How Often Do You Give Yorkies a Haircut?

Unlike many dogs, Yorkshire terriers do not shed. As a result, their fine silky hair can often become too long and prone to matting. Although "yorkies" are primarily bought for their looks, they have a fine temperament, are devoted to their owners and make excellent watch dogs. However, even if you bought your terrier for the breed's specific aesthetic qualities, you will need to regularly attend to its hair to ensure your dog remains healthy and comfortable.

  1. Weather and Climate

    • The Yorkshire terrier was created by Scottish weavers and the breed was brought to England in the 1850s. It was subsequently introduced to the United States in 1880. Scotland has a temperate climate that is mild and wet in summer but very cold and wet in winter. The yorkie naturally has long and fine hair and, in its original surroundings, would need that hair to be kept long due to the winter conditions. If you live in a cold climate, the coat should be kept moderately long, or you should buy a coat for your yorkie. The hair cutting intervals may therefore vary according to local weather conditions.

    Areas of the Body

    • If you have a yorkie that is for show, or if you just want to adjust its appearance to suit your own preferences, trim various parts of its body hair to different lengths. This can be done at home using scissors, a comb and an optional electric trimmer. Remember, the yorkie has fine hair which cuts easily. Keep your pet still or you may cut too much from one area or even inflict a minor wound. Don̵7;t worry too much about style mistakes, because the hair will grow back. If the process makes you nervous you can employ the services of a professional groomer. Picture the style you want either from photos of other terriers or use your imagination. The body hair should be longer than the facial hair, or the facial hair must be kept back with ribbons. However, keep the comfort of your pet in mind.

    Ears and Head

    • Be aware of your dog̵7;s needs when it is a puppy. One particularly sensitive area is around the ears. Writers at the Elvis Yorkshire Terrier website suggests that, until a puppy is six months old, keep the hair on the top third of the ears very short so that they are not weighed down before becoming "set." The suggestion is to consider shaving this area to avoid the development of drooping ears.

    Yorkies as Long Haired Dogs

    • Your yorkie is what is known as a long haired dog. This group includes other breeds such as afghans, springer spaniels and setters. These dogs have the potential to grow hair to the ground and, indeed, if you are keeping your pet in order to show it at dog shows, you may wish to have this style. To grow a floor length coat takes approximately two years, so this would be the space between haircuts, and it takes about six months for a puppy to grow long hair.