Do Yorkies Shed?
One of the most common questions prospective dog owners ask is “will (my breed) shed?” The surprising answer is often both yes and no. Keep reading to learn more about what causes Yorkshire terriers to shed, and how you can minimize the amount of shedding in your own home.
Yes or No: Do Yorkies Shed?
Yorkies have long, silky hair that is similar to a person’s and they do not have an undercoat, which is the thick layer of hair under most dogs’ outer coat. This means that no, yorkies don’t shed. In fact they will lose as much hair as a person would… if they were to be as hairy as a dog!
The sheer amount of hair means that a Yorkie will require lots of grooming, mostly combing, and you will find hair around your home. Maybe you will definite this as “shedding” but in my mind it’s really just normal hair loss coming from that outer layer of hair.
What Causes Yorkies to “Shed”?
Yorkies are not a type of dog that has two types of fur: a long, silky outer coat, and a soft, downy undercoat. It’s the undercoat that sheds the most, and without this Yorkies don’t technically shed much at all. In reality, however, it’s not the shedding itself that’s the problem; it’s the amount of time and effort required to groom a Yorkie properly.
If you’re not prepared to spend at least 15 minutes every day brushing your dog, then a Yorkie is probably not the right breed for you. However, if you can commit to regular grooming, then you’ll be rewarded with a dog that is virtually shed-free.
Alternatively, you can get your Yorkshire a puppy cut, which is a short cut which will greatly reduce the amount of combing you’ll need to do as well as the amount of hair your find around your home.
Keeping Your Yorkie’s Home Clean
In addition to daily brushing, there are a few other things you can do to minimize Yorkie shedding in your home:
- Invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner with powerful suction. This will help you keep your floors clean and free of pet hair.
- Give your dog regular baths using a non-drying shampoo. This will keep the coat clean and loosen any hairs that are on the way out.
- Brush your dog outdoors as often as possible. This will help contain the shedding hair so that it doesn’t end up all over your house!
- Avoid feeding your dog table scraps or fatty foods. A healthy diet will help minimize shedding by keeping the coat well-nourished from the inside out.
- Have your dog professionally groomed every 4-6 weeks. This will help prevent mats and tangles from forming in the fur, which can cause excessive shedding.
- Get your dog checked by a vet regularly to ensure that there are no underlying health conditions that could be causing excessive shedding (such as allergies or hormonal imbalances).
Closing Thoughts
So there you have it—the truth about whether or not Yorkies shed! While it’s true that they do shed some hair, it’s nothing compared to other breeds of dogs. With regular grooming, you can easily keep shedding under control. So if you’re thinking about getting a Yorkie, don’t let Shedding deter you; they make great pets for those who are willing to put in the time and effort required to take care of them properly!