Yorkie Brush: 2024 Picks for Best Yorkie Dog Brush
Contents of Article
- What is the Best Brush for a Yorkie?
- Different Popular Brush Types for Yorkies
- Understanding Your Yorkie’s Coat
- Overall Best Brush for a Yorkie – Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
- Best Yorkie Matted Hair Brush – Safari De-Matting Dog Comb
- 3 More Top-Rated Brushes for Yorkies
- Five Tips on Brushing Your Yorkie’s Coat
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Whether you let your Yorkshire terrier’s hair grow long or prefer to have it trimmed shorter, most Yorkie owners will agree on one thing – you need to brush your Yorkie daily. Yorkies have a gorgeous coat, but their hairs are very fine and become tangled or matted easily.
When browsing online or in pet stores, you’re likely to come across dozens of brushes for Yorkies and wonder if there’s any difference between them. Is it worth spending a few extra dollars? Are they all just similar products with different manufacturer promises or “features” that won’t matter?
Even perusing options for such a minor accessory can quickly become more overwhelming than it should.
Fortunately, we’ve narrowed down the list to the five best brushes for Yorkies so that you can do less shopping, and more brushing!
What is the Best Brush for a Yorkie?
Different Popular Brush Types for Yorkies
When grooming your Yorkie, there are a few different types of brushes from which you can choose. The most common options are:
- Rake/Matting Brushes
- Slicker Brushes
- Pin Brushes
- Stainless Steel Combs
A matting brush, also known as a rake brush, is one of the best brushes for Yorkies because it is designed explicitly to cut through thick knots and tangles.
A Yorkie matting brush typically contains sharp teeth that can work through and trim your pet’s hair, which is more susceptible to matting. This type of brush is best suited for Yorkies with longer hair, such as those participating in shows.
Slicker brushes will work on Yorkies with both long and short hair. These brushes feature fine wire bristles that help remove any hair that your dog has shed. The head of a Yorkie slicker brush is either curved or flat.
The shape of the head does not matter so much as the quality of the bristles. Since you’ll need to groom your pet daily, you’ll want to find a Yorkie slicker brush that is durable.
A pin brush is very similar to a slicker brush. However, the wire pins on this brush typically have a rubber or plastic coating on the tips. A pin brush is the best brush for Yorkies with long, silky coats. The coating on the edge of the bristles allows you to comb through your dog’s hair quickly and easily.
This brush may not be as effective at removing matting as some of the other options and is best for short-haired dogs.
One of the other popular Yorkie brush types is a stainless-steel comb. Stainless-steel combs are incredibly durable and can withstand daily use. Most Yorkie owners purchase a two-level steel comb, meaning that each side of the comb features different spacing between the teeth.
The spacing allows owners to quickly move between delicate areas like the face and main body areas such as the chest.
Understanding Your Yorkie’s Coat
Having a sound understanding of your dog’s coat will allow you to select the best brush for Yorkies. Yorkies are unique in that they don’t have fur commonly seen on other dogs. Instead, they have hair that is similar to human hair.
Like human hair, if you don’t use a Yorkie brush or comb daily, the hair will quickly become tangled or matted. Yorkies also do not have an undercoat.
Many people assume that because Yorkies don’t have fur or an undercoat, it’s easier to care for them than other dogs. However, this is not the case. A Yorkie’s coat often requires the most maintenance and care out of any dog breed. The results are usually well worth it, as a well-kempt Yorkie has a silky, shiny coat that is sure to turn heads.
Because a Yorkie’s coat is so prone to matting and tangling, you should never groom your dog with dry hair. Instead, experts recommend dampening or wetting the hair first. You should either spray your dog with water and conditioner before grooming or brush your Yorkie soon after taking it out of the bath.
Doing so will allow your Yorkie brush to remove tough tangles, making it more effective.
If you notice that your Yorkie is particularly prone to tangling, you’ll want to use a matting brush. Slicker brushes are best for Yorkies with shorter hair. Pin brushes are better-suited for those dogs with coats that are long, flowing, and silky.
Lastly, stainless-steel combs are perhaps best for Yorkies with varying hair lengths or who require grooming more than once per day, since they are incredibly durable.
| Our 2024 Picks: Best Dog Brush for Yorkies | |||
| Rank | Dog Brush | Price | Rating |
| Top Choice |
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$$ |
A+
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#2 |
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$ |
A
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#3 |
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$ |
A
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#4 |
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$ |
A
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#5 |
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$ |
A-
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Overall Best Brush for a Yorkie – Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is also a highly-rated, well-reviewed brush and we wanted to see if it measured up. Of those who reviewed the product, more than 80 percent gave it a five-star rating. Customers can purchase this brush for a little more than $15.
Hertzko designed the bristles on this brush to penetrate deep into the coat without irritating your pet’s skin, which means it will be useful for all Yorkies. Customers will find that this brush is easy to maneuver, as it features an anti-slip handle with a rubber grip.
What most sets this brush apart is the self-cleaning feature.
When you are finished brushing your Yorkie, press a button on the brush to force the bristles to retract. Then, you can wipe the hair away and dispose of it quickly.
No longer will you have to prick your fingers while trying to pick the hair out of the wire bristles. Many users say that this was the best dog brush they’ve ever used, and that brushing became something to which their Yorkie enjoyed. High praise!
Best Yorkie Matted Hair Brush – Safari De-Matting Dog Comb
The Safari De-Matting Dog Comb is a high-quality grooming tool designed to gently remove loose hair and eliminate tangles, knots, and dander in dogs with medium to long hair, making it perfect for your Yorkie’s coat.
It boasts high-quality, rust-resistant stainless steel and the long serrated blades are extra sharp to cut through the toughest mats without pulling your Yorkie’s hair.
The rounded tips make the process comfortable and safe and the comb is designed to both groom and massage your pet.
3 More Top-Rated Brushes for Yorkies
If your Yorkie doesn’t do well with matting or slicker brushes, there’s no need to worry. There are other high-quality brushes available for Yorkie owners. Any of the three options below should be well-worth your consideration.
Hartz Groomer’s Best Slicker Brush for Dogs and Cats
This dog brush from Hartz is ideal for all Yorkies.
We love that this product is so affordable; as it is available for just over $5.
It desheds while helping to remove mats and tangles in a comfortable and safe way. Because Yorkies should be brushed every day, this is a great brush to use as it is gentle enough for everyday use.
Andis Premium Pin Brush
The Andis Premium Pin Brush is another affordable option for Yorkies with short hair. You can purchase this brush for less than $8, making it light on the wallet.
The ergonomic handle design on this brush makes it easy to handle. The wire bristles on this pin brush have a rubber coating, which increases blood circulation and acts as a massaging tool for your Yorkie.
This brush can be more comfortable for short-haired Yorkies than a slicker brush. It moves well through the coat and makes detangling a breeze.
Andis Pet Steel Comb
If you’re in search of a stainless-steel comb, you’ll want to check out this product from Andis as well.
You can purchase this product in two sizes, 7.5” and 10”. Both products are available for less than $10. Yorkie owners may find that the smaller option is easier to maneuver.
The teeth are 2” long, making the product suitable for both short and long-haired Yorkies. Half of the comb is fine-toothed, while the other half features teeth spaced further apart.
For owners who like to fluff the coat of their Yorkie, we felt this was a great comb. We also appreciated the lightweight nature of this brush; making it a great option for groomers who do a lot of brushing and often become fatigued after longer periods of use.
Five Tips on Brushing Your Yorkie’s Coat
Brushing a Yorkie can be challenging, especially if you have limited experience. These tips could help simplify the process for you and make your life easier.
Tip One: Never Brush When Dry
If you’ve previously owned a dog with fur, you may be accustomed to grabbing a brush at any time to groom the pet. However, you cannot do this with Yorkies. Doing so will increase the likelihood of ripping out a knot or entanglement.
Be sure to brush when your dog gets out of the bath or only after you dampened them with a spray bottle mixture of water and conditioner.
Tip Two: Be Gentle when Dealing with Knots
Many first-time Yorkie groomers believe that they must use some elbow grease to work through matting, but this is not the case. If you encounter an area that your brush cannot work through, put the brush down and use your fingers to pick apart what you can.
Start from the outer-most part of the hair and work your way inward toward the dog’s body.
Tip Three: Identify What Type of Coat Your Yorkie Has
Yorkies will either have long silky hair or a soft, cotton-like coat. No matter if you are bringing home a puppy or adopting a grown Yorkie, we recommend asking your trusted vet to identify your dog’s coat type. Doing so will allow you to determine which Yorkie brush type you should purchase and how you should ask your groomer to trim your dog.
Tip Four: Bathe Your Dog Regularly
Yorkies are active animals and love to run, which means there’s an increased chance of your dog’s coat getting dirty. The dirtier your dog’s hair, the more prone it is to tangling and matting, even if you brush the dog daily. We recommend bathing your Yorkie at least once a week, if not more.
Be sure to use dog-friendly anti-tangle shampoos and conditioners when doing so.
Tip Five: Pay Attention to Sensitive Areas
Because a Yorkie’s hair can grow long and thick, there is an increased likelihood of blockage in their anal glands. When you are bathing and grooming your Yorkie, be sure to check the anus regularly. Keep the hair in this area well-trimmed for a healthier and cleaner Yorkie.
Your vet or groomer could provide you with more information about how to do so and the warning signs for which you should look.
FAQ
If you own a Yorkie or are interested in bringing one home, you’ll likely have a lot of questions about grooming techniques. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Yorkies.
How Often Should You Brush a Yorkie?
Because a Yorkie’s coat is so likely to become matted and tangled, it’s critical that you brush its hair daily. Additionally, the hair on a Yorkie is similar to human hair in that it will not stop growing unless it is cut or dies. Most professional groomers recommend that you trim your Yorkie’s hair roughly once per month, although the exact timeline could vary depending on how fast your dog’s hair grows.
How Do You Prevent a Yorkie’s Hair from Matting?
For instance, grooming them at night could remove any knots and tangles that have accumulated throughout the day. A Yorkie’s coat is more likely to mat after long walks or runs, so consider a quick brush after a period of high activity.
If you notice that these tips don’t help, you may want to consider shortening the length of your Yorkie’s coat.
Do Yorkies Have an Undercoat?
Some Yorkies have long, silky coats while others have wavy, cotton-like soft coats. However, the commonality between the two is that they do not have undercoats. A lack of undercoats is one of the attributes that makes Yorkies unique.
Do You Have To Keep A Yorkie’s Coat Long?
No, not at all! Typically, the only Yorkies with exceptionally long hair are show dogs. Owners rarely cut these Yorkie’s hair.
If you prefer a long coat but are not showing your dog in competition, you’ll want to consider an outline groom. These Yorkies tend to have long hair on the body and tail but trimmed hair around the face and mustache. However, if you aren’t a fan of longer hair, there are three cuts available:
- The “Teddy Bear”
- Kennel Cut
- Schnauzer Trim
The “Teddy Bear” is one of the most popular short-hair cuts for Yorkies. This cut can keep your dog looking young and cute. This cut is consistent, leaving about ¾” hair across the entire body, including the face. The Kennel Cut is a bit shorter, ideal for the hot summer months.
The hair on the body is cut to about ½”, while the face and tail are left a bit longer. The Schnauzer Trim is similar, except for the fact that groomers will leave a small skirt of hair on the chest, ears, and mustache.
Conclusion
Yorkies can be an excellent pet, but their unique coat requires significant maintenance and care. You’ll need to brush your Yorkie at least once per day to avoid matting and tangling.
There are four primary types of brushes for Yorkies. Talking to your vet can allow you to identify what kind of coat your dog has the Yorkie brush type you should use.
We feel that the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is the best dog brush for Yorkies, as you can use it on both long and short coats. If your Yorkie is prone to matting, you’ll want to check out the GoPets De-Matting Comb.
If neither brush is quite what you’re seeking, we’re confident you’ll find what you need in one of the three alternatives we’ve offered up.
Happy brushing!
