Shorkie Hairstyles

A cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Shih Tzu, the Shorkie is a small dog that can inherit a number of different coat styles from straight and silky to curly and rough. Because it is not a purebred dog, there is no one hairstyle that is accepted as the norm. However, there are certain tried-and-true hairstyles that tend to compliment this hybrid breed.

  1. General Grooming

    • Shorkies have sensitive skin, so you should only bathe this breed every other week, using pet-wipes for messes in-between baths. Brush your Shorkie regularly, once every few days for longer hairstyles and once a week for shorter styles. Some owners also choose to cut the whiskers at the corners of a Shorkie's eyes and inside the dog's ear canal in order to avoid buildup of mucus, though you should exercise extreme caution when working so close to the eyes and ears.

    Long-Haired

    • Shorkie's coats will grow very long if left alone. Some owners take advantage of this characteristic by growing the Shorkie's hair so that it hangs to the floor, similar to the American Kennel Club standards for the Yorkie and Shih Tzu. If your dog has straight hair, this style is considerably easier to care for than with a curly coat, though it still requires frequent brushing to prevent tangles or mats.

    Short-Haired

    • Many owner's prefer to keep a Shorkie's hair short and cropped close, about 2 to 3 inches or less from the dog's skin. When cut in this way, the Shorkie has a playful, teddy-bear-like similar to that of pure terriers. It is also easier to take care of than longer styles and less apt to get caught on things, which might be helpful for particularly rambunctious dogs. Those looking for a more elegant hairstyle can also experiment with leaving some areas of the Shorkie's hair about 1 to 2 inches longer, such as the hair on the face, tail and ears.

    Accessories

    • When styling your Shorkie's hair, it's common to add a few accessories to give your dog a little bit more personality and flair. Many owners that keep longer hairstyles may want to pull the hair on the forehead up with a ribbon or bow, pulling hair away from the eyes and giving a nod to the common fashion trend of the Shih Tzu. Small bandanas, multiple bows, and articles of clothing also compliment most Shorkie hairstyles, long and short.