Yorkiepoo Grooming

Depending on the genetic traits it inherits from its Yorkshire Terrier and Toy or Miniature Poodle parents, a Yorkiepoo will have a medium- to long-haired coat, and thus it will require quite a bit of grooming. Frequent brushing and regular bathing will be necessary, and a variety of coat cuts and styles are possible.

Many Yorkiepoo owners take their dogs to professional groomers. In order to cut down on the cost of grooming, some will watch the groomer cut and clip the dog's coat so they can be able to do it themselves; if you choose to groom your Yorkiepoo yourself, be sure to first learn the best (and safest) methods of achieving your desired coat style from a professional groomer or some other person with the necessary grooming knowledge.

When deciding how to groom a Yorkie Poo, the most important factor is brushing. These dogs can have long, scruffy coats like their Yorkshire Terrier parents, or dense, curled ones like the Poodle; the Yorkie Poo coat is typically somewhere in between. The most significant sign that a Yorkie Poo needs brushing is when its fur becomes matted; usually, the longer and curlier the fur, the quicker this matting occurs.

Many Yorkie Poo owners brush their dogs 3-4 times per week, or even daily. And most use a pin brush, dividing the coat into sections and brushing in the same direction as the fur. Most also wet the dog's coat with a de-tangler (available at any pet supply store) before they begin brushing; if the fur is dry when brushed, it will more easily break.

If the dog's fur does become matted, the best thing to do is spray the mat with extra de-tangler and attempt to untangle the mat; if this fails, it's best to just carefully cut out that section of fur with scissors.

These hybrids will need brushing 3-4 times per week, if not daily. The best brush for Yorkie Poo dogs is a pin brush, though a slicker brush will do the job too. A greyhound comb will be good to have on hand as well.

How to brush a Yorkie Poo: first wet the coat with water mist from a spray bottle (with a bit of de-tangling solution mixed in, if desired), then go through the coat section by section with the brush, moving in the direction of hair growth. If you run across a tangle, first try separating it with your fingers, then if needed continue working through it with the end teeth of the comb.

Since a Yorkie Poo usually has long, fine hair, it may require specific bathing techniques to keep its coat soft and clean. The best shampoo for Yorkies depends on each dog's particular coat characteristics; if, for example, dry skin regularly plagues your Yorkie, shampoo the dog with an oatmeal shampoo, as this helps remove the dry skin cells. Others use "human" shampoos like Pert, and most owners use some type of conditioner (either for canines or humans) as well.

Bathe your Yorkie Poo as follows:

• Comb the dog's fur to make sure it is straight and tangle-free
• Place the dog in the sink (or tub) and wet its fur, being careful not to get water in the dog's eyes. (You can use a glass of water or a kitchen sink sprayer to wet the fur on and around its head.)
• Apply a drop of shampoo to various parts of the dog's body, avoiding the head and face. Put some shampoo on a washcloth and carefully rub it in the facial areas.
• Work the shampoo into the fur using a back-and-forth motion (not a circular one, as this may cause tangling); start with the legs, then the torso, the underbelly, and finish with the washcloth on the head and face.
• Rinse the dog thoroughly using the same order and methods.
• If using conditioner, repeat the same process as shampooing.
• Use a towel to blot the dog dry; don't rub, as this will cause matting.
• Allow the dog to shake itself. Some use a hair dryer to finish the drying process, while others just let their dogs "air"-dry.

Depending on an individual dog's genetics, several different Yorkie Poo haircuts are possible. Some owners go to a professional groomer, while others learn to give these cuts themselves. These include:

• The Puppy Cut: Generally an even, short cut, with the fur approximately a half inch all over (except for the head and face, where the fur length is kept at one inch). This shorter cut needs less brushing and doesn't tend to mat much.
• The Teddy Bear Clip: Basically the same cut as the Puppy Cut, but longer - about two inches all over. Owners are advised to keep the fur around the genitals and anus short (about a half inch) to avoid it from becoming soiled. This cut will require frequent brushing, and matting occurs more often.
• The Schnauzer Cut: Yorkie Poo owners whose dogs have straighter long hair like their Yorkshire Terrier parents may prefer this style. In essence, a dog with a Schnauzer Cut has a shaved torso, but its "skirt" - the fur on its underbelly, legs, and tail - is kept long; the facial hair is kept long as well. The skirt length is left to the owner's choosing, but this cut will definitely require some upkeep. And since this Schnauzer Cut is more precise than the others, many use a professional groomer.

(Note: many owners consider the seasons when choosing their Yorkie Poo styles, and use the Puppy Cut in summer and the Teddy Bear in the winter.)