Yorkie Grooming Styles

The right style for a Yorkshire terrier suits the owner and the dog. Yorkshire terriers, or Yorkies as they are affectionately called by owners and lovers of the breed, are small, domesticated dogs. They are known for their blue and tan silky coats and their big personalities. Picking the right style for the dog often depends on the situation at home and the dog's preferences in grooming habits.

  1. Long or Natural Cut

    • The Yorkie naturally grows a long, silky coat. The hair on the back will grow to the floor and the tuft on the head will completely cover the dogs eyes. Letting the hair stay long is an option for grooming. This choice requires the body hair to be trimmed occasionally to keep it off the floor and free from collecting dirt as the dog runs around. Use a ribbon or hair tie to pull the long hair from around the eyes and up onto the top of the head. Daily brushing and frequent baths keep tangles, knots and mats from forming in the long coat.

    Short or Puppy Cut

    • As with many breeds, the Yorkie is a playful puppy. When they are young, it is desirable to keep their hair shorter than natural to keep up with tangles and mats created from rolling, tumbling and general play habits of the young dog. The short, or puppy, cut is trimmed to a 2- to 3-inch length all over the dog. The cut requires less bathing and brushing to maintain. This cut may be carried into adulthood for the more active Yorkie.

    Westie and Schnauzer Cuts

    • If neither natural or short is desirable, Westie and Schnauzer cuts are options. The Schnauzer cut involves cutting the blue or black areas of the dog very close to the body while leaving the leg areas long. The head is trimmed to a medium length in this grooming style.

      The Westie cut is similar in the body and legs, but the head hair of the Yorkie is left long and natural. These cuts require less brushing and prevent matting and knotting on the body. Frequent visits to the groomer are needed to maintain the look.

    Designer Cuts

    • For the less conventional dog and owner, a designer cut may be the right grooming style. Designer cuts may be combinations of long and short hair styles mixed to make a new look for the dog. Some groomers offer owners the option of having patterns cut into the body area. A heart, diamond or other shape may be created from shaving different lengths into the dog's coat. These designer cuts typically require frequent upkeep and trims to keep them looking good.