Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Overall: Veterinary Formula Medicated Dog Shampoo
“Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Medicated Dog Shampoo is the ideal shampoo if your Yorkie is suffering from skin problems such as mange, bacterial infection, inflammation and other similar conditions.”
Best Value for Money: Paws & Pals 2-In-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
“Paws & Pals 5-In-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo is an affordable 5-in-1 shampoo made from healthy, natural ingredients providing many benefits to your pup’s hair and skin. Your Yorkie will smell fresh with moisturized coat.”
Premium Option: Burt’s Bees Tearless Shampoo & Conditioner
“Burt’s Bees for Dogs All-Natural Tearless Shampoo & Conditioner is a cruelty-free shampoo with natural ingredients. This is an excellent choice for Yorkies as they have a gentle and effective chemical-free formula.”
Yorkshire Terriers are tiny and adorable, but they can be fragile! Feeding them the best food is the first step to keeping them healthy.
When it comes to cleaning, choosing the best shampoo for Yorkies can keep their skin nourished and their fur pretty.
Here’s all you need to know!
Table of Contents
Best Shampoo for Yorkies in 2021
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Medicated Dog Shampoo
Best Medicated Shampoo
PROS
- Paraben, dye, and soap-free
- Treats various skin conditions
- Doesn’t interfere with flea and tick treatments
- pH balanced
CONS
- Doesn’t come with a pump
The Veterinary Formula Medicated Dog Shampoo is one of the best Yorkie shampoo options if your little one suffers from a skin condition. It’s made from veterinary-grade ingredients, and is paraben, dye, and soap-free so there’s nothing to irritate your Yorkie’s skin.
It comes in a 1-gallon bottle, so it’s likely to last you a long time if your dog’s skin problems clear up quickly.
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Treats a Variety of Conditions
This top-rated shampoo helps alleviate symptoms and treat the root of conditions such as mange, fungal and bacterial infections, parasites, seborrhea, dermatitis, and inflamed, itchy skin.
It’s a good shampoo to have if your Yorkie is prone to skin problems. It’s formulated for dogs older than 12 weeks of age and is pH balanced to be as easy on your dog’s skin as possible.
Some users may find the lack of a pump-action annoying, but it’s a small price to pay for a high-quality vet-approved shampoo.
Paws & Pals 2-In-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
Best Value for Money
PROS
- Affordable
- 2-in-1 formula
- Natural, healthy ingredients
- Made in the USA
CONS
- Contains sulfates
Yorkie parents on a budget, we recommend the Paws & Pals 2-In-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo. It’s a shampoo and conditioner. If you’re pinching pennies, this is a great, comprehensive product with many benefits.
It’s made in the USA, from natural, locally-sourced ingredients. Be aware, though – while they do state that they don’t sacrifice vegan or organic principles, this product is actually neither vegan nor organic. Don’t be fooled!
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2-in1 Action
With ingredients like aloe vera, oatmeal, and vitamin B5, your dog’s coat will get a good cleanse that will help keep your Yorkie smelling and feeling pretty.
The ingredient list is put together to help shampoo and condition your Yorkie’s coat, reduce mats and tangles, moisturize both the hair and the skin, and keep them smelling fresh!
You may notice that it contains sulfates, while many other formulas are going sulfate-free. If you’re using this shampoo as per the instructions, you shouldn’t need to worry.
Burt’s Bees for Dogs All-Natural Tearless Shampoo & Conditioner
Premium Option
PROS
- Natural list of ingredient
- Puppy formula is gentle
- pH balanced
- Cruelty-free
CONS
- May dry out dog’s skin
Burt’s Bees has been around for decades, and they make healthy, natural products that also tick the cruelty-free box. The Burt's Bees Shampoo & Conditioner is their puppy formula, but it’s perfect for Yorkies and will be gentle and effective.
You won’t find anything artificial in this shampoo. They’re committed to being natural and as wholesome as possible. They also get a thumbs up for being transparent about being cruelty-free!
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All Natural
The combination of natural, healthy ingredients, and being free from chemicals, artificial dyes, fragrances, parabens, and synthetic ingredients, makes this product very easy on puppies, adults, and seniors.
If you have a multi-dog household, you can use this across the board without worrying! Of course every dog is different, so you’ll need to be discerning. But if any of your dogs develop dry or itching skin on this shampoo, Burt’s Bees does offer a coconut oil based variety which could solve those problems.
4-Legger USDA Certified Organic Dog Shampoo
Best for Sensitive Skin
PROS
- USDA certified organic
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Safe for all life stages – even newborn
- 30-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Some may find the scent to be too strong
4-Legger is committed to making healthy, wholesome products. This is USDA certified organic, holistic, and hypoallergenic.
Whether your Yorkie is sensitive or not, the 4 Legger USDA Certified Organic Dog Shampoo would be a good choice. 4-Legger uses organic ingredients that result in a formula that’s just about completely tear-free, allergen-free, and 100% non-toxic.
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Certified Organic
4-Legger shampoo is so healthy that even newborn puppies can use it! It’s just that gentle, so you can imagine it would be perfect for dogs with sensitivities.
You can use it safely and guilt-free on any dog you have. They use vegan, certified organic ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and essential oils to cleanse, moisturize, and leave your dog feeling and smelling great.
We recommend 4-Legger if you have dogs of varying ages and health conditions in the house.
Wahl Pet Friendly Waterless No Rinse Shampoo
Best Medicated Shampoo
PROS
- No rinsing necessary!
- pH balanced
- Alcohol-free
- Easy to use
CONS
- May not clean as effectively as normal shampoos
If your Yorkie gets into the mud often or simply is afraid of water (it happens!), a no-rinse shampoo like the Wahl Pet Friendly Waterless No Rinse Shampoo could be the best idea. It’s very easy to use – simply spray on, lather like you would a normal shampoo, and dry your dog’s coat with a towel.
Give them a good brush afterward to make sure every bit of their coat gets to benefit from this shampoo.
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Great for Dogs Who Don’t Like Water
Although we don’t recommend this shampoo as your main one, it’s super for dogs who tend to get dirty often and don’t like water. You won’t need to worry about protecting your Yorkie’s ears from ear infections, or getting the temperature right with this one.
It’s still a good idea to use a normal shampoo regularly. This would be a good choice to have around the house in case your Yorkie goes dirty adventuring in between baths and needs a quick but effective clean-up!
Different Types of Shampoos for Yorkies
General Purpose
A general purpose shampoo will clean your Yorkie’s fur and make them smell sweet. These shampoos usually contain good, natural ingredients plus some healthy essential oils, but nothing fancy and aren’t aimed at specific conditions.
If your Yorkie has no skin problems and isn’t overly sensitive, then a general purpose shampoo could work well. Just make sure it contains only good stuff and no harmful chemicals.
Puppy Shampoo
Puppies are naturally a little more sensitive than adult Yorkies. While it’s not an absolute must to buy a puppy shampoo if you have a Yorkie puppy, it’s advisable to do so.
Puppy shampoos are formulated slightly differently to adult ones, and are basically created for extra sensitive dogs.
Make sure the one you choose is filled with all-natural stuff, contains no chemicals, and has great reviews by other puppy parents.
Flea Shampoo
There’s nothing worse than having an itchy, scratchy little Yorkie who’s being chewed apart by fleas! Buy a flea shampoo to help remedy the problem.
The best shampoo for Yorkies with fleas will contain specific ingredients that will kill the fleas and other biting insects without harming your dog.
Just make sure your dog’s scratching is fleas and not allergies before you buy one of these shampoos!
Dry Skin Relief
If your Yorkshire Terrier suffers from dry skin, he could benefit from a dry skin relief shampoo. Sometimes these are labeled as anti-itch, because they relieve itching and soothe flaky skin too.
Yorkies with yeast infections, skin-related medical conditions, or allergies may do better with one of these shampoos than a regular one. They’re usually packed with essential oils and Omegas to soften and nourish the skin and coat.
Sometimes these are both shampoos and conditioners in one product, for extra moisturizing.
Medicated Shampoo
The word “medicated” refers to shampoos that have been specially formulated to treat certain medical conditions. Some common conditions that may need a medicated shampoo include allergic reactions, fungal or bacterial infections, and parasites.
If you feel that your Yorkshire Terrier may need a medicated shampoo, it’s best to speak to your vet to get some advice. If a medical condition is the problem your Yorkshire Terrier may need more treatment than just shampoo.
Shedding Control
Thankfully, Yorkies don’t shed much. But every Yorkshire Terrier is different, and you may find that yours leaves too much hair lying around. A shedding control shampoo could help Yorkies who lose a lot of hair.
If your Yorkie does shed excessively it’s worth getting them looked at by a vet. There could be an underlying medical condition that would need to be treated by a special diet and medication.
Dandruff Control
Dogs get dandruff too! If your Yorkshire Terrier’s skin and coat are flaky and leave little bits of dry skin in their hair, an anti-dandruff shampoo may be the way to go.
These often contain ingredients that nourish both the fur and the skin. They’re great for moisturizing skin and reducing flakiness, and usually contain Omegas to keep the skin supple and prevent dryness.
What to Look When Picking the Best Shampoo for Yorkies
Hypoallergenic
Yorkies can be sensitive little things, so the best Yorkie shampoo should be one that has very little chance of aggravating or inducing allergic reactions or skin issues.
Shampoo for Yorkies should be free from harsh chemicals, artificial ingredients, and contain only high-quality ingredients that are all-natural.
A formula that’s hypoallergenic may also be labeled “no-tears” or “tear-free”, “perfume-free”, “non-toxic”, and “dye-free”. Basically, the best shampoo for Yorkies should have no ingredients in it that could cause an adverse reaction in dogs with sensitive skin!
Natural
The best shampoos for Yorkies should contain all-natural ingredients. There’s no need to add anything artificial to dog shampoos, and things like artificial colors or scents could actually irritate your Yorkshire Terrier’s skin, even if they don’t have particularly sensitive skin.
Always check the ingredient list when shopping for Yorkie shampoo. A good dog shampoo will be filed with high-quality, natural stuff. If you aren’t sure of what ingredients are, it’s always worth Googling before you buy!
pH Balanced
If you’ve seen “pH balance” on a dog shampoo, you may wonder what it means. Our dog’s skin has a particular pH balance. Using human shampoo, or even the wrong dog shampoo, can throw this balance off and disrupt the production of natural oils on their skin.
A dog shampoo that has the right pH balance means it’s just the right mix of stuff to work with your dog’s skin and not damage or reduce those natural oils. This is why using a human shampoo on dogs is never a good idea!
Moisturizers
If your Yorkie needs help with dry, itchy skin, a dog shampoo with moisturizing properties could be one of the best options.
Pet shampoo usually contains ingredients that help add extra moisture to the skin and fur, relieving dry, itchy skin that could be caused by skin allergies.
By moisturizing the skin, dry flakes are reduced and itching is alleviated. It also gives your dog’s coat a shine!
Cleansers
Have you ever had to bathe your Yorkie after he or she rolled in something they shouldn’t have? The best dog shampoo needs to be able to cleanse your dog’s skin and coat well.
Pet shampoo is designed to cleanse the skin and coat, restore the skin’s pH balance, and provide a natural barrier against dirt and debris.
Environmentally-Friendly and Cruelty-Free
Here at Dog Embassy, we care about more than just dogs! We’re advocates for environmentally-friendly and cruelty-free products.
Unfortunately, not all dog shampoo ticks these two boxes. But we urge you to consider this when looking for the best shampoo for Yorkies.
It can be difficult to find this information, as not all products put it on their label. But a bit of research into the brand will help.
7 Tips for Bathing a Yorkie
1: Brush Out Tangles First
Bathing a tangled Yorkie can make the knots worse! Do your best to detangle your Yorkie before getting them wet and shampooed.
If you brush your Yorkie regularly, you’ll most likely only need to spend a few minutes on this step.
2: Get The Water Temperature Right
Between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect for Yorkies. The water should feel slightly cool to the touch – remember, your body temperature is higher than theirs, so it won’t feel warm to you. Don’t worry that it’s too cold for them!
3: Protect The Ears
If water gets in Yorkies’ ears, it can mean an ear infection. Keep your Yorkie’s ears safe by gently placing cotton balls inside them, and take extra care not to spray water into or close to their ears.
4: Shampoo Your Yorkie
Lather your Yorkie shampoo over your little dog and make sure you hit all the hot spots! Start at the scruff of the neck and work your way down, not forgetting the legs and tail.
You can shampoo their face, but be extra gentle and take your time. We don’t want the pet shampoo getting in your Yorkie’s eyes.
5: Make Sure You’re Rinsing With The Same Temperature Water
If you’ve switched the water off and on again to rinse, make sure it’s still fairly cool to your touch. Scalding your Yorkie will only lead to worse problems! No dog parent wants to injure their furry baby, either.
6: Dry Them Well
Although a Yorkie has a single-layer coat, he needs to be dried off properly. Rubbing your Yorkie with a towel is a good way to dry him off, and if necessary, a hair dryer. If you do choose to use a dryer make sure it’s on the coolest setting possible. If it still feels warm to you, it’s probably too hot for your Yorkie!
7: Reward Them Afterwards
Giving a dog a bath can be a tough job, but it can’t be fun for the dog! Give your Yorkie plenty of love and a treat once you’re done. Positive reinforcement means they’ll be less fussy next time a bath comes along!
Questions & Answers
How Often Should a Yorkie Be Bathed?
Yorkies have silky, long hair so they need to be kept clean and pretty. Bathing them every two weeks is a good timeline.
It’s worth noting that bathing your Yorkie too often can result in their natural oils drying out, leaving your dog with itchy skin.
Bathe them every two weeks, and if their dry skin is getting worse, you may need to switch to a different pet shampoo or keep bath time to once a month instead.
How Do I Keep My Yorkie Smelling Good?
Regular bathing, brushing, and maintaining your Yorkie’s silky coat will keep them smelling as nice as possible.
As long as you’re taking good care of your pup, using the right dog shampoo and conditioner, and feeding them the right food, it should be easy to keep your dog smelling and looking pretty.
Of course, if they roll in something today, you’ll want to wash it out as soon as possible!
Can I Use Baby Shampoo On My Yorkie?
We recommend never using a human shampoo on your dog. While baby shampoo is gentle, it isn’t formulated with dogs’ skin and coat in mind.
A dog shampoo for Yorkies (or any other dog, for that matter) is created to work with the natural “acid mantle” that all dogs have, which is a barrier against dirt, dust, and other environmental stimuli.
Human shampoo can disrupt that and open your Yorkie up to skin allergies or developing sensitive skin.
What Shampoo is Best for Yorkies?
The best shampoo for Yorkies is one that’s hypoallergenic, all-natural, moisturizing, cleansing, and easy on the skin.
It’s possible that your Yorkie needs something more specialized, but it should be apparent to you if your dog struggles with severe skin allergies or a dry, brittle coat.