If you’ve got a Yorkie, you know how much they love to cuddle up with the ones they love. You’d also know that they’re confident, adventurous, and always find a way to get full of water, dirt, or even mud. Because of their long, silky coats, Yorkies need to be groomed and brushed regularly to avoid tangling. Keeping your Yorkie’s coat in a healthy condition does require a high level of maintenance and time, but it’s also a fun way to bond with them.
There are several types of brushes on the market that you may be considering for your dog, but Yorkies have sensitive skin, so it needs to be gentle. They also commonly have mats and tangles, so you need a brush that can remove those without causing them pain. There’s a lot to consider, but we’ve got some of the best brushes for Yorkies listed below, and hopefully, you’ll find the right one for your dog among our reviews.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Safari Bamboo Pin & Bristle Combo Dog Brush
Suitable for many hair lengths and types
Durable handle
The handle is made from eco-friendly bamboo
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Best Value
JW Pet Gripsoft Small Pin Brush
Affordable
Small size for your Yorkie
Pins are tipped
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Premium Choice
Kenchii Boar & Nylon Bristle Dog Brush
High-quality and durable
Available in small and large sizes
Nylon and boar reinforced bristles
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Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush
Well-loved brush amongst dog owners
Coated tips
Can be used on many coat types
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Safari Combo Brush for Dogs
Dual design
Suitable for multi-pet households
Suitable for most coat types
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The 10 Best Brushes for Yorkies
What is more convenient than a two-in-one dog brush? Not much. That’s why we’ve picked the Safari Bamboo Pin & Bristle Combo Dog Brush as our best overall brush for Yorkies. It has a pin side and bristles side, so whether your dog boasts a long or short coat, this brush will work out any dirt while gently massaging the skin and bringing back the shine to your dog’s hair.
Brush Type: Combo
Coat Length: Short and Long
Material: Wood
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This brush is better than many others because its handle is durable and made from eco-friendly bamboo. You won’t have to replace this brush in a hurry because it’s long-lasting. The bamboo feels comfortable in your hand and has a good grip. Due to the materials used, some customers have reported smelling an odor from the brush after time.
Pros
Suitable for many hair lengths and types
Durable handle
The handle is made from eco-friendly bamboo
Comfortable to use
Cons
May have an odor after time
The JW Pet Gripsoft Small Pin Brush is our choice for the best brush for Yorkies for the money because it’s affordable and practical. Its small size is perfect for your Yorkie’s small body, and its pin bristles do a great job at brushing away dirt and loose hairs from their longer coats. The pins have rubber tips to protect your dog’s sensitive skin. The handle has an ergonomic design that comfortably fits into your hand and has a rubber, non-slip grip, making brushing easy and enjoyable.
Suitable for many hair lengths and types
Durable handle
The handle is made from eco-friendly bamboo
Comfortable to use
- Suitable for many hair lengths and types
- Durable handle
- The handle is made from eco-friendly bamboo
- Comfortable to use
May have an odor after time
- May have an odor after time
Brush Type: Pin
Coat Length: Medium to long
Material: Rubber
This brush can be used on many different breeds as it gently brushes their coats without any pulling or scratching. However, you should still always spray some water and conditioner before brushing to protect your Yorkie’s hair. This brush is a little heavier than expected but is easy to use.
Pros
Affordable
Small size for your Yorkie
Pins are tipped
Ergonomic, non-slip handle
Cons
Heavier than it looks
For a more luxurious, pricier dog brush, consider the Kenchii Boar & Nylon Bristle Dog Brush. It’s available in small and large sizes, perfect for small, medium, or large breeds. It is made of durable, high-quality wood and reinforced bristles to ensure that it lasts a long time. The bristles are made of boar and nylon, which helps prevent your Yorkie’s hair from becoming static. It brings out the shine and is gentle on your dog’s coat.
Affordable
Small size for your Yorkie
Pins are tipped
Ergonomic, non-slip handle
- Affordable
- Small size for your Yorkie
- Pins are tipped
- Ergonomic, non-slip handle
Heavier than it looks
- Heavier than it looks
Brush Type: Bristle
Coat Length: Various
Material: Wood, stainless steel, metal
The brush isn’t only ideal for your dog but for you too. It has a handle with a rubber, non-slip grip to ensure a comfortable grooming session.
Pros
High-quality and durable
Available in small and large sizes
Nylon and boar reinforced bristles
Non-slip handle
Cons
Expensive
The Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush is popular and well-loved amongst dog owners. One side has nylon bristles, and the other has stainless steel pins that are coated to protect your dog’s skin. The brush is great at detangling your Yorkie’s hair, preventing matting, and softening their coat. It can be used on short, long, curly, double, and wire-haired coats, making it a versatile brush in your multi-dog household.
High-quality and durable
Available in small and large sizes
Nylon and boar reinforced bristles
Non-slip handle
- High-quality and durable
- Available in small and large sizes
- Nylon and boar reinforced bristles
- Non-slip handle
Expensive
- Expensive
Brush Type: Combo
Coat Length: All
Material: Plastic
Although Yorkies don’t shed much, the brush will remove any loose hairs in their coat. Most dogs appreciate the metal bristles massaging their skin as you brush through their hair. The brush is well-priced and colorful, but you may find it hard to clean after using it on your Yorkie with very fine hair.
Pros
Well-loved brush amongst dog owners
Coated tips
Can be used on many coat types
Well-priced
Cons
Can be hard to clean
Another very popular dog brush is the Safari Combo Brush for Dogs which comes in an army green color. Unfortunately, they only offer this one color, which is great if you enjoy army green, but you are limited in your choices if you don’t.
Well-loved brush amongst dog owners
Coated tips
Can be used on many coat types
Well-priced
- Well-loved brush amongst dog owners
- Coated tips
- Can be used on many coat types
- Well-priced
Can be hard to clean
- Can be hard to clean
This dual design is great for multi-pet households and is suitable for all breeds, but it might be a bit big for your Yorkie, especially in hard-to-reach places. The wide, long metal pins are great at removing mats and tangles without pain, while the plastic bristles distribute your dog’s natural oils throughout their coat.
The handle is wooden, durable, and comfortable to hold in your hand.
Pros
Dual design
Suitable for multi-pet households
Suitable for most coat types
Comfortable, wooden handle
Cons
No color variety
Could be a bit too big for your Yorkie
- HOP Home of Paws 2-in-1 Dog Grooming Brush
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Brush Type: Combo
Coat Length: All
Material: Wood
For something a little different, we’ve chosen this impressive HOP Home of Paws 2-in-1 Dog Grooming Brush which can be used during or after bath time. One side of the brush has rubber bristles that massage your dog’s skin when they’re covered in shampoo. The bristles not only improve blood circulation in the skin but gently remove dead skin and dirt. Be gentle when using the bristle side, as they are quite hard.
Dual design
Suitable for multi-pet households
Suitable for most coat types
Comfortable, wooden handle
- Dual design
- Suitable for multi-pet households
- Suitable for most coat types
- Comfortable, wooden handle
No color variety
Could be a bit too big for your Yorkie
- No color variety
- Could be a bit too big for your Yorkie
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Brush Type: Combo
Coat Length: All
Material: Wood
On the other side of the brush are boar bristles that can also be used with shampoo and water to remove dirt and grime. The handle is made from natural bamboo and fits comfortably in your hand so that it won’t get tired during extensive brushing. This brush is pricey but very sturdy and versatile.
Pros
Versatile
Can be used dry or wet
Sturdy and well made
Cons
Boar bristles are quite hard
Pricey
Brushing your dog’s hair can be quite a challenge if they’re scared of the brush or think it’s something to chew on while you’re grooming them. That’s why we love the ConairPRO Pet-It Dog Metal Pin Brush. It easily and comfortably fits into the palm of your hand and soothes your dog while they think you’re simply petting them, making grooming so much easier.
Versatile
Can be used dry or wet
Sturdy and well made
- Versatile
- Can be used dry or wet
- Sturdy and well made
Boar bristles are quite hard
Pricey
- Boar bristles are quite hard
- Pricey
Brush Type: Pin
Coat Length: Medium to long
Material: Steel, metal
The brush has a handle that can fit through your fingers to hold it securely in place and prevents your fingers from getting sore from gripping onto a handle. However, it’s too small to comfortably slip through the fingers of someone with very large hands. The stainless-steel pins are tipped and reinforced to make the brush more durable and long-lasting. They’re long and thin, designed to easily work their way into your Yorkie’s long hair.
Pros
Great design to keep your dog at ease if they’re afraid of brushes
Handle easily fits through your fingers
Tipped and reinforced pins
Cons
Too small for someone with very large hands
For a durable bristle brush that professionals use, consider the Chris Christensen Boar Dog Brush. The boar bristles are excellent for short-haired Yorkies to remove any dander and lose hairs. It’s designed to move the oils throughout their coat to leave it looking soft, healthy, and shiny.
Great design to keep your dog at ease if they’re afraid of brushes
Handle easily fits through your fingers
Tipped and reinforced pins
- Great design to keep your dog at ease if they’re afraid of brushes
- Handle easily fits through your fingers
- Tipped and reinforced pins
Too small for someone with very large hands
- Too small for someone with very large hands
Brush Type: Bristle
Coat Length: Short
Material: Wood
Always brush with the grain of your dog’s hair and not against it to avoid irritation. This brush is expensive but durable, lightweight, and made from Beech wood. It’s got a good grip on its comfortable handle. Its bristles are soft but robust and don’t wear out easily, but they can create a bit of static. You can use it on your Yorkie’s face, body, and paws.
Pros
Durable
Lightweight
Comfortable handle
Soft bristles
Cons
Expensive
Can create a bit of static
- Frisco Dog Pin Brush
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Brush Type: Pin
Coat Length: Medium to long
Material: Plastic, rubber
For an effective non-slip handle with an ergonomic design, try out the Frisco Dog Pin Brush. It’s a pin-type brush that has rubber tips that are gentle on your dog’s skin while penetrating through their hair for a proper brush. It can be used on different types of pets, but it only comes in one size and could be a bit big for your small dog’s face and paws.
Durable
Lightweight
Comfortable handle
Soft bristles
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Comfortable handle
- Soft bristles
Expensive
Can create a bit of static
- Expensive
- Can create a bit of static
Brush Type: Pin
Coat Length: Medium to long
Material: Plastic, rubber
Although it’s made of plastic and rubber, this brush shouldn’t be used in the bath. It’s also only available in green, so color options are limited.
Pros
Non-slip, ergonomic handle
Rubber tips
Cons
No color variety
- Wags & Wiggles Bristle & Wiggle Pin Brush
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Brush Type: Combo
Coat Length: Short
Material: Plastic
Looking to make brush time a lot more fun? Consider this funky pin brush from Wags & Wiggles. The pin side of the brush boasts many colors, while the bristle side is black. Although this brush looks fun and funky, it does a good job on short coats and effectively removes mats and tangles while leaving the coat smooth.
Non-slip, ergonomic handle
Rubber tips
- Non-slip, ergonomic handle
- Rubber tips
No color variety
- No color variety
Brush Type: Combo
Coat Length: Short
Material: Plastic
This brush is designed for small dogs, like your Yorkie, with its small head getting to hard-to-reach spots such as their face. It’s got a comfortable handle that is designed to fit in the groove of your palm. However, the brush isn’t very durable, and the pins break off quite easily according to some users.
Pros
Colorful and fun design
Dual brush
Designed for short coats on small dogs
Comfortable handle
Cons
The pins break off quite easily
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Brush for Your Yorkie
As you already know, Yorkies have gorgeous long and silky hair. Their coats are single-layered and similar to human hair, which is why they require extra care. Humans brush their hair every day to avoid knotting, and although you don’t necessarily have to brush your Yorkie’s hair daily, you should do it regularly for the same reasons. However, because their coats are so different from many other dog breeds, it can be tricky to choose the right brush for them, so we’re going to help you.
Colorful and fun design
Dual brush
Designed for short coats on small dogs
Comfortable handle
- Colorful and fun design
- Dual brush
- Designed for short coats on small dogs
- Comfortable handle
The pins break off quite easily
- The pins break off quite easily
Brushes to Avoid
Before we guide you on what you should look for in a brush for your Yorkie, we’re first going to tell you what to avoid. Getting a brush for thick coats (which your Yorkie doesn’t have) can cause damage to their hair and skin.
Slicker brushes are designed to remove mats from long, curly, and thick hair. Your Yorkie may have long hair, but they don’t have any of those other qualities.
Grooming rakes and de-shedders remove loose hairs and are ideal for double-layered coats that are thick and heavy. If these types of brushes are used on your Yorkie, they can cause damage to both their hair and skin.
Different Types of Brushes for Yorkies
Now it’s time to discuss which brushes are best for your Yorkie. The type of brush they’ll need will depend on their hair length but remember to get one that is gentle on their skin while still being able to massage their skin and remove dirt.
Bristle Brushes
Bristle brushes are a great choice for Yorkies with short or shaved coats. However, there are various bristle length options, allowing you to get the one that works with your Yorkie’s hair length. Its bristles are quite close together, which moves your dog’s natural oils over their coat, creates a shine, and removes any dirt or loose hair all at the same time.
This brush is a needed item in all multi-dog homes as it can be used on most dog breeds. There is a range of bristle and brush material variations within this brush type.
Pin Brushes
Pin brushes usually have bristles that are wider apart and longer than other brushes. This is great for Yorkies with medium to long coats as it won’t pull their hair or make it static while you brush out their mats and tangles. They’re also designed to remove dirt, debris, and loose hairs from your dog’s coat, as well as massage it. The pins are generally metal, so to protect their skin, be sure to get one with rubber tips.
Combo Brushes
Conveniently, there is a two-in-one brush that has bristles on one side and pins on the other. It’s ideal for Yorkies because some pet owners prefer to trim their Yorkie’s coats in summer and let them grow out in winter. Regardless of your dog’s hair length, you’ll be able to use the combo brush throughout.
Tips for Brushing Your Yorkie
Start Young
It’s necessary to brush your Yorkie often, daily, if you can. It’ll be an easier task that both you and your Yorkie puppy will enjoy if you start brushing them from an early age. If you put off grooming your puppy for too long, your Yorkie may feel scared and try to run away from the brush.
When you brush your dog, always talk softly and calmly to them to make them feel safe. Once you’re done, reward them with a treat. If they are playful or restless when you start, don’t worry. They’ll soon associate brush time with bonding and they’ll look forward to their reward.
Don’t Brush Their Hair When It’s Dry or Dirty
This may sound strange because many dog coats can be brushed when they’re dirty in an attempt to reduce the debris. If your Yorkie’s hair is dirty, it’s likely going to be tangled, and you may hurt your dog by trying to brush it out. Also, avoid brushing their hair when it’s dry. A Yorkie’s coat is thin and silky, so brushing their hair when it’s dry will cause it to become fizzy, and it’s more vulnerable to breakage.
Either brush your Yorkie’s hair when you’ve given them a bath or spray water and conditioner into their hair before you brush them. It’ll allow the debris to come out smoothly, and it’ll keep their coat silky and healthy.
Use Your Fingers
Brushes are important but so are your fingers. If your Yorkie’s hair is badly tangled, ditch the brush, and work it out with your conditioned fingers instead. This will be a lot gentler on their soft hair and will work better than a brush.
Start From the Bottom
If your long hair gets tangled, you don’t brush from your scalp down, right? The brush would rip and pull at your hair, and it’d hurt. Instead, you grip your hair and start brushing at the knots from the tips, slowly working your way up to your scalp. You’ve got to use the same method with your Yorkie. Start at the tips—or near to them—and work your way up gently.
Don’t Neglect the Comb
A comb is just as important as a brush when grooming your Yorkie. You’ll need to use it on their face as it’s thinner and can reach areas that a bulky brush won’t be able to. It’s also easier to use when brushing your Yorkie’s hair into a topknot. Combs are great at separating the hair when it’s wet to help it dry or when you’re checking for fleas, ticks, or knots. It’s beneficial to use a comb first, just before brushing your Yorkie.
Conclusion
We hope you discovered a great deal about brushes for your Yorkie and feel confident about getting the one you like. Our top picks are the Safari Bamboo Pin & Bristle Combo Dog Brush for its versatility and eco-friendly bamboo handle; the JW Pet Gripsoft Small Pin Brush for its small size and affordable price; and the Kenchii Boar & Nylon Bristle Dog Brush for its high-quality and luxurious look and feel. Remember to start with a comb or your fingers to get the tough tangles out of your Yorkie’s hair, and then go in with the brush.
Featured Image Credit: Studio Peace, Shutterstock
Sources
yorkieinfocenter.com yorkieinfocenter.com pedigree.com akc.org thehappypuppysite.com thesprucepets.com yorkiepassion.com
- yorkieinfocenter.com
- yorkieinfocenter.com
- pedigree.com
- akc.org
- thehappypuppysite.com
- thesprucepets.com
- yorkiepassion.com
