Instructions for a Puppy Trim for a Yorkie

The puppy cut is a short-coat grooming style that can be used on Yorkshire terriers. This cut is characterized by a coat trimmed closely at the top of the body. The length of the hair increases as it gets lower on the body and legs. The hair on the head is kept relatively long and can include a longer section between the ears be secured by a bow, ribbon or topknot. The cut can be used on terriers of all ages and is also used on Schnauzers.

Things You'll Need

  • Fine-tooth comb
  • Hair clippers
  • 40-blade guide
  • 8 1/2-blade guide
  • Ruler
  • 4-blade guide
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a fine-tooth comb to part the hair on the dog's body from the top of the head along the backbone to the tip of the tail. Separate the hair so that it lays against the corresponding side of the part. Starting at the bottom of the dog and working toward the backbone, comb the hair on the head, legs and body in a downward motion on each side until all knots and tangles are removed from the coat.

    • 2

      Place the 40-gauge clipper guide on the clipper. Lift up one leg and hold the clipper blade parallel to the foot pad. Trim the hair on the pad using short, smooth, flat strokes. Trim any hair on the edges of the foot as needed using small strokes. Repeat this process on each of the feet.

    • 3

      Remove the 40-gauge clipper guide and replace it with an 8 1/2-gauge clipper guide. Position the clippers against the base of the skull so that the clipper guide faces the tail of the dog. Use small strokes to trim the hair around the neck down to the shoulder blades. The guide of the clipper should slide against the skin of the dog. Trim the hair along the backbone using the same technique.

    • 4

      Position the clippers against the backbone so that the clipper guide faces the feet of the dog. Use a rocking motion that moves down and away from the body of the dog. Use long strokes that span between the backbone and the top of the leg to blend the short hair along the backbone with the longer hair of the leg and underbelly area.

    • 5

      Lift the tail up and hold it while you repeat the rocking/cutting motion from Step 4 on the rear of the dog.

    • 6

      Trim the hair at the base of the tail close to the skin to prevent feces from building up in this area. Slide the guide along the skin surface to obtain a close cut.

    • 7

      Remove the 8 1/2-gauge guide and replace it with a 4 blade. Examine the dog's head. If the length of the hair is longer than 3 inches measured with a ruler, gather the hair from the top of the head between the ears and trim the gathered hair. Put the clippers away.

    • 8

      Comb the hair on the face down, except for the portion trimmed in Step 7. Trim all of the hair to a 3-inch length using a pair of scissors and ruler as a guide.