🦴 Updated on July 14th, 2023
Although Yorkies are a small breed that doesn’t need hours of exercise, their coat requires high maintenance grooming, regardless of its length.
However, because of their sensitive allergy-prone skin, it might be challenging to find the best shampoo for keeping their fur and skin in top condition.
If you’re short on time, our top pick for the best shampoo for Yorkies is Nature’s Specialties Plum Silky Dog Shampoo. Although each of our options has their share of excellent qualities, this Yorkie shampoo has a lasting fragrance, is compatible with any coat style or texture, and gives your dog’s fur a clean sheen.
We compiled this review and guide to help you narrow down the best shampoo for Yorkies. Let’s take a look at our top picks below.
The Best Shampoos for Yorkies Reviewed
Nature’s Specialties Plum Silky
First, we’ll go over our best overall Yorkie shampoo option, Nature’s Specialties Plum Silky Dog Shampoo. This conditioning shampoo has a long-lasting fragrance that keeps your Yorkie smelling as fresh as when you bring them home from the dog groomer.
Nature's shampoo is compatible with any fur texture, so if you love keeping your dog's silky fur in top condition, this is your best option!
Its formula contains non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients which are safe to use on Yorkshire Terrier puppies, kittens, and other small pets. Its silk proteins, aloe vera, and essential oils enhance the shampoo’s conditioning power to keep your dog’s coat and skin refreshed and allergen-free. It’s also made in the United States and is 100% cruelty-free.
Nature’s Specialties comes in three bottle sizes to match your grooming needs: 32 ounces, 16 ounces, and one gallon. If you don’t prefer pouring the shampoo directly on your Yorkie, you can dilute it in warm water up to 24:1 for the most effective results. However, we recommend pouring it carefully to prevent accidental leaking since the cap might not be tightly secured.
Be sure to pay attention to how much shampoo you use during a bathing session since the formula can make your Yorkie’s fur develop static.
Pros:
- Applies with and without dilution
- Non-oily properties
- Fresh scent
- Three size options
Cons:
- Produces fur static
Lilian Ruff Berry Blue
Next up on our list of the top shampoo for Yorkies is Lilian Ruff Berry Blue Brightening Dog Face and Body Wash. Since Yorkies are prone to developing tear stains, this shampoo’s formula is a perfect solution for removing them. Best of all, it leaves a fresh blueberry scent that freshens your home.
We also consider this an excellent option for cleaning your Yorkie’s tear stains because of its tear-free formula. If you’re worried about getting shampoo in your dog’s eyes, it won’t irritate them. You can also use it for a full-body wash if you don’t want to use other shampoo formulas.
The natural blueberry extract scent is an ideal solution for dog owners looking for vegan dog shampoo.
Although Lilian Ruff shows significant results when used on white dog fur, it also brightens coats of any color. It can also soothe dry and itchy skin after a nice, cleansing wash. Although this brightening can vary from dog to dog, it would be wise to measure the amount of shampoo that works for your dog.
Additionally, this shampoo doesn’t require diluting to get it to the consistency you prefer. It lathers well and cleans your Yorkie’s fur and skin with ease, and keeps you from wasting excess shampoo.
Pros:
- Removes tear stains
- Gluten, paraben, sulfate, and tear-free
- Requires no diluting
Cons:
- Coat brightening may vary
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care
Are you having trouble finding a fast solution against mange, seborrhea, or other skin infections? Then consider Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Medicated Dog Shampoo as an additional treatment for your Yorkie. Its active coal tar, salicylic acid, and micronized sulfur prevent inflammation, flaking, and fungal infections.
When using this dog shampoo, you can expect to see significant results within two weeks. However, unlike some of the previous entries on this list, it doesn’t contain a conditioning formula, so it would be wise to use a separate one to prevent the shampoo from drying out their fur by removing natural oils.
This shampoo won't wash away topic flea or tick treatments, allowing it to heal your dog's skin without causing more unnecessary damage
The shampoo doesn’t contain harsh soaps, dyes, and parabens and has a balanced pH level that won’t harm your dog.
For the best results, let it sit on your Yorkie’s fur for ten to 15 minutes before rinsing it off. Depending on your dog’s skin conditions, you might have to use it more frequently to reduce skin issues. However, it’s not the best shampoo for Yorkie puppy owners because only dogs older than 12 weeks can use it. It’s also not safe to use on cats.
Pros:
- It won’t wash away topical flea or tick treatments
- Removes dead skin and opens pores
- Soothes inflammation and hydrates skin
Cons:
- Unsuitable for puppies under 12 weeks of age
- Slightly expensive
Curaseb
Microbial and bacterial infections are one obstacle many Yorkshire Terrier owners have to deal with when caring for their dog’s skin and coat. However, when narrowing down their options, some ingredients might not be as potent as others when relieving current skin infections and preventing future ones.
Therefore, we recommend using Curaseb Chlorhexidine Shampoo for cleaning and treating your Yorkie’s skin problems.
Although it might be challenging to keep your dog steady while letting the shampoo sit for a maximum of ten minutes, the shampoo leaves a pleasant blueberry scent that emphasizes your dog's beauty. After a thorough rinsing and drying session, your pup is good to go.
This soap and paraben-free shampoo can deodorize several hard-to-reach areas of your Yorkie’s body. In addition, it contains 4% of active chlorhexidine that helps fight off microbial skin infections caused by parasites or skin allergies. After lathering it, let it sit for five to ten minutes every few days for significant results.
Curaseb’s chlorhexidine concentration is slightly higher than shampoos containing around 2%, so if your Yorkie happens to be allergic to this substance, you might want to reconsider your options. If not, then you can expect your Yorkie to scratch at their infections and hot spots less frequently.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Eliminates microbial and bacterial parasites
- Enhanced itch relief
Cons:
- Some dogs might be allergic to its chlorhexidine concentration
Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo and Conditioner
Are you having trouble finding the best shampoo for Yorkies with a more natural fragrance and ingredient variety? Then, consider adding Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo and Conditioner to your dog care supplies list.
It’s a gentle two-in-one shampoo and conditioner that keeps your Yorkie’s fur silky and shiny. This is an ideal shampoo if you want to avoid ones that dry out your dog’s fur.
The natural aroma from the shampoo won't cloud your dog with a musky, perfumy scent that other formulas may have.
Buddy Wash comes in several natural scents, including rosemary, mint, sage, and lavender. The formula’s coconut base, aloe vera, and vitamin E cleanse your Yorkie’s skin and keep their fur velvety soft, even after frequent use. It’s an excellent alternative for owners interested in finding shampoo without harsh chemicals.
The shampoo’s gentle properties are also an ideal solution for Yorkshire Terriers with susceptible skin or allergies.
Although Buddy Wash is the most expensive option on our list of the best shampoo for Yorkies, buying the one-gallon size can help you save extra funds in your budget instead of buying multiple smaller bottles for the same washing results. If you don’t want to dilute the solution, shake the container before using it.
Pros:
- Made with natural herbs and oils
- Available in several scents
- Cleans and moisturizes fur
Cons:
- Expensive
Buddy’s Best Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner
One problem many Yorkie owners may encounter during a home grooming session is using a scented dog shampoo that doesn’t last long after rinsing your dog off. To remedy this issue, we recommend considering Buddy’s Best Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner to keep your Yorkie’s fur smelling fresh without washing them every day.
Buddy’s Best instantly removes any foul odors from your Yorkie when cleansing their fur and skin. Typically, this scent lasts around two weeks, making it the perfect solution for owners giving bi-weekly or monthly baths.
The shampoo’s vegan ingredients won’t irritate your dog’s skin, even if they have severe itching symptoms or skin infections.
Buddy’s Best is made with fresh and natural ingredients, including oatmeal that keeps your dog’s fur smooth. It’s also affordable for most pet budgets.
It comes in several appealing flavor scents, including ripe melon and coconut vanilla bean. They also offer a fragrance-free option if you prefer shampoos that don’t give off strong scents.
Another feature we think you may enjoy is how it rinses easily. However, if your Yorkie has longer fur, using this shampoo may cause additional matting. To avoid this issue, measure the shampoo to your liking and rinse thoroughly before drying and brushing your dog.
Pros:
- Long-lasting scent
- Instantly removes odors
- Easy to rinse
Cons:
- It can cause matting
PetAg Fresh ‘n Clean Scented Dog Shampoo
Stocking up on Yorkie shampoo can be a time-consuming process, especially on a tight budget.
You can balance your budget by determining how many bottles you need and how often you need to bathe your Yorkshire Terrier based on their fur or skin quality.
If you're looking for an inexpensive shampoo that keeps your dog's fur unmatted and smelling fresh, PetAG Fresh 'n Clean Scented Dog Shampoo is your best option.
It contains aloe vera and vitamin D, among other ingredients, that keep Yorkie fur shiny, free of matting, and adequately moisturized. It’s an excellent feature if you’re worried about your Yorkie’s fur getting too greasy every few weeks.
Although PetAg’s shampoo cleans fur thoroughly, the scent might be too overwhelming for some people to handle. If you don’t mind it, we recommend using this for your dog’s bathing schedule if you don’t have time to set up a grooming appointment. You may also dilute it with warm water if you want to increase its lathering power while subduing the potent aroma.
Although this shampoo doesn’t have as many sizes and scent flavor options as the previous entries on this list, we also think it’s a great alternative for novice Yorkie puppy owners.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Keeps fur clean for up to two weeks
- Enhanced tangle management
Cons:
- The scent isn’t appealing
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo & Conditioner
Suppose you find high-quality dog shampoo for your Yorkie, but its label states it can only be used on adult dogs or puppies older than three months of age. Luckily, Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo & Conditioner is a practical, organic formula set that we consider the best puppy shampoo for Yorkies over six weeks of age.
If you’re looking for a shampoo that smells different from the other blueberry-scented options, you may enjoy its vanilla and almond fragrance. It also contains enriching oatmeal and aloe that heals irritated skin and prevents dryness.
This is a great option for dog owners looking for shampoo without sulfate, soaps, and artificial dyes. Each bottle contains 16 ounces of shampoo and conditioner.
This two-bottle set stands out from our previous options since they act as a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner. They contain purified water, plant-derived cleansers, and other organic ingredients that won’t harm your dog.
Although Earthbath is an effective tool for keeping your Yorkie’s fur in top condition, the results of using it can vary from dog to dog. For example, the formula can result in excessive matting if used too much in a short time or irritate your Yorkie’s eyes if the shampoo gets in them.
Pros:
- Safe for six-week-old puppies
- Oatmeal and aloe clears itchy and dry skin
- Sweet and nutty aroma
Cons:
- Can cause matting
Pets Are Kids Too Premium Pet Oatmeal Shampoo
Yorkies aren’t a breed known for heavy shedding, but their hair tends to clump together and fall off because of their fine fur texture. Pets Are Kids Too Premium Pet Oatmeal Shampoo makes an excellent addition to any pet owner’s collection to minimize shedding in their homes. After all, excess hair can become a source of someone’s dog dander allergies.
This plant-based shampoo doesn’t contain harmful detergents and alcohol that can harm your Yorkshire Terrier. Instead, these ingredients keep the healthy oils in your Yorkie’s fur to prevent it from falling out as quickly. It’s also dandruff and tear-free.
The shampoo has enhanced ingredients for relieving itching from allergies or dry skin, including oatmeal, aloe vera, and baking soda.
Managing your Yorkie’s shedding isn’t the only thing this shampoo can do. Pets Are Kids Too has a cleansing oatmeal cookie aroma that lasts for days after washing away the dirt and grime off your Yorkie. It’s an excellent alternative to other shampoos that smell like fruit or herbs.
Unfortunately, this shampoo can become too watery when used on Yorkie hair of any length. You’ll have to spend extra time lathering it into their fur, which can lead to using more shampoo per bath than usual.
Pros:
- Reduces shedding
- Odor-eliminating baking soda
- Made with plant-based ingredients
Cons:
- Slow lathering time
Alpha Dog Series Natural Dog Shampoo
Alpha Dog Series Natural Dog Shampoo is another versatile shampoo that Yorkie owners should consider using when they have time to wash their silky companions. It’s an excellent formula that’s safe to use on Yorkies at any life stage.
Like many of the other entries in this lineup, this shampoo contains natural extracts and oils for enhancing your Yorkie’s skin and fur.
Alpha Dog Series has enhanced whitening power that makes your dog's coat brighter, especially if they have lighter colors.
The shampoo is tear-free, doesn’t contain artificial bleaching agents, and is gentle to the touch. It’s also safe to use on any skin, from mild allergies to extensive dermatitis infections.
Alpha Dog Series’ shampoo also has a strong musky fragrance that overpowers oily and smelly fur after a successful bath. However, it might be too overwhelming for some owners or dogs to handle after it dries off.
Pros:
- Sleek dispenser design
- Easy to apply and rinse
- Doesn’t contain bleaching agents
Cons:
- Musky scent
Buying Guide for Choosing the Best Shampoo for Yorkies
Before narrowing down your top picks for the best shampoo for Yorkies, there are several things you need to consider when it comes to finding one that’s safe and effective for your dog, since not all dog shampoos are the same despite having similar functions.
Features to Consider
When choosing a quality shampoo for Yorkies, many factors come to play, so it’s your responsibility to decide what you want based on your Yorkie’s needs. Here are a few ideas to help with your search.
Age Range
Typically, most dog shampoos are suitable for Yorkshire Terriers over three months old, but you can find options for all stages or younger puppies with ingredients that aren’t harsh on their skin.
Lathering Ability
Watery shampoos take more time to lather than thicker ones, so it would be wise to test them.
Your Dog’s Skin Condition
Ideally, you should pick a shampoo that’s compatible with your dog’s skin conditions. Most shampoos can tackle dry skin and smelly fur, while medicated formulas can help with managing mild allergies, severe dermatitis or mange.
Shampoo pH Levels
Most canine shampoos have a pH level of 6.5 to 7 and are less harsh on a dog’s skin than human shampoo. Avoid lower pH levels with higher acidity for a more balanced bathing session.
Fragrance
Several dog shampoos are available in many floral and fruity aromas to help your dog smell cleaner after their refreshing bath. We recommend choosing one with a long-lasting fragrance that isn’t too overpowering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Consider some of these questions as you begin to look for the ideal shampoo for your Yorkie.
What are some common skin and coat problems Yorkies have?
Some Yorkies may react to shampoo differently than others, so look out for the following skin or coat issues before and after bathing your dog:
– Atopic dermatitis – hot spots caused by allergic reactions to food proteins or other allergens
– Dog dandruff – caused by dry air on skin, allergies, and bacterial infections
– Dull coat – caused by a lack of nutrients, such as omega-3s
– Scratching or biting at infected flea bites or parasitical areas
– Swelling or bare bumps
What Yorkie shampoo ingredients should I avoid?
Avoid traditional and two-in-one shampoo for Yorkies containing parabens, such as methylparaben. Although they help with preserving the shampoo’s quality, Yorkies with sensitive skin can have allergic reactions to them. Additionally, don’t pick up anything containing formaldehyde, excessive sulfates, and isopropyl alcohol.
How often should I bathe my Yorkie?
You should bathe your Yorkie every two to four weeks, depending on their coat or skin’s condition. If they have severe itching or skin infections, you’ll need to bathe them every few days until their skin improves.
Should I dilute my Yorkie’s shampoo?
Although you can apply some shampoo formulas onto your dog without adding water, the best shampoo for Yorkies requires dilution to help it get through all their fur and rinse out easier. Water-to shampoo dilution ratios differ between some manufacturers, but the average measurement is 24:1.
Conclusion
Finding the best shampoo when you don’t have time or budget for booking a groomer is the best solution to consider for responsible Yorkie care.
Although all ten of our options work well, we decided that Nature’s Specialties Plum Silky Dog Shampoo is the best Yorkie shampoo to help owners with home grooming because of its fresh scent, lack of toxins, size variety, and safe use on any dog.
Nature's shampoo is compatible with any fur texture, so if you love keeping your dog's silky fur in top condition, this is your best option!
