Yorkie Hair
Everything you need to know about a Yorkshire Terrier’s Coat
If you own a yorkie you know they possess many traits which are unique when compared to other dog breeds. This uniqueness can be seen in their Coats. The Coats of Yorkshire Terriers vary greatly, and they range from smooth and silky coats to curly and wavy coats. The type of coat that they all have boils down to their genetics.
Because of the diverse nature of their coats, taking care of your yorkie’s coat can become quite challenging and confusing at the same time. However, having worked with yorkies for a considerable amount of time, we’re aware of the problems and struggles that many owners face. So we got some pointers for you!
Below we got everything you need to know about a yorkshire terrier’s coat while also answering some of the most common questions about yorkies. It will also include the types of coats they have, how to groom their coats, the types and styles of haircuts and the colors of their coat as well.
Do Yorkie’s Shed?
No, Yorkies don’t shed. Think of Yorkie hair as human hair… okay that sounds kind of gross but it really is like human hair in that they don’t shed like a normal dog would. They do however require weekly baths with combing and drying to avoid tangles. So while many people are turned on to the Yorkie breed because they won’t have dog hair everywhere in their house there is some maintenance.
If you’re okay with a little maintenance you’ll find that your Yorkie’s hair is one of the best things about the breed. Because their hair can grow long and is highlighted in dog shows most people think of the ridiculously long hair Yorkies they see on TV when they think of the Yorkshire Terrier. If a showy long hair Yorkie look is what you’re after you can definitely do that but your everyday owner usually keeps their Yorkie’s hair at a short to medium length for ease of maintenance. Their hair adds a lot to their character and highlights their sometimes goofy personalities that we as Yorkie owners grow to love.
Will a Yorkie Cause Allergies?
Yes,
Yorkies and all types of dogs for that matter will cause allergies. But one thing to keep in mind is the severity of the allergies a person may possess. When compared to other dogs, Yorkies have significantly lower chances of causing allergies. As such people with a mild form of allergies can easily fit in with Yorkies. One can also reduce the chances of allergies by regularly grooming and cleaning the Yorkies.
What Type of Coat Do Yorkies Possess?
As stated two paragraphs ago yorkshire terriers don’t have typical dog fur. Instead they have a coat which is made up of hair like human hair.
The Types of Yorkshire Terriers Coats
Yorkshire terriers can be found possessing different types of coats with some of them having silky coats, some possessing wavy and woolly coats. Let us discuss the different types of coats that they possess.
The Puppy Coat
The Puppy coat is thick, soft and dark in color. The soft puppy coat helps to keep your new fur baby warm during the harsher months and is significantly darker than the adult coat. It includes tan and black highlights making it stand out. However, as your yorkie puppy gets older, the dark colored nature of its coat gradually fades away, giving way to a new adult coat.
The Silky Coat
There are two types of adult coats that yorkies possess, and the first one is known as the Silky coat. In a Silky coat, the hair is fine, long, smooth, straight and it is glossy. A Silky adult coat as is very desirable and yorkies with silky coats often participate in Dog shows and competitions.
The Cotton or Wavy Coat
This is the second type of adult coat, and it also is known as the woolly or wire coat. Unlike the Silky coat, the Cotton coat is wavy, dense and looks woolly. Though this coat is also composed of hair, it does not grow long unlike the silky coat. The cotton or wavy coat also shed more than the silky coat.
How to Groom Your Yorkie’s Hair
Grooming is an important part of your yorkie’s routine. Grooming has many benefits some of which include a healthy and clean coat, healthy skin and lower risks of diseases and infections. Since they have different types of coats, grooming them also requires different approaches and methods.
How to groom a Silky Coat: silky coat yorkies have long, straight and silky hair; as such the grooming is done by brushing the hair in strips. Brushing individual strips will ensure that all the hairs are brushed and cleaned properly. The brushing should be done with the dog lying on its side, and then gently brushing the hairs in strips from the lower part of their body and gradually going up and then gently separating the hair from the skin. Repeating this process on both sides will ensure that your yorkie’s silky coat will be left clean, fluffy and healthy.
How to groom a Wavy Yorkie Coat: Unlike a silky coat, a wavy yorkie coat is much more dense, wavy and woolly. As such, they tend to get dirty much quicker and attract more debris from running around outside. To brush a wavy Yorkie’s coat, you will need a small, good quality brush and then gently brush towards the growing part of the coat. Avoid brushing the same area for multiple times to prevent irritation. It is also advised to use a long pinned brush or comb to gently brush the coat, to remove any excess or hidden dirt or debris.
When and how to bathe your Yorkshire terrier
To keep your Yorkshire terrier looking and feeling fresh, pleasant and appealing, it is advised to bathe them once after a 6-week interval. One thing to keep in mind is that Yorkshire terriers have dry and sensitive skin, as such while bathing them, it is advised to use a gentle moisturising shampoo along followed by a moisturising conditioner.
Yorkie Hairstyles
Since a Yorkie’s coat is made of hair instead of fur, styling it is very easy, and as such there are various styles of hairstyles available for it. However, amongst the sea of available hairstyles, there are a few which are extremely popular and common, and they are as follows.
Bree Courtesy of Sandy Vargo
The Show Hairstyle: This hairstyle can be achieved only by Yorkies with silky coats, and in this hairstyle, the hairs are left uncut. Regular brushing and grooming are done to keep maintain this look. This hairstyle is mainly for shows and competitions.
Max Courtesy of Anna Daniels
The Teddy Bear: This hairstyle is the most popular, and it involves trimming down the hairs of the Yorkie to a much shorter length. This hairstyle aims to make the dog look like a puppy again and give it a cute and adorable look.
Diesel Courtesy of Roxanne Beltz
The Shave down Cut: The shave down is another popular hairstyle which involves leaving only half an inch of fur left on the dog’s body, while the head, legs and tail are left slightly longer. This style is popular and best suited during the summer months.
The Colours of a Yorkie’s Coat
The colors of a yorkie’s coat generally are of two types. The puppies of yorkshire terriers have a coat which is generally black with tan highlights across their entire body. Whereas, for an adult yorkie, the color of its coat is a combination of dark grey and gold. The dark colored coat of a yorkie puppy will gradually fade away as it ages and will attain the colors of an adult yorkie. Learn more about the color variations on our Yorkie Color page