Yorkshire Terriers have a single, fine coat that tangles easily and loses shine if you use the wrong products or over-bathe. The right shampoo and conditioner keep the coat clean, soft, and manageable. This guide covers what to look for, top picks by coat type, and how to bathe your Yorkie correctly.
Last updated: January 2026 · Reading time: ~10 min
Quick Answer
The best shampoo for Yorkies is Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe (gentle, pH-balanced) for regular use, Isle of Dogs Coature Line for show coats, or Burt's Bees Puppy Shampoo for puppy cuts. Best conditioner: The Stuff Conditioner (concentrated, professional detangler) or Chris Christensen After Bath Treatment (premium). Use pH-balanced dog shampoo only—never human—and silicone-free conditioner. Bathe every 2–3 weeks for long coats, every 3–4 weeks for puppy cuts; over-bathing strips natural oils.
What to Look For in Yorkie Shampoo and Conditioner
| Factor | What to choose |
|---|---|
| pH | Dog skin is 6.5–7.5; use pH-balanced dog shampoo. Human shampoo is too acidic and damages the coat and skin. |
| Shampoo type | Soap-free, gentle surfactants; oatmeal or aloe for sensitive skin. |
| Conditioner | Silicone-free to avoid buildup; detangling and moisture without weighing down fine hair. |
| Concentration | Dilute shampoo before use; concentrated conditioners (e.g. 1:16) last longer and give better results. |
Quick Comparison
| Product | Key Features | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo | pH-balanced, soap-free, oatmeal and aloe, biodegradable | All coat lengths, sensitive skin, regular use | $ |
| Isle of Dogs Coature No. 50 | Royal jelly, 16:1 concentrated, jasmine and vanilla | Show coats, maximum shine | $$ |
| Burt's Bees Puppy Shampoo | Tearless, buttermilk, 99.7% natural, no sulfates | Puppy cuts, budget-friendly | $ |
| The Stuff Conditioner | 1:16 dilute, professional detangler, 8 oz lasts 6+ months | Detangling, long and show coats | $$ |
| Chris Christensen After Bath | Protein and moisturizers, adds body and texture | Show coats, damaged or dry hair | $$ |
Shampoo and Conditioner by Coat Type
| Coat type | Best shampoo | Best conditioner | Bath frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Show coat (floor-length) | Isle of Dogs Coature Line | The Stuff Conditioner | Weekly |
| Long coat (4–8 in) | Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe | Chris Christensen After Bath | Every 2 weeks |
| Puppy cut (1–2 in) | Burt's Bees Puppy Shampoo | Optional; or light leave-in | Every 3–4 weeks |
Top Shampoos for Yorkies
1. Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo (Best Overall)
- Best for: All coat lengths; regular maintenance; sensitive skin.
- Highlights: Natural, pH-balanced, soap-free; oatmeal and aloe cleanse without stripping oils. Biodegradable, cruelty-free, made in USA.
- Note: Good lather; pair with Earthbath conditioner for a matching set.
- Check price: Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo on Amazon
2. Isle of Dogs Coature No. 50 (Premium Show Coat)
- Best for: Show coats; maximum shine and silkiness.
- Highlights: Royal jelly formula; concentrated 16:1 ratio (1 oz shampoo + 16 oz water). Used by professional handlers; jasmine and vanilla scent.
- Note: Higher price; a little goes a long way.
- Check price: Isle of Dogs Coature No 50 shampoo on Amazon
3. Burt's Bees for Puppies
- Best for: Puppy cuts; budget-friendly; gentle, tearless option.
- Highlights: Tearless, buttermilk formula; 99.7% natural. No sulfates, fragrances, or harsh chemicals; safe for puppies 8+ weeks.
- Check price: Burt's Bees puppy shampoo on Amazon
Top Conditioners for Yorkies
1. The Stuff Conditioner (Best Overall)
- Best for: Detangling; shine and softness; long and show coats.
- Highlights: Ultra-concentrated: dilute 1:16 for bath, 1:32 for spray. Professional-grade detangler; 8 oz lasts 6+ months. Use as leave-in or rinse-out.
- Check price: The Stuff Conditioner on Amazon
2. Chris Christensen After Bath Treatment (Premium)
- Best for: Show coats; damaged or dry hair; maximum body and texture.
- Highlights: Protein and moisturizers repair and add body. Used by show handlers for coat quality.
- Check price: Chris Christensen After Bath on Amazon
3. Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Conditioner
- Best for: Everyday use; sensitive skin; pairing with Earthbath shampoo.
- Highlights: Oatmeal and aloe; soap-free, pH-balanced, biodegradable. Moisturizes without heaviness.
- Check price: Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Conditioner on Amazon
How to Bathe Your Yorkie
- Brush thoroughly before bathing. Water tightens tangles into mats. Brush the dry coat with detangler if needed; see how to groom a Yorkie with matted hair if the coat is already matted.
- Wet with lukewarm water. Wet down to the skin; use a handheld sprayer for control. Avoid hot water.
- Apply diluted shampoo. Dilute in a bowl or bottle first. Apply to back, legs, chest; avoid face at first. Massage gently; let sit 2–5 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly. Rinse until water runs clear. Residue causes itching and dullness—rinse 2–3x longer than you think.
- Apply conditioner. Mid-lengths and ends only (avoid roots on fine hair). Leave 2–3 minutes; rinse well.
- Towel and blow-dry. Gently squeeze water; pat with a towel (don’t rub). Blow-dry on low heat while brushing. Never leave the coat wet.
Need a pro for a full groom or show prep? Browse our groomer directory for help.
Bathing Do's and Don'ts
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Bathe every 2–3 weeks (long coat) or 3–4 weeks (puppy cut) | Over-bathe; it strips natural oils |
| Use dog-specific, pH-balanced shampoo | Use human shampoo (wrong pH) |
| Dilute shampoo before applying | Apply shampoo straight from the bottle |
| Rinse until water is completely clear | Skip a full rinse |
| Condition after shampooing (long coats) | Bathe a matted coat (brush or demat first) |
| Use leave-in spray between baths | Use hot water or rub the coat hard with a towel |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I bathe my Yorkie?
Every 2–3 weeks for long coats, every 3–4 weeks for puppy cuts. Over-bathing strips protective oils and can cause dryness and irritation. Between baths, use a leave-in conditioning spray and brush regularly.
Can I use human shampoo on my Yorkie?
No. Human skin pH is around 5.5; dog skin is 6.5–7.5. Human shampoo disrupts the skin barrier and can cause dryness, irritation, and infection. Always use pH-balanced dog shampoo.
Is conditioner necessary for Yorkies?
Yes for long coats—it reduces tangles, adds moisture, and improves shine. For short puppy cuts under 2 inches, conditioner is optional; a light leave-in spray is often enough.
Why does my Yorkie’s coat look greasy after a bath?
Usually one of three: (1) Incomplete rinse—shampoo or conditioner residue looks oily. (2) Too much conditioner—use only on mid-lengths and ends, not roots. (3) Over-bathing—skin overproduces oil. Fix by rinsing longer, using less conditioner, and spacing out baths.
What’s the difference between cheap and expensive dog shampoo?
Ingredient quality and concentration. Premium shampoos ($25–40) are often concentrated (e.g. 16:1), so a small bottle lasts months. Budget options ($8–12) work for maintenance but may contain harsher surfactants. Mid-range ($10–20) often offers the best value for most owners.
Related Grooming Guides
- Best brush for Yorkie hair — Choose the right brush for your coat type.
- How to groom a Yorkie with matted hair — Safe dematting and prevention.
- Best detangler for Yorkies — Leave-in and spray options between baths.
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Browse Groomers →This article is for general guidance only. For skin or coat problems, consult your vet or a professional groomer.