No Yorkies do not shed like most dog breeds do. What makes the Yorkie’s coat different is the fact that it has soft, silky and long hair, unlike most other dogs that have fur. Its hair growth is constant throughout the year and they’ll lose hair like a human does occasionally but won’t be constantly shedding. Essentially you won’t have a hand full of hair when you pet them like other dogs.

Are Yorkies Hypoallergenic?

There is a common conception that Yorkies are hypoallergenic. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), no dog is 100 percent hypoallergenic.

Since Yorkies have human-like hair rather than fur, the only allergens they can possible carry are hair fragments, dandruff, saliva or maybe a smell. Hence, they are less likely to cause allergies.

However, there are some factors that make people believe that Yorkies are not hypoallergenic and can possibly cause allergies. We’ll list down these factors below:

• The skin glands, hair, saliva and urine of a Yorkie consist of proteins that can cause allergies in some people.
• Since Yorkies have a thick coat, dirt and dust can accumulate in it and can definitely cause an allergy if they reach your respiratory system.
• Dog hair can have parasites in them. These parasites can be the reason why you end up getting an allergy if you come in close contact with a Yorkie.
• Allergic rashes can also be caused due to the layer of subcutaneous fat found in Yorkshires.
• If you go out for a walk with your dog, there is a high chance that its hair might catch pollens from trees and flowers that can cause allergies.
• A Yorkshire’s blood and feces contain strong allergens. A person with severe allergies can even get eczema if they come in contact.

Do Yorkie Poos Shed?

Yorkie Poos are a cross between Yorkshires and Poodles. They are a newer breed of dogs, going back to only 10 to 20 years. Since the Poodle and Yorkie breeds are both hypoallergenic, they’re considered more hypoallergenic than other dog breeds.

Unlike many dogs, Yorkie Poos do not have fur. Instead, they have hair. The Yorkie’s hair is straight, while a Poodle’s hair is curly, which results in a lower amount of shedding by Yorkie Poos depending on which parent breed is more dominant in it. Its hair texture also depends on the dominant breed; it can be either curly or straight. It is important that you brush its hair regularly because not doing so can result in matting formation.

How to Care For Your Yorkie’s Hair

If your Yorkie is shedding more than usual, there are certain measures that you can take to control or reduce it. We will list down some major steps that you can take to make sure their shedding remains in control:

• Improper skin care can lead to hair damage and hair loss. It is important that you keep the Yorkie’s skin clean, moisturized and possibly free from skin diseases. Make sure that your pet’s skin is free from parasites. Continuous itching can cause hair fall in patches and can restrict growth of new hair.
• There are several other factors that can cause hair loss other than skin problems. If you feel that your Yorkie is not suffering from any skin diseases, it is best to take it to a vet and get it checked for other issues like liver problems and bowel diseases. Like mentioned before, hormonal imbalances can cause excessive hair loss as well.
• Improper and incomplete nutrition can also lead to increased hair loss. It is best to feed your Yorkies food rich in Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids. Food rich in vitamins A, B3 and B5 also help in the growth of healthy, long hair.
• It is important that you do not use human shampoo to bathe your Yorkie. There are shampoos specifically made for Yorkie hair. You can find our favorite here.
• Always moisturize its hair when you are combing it. Dry hair can get stuck and broken easily since the coat is quite dense.
• When brushing, make sure the hair does not break. Use high-quality hair brushes like this one.
• After you give it a bath, make sure to moisturize or condition its hair so that it does not get dry.
• Don’t let their hair get tangled up. Use a detangler spray to help keep the matting to a minimum!
• Avoid using gels with steroids as they can only increase hair loss.
• Whenever your dog goes outside, check for parasites or flea infestations regularly and keenly.
• A good blood flow through exercises can also prevent hair loss, so try to engage your Yorkie in daily exercises to keep the blood flowing so that the hair follicles get proper nutrition.
• If your Yorkie is going through an emotional disorder, there is a high chance that it might start licking or scratching itself, which can also lead to hair loss in some cases.