The long coat is normally selected by people that plan to show their pet. The longer the coat, the more work it requires. Pet owners usually find it easier to trim the coat to a managable lenght. The tuft on the dogs head can get in the way of a dog when it eats by dangling into the food bowl. It is best if you trim this back for a pet and if you plan to show your dog, it is best to tie this back. The mustache and beard can be damaged when eating and playing. A dog with a long coat should be watched during exercise and playtime so the coat is not damaged or tangled. Most owners tie the coat up so this does not happen. You should never deny sunshine and exercise for sake of a long coat.
Owners of show Yorkshires usually wrap the coat which is a very difficult process. Wrapping the coat protects it from breaking off and becoming worn by trailing. Reading about wrapping will not help you, the best way to understand and learn this is by a demonstration by someone that knows how to do it.
Daily brushing is normally best. Most Yorkshires enjoy the attention but some will wrestle with you so they don't get brushed. It is best to start brushing your Yorkshire's coat at a young age. For puppies a long bristle brush wil help for their coat to grow neat. Avoid brushing a Yorkshire puppies face, one slip of the hand can injure the eyes. The daily brushing remoces the dead hair and stimulates the dogs natural oils that add a shine and healthy look to the coas. Daily brushing also minimizes tangles, mats, dust, and dandruff. With the adult Yorkshire use a natural bristle brush. Brushing from the body to the end of the hair, and on each layer is the best way to throughly brush their coat. NEVER forget to brush each day , or the next day will be even more difficult. Do not over brush, it is possible that your dog will recieve split ends. Applicating oil or lanolin is recommended to keep the coat looking it's best, oil stimulates hair and prevents it from becoming tangled and matted.
Occasional baths for the busy puppy are usually good to keep them smelling good and clean. If you feed your puppy wet food, then washing the face after every meal is a very wise move. If you don't want to do this, start your dog on dry food.
Bathing -
Yorkshired do not need to be bathed as often as humand, but they must be bathed for healthy skin and a healthy, shiney coat. The more you bath your puppy the better it will be for you when they are older. Brush your Yorkshire extremely well before before getting it wet. This helps eliminates mats and tangles, these are really hard to remove when the coat is wet. Make sure your dog is on a non-slip surface so it can stand. Start the bath by wetting the coat with a shower or hose attachment. Make sure the tempetature is not too hot or too cold. After the coat is throughly wet apply shampoo and work it into a good lather. DO NOT use human products on your Yorkshire as it will remove the protective oils that coat their hair and make it water resistant, it can be damaging to the coat and skin as well. Human products are too strong for the Yorkshire. Wash the head ast, you don't want shampoo getting into their eyes while you wash the dogs body. While working the shampoo to the skin this is an ideal opportunity to check for bumps, bites, flee dirt, or any other problems. Do not neglect washing every part of the dogs body. Next rinse all the shampoo from their body, and shampoo left can irritate the skin. When you are rinsing your dog you may want to cover their eyes to prevent shampoo runnint into them. When you are finished your dog will most likely shake, you can let them shake but you might want to stay out of the way, just make sure they don't have the chance to get free and run through the house.
Ear Cleaning -
Ears should be kept clean. Any loose or extra hair in the ears should be trimmed or pulled. Clean ears with a cotten ball and liquid ear cleaner or ear powder made for dogs. Watch out for ear mites. If your Yorkshire shakes it's head a lot or digs at it's ears it's a warning that something may be wrong. If their is an irregular odor this could mean mite infestation or infection, get it's ears checked by a veterinarian right away.
Nail Clipping -
Get your Yorkshire used to nail clipping, not only do trimmed nails look better but someone can be accidentally injured when jumped on. A long nail has a better chance of ripping and bleeding than a short one. If you hear your dogs nails clicking when he walks, they are too long. Before you cut identify the "quick" in each and every nail. This is a blood vessel that is in the center of every nail and grows close to the end. If you cut this it is painful to the dog because it contains nerve endings. Keep a clotting agent on hand, just in case. Stypic pencils or power works great. These stop bleeding quickly when applied, do not panic if your dog starts bledding. Stop the bleeding and calmly sooth your dog. Once calmed finish cutting the nails. Only cut a little at a time, you can always cut more off if need be. Sooth your dog by petting him when you trim the nails, you should hold him as to prevent accidents and so that he does not run away. Special dog nail trimmers can be purchased wherever you can buy dog grooming supplies.
