Shorkie Poo Grooming

The Shorkie Poo, as a "triple hybrid" mix of a Shih Tzu, a Yorkshire Terrier, and a Toy or Miniature Poodle, has pretty frequent grooming needs. Though the coats can be more like any of the three parent breeds, they're usually somewhere in the middle: medium-length, fluffy, and low-shedding.

Brush your Shorkie Poo 3-4 times per week (if not daily) with a pin or slicker brush. If you run across a tangle, try separating it with either your fingers or the end teeth of a greyhound comb (or both).

Baths are generally needed every 4-6 weeks. When bathing a Shorkie Poo, be sure to use shampoo made for dogs, as the human kind has a different pH and can irritate the dog's skin.

And a number of Shorkie Poo hairstyles look fantastic on these hybrids. (See below for descriptions of the most sought-after Shorkie Poo cuts.)

In addition to its coat, your Shorkie Poo will need maintenance in other areas. Brush the dog's teeth 2-3 times per week; clean the ears monthly; and trim the dog's nails every 2-3 months.

Though owners can learn all the aspects of Shorkie Poo grooming themselves, many people rely on professional groomers for major tasks like bathing and haircuts. In any case, it's good to take the dog to a pro at least once. The groomer can give the dog a nice makeover, and provide tips on how to groom a Shorkie Poo at home.

It's in these hybrids' genes--a variety of adorable Shorkie Poo haircuts are possible. Depending on the style, your Shorkie Poo will need a trim every couple of months.

A few popular Shorkie Poo grooming styles:

• Puppy Cut: A low-maintenance style. The entire coat is clipped short (to about two inches). Some people like to leave the hair on the dog's legs, face, and head a bit longer. Can be done at home with some practice.
• Show Cut: Leaves most of the coat's length, but requires some precision. The coat is scissor-trimmed by only a half-inch or so, and often thinned out with thinning shears; the hair on the face and head is rounded and even. Requires a groomer's expertise.
• Teddy Bear Cut: Similar to a Puppy Cut, but the hair on the legs, face, and head is carefully sculpted and rounded to make the dog resemble a precious little stuffed animal. Probably best done by a groomer.
• Town and Country Cut: This sophisticated style is best on dogs with fuller, Poodle-like coats. The coat is clipped short, but the hair on the legs is left longer and sculpted in cylindrical patterns; the hair on the face, head, and tails is rounded and teased out. Will need a groomer's skill.