The right dog shampoo will help make the bathing process a positive experience. However, with so many options for dog shampoos, choosing the right one for your Yorkie can be daunting - which is why I have made this comprehensive list of the 7 best dog shampoos for Yorkshire Terriers in the U.S. These shampoos are a good choice because they are formulated to be gentle on your Yorkie's skin. After shampooing, your Yorkshire Terrier's coat should be smooth and silky rather than coarse and knotty. If your Yorkie has a skin condition or infection, consider consulting with your vet before selecting a shampoo for them.
Kim Flatley, a Missouri-based professional dog groomer shared with The Spruce Pets that she likes shampoos that dilute easily, clean well, and don't leave behind any residue. Flatley also recommends finding a chemical-free dog shampoo. In other words, a dog shampoo formulated with natural ingredients
With that in mind, here are the best dog shampoos for Yorkshire Terriers:
1. Isle of Dogs Deep Cleaning Shampoo
My top pick for Yorkshire Terriers is the Isle of Dogs Deep Cleaning Shampoo. This formula features red berries and champagne fragrance and contains natural odor neutralizers to leave your Yorkshire Terriers smelling clean and fresh. The red berries and champagne fragrance isn't too overpowering or strong, making the shampoo great for dogs' sensitive noses. The shampoo is sulfate- and paraben-free and designed to remove dirt, grime, and odor without being harsh on the skin or coat. It's suitable for dogs of all ages, thanks to its mild ingredients.
Size: 16 ounces | Scents: Red berries & champagne fragrance | Benefits: Deep cleansing, nourishing, and odor-neutralizing | Available on Amazon.com.
2. Wahl Oatmeal Dog Shampoo (budget-friendly)
At under $9 for 24 ounces, Wahl USA's Dry Skin and Itch Relief Pet Shampoo is my pick for the most budget-friendly dog shampoo for Yorkshire Terriers. This oatmeal formula is pH-balanced and great for dogs with dry, itchy skin in need of something soothing. Since the shampoo is easy to clean, it will leave your Yorkshire Terrier’s coat looking clean, silky, and smooth. The plant-derived ingredients present in this shampoo make it the choice for dog owners who want to avoid harsh chemicals for their dogs.
While there are no harmful chemicals in this dog shampoo, some dogs are sensitive to certain plant oils. Wahl strongly recommends that you talk to your vet and do a small spot test on your Yorkie at least 24 hours before using any new product. Yorkie owners said this formula helps reduce itching and is gentle on their dog's skin. Additionally, they appreciated its value for money and say it leaves their pets' fur soft and silky.
Sizes: 24 ounces, 64 ounces | Scent: Oatmeal | Benefit: Soothing | Available on Amazon.com.
3. Earthbath's Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo and Conditioner
This formula contains colloidal oatmeal and organic aloe vera to help combat skin irritation and moisturize sensitive, dry skin. It's free of paraben, sulfate, phthalate, phosphate, dye, and soap, making it suitable for dogs with sensitive, dry skin. Many pet owners find this shampoo effective and gentle. They say it leaves their dog's fur soft, shiny, and smooth. Additionally, pet parents appreciate the shampoo's ability to keep their dogs' skin from itching.
Size: 16 ounces | Scent: Vanilla | Benefit: Anti-Itch | Available on Amazon.com.
4. Oliver's Choice Dog Shampoo (best for odor)
Yorkshire Terriers generally don't smell much. However, if your Yorkie does smell, you'll want to bathe them with a deodorizing shampoo. The Oliver's Choice Dog Shampoo is specifically designed to deodorize and leave your Yorkie smelling amazing. It contains oatmeal, aloe, and shea butter fragrance, making it safe for dogs of all ages. The shampoo's naturally derived ingredients will leave your Yorkie feeling and looking incredible!
Pet parents love the shampoo's pleasant scent, softness, and gentleness on their dog's skin. They say the shampoo works well and lathers nicely, adding that it effectively reduces skin irritation and leaves their dog's coat shiny and healthy-looking.
Size: 14 ounces | Scent: Shea butter, aloe vera, oatmeal | Benefits: Soothing, nourishing | Available on Amazon.com.
5. OUAI Fur Bébé Pet Shampoo (best for shine)
Fur Bébé is the ultimate dog shampoo for hydrating, cleansing, and adding shine to your Yorkshire Terrier’s coat. It contains aloe vera to condition fur. To protect fur from pollution while hydrating the skin underneath, the shampoo contains rambutan seed extract. It contains hydrolyzed vegetable protein to improve fur strength and elasticity to fight breakage. For a shiny finish to dog hair, the shampoo contains panthenol, also known as vitamin B5.
Thousands of dog owners love Fur Bébé for its pleasant scent and value for money. They say it's gentle and effective, leaving their dog's coat silky and soft. What's more, many dog parents say the shampoo lasts for a long time and does not cause skin irritation.
Size: 16 ounces | Scent: Mercer Street | Benefits: Hydrates, cleanses, adds shine | Available on Amazon.com.
6. Burt's Bees for Pets' Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo (best for sensitive skin)
Yorkshire Terriers have sensitive skin and are susceptible to skin allergies. Hypoallergenic dog shampoos do not contain harsh chemicals that can trigger allergies in some dogs, including Yorkies. They're formulated to help reduce allergens in your dog's fur and prevent skin irritations. Burt's Bees Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo is free of fragrances, sulfates, colorants, and other harsh chemicals. Plus, it's tearless and pH-balanced, making it suitable for dogs and puppies of all ages.
This natural dog shampoo will freshen up your Yorkie's coat without drying out their skin. If your Yorkshire Terrier has a specific skin condition, consider talking to your vet before selecting a hypoallergenic shampoo for them.
Size: 16 ounces | Scent: Fragrance-free | Benefits: Cleansing | Available on Amazon.com.
7. Wahl Gentle Puppy Shampoo (best for puppies)
Yorkshire Terrier puppies have delicate skin and require a gentler shampoo. In other words, a shampoo specifically made for puppies. Puppy shampoos contain mild ingredients to clean and protect their sensitive skin. Wahl's Gentle Puppy Shampoo is pH-balanced and free of harsh chemicals. It's formulated to gently clean and protect your Yorkie puppy’s delicate skin and coat.
Dog owners love the pleasant scent and quality of this puppy shampoo. They say it is effective and and leaves their puppy's fur soft and fluffy, without causing skin irritation.
Size: 24 ounces | Scent: Cornflower, aloe | Benefits: Cleansing, smoothing | Available on Amazon.com.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Yorkie?
You should bathe your Yorkshire Terrier once every two weeks. If your Yorkie is particularly adventurous or has a longer haircut, the AKC recommends a bath every week. The Yorkie's coat is very similar to human hair in texture and should be treated accordingly.