Dog grooming in Dénia: care and haircut of the Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular dog breeds in Spain, especially on the Costa Blanca. These small British terriers are known for their long, silky coat, which grows continuously. In this guide we explain why it is important to trim a Yorkshire Terrier’s hair regularly and how good grooming habits benefit your pet’s health and comfort. We also talk about the history of the breed, its feeding needs and other care. If you are looking for a dog grooming salon in Dénia with experience and affordable prices for your dog, keep reading!
Origin and history of the Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, originating from northern England in the 19th century, takes its name from the county of Yorkshire, although its roots include terriers brought from Scotland. Initially it was used by English workers to hunt small rodents in factories and mines, taking advantage of its courage and small size. Over time, the breed was refined until it acquired the elegant long-haired appearance we know today. It is believed that its development involved crosses with other long-haired breeds such as the Maltese, which gave it its characteristic silky coat. By the end of the 19th century (officially in 1870) the Yorkshire Terrier standard as a luxury companion dog had already been established.
Throughout the 20th century, the popularity of Yorkies spread worldwide. The Yorkshire Terrier in Spain is now highly valued as an urban pet thanks to its small size, lively and loyal character, and its attractive coat. Despite its fragile appearance, it retains the courage and tenacity typical of terriers, traits inherited from its hunting ancestors. Its qualities – intelligence, adaptability to small apartments, and the fact that it sheds very little – have made many dog lovers on the Costa Blanca and throughout Spain choose them as ideal companions.
Characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier’s coat
The most striking feature of the Yorkie is undoubtedly its long, fine and straight coat. Unlike many breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier has no undercoat; it only has a silky layer of hair. This means that its coat is more like human hair than typical dog fur: it grows continuously and sheds very little, which is why the breed is considered hypoallergenic (ideal for sensitive people, since it loses very little hair). In fact, a Yorkie’s hair can grow quickly (about 1 cm per month) if not trimmed, reaching considerable lengths. This constant growth explains why its coat requires regular attention.
Because it lacks a protective undercoat, the Yorkshire is more vulnerable to cold and bad weather. Its single coat does not insulate as much as that of other breeds, so it must be kept warm in winter or its hair should not be cut too short during cold seasons. On the other hand, in summer a shorter cut will help it cope better with the heat. In any case, understanding the particularities of its coat allows us to provide the right care so that it looks healthy and beautiful.
The importance of regular haircuts
Keeping regular trims for your Yorkshire Terrier is not only an aesthetic matter, it is essential for its well-being! A neglected coat can cause problems, while a well-maintained one brings many benefits. Some of the reasons to trim the hair regularly are:
- Avoid knots and tangles: The Yorkie’s long hair tends to get tangled easily. Knots pull on the skin and can be painful, and they also increase the risk of irritations or skin infections if not taken care of. A proper haircut prevents the formation of these annoying knots.
- Maintain hygiene: A clean and trimmed coat accumulates less dirt, dust and grease. This reduces bad odors and the presence of parasites. A clean, tangle-free coat also makes bathing and drying easier, keeping your dog more comfortable and healthy.
- Improve comfort and vision: A Yorkie with excessively long hair may have strands covering its eyes, limiting its vision, or hair dragging on the floor that makes movement difficult. Trimming the fringe and key areas (face, paws, belly) will allow it to move freely and see without problems. Your pet will be happier and more active with a proper cut.
- Adapt it to Dénia’s climate: In the hot summers of the Costa Blanca, a shorter haircut will help your Yorkshire stay cool and avoid heat strokes. In winter, you can let the coat grow a little longer (or dress it with clothes) to make up for the lack of undercoat. Adjusting the style to the season provides extra comfort.
- Impeccable look: Let’s not forget that a well-groomed Yorkshire Terrier looks truly charming. Its silky coat shines when healthy and brushed, reflecting the care you give it. Good grooming highlights the qualities of the breed and makes your little dog look and feel like a star.
In general, it is recommended to trim a Yorkshire’s coat every 6 to 8 weeks. This frequency keeps its coat at a manageable length and prevents it from becoming excessive. Some owners even prefer more frequent touch-ups on areas such as the face (for example, so that the fringe does not bother its eyes). The important thing is consistency: incorporating dog grooming sessions as a routine part of the Yorkie’s care. Your pet will get used to it, and you’ll see that a regular cut makes daily hygiene easier and improves coexistence.
👉 Here you can watch a real video recorded at Mimi, dog grooming salon in Dénia (Alicante), where we show how we do the haircut for a Yorkshire Terrier with great experience, care and at very affordable prices. Every dog is unique, so we adapt the grooming to its needs so that it leaves looking handsome, clean and happy.
Other grooming and health care for the Yorkshire
In addition to haircuts, a Yorkshire Terrier requires other basic grooming care to stay healthy from head to paw. Below are the main aspects to keep in mind in its care routine:
- Frequent brushing: For a Yorkie, brushing is as important as trimming. It is advisable to brush its hair daily or at least every other day to remove dead hair and detangle before knots form. Use a soft-bristle brush or a wide-tooth metal comb designed for long hair. Regular brushing keeps its coat shiny and prevents dirt buildup.
- Regular baths: Bathing your Yorkshire about every 2 weeks is usually enough, depending on how dirty it gets during walks. Use a gentle shampoo designed for long-haired dogs, rinse thoroughly, and apply conditioner to keep the hair hydrated and easy to comb. Do not bathe too often when unnecessary, as this could remove the natural oils that protect its coat. After the bath, dry carefully (preferably with a towel and warm air) to avoid chills.
- Regular nail trimming: Yorkie nails grow fast, and since they are small dogs they sometimes do not wear them down enough on their own. Check the nails every few weeks and trim them when you notice they are long (usually about once a month). Overgrown nails can make walking uncomfortable or even dig into the pads. If you have no experience, a grooming salon can trim your dog’s nails safely in minutes.
- Cleaning ears and eyes: Yorkshire Terriers are prone to tearing and dirt around the eyes, causing stains on the light hair in that area. Gently clean the eye area daily or several times a week with a damp gauze to keep the face clean. Also check the ears: with their erect ears and some hair inside, it is important to do a weekly ear cleaning to remove wax or loose hairs. You can use gauze or cotton with a vet-recommended ear cleaner. Clean ears prevent infections and bad odor.
- Dental hygiene: Don’t forget that toy breeds tend to accumulate tartar on their teeth. The Yorkshire Terrier is no exception and can develop dental problems if neglected. Get it used to regular tooth brushing (ideally several times a week with canine toothpaste). You can also offer appropriate dental chews to help keep teeth clean. Good oral hygiene not only prevents bad breath but also protects overall health.
These comprehensive care routines, together with haircuts, will keep your Yorkie in the best condition. A good tip is to accustom it from puppyhood to all these practices (brushing, bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning), with patience and positive reinforcement. This way, your dog will see it as a normal part of its routine and grooming will be a positive experience.
Feeding and well-being of the Yorkshire Terrier
Your Yorkshire’s diet directly affects its health and the quality of its coat. Being a small but energetic dog, it needs a balanced diet rich in nutrients. In particular, it is important to provide high-quality animal protein (chicken, turkey, fish, etc.), as this supports muscle development and maintains a strong, shiny coat. Likewise, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for skin and coat health: they keep the skin hydrated, reduce inflammation and give the coat a special shine. Kibble formulated for small breeds usually includes these components in the right proportions.
Given the tiny size of a Yorkie’s mouth, choose kibble that is small and easy to chew, suited to its jaw. This makes eating comfortable and also helps prevent dental issues (crunchy kibble contributes to reducing tartar). Divide its daily portion into two or three meals to keep its energy steady – especially as puppies, Yorkshire Terriers can be prone to drops in blood sugar if they go too long without eating, so small, frequent meals are good for them. Also, make sure it always has fresh water available.
A high-quality diet, adapted to its needs, will have multiple benefits: your Yorkshire will maintain a healthy weight, its skin will stay flexible, and its coat will look more silky. Remember that good nutrition is reflected in a strong, shiny coat, perfectly complementing grooming care. If you are unsure about the best food for your Yorkie, consult your vet; they can recommend the most suitable diet depending on your pet’s age, activity level and specific condition.
Other long-haired breeds that require similar care
While we focus on Yorkshires, it is worth mentioning that they are not the only breed that requires regular haircuts. Other small long-haired breeds with continuous hair growth, such as the Shih Tzu, the Maltese, the Lhasa Apso, the Bichon Frise or even the Poodle, also need regular grooming visits. All of them have coats that, like the Yorkie, can easily tangle and get dirty if they grow too much. That is why the general grooming advice – frequent brushing, periodic baths, regular haircuts and care for nails, ears and teeth – also applies to these breeds. Each type of dog has its own peculiarities, but the basis of a healthy coat will always be consistency in care. If in the future you decide to have, for example, a Shih Tzu or a Maltese, keep in mind that they will require maintenance similar to that of your Yorkshire Terrier to look and feel good.
Dog grooming in Dénia: our experience at your service
In our dog grooming salon in Dénia (Costa Blanca) we have extensive experience in the care of Yorkshire Terriers and other breeds. We know how special these little ones are and how much their families love them, so we offer personalized and professional attention. Our grooming services range from the Yorkshire Terrier haircut (puppy style, breed cut or whichever look you prefer) to bathing with specialized products, nail trimming, ear and eye cleaning, and final styling. We carry all this out with expertise and patience, ensuring that your pet is comfortable and safe throughout the process.
We are proud to provide quality at affordable prices, because we believe all pets deserve to look well cared for without it being a big expense for their owners. If you are looking for a dog grooming salon in Dénia you can trust, do not hesitate to visit us. We will advise you on the best care routine for your Yorkie (or whatever breed you have) and treat your furry friend as they deserve – we will treat them as a true VIP, with lots of love and professionalism!.
In summary, the Yorkshire Terrier is a charming little dog that requires constant care, especially of its beautiful coat. Trimming its hair regularly, brushing, bathing properly, checking its nails and ears, and feeding it well are actions that will keep your Yorkie happy, healthy and looking fantastic. In Dénia and throughout the Costa Blanca you can trust our dog grooming team to help you with this task. Your four-legged companion will thank you greatly, wagging its tail and spreading love while looking its best.