Yorkshire Terriers are not the kind of breed that sheds heavily. Usually, hair only comes out when the owner is grooming the coat, and day-to-day shedding is limited. If your Yorkie is losing a lot of hair, the problem is most likely related to the skin. Improper diet, illness, bathing too often, or using the wrong bathing products can all lead to hair loss.
Do Yorkshire Terriers Shed?
Yes, Yorkshire Terriers do shed, but not seriously. Heavy-shedding breeds such as Golden Retrievers may lose hair all year round and leave fur everywhere in the house. Yorkshire Terriers are much better in that respect. Under normal circumstances, they do not drop hair all over the place. Most loose hair is caught in the brush during grooming. Their long coat also makes it easier to manage, and their tiny body size means that even when they do shed, the overall amount is still limited.
What Should You Do If a Yorkshire Terrier Sheds Excessively?
In general, if a Yorkshire Terrier suddenly starts losing a lot of hair, something abnormal is going on. Common possibilities include illness, skin disease, poisoning, improper bathing, or lack of sunlight. A dog that normally does not shed much but suddenly becomes dull and loses a lot of coat may be sick. If ringworm or another skin disease is present, the hair may fall out in patches.
Improper bathing is another major cause. If human shampoo is used on a Yorkshire Terrier, the dog's skin barrier can be damaged and shedding may become worse. Owners should always use dog-specific bathing products and dry the coat promptly after washing, otherwise dampness may contribute to skin disease. Finally, long-term lack of sunlight may also cause coat problems, which is why daily walks are still necessary. They not only help reduce hair loss but also keep the dog in a better mood.