Best Brush for Yorkie Hair: Top 5 Brushes for Yorkshire Terriers
The ultimate guide to choosing the perfect brush for your Yorkie's silky coat - prevent mats, reduce tangles, and keep your dog comfortable
Quick Answer
The best brush for Yorkies is a pin brush with rounded tips for daily maintenance and detangling, plus a slicker brush for removing loose hair and preventing mats. For long show coats, use: Chris Christensen pin brush (premium) or Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker (budget-friendly). For puppy cuts, the Safari Wire Pin Brush works perfectly. Always brush before bathing and use a detangling spray to prevent breakage.
🐕 Find Your Perfect Brush
Select your Yorkie's coat type for personalized brush recommendations
Top 5 Brushes for Yorkshire Terriers
Chris Christensen Pin Brush
Professional-grade pin brush
Premium
The gold standard for professional groomers and show dog owners. Rounded pins glide through silky coats without pulling or breaking hair. Long pins (27mm) reach through thick coats to the skin.
Why It's Best:
- ✓ Polished pins prevent hair breakage
- ✓ Ergonomic wooden handle reduces hand fatigue
- ✓ Works for all coat lengths
- ✓ Lasts 10+ years with proper care
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
Small size for toy breeds
Budget
Best bang-for-buck slicker brush with self-cleaning button that retracts bristles for easy hair removal. Fine bent wires remove loose undercoat and prevent mats without scratching skin.
Best For:
- ✓ Daily maintenance and mat prevention
- ✓ Removing loose hair before bathing
- ✓ Budget-conscious owners
- ✓ Easy cleanup (self-cleaning button)
Safari Wire Pin Brush
Puppy cut specialist
Perfect for Yorkies with short puppy cuts. Coated pins won't snag on shorter hair. Ideal starter brush for new owners. Small size fits Yorkie's compact body.
Pet Neat Deshedding Tool
For undercoat removal
Stainless steel teeth remove 95% of loose undercoat. Use once weekly during shedding season. Significantly reduces shedding around the house. Not for daily use.
Andis Steel Comb (7.5")
Finishing tool
Essential finishing comb for final detailing. Two tooth spacing options: coarse for body, fine for face. Use after pin/slicker brush to catch remaining tangles and distribute oils.
Types of Dog Brushes Explained
🔵 Pin Brush
Best for: Daily grooming, long silky coats, detangling
Wire pins with rounded tips penetrate coat without scratching skin. Essential for Yorkies with show coats or medium-long hair. Use gentle strokes in direction of hair growth.
🟢 Slicker Brush
Best for: Mat prevention, removing loose hair, puppy cuts
Fine bent wire bristles grab loose undercoat and prevent mats. More aggressive than pin brushes. Use light pressure to avoid "brush burn" on sensitive Yorkie skin.
🟡 Metal Comb
Best for: Finishing, face grooming, finding hidden tangles
Two tooth spacing for versatility. Use coarse teeth for body coat, fine teeth for delicate face area. Always the last step in grooming routine to ensure no tangles missed.
🔴 Dematting Tool
Best for: Removing existing mats, severe tangles
Sharp blades cut through mats without pulling. Use ONLY on stubborn mats - not for regular grooming. Work slowly and carefully to avoid cutting skin. Consider professional groomer for large mats.
Proper Brushing Technique for Yorkies
Step-by-Step Brushing Routine
Spray with Detangler
Lightly mist coat with leave-in conditioner or detangling spray. Never brush completely dry coat - causes breakage and static.
Start with Legs & Feet
Begin at paws and work upward. These areas mat fastest. Use pin brush with gentle strokes following hair direction.
Brush Body in Sections
Divide body into sections. Brush each section thoroughly before moving to next. Work from rear to front, always brushing with hair growth.
Face & Ears (Use Comb)
Switch to metal comb with fine teeth. Gently comb face, ears, and topknot. Extra care around eyes to avoid poking.
Final Pass with Slicker
Quick pass with slicker brush to remove any loose hair. Light pressure only. Follow with comb to ensure no tangles remain.
❌ Common Brushing Mistakes
- • Brushing wet coat (causes breakage - always dry or use spray)
- • Brushing too hard (brush burn hurts!)
- • Starting at skin (work from tips toward skin gradually)
- • Skipping days (mats form quickly in 24-48 hours)
- • Using wrong brush for coat type
- • Neglecting legs, armpits, behind ears (prime mat zones)
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my Yorkie?
Long coats: Daily (10-15 minutes). Puppy cuts: 2-3x per week (5 minutes). Yorkies have hair, not fur, which grows continuously and tangles easily. Daily brushing prevents mats, distributes natural oils, and reduces grooming costs by preventing severe matting that requires professional removal.
Should I brush my Yorkie before or after a bath?
Always brush BEFORE bathing. Water tightens tangles into impossible knots. Brush thoroughly, then bathe, then brush again once fully dry. If you bathe a matted Yorkie, you'll create felted mats that must be shaved out.
Can I use a human hairbrush on my Yorkie?
Not recommended. Human brushes aren't designed for dog coat texture. They lack proper pin spacing and rounded tips needed for Yorkie's fine, silky hair. Dog-specific brushes prevent hair breakage and skin irritation. A $15 dog brush lasts years and protects your Yorkie's coat health.
My Yorkie hates being brushed. What can I do?
Start with short 2-3 minute sessions with high-value treats. Use gentle strokes and stop before your Yorkie gets stressed. Build positive associations by always ending on a good note. Check for mats - painful pulling makes dogs hate brushing. Consider getting mats professionally removed, then maintain daily to prevent recurrence.
What's the best detangling spray for Yorkies?
Popular options: The Stuff (concentrated conditioner), Isle of Dogs Silky Coating (show quality), Cowboy Magic Detangler (budget). Never brush a completely dry Yorkie coat. Light misting with detangler reduces friction, prevents breakage, and makes brushing easier for both of you.
Related Grooming Guides
How to Groom a Yorkie with Matted Hair →
Step-by-step guide to safely removing mats without cutting your Yorkie's coat.
Yorkie Skin Problems Guide →
Proper brushing prevents skin issues caused by matted hair and poor grooming.
Finding a Professional Yorkie Groomer
While the right tools help, professional groomers have the expertise to keep your Yorkie's coat in show-quality condition. They can handle everything from breed trims to de-matting and can recommend a routine that fits your dog's coat type. Browse our directory of Yorkie groomers to find one near you.
Browse Yorkie Groomers →Looking for a Healthy Yorkie Puppy?
Great coats start with great genetics. Find breeders who produce Yorkies with healthy, silky coats and provide proper grooming guidance for new owners.
Find Responsible Breeders →Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we've researched and believe will benefit Yorkie owners.