grooming

The Yorkshire terrier is a breed that the owner can easily groom
themselves if they so desire. Basic grooming needs and some
helpful tips are:
Yorkies are a "single" coated breed, meaning that they do not have
an undercoat. Their coat is very similar to human hair and we
suggest not using human shampoo. A dog has a different PH
balance then humans and using "people" shampoo can result in
dry itchy, flaking skin, If you do use a human shampoo. Please
make sure it’s good quality. Remember to always completely rinse
the hair after shampooing and conditioning. It is also best to
remember to always brush the hair on a yorkie that has been
sprayed with a light mixture of conditioner and water.
* Bathing - Remember you have chosen a coated breed which will
require frequent bathing and daily brushing, If your dog gets
dirty then bathing once a week will help keep them nice and clean
except the side of the body where urine collects on a male. Wash
this daily with a damp cloth and warm water
* Shampoo - There are many good shampoos on the market,
Remember to be careful around the eyes, Use a earless shampoo for
the head so you don’t have to worry about getting soap in the eyes.
NOTE: Puppies are wiggly in the sink and slippery when wet! Get
a good hold and make sure you have your shampoo, conditioner
and towel right at hand. Consider using the bathtub instead of the
sink for the first few times until you see how your puppy react to
his baths. NEVER LEAVEW YOUR PUPPY UNATTENTDED ON A
COUNTER OR TABLE >>> THEY WILL WALK OR JUMP OFF
BFORE YOU CAN BLINK AN EYE>>>> GUARENTEED! Then
you will have a broken leg or worse.
* Conditioner - Again any of the premium conditioners are good.
* Tangles - Wet tangles with warm water and work out with your
fingers as you bathe the dog.
* Brush - A good pin brush with a rubber back that is soft is an
excellent grooming aid also because the pins are longer to reach
through the coat. Do not buy a brush that has small balls on the
end of the pins as they tend to pull at the coat and break it. Please
do not use brushes with nylon bristles because they tend to break
the hair.
* Comb - A good metal comb with long teeth. I have found a nice
comb with rotating teeth, they can be expensive but you won’t find
any rough spots to tear your puppy’s coat. Remember to ALWAYS
finish your grooming by COMBING through the coat. You will be
surprised at the knots and tangles you will find that you missed
with the brush. DO NOT ALLOW MATS OR TANGLES TO
REMAIN IN YOUR PUPPY’S COAT!! Mats tighten with each
passing day and can be very painful to remove. An ounce of
prevention------removing mats is not fun for you or your puppy.
* Fine toothed flea comb - These can be used under the eye to
remove any "eye mucous" which accumulates in a remarkably
short time. Keep your puppy’s under eye area clean. You can use a
damp washcloth or cotton ball to soften and remove any "eye
mucous" then comb through with the flea comb. Dry carefully.
*Dryer - When using your hair dryer to dry your puppy, PLEASE
WATCH THE HEAT!
Remember that there skin is very tender and you can easily burn
them. There is a portable
Dryer available that has a stand so you can have both hands free to
groom your puppy as they dry.
Remember to have a towel or rubber mat under them so they will
have a good footing and won’t slip and hurt themselves.
*Scissoring - The only trimming that needs special attention is
under the pads of the feet to remove the hair, on the top 1/3 of the
ears and around the rectum. If you leave the hair in the ears and
never trim them, then possibly the weight of the hair will not allow
the ears to stand erect as they should be. Cleaning the hair
carefully around the rectum will help with cleanliness.
*Teeth - Teeth should be cleaned regularly. Ask your veterinarian
to recommend the best product and method for your dog.
*Haircuts - For ease of care a lot of people like to have the hair kept
short in a "puppy cut"
Or even in a modified "Schnauzer cut". Both can be done by a
professional groomer or if you like, can be done by yourself if you
have the time and inclination. Remember, if you make a mistake,
hair grows back and you can try again.