The pint-sized royalty of the canine world, the Yorkshire Terrier, is a tiny British dog that comes with the heart of a lion. They are wrapped in a coat that feels like molten gold and silk. And this magnificent coat – DOES NOT SHED!
Yes, you read it right. We know that it can be difficult for some people to wrap their heads around this fact as it is common to think that a breed with such an elaborate coat sheds a lot. However, these tiny dogs do not leave any tufts behind.
Yorkshire Terrier is one of the smallest among the terrier groups. They walk around as if every moment of their life is a runway show. The glamorous exterior comes with a fiery little personality, which is a mix of sass and sweetness. They can be good watchdogs, but if you ask them, all they would want to be is your cuddle buddy.
Yorkies have one of the most distinguished coats in the canine world. It is glossy, fine, straight, and silky. It comes in a combination of blue and tan, blue and gold, black and tan, black and gold. They are not considered as a non-shedding breed, which no breed ever completely is. You’ll see some hair fall only when brushed or bathed. This is why some people even consider them to be a hypoallergenic breed. (1)
Why Yorkies Shed Less Than Other Breeds?
Most dogs have fur on their coats. Yorkies, on the other hand, have human-like hair that is long and silky. This hair grows at the same rate as humans. This is why they do not have shedding phases and seasons that many other dogs do. Their hair sheds as much as yours and ours does. This is because, like us, they have one hair sprouting from each follicle as compared to 3 to 5 hairs growing from each follicle in the case of other dogs. (2)
Another major difference between these dogs and others is the type of coat. Most dogs have a double coat – a soft undercoat and a long, coarse topcoat. The undercoat helps them regulate their body temperature, and the overcoat protects them from dirt and debris. Yorkies, however, have a single coat. Dogs with a double coat tend to shed during warmer months to cool their bodies down. Yorkies do not need it because of the single coat and hence, they shed much less than other dogs.
Grooming to Manage Yorkie Shedding
The long and luxurious coat of a Yorkie does not shed much, but that does not mean it doesn’t need grooming. They save all that drama for the grooming sessions. This means that your vacuum can take a break, but your patience with brushing? Not so much. Here are some tips to manage shedding in a Yorkie –
Brush regularly – Brushing regularly helps remove loose hairs and distribute natural oils on the coat. This is important especially if your dog has a full-length coat. If you’ve gone for a shorter cut, once in a week should do. Brushing also helps prevent mating and tangling.
Bathe occasionally – Bathe them every 1-4 weeks with a dog-friendly shampoo.
Give them a professional trim – You can take your dog to a professional groomer once every few months to give them a nice trim.
As Yorkies shed less, there isn’t anything special that needs to be done to control their shedding. It is more about maintaining their coat by practising regular grooming.
Tips for Caring for a Yorkie’s Coat
Managing shedding is one thing and maintaining the beauty of a Yorkshire Terrier’s luxurious coat is another. Here are some tips to do so – (2)
Protein intake – Hair is 90% protein and a dog’s skin and hair account for 30% of their protein needs. Make sure that you feed a protein-rich diet to them to maintain healthy hair quality and growth.
Fatty acids – Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids help maintain and improve the skin and hair quality of a dog. Ensure the intake of these fatty acids in their diet.
Carbohydrates – Niacin in carbohydrates helps improve the appearance of the skin and biotin helps keep the gloss of the skin alive.
Minerals – Other minerals such as zinc, copper and vitamin B help in the process of synthesis of keratin and reducing water loss. This helps keep the skin and hair healthy.
Apart from these, you need to ensure a stress-free environment for your dog. Stressful situations, changes in diet or schedule, separation anxiety, etc., can impact the shedding levels. You may even see uneven patches in some cases.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Yorkies are prone to certain health conditions in their life. These include – (3)
Bronchitis
Lymphangiectasia
Liver shunt
Cataracts
Dry eye syndrome
Luxating patella, etc.
While these conditions may or may not directly impact the dog’s coat, they can impact their quality of life. Some of them can even be quite severe and fatal. Hence, it is important to ensure regular vet visits to detect the onset of any condition in its early stage. The treatment cost, however, can put a big dent in your savings at times. Pet health insurance can help you save up to 90% of it. With Spot Pet Insurance, you can save costs related to surgery, prescription diets, alternate therapies, and much more.
Dog Insurance can help provide financial assistance for eligible veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:
Covers Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Spot pet insurance plans cover the eligible costs of unexpected veterinary treatments, such as emergency surgeries, X-rays, and prescription medications for covered conditions.
Customizable Plans: Choose your annual limit, reimbursement rate, and deductible from a range of options, and create the plan that will fit the needs of your pet and your budget.
Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
With 15 years as a dog and cat parent, my pet articles are a mix of humor and firsthand experience - proof that the best stories often come with paws and purrs.
All about the Yorkie’s hair. (2023, May 12). PEDIGREE®. https://www.pedigree.com/dog-care-articles/all-about-yorkies-hair
Royal Canin UK. (2024, January 17). Yorkshire Terrier grooming and coat care. Royal Canin UK. https://www.royalcanin.com/uk/dogs/health-and-wellbeing/yorkshire-terrier-grooming-and-coat-care
Wikipedia contributors. (2024, May 3). Yorkshire terrier. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yorkshire_Terrier
