How to Groom a Yorkie at Home

Yorkshire terriers have high-maintenance coats that require consistent care. However, taking your dog to the groomer every few weeks can be very costly. Grooming your Yorkie at home is good for your dog and your wallet. As most pet owners know, grooming is about more than just occasionally getting out the hairbrush, so be prepared to spend some quality time grooming your Yorkie.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog shampoo
  • Towel
  • Pin brush
  • Trimming scissors
  • Pet nail clippers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Bathe your Yorkie every two to six weeks on average. You can bathe your dog in the kitchen sink or in your bathtub with a spray of lukewarm water. Get your dog's coat completely wet, apply shampoo with your fingers, then rinse until the suds are completely gone. Follow with a light conditioner if desired; rinse. After bathing, let your dog air dry or wrap him in a towel for a few minutes.

    • 2

      Brush your Yorkie regularly. First, run your fingers through the dog's coat and gently pull any tangles or snarls apart with your fingers. Use a pin brush on your Yorkie's entire coat. Pin brushes are designed for use on pets and can be purchased at pet-supply stores. Run the brush through the hair on his legs, belly and face as well as his back.

    • 3

      Clean your Yorkie's ears at least once every two weeks. Check for any discharge or smell first and ask your vet if you find either. Gently pull any stray hair out of the ear canal. Trim the hair on the outer ear as necessary, using extreme caution to avoid accidentally cutting your dog's ear as you trim the hair close to the ear.

    • 4

      Clip your dog's nails once every two to four weeks. Use dog nail clippers to trim the tip of the nail. Use trimming scissors to snip the hair around the nails and between your dog's toes to avoid matting on the foot.

    • 5

      Check your dog for additional grooming needs, particularly around the eyes and mouth. Wipe away any buildup around the eyes. Carefully trim the hair around your dog's eyes as necessary. Yorkies are prone to excessive tartar buildup, so you may want to brush your dog's teeth approximately once a month.