Quick answer: A Yorkie in a long coat needs daily brushing, a bath every 3 to 4 weeks, and a professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks. Shorter “puppy cut” styles can be brushed every other day. Check eyes daily for tear stains, clean ears weekly, and trim nails every 3 to 4 weeks.
Yorkshire Terriers have a silky, fine coat that grows continuously, much like human hair. They have no undercoat, so they shed very little, but that fine hair tangles easily. This Yorkie grooming guide covers the at-home routine, the right tools, and when to call in a professional.
Yorkie Grooming Schedule at a Glance
| Task | Long coat | Short puppy cut |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | Daily | Every other day |
| Bath | Every 3–4 weeks | Every 3–4 weeks |
| Eye and face wipe | Daily | Daily |
| Ear check and clean | Weekly | Weekly |
| Teeth brushing | Daily if possible | Daily if possible |
| Nail trim | Every 3–4 weeks | Every 3–4 weeks |
| Professional groom | Every 4–6 weeks | Every 6–8 weeks |
How to Brush a Yorkie
- Start with a wide-tooth comb to find and gently loosen tangles.
- Follow with a pin brush or soft slicker brush to smooth the coat and spread natural oils.
- Work in small sections from the skin outward, especially behind the ears, under the legs and around the collar.
- Never pull on a mat. Hold the hair near the skin and tease it apart slowly. Tight mats should be left to a groomer.
A light, dog-safe detangling spray can make brushing easier. If mats are already a problem, read how to deal with minor and severe mats.
How Often Should You Bathe a Yorkie?
Every 3 to 4 weeks, or when visibly dirty. Bathing more often can dry out a Yorkie’s sensitive skin. Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo and a lightweight conditioner to keep the silky coat soft and manageable. Always brush out tangles before the bath, because water tightens mats. Dry thoroughly; small dogs chill quickly. For more on coat shine, see our guide to keeping your pet’s fur clean and shiny.
Yorkie Skin Care
Because the coat is fine and the skin is close to the surface, Yorkies can be prone to dryness and irritation. Watch for flaking, redness, constant scratching or bald patches. Gentle products, a steady bathing schedule and regular brushing help. If problems persist, see your vet; our guide to dog dry skin and dandruff explains common causes.
Eyes, Ears, Teeth and Nails
- Eyes: wipe the corners daily with a soft, damp cloth to limit tear stains, and keep hair trimmed away from the eyes. See 5 ways to keep your dog’s eyes clean.
- Ears: check weekly and clean with a vet-approved solution. Redness, odor or discharge needs a vet visit.
- Teeth: small breeds like Yorkies are prone to dental problems, so daily brushing is ideal. Read our guide to brushing your dog’s teeth.
- Nails: trim every 3 to 4 weeks. Here’s why nail trimming matters.
Popular Yorkie Haircuts
Many owners choose a short “puppy cut” for easy care, while others keep the classic floor-length show coat. Teddy bear and schnauzer-style cuts are also popular. Compare the options in our guide to Yorkshire Terrier haircuts.
When to Book a Professional Yorkie Groom
Plan a professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks for a long coat, or every 6 to 8 weeks for a short cut. A Groomit groom covers a bath, haircut, brush-out, nail trim and ear cleaning, tailored to your Yorkie, and your groomer can recommend brushes and products for your dog’s coat. Groomit brings the groomer to your home or to a mobile van outside, so your small dog skips the noisy salon. Before the visit, run through our dog grooming appointment checklist.
Yorkie Grooming FAQs
How often should a Yorkie be groomed?
Professionally every 4 to 6 weeks for a long coat and every 6 to 8 weeks for a short cut, with brushing at home daily or every other day.
Do Yorkies shed?
Very little. Yorkies have a single coat of fine hair with no undercoat, but that hair tangles easily without regular brushing.
What brush is best for a Yorkie?
A wide-tooth comb for detangling plus a pin brush or soft slicker brush for smoothing works well for most Yorkies.
How do I get rid of Yorkie tear stains?
Wipe the eye area daily with a soft, damp cloth and keep hair trimmed away from the eyes. Heavy or sudden tearing should be checked by a vet.
Keep Your Yorkie Looking Its Best
Daily brushing, gentle baths, and regular eye, ear, teeth and nail care keep a Yorkie’s coat silky and skin healthy. Pair that with a professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks. Book your Yorkie’s groom with Groomit.
