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Yorkies, as they are lovingly called, should typically be a "wash and wear" dog,
meaning not requiring much maintenance outside of regular weekly bathing and
daily brushing. However, genetics play a large roll in what kind of coat your
yorkie will have.
Yorkies do not have an undercoat or fur like
other breeds of dogs, they are a single-coated dog. Because of their well-known
long and flowing hair, yorkies do require regular bathing. Typically, weekly
bathing is recommended but sometimes once every 10-14 days is more appropriate
(depending on the kind of coat and skin conditions that may be present in your
yorkie). Daily brushing is required, especially if your yorkies coat is kept
long. This will help to keep any matting to a minimum. Brushing isn't required
quite as much, or to the same degree, if the coat is kept short such as a puppy
cut or a schnauzer-type cut, which is the case more often than not when the
yorkie is a pet.
There are three main types of coats that
yorkies can have:
1. Silky coat - This kind of coat is
optimum and it should be shiny (reflect light), silky, soft and fine. Generally
this kind of coat will feel cool to the touch.
2. Woolly coat - This kind of coat is
very thick and dark in color - almost a blue-black or dark steel blue. Because
of the nature and texture of this kind of coat, the yorkie with a woolly coat
doesn't require baths quite as frequently and would probably do better having a
bath once every 2 weeks. The natural oils in the skin that will be present
between baths can help the coat to lay more flat as the oils move down the
individual hair shaft. This coat is difficult to manage for the average person
and most people who have a woolly coated yorkie find that keeping them in a
short cut is preferred - both for the owner and the yorkie.
3. Cottony coat - This kind of coat
tends to break and will characteristically be thin and look dry or "fuzzy" at
the ends. Care must be given when brushing this kind of coat as additional
breakage can occur very easily. A good quality, mild shampoo and crème
conditioner, some protein in the diet and a vitamin supplement such as Vitamin E
can help the cottony coat. (However, it is always recommended that you check
with your vet for proper dosages and to ensure your dog is in appropriate health
before administering anything ingestible - vitamins included.)
It is important to make sure that you always
rinse your yorkie very well during bathing no matter what kind of coat it has so
that there is no residue left on the coat or skin. Residue can cause irritation
and unwanted buildup on the hair and skin.
If you are planning on keeping your yorkies
hair long, it will be worthwhile for you to invest in quality grooming products
such as a natural boar bristle brush (Mason Pearson has a wonderful line of
these brushes) and an Untangler comb that has rotating teeth which helps to
unsnarl tangles as well as quality dog shampoos and conditioners. It is
recommended that you do not use "people" shampoos or conditioners on your yorkie
because dogs have a different pH balance than humans.
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The Yorkshire Terrier
Appearance - Yorkie Coat By: Maria Leliñho .
