wondering, "Why is my dog always thirsty?" We'll share how to monitor your pup's water intake, the most common reasons your dog may be thirsty, and when you should speak with your vet.

Read more