Yorkshire Terriers have one of the most distinctive coats in the dog world. Long, silky, hair-like rather than fur, single-layered (no undercoat), and growing continuously much like ours does. That makes Yorkies low-shedding, but it also means grooming isn't optional. Without regular brushing and a routine that suits their coat, those gorgeous locks turn into a tangle factory in days.
Here's a friendly guide to grooming a Yorkie at home, whether you keep them in a long show coat or a low-fuss puppy cut. We're not a clinic, so anything that looks unusual on the skin or in the ears is best brought up with your clinic.
Quick answer
Yorkies do best with daily brushing using a pin brush or slicker, a gentle bath every 1 to 2 weeks for long coats (every 3 to 4 weeks for puppy cuts), regular ear cleaning, nail trims every 3 to 4 weeks, and a topknot or trim around the eyes to keep hair out of them. Use mild shampoos designed for sensitive skin and finish with a conditioner to keep the coat silky and tangle-free.
What Makes a Yorkie's Coat Different
Hair, not fur
Yorkies have a single coat that grows continuously, similar to human hair. That's why they shed so little, but it also means tangles form quickly if the coat isn't brushed regularly.
No undercoat
Most double-coated breeds have a soft undercoat plus topcoat. Yorkies just have the single layer, which means they feel the cold more in winter and don't have the same insulation against the heat.
Continuous growth
Without regular trimming, Yorkie hair just keeps going. A pet Yorkie typically needs a clip or trim every 6 to 8 weeks to stay manageable.
Tangle-prone
Long fine hair tangles fast, especially behind the ears, under the legs, around the bum and where a harness sits. Daily brushing keeps tangles from becoming mats.
Hair grows over the eyes
Without regular trimming or a topknot, hair grows down into the eyes and can cause irritation. Most owners either keep the head hair trimmed short or tie it up.
Sensitive skin
Yorkies can have sensitive skin underneath all that hair. Mild oatmeal-based shampoos work better than harsh detergent shampoos.
Long Coat or Puppy Cut?
Most owners pick one of two grooming styles. Both work well, just with different daily commitments:
The classic long coat
The traditional Yorkie look. Hair grown long and flowing, often parted down the back, with a topknot tying back the head hair. Beautiful but high-maintenance: daily brushing, regular bathing every 1 to 2 weeks, and regular trims to keep the ends tidy.
The puppy cut
Hair clipped short all over (often around 1 to 2 inches). Looks tidy, ages well, and is much easier to keep up with. Brush a few times a week, bath every 3 to 4 weeks, and book a clip every 6 to 8 weeks. The most popular choice for pet Yorkies.
If you're not sure, start with a puppy cut and move to longer if you find yourself enjoying the grooming time. Going the other way (long to short) is easy. Going short to long takes a year or more of patience.
Tools You'll Need
Yorkie grooming doesn't need a huge kit, just a handful of well-chosen tools:
A slicker brush is your main tool, with fine gentle bristles that work through tangles without pulling. A pin brush works for the longer top coat. Add nail clippers (or a grinder, often gentler on sensitive small breeds) and you've got the basics.
Step-by-Step Yorkie Grooming Routine
Brush before bath, not after
Always work tangles out before water touches the coat. Wet tangles tighten into mats. Start at the ends and work back toward the skin in small sections.
Bath in warm (not hot) water
Use lukewarm water and wet the coat thoroughly. Yorkies are small, so the kitchen sink works as well as a shower.
Use a gentle shampoo
Mild oatmeal or natural plant-based shampoos suit Yorkie skin. Massage in gently, avoiding eyes and inside the ears. Rinse really thoroughly, since leftover shampoo can cause itching.
Always condition
Conditioner makes the next brush much easier and keeps the silky texture. Leave on for a minute, rinse fully.
Towel-dry, then blow-dry
Pat (don't rub) with a towel. Then blow-dry on a low warm setting while brushing through. Air-drying works but can leave a long coat tangled.
Clean ears weekly
Yorkie ears are mostly upright but the hair around them traps debris. A gentle ear cleaner once a week keeps things fresh and lets you spot any redness or irritation early.
Trim nails every 3 to 4 weeks
Small nails grow fast. Long nails affect how a small dog walks and can cause discomfort. A grinder is gentler than clippers if your Yorkie is fussy about nail time.
Trim or tie up the head hair
Hair growing into the eyes is a constant Yorkie thing. Either keep the head and face hair trimmed short, or tie a topknot with a soft hairband. Both work.
Tidy the bum and paw pads
Trim hair around the bum to keep things clean, and trim around the paw pads to stop matting and slipping on smooth floors.
Daily brush, even between baths
5 minutes of brushing every day is much easier than wrestling out mats once a week. Keep a soft-bristle brush handy and use it as bonding time.
Shampoos and Conditioners for Yorkie Coats
Mild, gentle products work best on Yorkie skin. Avoid harsh detergent-style shampoos. Conditioner is non-negotiable for keeping the silky texture.
Ear and Nail Care
Yorkie ears stay healthier with a weekly clean. Nails need regular trimming since small breeds wear them down less than larger active dogs.
Skin and Coat Support From the Inside
A healthy coat starts on the inside. Omega-rich supplements support skin and the silky texture Yorkies are known for.
Dental treats are also worth slotting in alongside grooming. Small breeds like Yorkies are particularly prone to dental issues, and daily dental support helps.
Common Yorkie Grooming Challenges
Mats behind the ears
The most common spot for tangles. Daily brushing prevents most of them. For an existing mat, work conditioner through it and gently tease apart with a slicker.
Tear staining around the eyes
Some Yorkies develop reddish-brown staining where tears wet the hair. Wipe gently with a damp cloth daily and trim back the hair into the eyes. Persistent staining is worth a clinic check.
Wriggling during nail trims
Small dogs feel cornered easily. Try the trims after a calm bath when they're already relaxed, take one paw at a time, and reward heavily with treats.
Skin redness or irritation
If the skin under the coat looks red, flaky or feels hot, switch to a more gentle shampoo and reduce bathing frequency. Persistent issues are worth a clinic check.
Hair stuck in eyes
If hair is in the eyes, gently lift it out with your fingers and trim straight away. Trim or tie up so it doesn't happen repeatedly.
Static and flyaway hair
Common in dry winter air. A leave-in conditioner spray or a few drops of a coat oil through the hair after brushing helps tame it.
When to See a Professional Groomer
Plenty can be done at home, but a professional groomer is worth it for:
- The first puppy cut or any major coat change
- Stripping out a bad mat that's tight to the skin
- Regular clip or trim every 6 to 8 weeks
- If you're keeping a long show coat and want occasional shaping
- Any time you're not confident with scissor work near the eyes or paws
Many groomers offer a "puppy first" appointment to help dogs get comfortable with the process. Worth booking early so they're used to the routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I groom my Yorkshire Terrier?
Daily brushing for long coats, every 2 to 3 days for puppy cuts. Bath every 1 to 2 weeks for long coats, every 3 to 4 weeks for puppy cuts. Nail trims every 3 to 4 weeks, ear cleaning weekly.
How often should I bath my Yorkie?
Every 1 to 2 weeks if you're keeping the coat long, every 3 to 4 weeks for a puppy cut. More often than that can dry out their sensitive skin.
What's the best brush for a Yorkie?
A slicker brush is the most useful single tool, with fine gentle bristles that work through tangles. A pin brush is great for the longer flowing top coat. Most Yorkie owners end up with both.
Do Yorkies shed?
Very little. Their hair-like single coat grows continuously rather than shedding seasonally. That's why they're often described as low-shedding, but it's also why they need regular trimming.
Should I cut my Yorkie's hair short?
It's a personal preference. The puppy cut (short all over) is much lower maintenance and most pet Yorkies wear it. The classic long coat is gorgeous but takes daily commitment. There's no wrong answer.
How do I deal with a Yorkie's hair growing into their eyes?
Two options. Either keep the head and face hair trimmed short, or tie the top hair back into a topknot with a soft hairband. Both keep hair out of their eyes.
Can I groom my Yorkie at home?
Most of it, yes. Brushing, bathing, ear cleaning and nail trims are all manageable at home with the right tools. Most owners book a professional groomer every 6 to 8 weeks for a clip or trim.
What shampoo should I use on a Yorkie?
A mild oatmeal-based or natural shampoo formulated for sensitive skin. Avoid harsh detergent shampoos and human shampoo. Always finish with a conditioner to keep the silky texture.
Yorkie Grooming Essentials
Find brushes, gentle shampoos, ear cleaners, nail clippers and skin supplements for your Yorkshire Terrier. Save with Autodeliver on shampoos and supplements, and enjoy everyday member pricing with Pet Perks.
SHOP DOG GROOMING
