Bathing
While some breeds require relatively few baths in a lifetime, Yorkshire terriers need regular bathing to keep them looking and smelling good. A bath once a week is a common recommendation, but if you're not showing your dog, twice a month should be sufficient.
Lathering Up
Bathing a Yorkie is a bit different from bathing a lot of other breeds. The hair should not be rubbed in circles, as you might do with your own scalp or with shorthaired dogs. After brushing to remove any tangles, put the Yorkie in the sink and wet the coat. If your faucet includes a sprayer, use it for more thorough cleaning.
You have to be careful when lathering up your Yorkie. Instead of rubbing the hair in circles, use your fingertips to clean down to the skin, then hold a section of hair between your hands and slide out from the body to the end of the hair, bringing the shampoo along the hair. Take your time to cover the entire dog this way.
Rinsing
Once you've accomplished soaping up, you need to rinse. The sprayer in your sink will be useful here as well. Start at the head, being careful not to spray into eyes or ears. Then work from the part down one side of the body, then the other side. Work until you're sure all the soap is gone. Any soap left on the dog will dry the skin and coat and cause irritation. Be sure you thoroughly rinse the belly and between the legs.
Only use lukewarm water when washing your Yorkie. Water too hot will be uncomfortable for the dog and dry out his skin, and water too cold can result in chills. Check the temperature before you direct any water onto the dog. Additionally, be sure the water pressure isn't too high.
If the rinse you've chosen should be applied while the coat is wet, apply this product as soon as you've rinsed the shampoo out of the hair. Then use your hands to run water away from the body and off the end of the hair. Where hair hangs clear of the body, you can squeeze it between your fingers to remove water.
Drying
Wrap your Yorkie in a towel, and pat him lightly to draw water out of the coat. When one towel is saturated, change to a dry one. Remember that rubbing could tangle and break the hair. Patting is a better idea.
Once you've gotten out all the water you can with towels, stand the Yorkie on a dry towel for good footing and brush and dry the coat. You can use a regular hair dryer if it has a low-heat setting. Having a stand for it will leave your hands free for brushing. If you need a dryer, there is a model made for dogs, known as “the duck,” that is relatively inexpensive and that comes with a stand.
Take your time, and be sure your pup is dry everywhere, including under the body and inside the legs. Do not let a Yorkie outside for several hours after a bath, until you are positive the dog is absolutely dry.
