Yorkshire Terriers, affectionately known as "Yorkies," offer big personalities in a small package. Though members of the Toy Group, they are terriers by nature and are brave, determined, investigative and energetic. They have long, luxurious blue and tan coats. This portable pooch is one of the most popular breeds according the AKC® Registration Statistics.
A Look Back
Named for the English city from which they originally hail, Yorkshire Terriers were used in the nineteenth century to catch rats in clothing mills. Surprisingly enough, in its beginnings, the Yorkie belonged to the working class, especially the weavers; in fact, facetious comments were often made about how the dogs' fine, silky coats were the ultimate product of the looms. Eventually, the breed left the workforce and became a companion animal to families of European high society
Named for the English city from which they originally hail, Yorkshire Terriers were used in the nineteenth century to catch rats in clothing mills. Surprisingly enough, in its beginnings, the Yorkie belonged to the working class, especially the weavers; in fact, facetious comments were often made about how the dogs' fine, silky coats were the ultimate product of the looms. Eventually, the breed left the workforce and became a companion animal to families of European high society
Right Breed for You?
Yorkies are easily adaptable to all surroundings, travel well and make suitable pets for many homes. Due to their small size, they require limited exercise, but need daily interaction with their people. Their long coat requires regular brushing.
Yorkies are easily adaptable to all surroundings, travel well and make suitable pets for many homes. Due to their small size, they require limited exercise, but need daily interaction with their people. Their long coat requires regular brushing.
Source: American Kennel Club - www.akc.org
Grooming
General: A Yorkshire Terrier (“yorkie”) in full coat requires a lot of grooming attention. Daily brushing is ideal, but most people do not have time to brush their dog daily and it becomes a weekly event. It is very common for owners of a Yorkie to keep the dog trimmed short, this is easier to maintain the coat and prevent tangles and skin problems. A Yorkie with a shorter trim, or kept in full coat should be groomed every 4 – 6 weeks to keep up with toe nail trimming, ear hair pulled and ears cleaned, hair clipped away from the eyes, and the rear end and sanitary area trimmed.
Brushing: Be sure to spray on the Aloe Hydrating Spray or Aloe Silk at the beginning of the brush out to add moisture and silk proteins to the coat. This adds elasticity to the coat and helps keep the coat from breaking. If you find any tangles or mats, spray on the Detangling and Dematting Spray or the Quick Finish! Styling Spray to help remove the tangles.
Eyes: Optisoothe Eye Wash should be used to flush any foreign matter.
Ears: Yorkies need to have the ear hair pulled each time they are groomed. Put a little Ear Powder inside the ear canal and pull the ear hair from the canal. Follow with Ear Care and clean only as far as you can see, this will prevent the wax inside the ear canal from closing over and causing ear infections.
Bathing: Whether you have a full coated Yorkie, or a trimmed Yorkie, they should be bathed and conditioned at least every 4 – 6 weeks to keep the coat in great shape. First bathe with Hypo Allergenic Shampoo or Espree Classic Care or Professional Care shampoo for a general dirt removal then target the specific need of the dog. Full coated dogs should use the Silky Show Shampoo and Silky Show Conditioner to add silk proteins to the coat and add elasticity to the coat and prevent breakage of the coat. Pets with a shorter trim that have a normal coat can pick from any of the Espree Scent Renewal products that they will smell for the days to come. Be sure to follow up with a conditioner to keep the coat in great shape. Yorkies that are prone to greasy or oily skin, you can use Energee Plus Shampoo to remove the greasy feel without stripping the oils. It is important to not strip the oil from the skin so the oil glands do not over produce oil and start the cycle again.
Show dog tips: Using Quick finish! Styling Spray while drying the coat is helpful to prevent breakage. You should use Aloe Silk before using the flat iron, Freeze! Hair Hold on the top knot, and Aloe Hydrating Spray when brushing the coat. Silky Show Shampoo and Silky Show Conditioner will add silk proteins and elasticity and a great shine to the coat
Tools: A brush and a comb are basic essentials to keep your Yorkie in tip top shape. After brushing you need to check the dog over with a metal comb to be sure the coat is mat free. Your groomer may need to use a dematting tool to help remove the tangles, if the tangles are too bad shaving might be the best option. Clipping the nails every 4 weeks will help keep the quick at proper length.
