Yorkies are a popular breed of dog known for their small size, cute appearance, and playful personalities. However, one important factor that potential Yorkie owners should consider is shedding. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Yorkie shedding, including why they shed, how much they shed, and how to manage shedding.
Yorkies and Shedding
Yorkies are a beloved breed of dog that are known for their adorable appearance and playful personalities. They have become a popular choice for many dog lovers due to their small size and charming demeanor. However, one aspect that potential Yorkie owners should be aware of is shedding.
Shedding is a natural process that all dogs go through, but it can vary in intensity depending on the breed. In this article, we will delve into the topic of Yorkie shedding in detail, providing valuable insights into why they shed, how much they shed, and effective strategies to manage shedding effectively.
Do Yorkies Shed?
Contrary to popular belief, Yorkies do shed; however, they are considered a low-shedding breed. This means that compared to other breeds like Labradors or German Shepherds, they tend to shed less fur. One of the reasons behind this distinction lies in their coat type – Yorkies have hair instead of fur. Unlike fur which typically has an undercoat layer that sheds more heavily seasonally, hair does not possess such characteristics. As a result, the shedding of Yorkies is generally less noticeable and easier to handle.
Despite being a low-shedding breed overall, it’s worth noting that Yorkies still experience increased shedding during certain periods throughout the year. The most significant shedding occurs during the spring and fall seasons when they undergo hair growth cycles – replacing old hair with new strands. To help minimize excessive hair loss during these times, regular brushing is essential as it aids in removing loose hairs and prevents matting from occurring.
Several factors can influence the shedding patterns of Yorkies, including age, health, and diet. Older Yorkies may shed more than their younger counterparts, while those with underlying health issues might experience increased hair loss. Additionally, a poor diet lacking essential nutrients can contribute to excessive shedding. Hence, it is crucial to provide a well-balanced and nutritious diet for your Yorkie to ensure optimal coat health.
Why Do Yorkies Shed?
Shedding is a natural process for all dogs, serving multiple purposes such as eliminating old or damaged hair and regulating body temperature. When it comes to understanding why Yorkies shed specifically, one could delve into their breed’s history and evolutionary background. Originally bred as rat hunters, it is believed that shedding played a role in helping them stay cool during their working tasks.
How to Manage Yorkie Shedding
While Yorkies are generally considered low-shedding dogs, there are proactive steps you can take to manage shedding effectively. Regular grooming and brushing play a vital role in maintaining a healthy coat and managing shedding in Yorkies. It is recommended to brush your furry pal’s hair at least once a week using an appropriate brush or comb designed for their specific needs. This regular brushing routine helps remove loose hairs, tangles, and mats while stimulating the skin and promoting good blood circulation.
In addition to grooming practices like brushing, bathing your Yorkie regularly can also aid in managing shedding effectively. Opt for a gentle shampoo and conditioner formulated specifically for dogs to keep their hair healthy and clean. Ensure thorough rinsing to eliminate any remaining soap residue that might irritate the skin or cause further hair loss.
Apart from grooming habits, adopting a holistic approach encompassing proper nutrition and an active lifestyle can significantly reduce shedding tendencies in Yorkies. Feeding your furry friend a high-quality diet rich in essential proteins and nutrients ensures optimal coat health from within. Furthermore, regular exercise not only keeps your Yorkie physically fit but also helps maintain overall health and reduces shedding.
Caring for a Yorkie’s Hair
Paris, the D.O.G. Yorkie, is the least shedding pup we have in our home. Her breeder recommended using human shampoo with conditioner when bathing her because a Yorkie’s hair is like a human’s hair. We tried this but noticed it made her hair look greasy. Instead, we use a calming CDB shampoo because it has so many benefits besides making her hair look clean and luster.
It’s a good idea that a Yorkshire Terrier receives regular brushing. This removes dead hair and keeps the long hair tangling. Yes, just like human hair, it tangles. Unlike human hair, it mats like other canine furs, which can turn into a mess.
It only takes 5 minutes to comb through your Yorkie’s coat, so spend this quality time with your Yorkie’s hair.
Bathing a Yorkshire Terrier
A Yorkshire Terrier should have a bath weekly. This includes when your Yorkie looks clean. It will help keep your dog’s hair from tangling and it removes dead hair easily.
The D.O.G. Family usually puts Yorkie Paris into the shower stall for a bath. We put the shower head attachment on her to make sure she’s thoroughly wet. We then put the CBD dog shampoo on her and let it sit for a few minutes.
Even though Yorkie Paris has been having showers for the 7 years she’s been alive, she still gets a bit nervous. The CBD helps calm her anxiety. In addition, CBD has so many benefits, including the prevention of skin infections, allergic reactions or dog allergies, cardiovascular conditions, cancer, and so much more. Read about them here: CBD Dog Shampoo Benefits
After a few minutes, we use the shower head to rinse her off.
Paris then gets her pet towel to dry off. She enjoys rubbing her entire body on it over and over again until she’s so exhausted from all of the fun.
That’s the cue for blow-drying time. Just like with human hair, we dry our Yorkie hair with a blow-drying on a medium heat setting. In just a few minutes (the glory of a small dog), she’s dry and ready for her style.
Yorkie dog hair doesn’t have to be styled of course, but it is a good idea to run the dog comb/brush through the single coat. This ensures no tangles or snarls remain to grow bigger.
Learn More: Why Is My Dog Shedding So Much After a Bath
The Differences Between a Yorkie Puppy Coat and Adult Coat
When Yorkie Paris was a baby, her coat was dark, short, and matted all the time. We had to keep up on the brushing or it would easily become a huge matt mess. It was likely due to the growing and changing of her hair into the adult coat. When loose hairs fell onto the rest of the hair, it would tangle up into it easily.
As the coat change happened, we noticed that loose hairs would stay on top of our Yorkshire Terrier’s coat. In a sense, it was just waiting for it to be removed. This has made our lives much easier to keep up with our Yorkie Paris’ grooming over the years.
To Grow or Not Grow? – That Is the Question
A Yorkie’s coat can grow very long. They are known for their long silky hair, after all. Hair growth is fast and the new hair is often fine and beautiful. This is why many professional breeders let their Yorkshire Terriers in dog shows.
As a Yorkie owner though, you may not share in the same desire to have a longer coat. Shorter hair is definitely easier to care for just like it is for people, but of course, that means cutting your Yorkie’s hair regularly.
A good-quality dog grooming tool can make the process much easier. We use one like this one on our pup and she doesn’t mind it. We tried scissors and she was scared of them.
Use Dog Shirts for Shedding
To prevent your dog’s shedding hair from getting all over your home and car, consider dog shirts. They cover your dog’s body, which keeps the loose hair inside of it for when you’re ready to dispose of it. Learn more about it here: Do Dog Shirts Help with Shedding
Fish Oil Supplement for Shedding
For dogs that don’t get enough essential fatty acids in their diet, fish oil supplements can help reduce shedding. You can learn more about fish oil for shedding by reading: Does Fish Oil Stop Dogs from Shedding
Final Answer: Do Yorkies Shed?
Some people will tell you that Yorkies don’t shed, but they do shed. It’s just not nearly as much as a fur coat. Yorkies shed in their own unique way because they have hair, not fur. This is what makes the dog breed hypoallergenic.
Hypoallergenic dogs are perfect for people who are allergic to dog fur. With the Yorkie’s coat being a hair and not fur, people with dog allergies are safe.
When you’re ready, you may want to check out this article: First Time Dog Owner Checklist
If you have another dog that’s a Maltipoo or know someone with one, feel free to read/share this article: Do Maltipoos Shed?
