Pampered Pets Resident Yorkies - Teddy, Dixie and Alfie
The Yorkshire Terrier or Yorkie is one of the most popular breeds of dogs in South Africa. A distinctive feature of this breed is its long silky steel blue and tan coat. If you are a Yorkie owner, you will know that the most difficult aspect to owning this breed is its grooming requirements!
The Yorkshire Terrier has a non-shedding coat which means that the fur grows continuously and therefore requires regular, ongoing attention.
Brushing your Yorkie
It is recommended that a Yorkie should be brushed daily or every second day using a pin brush or slicker brush and a comb. A pin brush is used for the body while a comb is used to brush through areas such as the legs, head and beard. Line brushing is recommended. (for more information on line brushing, keep an eye on our next blog)
One should never brush through the coat when it is dry, as it causes the fine coat to break. A grooming spray (purchased from your grooming parlour) will prevent the coat becoming static in addition to breaking.
Bathing your Yorkie
In addition to regular brushing, your Yorkie should be bathed every week or second week. It is preferable to use a mild soap free shampoo such as Vets Own, Basch Yorkie or Wampum (available at Pampered Pets Grooming Parlour).
Remember to brush your dog's coat before wetting and ALWAYS apply a conditioner after shampooing. The conditioner keeps the coat soft, tangle free and in top condition.
Always dry the coat with a hairdryer while brushing out the coat simultaneously.
The Yorkshire Terrier has a non-shedding coat which means that the fur grows continuously and therefore requires regular, ongoing attention.
Brushing your Yorkie
It is recommended that a Yorkie should be brushed daily or every second day using a pin brush or slicker brush and a comb. A pin brush is used for the body while a comb is used to brush through areas such as the legs, head and beard. Line brushing is recommended. (for more information on line brushing, keep an eye on our next blog)
One should never brush through the coat when it is dry, as it causes the fine coat to break. A grooming spray (purchased from your grooming parlour) will prevent the coat becoming static in addition to breaking.
Bathing your Yorkie
In addition to regular brushing, your Yorkie should be bathed every week or second week. It is preferable to use a mild soap free shampoo such as Vets Own, Basch Yorkie or Wampum (available at Pampered Pets Grooming Parlour).
Remember to brush your dog's coat before wetting and ALWAYS apply a conditioner after shampooing. The conditioner keeps the coat soft, tangle free and in top condition.
Always dry the coat with a hairdryer while brushing out the coat simultaneously.
The Yorshire Terrier coat at different stages. Dixie on the left is 13 years old, while Bella is a 5 month old puppy.
Why does my Yorkie's coat mat so frequently?
There are a number or reasons why a Yorkie's coat would become matted:
When to seek professional help?
If you are new to the breed, it is always recommended to look for a local grooming parlour who understands how to groom the breed. A grooming parlour can either supplement your grooming regime or take over the brunt of your pet's grooming needs.
A Yorkie's coat needs a lot of care and time to keep in top condition. If you are unable to brush and bath regularly, consider taking him/her to a grooming parlour.
Another option is to ask your groomer to give your Yorkie a more convenient cut such as polar or puppy cut, which is shorter and more manageable. If the coat is ignored it is highly likely to become matted and then shaving the coat down would be unavoidable.
In conclusion
The Yorkshire Terrier is a fantastic breed and makes a wonderful family pet. However, their beautiful coat is high maintenance and requires ongoing care and attention. If you need help grooming your Yorkie/s, contact Pampered Pets Grooming Parlour on 0117283140 or email info@pamperedpetsgrooming.co.za.
Yours Sincerely
Nicola Booth
Pampered Pets Grooming Parlour Manager (& proud Yorkie owner)!
There are a number or reasons why a Yorkie's coat would become matted:
- Not brushed frequently enough. Even if you brush his/her coat daily, a Yorkie's coat can still tangle very easily. e.g. coat picks up debris e.g. leaves and dry grass from the ground which get caught in the coat.
- Wearing a jacket during colder weather. Just by wearing a jacket during winter, the coat can tangle through friction with the jacket material. Remember to remove the jacket daily to brush out any tangles and prevent matting.
When to seek professional help?
If you are new to the breed, it is always recommended to look for a local grooming parlour who understands how to groom the breed. A grooming parlour can either supplement your grooming regime or take over the brunt of your pet's grooming needs.
A Yorkie's coat needs a lot of care and time to keep in top condition. If you are unable to brush and bath regularly, consider taking him/her to a grooming parlour.
Another option is to ask your groomer to give your Yorkie a more convenient cut such as polar or puppy cut, which is shorter and more manageable. If the coat is ignored it is highly likely to become matted and then shaving the coat down would be unavoidable.
In conclusion
The Yorkshire Terrier is a fantastic breed and makes a wonderful family pet. However, their beautiful coat is high maintenance and requires ongoing care and attention. If you need help grooming your Yorkie/s, contact Pampered Pets Grooming Parlour on 0117283140 or email info@pamperedpetsgrooming.co.za.
Yours Sincerely
Nicola Booth
Pampered Pets Grooming Parlour Manager (& proud Yorkie owner)!
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