5 Easy Steps To Perfectly Cut Your Yorkie's Face

Published 27 July 2026

Trimming your Yorkshire Terrier's face is an essential grooming task that helps keep them looking their best and feeling comfortable. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can give your furry friend a professional-looking facial cut in the comfort of your own home.

First, gather the necessary tools, including a pair of sharp scissors, a comb, and a pair of thinning shears. Brush your Yorkie's face to remove any tangles and mats, then hold the scissors parallel to their face and carefully trim any excess hair around the eyes, ears, and muzzle. Avoid cutting too close to the skin, and use the thinning shears to blend the cut hair and create a natural look.

Next, focus on shaping the facial hair. Use the scissors to trim the hair on the top of the head into a rounded shape, and trim the hair on the sides and cheeks to create a smooth, even outline. Be sure to pay attention to the eyebrows, trimming them to a desired length and shape. Additionally, you can use the thinning shears to create a feathered look around the edges of the face for a more elegant finish.

Understanding Yorkie Facial Structure

The Eyes

Yorkies have large, round eyes that are typically dark brown or black. Their eyes are set wide apart, giving them a curious and alert expression. The area around the eyes is often trimmed to create a "teddy bear" look. Yorkies' eyebrows are also trimmed to give them a more youthful appearance.

The Nose

The nose of a Yorkie is small and black. The nostrils are flared, which helps the dog to breathe more efficiently. The bridge of the nose is straight, and the tip of the nose is slightly pointed. The nose is often trimmed to create a more refined look.

The Ears

The Mouth

Essential Grooming Tools for Yorkie Faces

To keep your Yorkie's face looking its best, you will need a few essential grooming tools. These include:

• A slicker brush: This brush is used to remove loose hair and dirt from the coat.
• A comb: This tool is used to remove tangles and mats from the coat.
• A pair of scissors: These are used to trim the hair around the eyes, ears, and feet.
• A nail clipper: This tool is used to trim the Yorkie's nails.
• A toothbrush: This tool is used to brush the Yorkie's teeth.

Choosing the Right Scissors for Yorkie Faces

When choosing scissors for trimming your Yorkie's face, it is important to select a pair that is sharp and of good quality. The scissors should be small enough to get into the tight spaces around the eyes and ears, but they should also be large enough to provide good control.

The following are some tips for choosing the right scissors:

• Size: The scissors should be small enough to get into the tight spaces around the eyes and ears, but they should also be large enough to provide good control.
• Shape: The scissors should have a curved blade that can easily follow the contours of the Yorkie's face.
• Sharpness: The scissors should be sharp so that they can easily cut through the hair without pulling or snagging.
• Durability: The scissors should be made of durable materials that will not rust or break easily.

The following table compares some of the different types of scissors available for trimming Yorkie faces:

Preparing Your Yorkie for the Trim

Grooming Tools

Step-by-Step Guide

Additional Tips

Trimming the Yorkie's Hair Around the Eyes

Maintaining the hair around your Yorkie's eyes is crucial for their comfort and vision. Follow these steps to properly trim their facial hair:

Gathering Your Tools

You will need a pair of sharp scissors, a grooming comb, and a damp cloth.

Brushing the Hair

Gently brush the hair around your Yorkie's eyes to remove any tangles or mats. This will make it easier to trim the hair evenly.

Trimming the Hair

Hold the scissors parallel to your Yorkie's face, angling them slightly away from their eyes. Start by trimming any long hairs that hang down over their eyes. Then, carefully trim the hair around the outer corners of their eyes, creating a rounded shape.

Trimming the Hair Above the Eyes

To trim the hair above your Yorkie's eyes, gently lift the hair upward and trim it in an upward direction. This will create a "visor" shape that helps keep the hair out of their eyes.

Caution: Do not trim the hair too short, as this can irritate your Yorkie's eyes.

Finishing Touches

Once you have finished trimming their eyes, gently wipe away any excess hair with a damp cloth. You can also use a small amount of gel or hairspray to help keep the hair in place.

Creating a Tear Stain-Free Face

Tear stains, those unsightly dark marks that can accumulate under a Yorkshire Terrier's eyes, are a common issue. While they're not a health concern, they can detract from the dog's appearance and cause discomfort. Here are some steps to create a tear stain-free face for your Yorkie:

1. Keep the Face Clean

   Regularly wipe your Yorkie's face with a damp cloth or pet-friendly eye wipes to remove any debris, crust, or tear build-up. This will prevent stains from forming.

2. Use Tear Stain Remover Products

   There are several tear stain remover products available specifically for dogs. These products typically contain ingredients like boric acid or witch hazel, which help to gently cleanse the area and remove stains.

3. Change the Water Bowl Regularly

   Bacteria can accumulate in water bowls, irritating your Yorkie's eyes and causing tear production. Change the water bowl daily and wash it thoroughly with soap and water.

4. Check for Allergies

   Allergies can trigger excessive tear production, leading to tear stains. If your Yorkie has allergies, identifying and avoiding the allergens will help reduce tear stains.

5. Veterinary Consultation

   If home remedies don't resolve your Yorkie's tear stains, consult a veterinarian. They can examine your dog for any underlying medical conditions or eye infections that may be contributing to the issue.

Shaping the Whiskers and Beard

Trimming the Whiskers

Shaping the Beard

Trimming the Hair on the Top of the Head

Maintaining Yorkie Facial Hygiene

Tips for Trimming Your Yorkie's Facial Hair

Regularly trimming your Yorkie's facial hair is crucial for maintaining their overall hygiene and well-being. Here are some tips to help you achieve a professional-looking trim:

Equipment

• Sharp scissors
• Fine-toothed comb
• Grooming wipes

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Brush the face: Use a fine-toothed comb to remove any tangles or debris from your Yorkie's face.
2. Trim the muzzle: Hold the scissors parallel to the muzzle and trim the hair around the mouth, keeping the length even.
3. Shape the beard: Use scissors to trim the beard into a desired shape, such as a rounded or tapered look.
4. Trim the eyebrows: Gently trim the eyebrows to frame the eyes and prevent them from becoming overgrown.
5. Blend the edges: Use scissors to gently blend the edges of the trimmed areas to create a smooth and natural look.
6. Check for symmetry: Regularly check for symmetry while trimming to ensure an even look on both sides of the face.
7. Clean the face: Use grooming wipes to gently clean your Yorkie's face and remove any stray hairs.
8. Regular maintenance: Trim your Yorkie's facial hair every 2-3 weeks to maintain its appearance and prevent hair from becoming overgrown and matted.

Avoiding Common Grooming Mistakes

Yorkies are known for their adorable long, flowing hair, but keeping it looking its best can be a challenge. Here are some common grooming mistakes to avoid:

1. Overbathing: Bathing your Yorkie too often can strip the natural oils from their skin, leaving it dry and irritated.
2. Using the wrong shampoo: Choose a shampoo that is specifically designed for Yorkies, as they have delicate skin.
3. Not brushing regularly: Brushing your Yorkie's coat every day is essential to prevent mats and tangles.
4. Cutting the hair too short: Yorkies' hair should be kept long enough to flow down their back. Cutting it too short can damage the hair follicles.
5. Using scissors: Always use grooming shears to cut your Yorkie's hair, as scissors can crush the hair and damage it.
6. Not trimming the nails: Long nails can be painful for your Yorkie and can also lead to health problems.
7. Not cleaning the ears: Yorkies' ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent infections.
8. Not brushing the teeth: Tartar and plaque can build up on Yorkies' teeth, leading to dental problems.
9. Professional grooming is essential: While you can do some of the grooming yourself, it is recommended to take your Yorkie to a professional groomer every 4-6 weeks for a thorough grooming. This will help to keep their coat healthy and looking its best.

Professional Grooming Services for Yorkies

Regular grooming is essential for maintaining the health and appearance of your Yorkshire Terrier. Professional grooming services can provide a wide range of benefits, including:

• Removing dead hair and tangles
• Preventing skin irritation and infection
• Promoting healthy coat growth
• Improving the overall appearance of your Yorkie

Getting Started

Before taking your Yorkie to a professional groomer, it's important to do some research and find a reputable establishment. Ask friends or family for recommendations, or read online reviews to get a sense of the different services and experiences available.

Types of Grooming Services

Professional groomers typically offer a variety of services, including:

• Bathing and brushing
• Haircuts
• Ear cleaning
• Nail trimming
• Anal gland expression

The Yorkie Face Cut

One of the most common grooming styles for Yorkies is the Yorkie face cut. This cut typically involves:

• Trimming the hair around the eyes to create a rounded shape
• Trimming the hair on the top of the head and down the sides to create a smooth, even look
• Leaving a small amount of hair on the chin and under the ears to create a "beard"

Frequency of Grooming

The frequency of grooming your Yorkie will depend on several factors, including the length of its coat, its activity level, and its overall health. Most Yorkies need to be groomed every 4-6 weeks to maintain a healthy coat.

Choosing a Groomer

When choosing a groomer for your Yorkie, it's important to find someone who is experienced and knowledgeable about the breed. Ask about their experience with Yorkies and their grooming techniques. It's also a good idea to ask for a consultation before scheduling an appointment so you can meet the groomer and get a sense of their personality and professionalism.

Cost of Grooming

The cost of professional grooming for a Yorkie will vary depending on the services provided and the location of the grooming establishment. On average, you can expect to pay between $50-$100 per grooming session.

How to Cut Your Yorkie's Face

Keeping your Yorkie's face clean and trimmed is essential for their health and comfort. Here are the steps you can follow to achieve a professional cut:

1. Gather your supplies. You will need a pair of sharp grooming scissors, a comb, and a damp cloth.
2. Brush your Yorkie's face. This will remove any tangles or mats.
3. Hold your Yorkie's head still. You can do this by placing one hand under their chin and the other on top of their head.
4. Trim the fur around the eyes. Use the scissors to carefully trim the fur around the eyes, being careful not to get too close to the eyes.
5. Trim the fur on the muzzle. Trim the fur on the muzzle to a short length, using the scissors to follow the natural contours of the face.
6. Trim the fur on the ears. Trim the fur on the ears to a short length, using the scissors to follow the natural curves of the ears.
7. Wipe your Yorkie's face with a damp cloth. This will remove any loose hair or debris.

People Also Ask

How often should I cut my Yorkie's face?

You should cut your Yorkie's face every 2-3 weeks.

What kind of scissors should I use to cut my Yorkie's face?

You should use a pair of sharp grooming scissors.

How short should I cut my Yorkie's face?

You should trim the fur on the face to a short length, about 1/4 inch.

Can I cut my Yorkie's face myself?

Yes, you can cut your Yorkie's face yourself. However, it is important to be careful and to follow the steps outlined above.