She's got a cottony coat!

[Ldyrev1]

Hi everyone, I have been brushing and combing Princess Sophie's hair since she came home at 8 weeks of age and for the longest time I thought she might end up being a silky coat however in the last week, I have noticed that she has cottony fur on her legs, belly and neck. I have also noticed she has a couple matts on her back haunches. So now begins learning how to properly groom a cottony coat.

I have seen picts of plenty of really pretty cotton coated yorkies on this site so I just want to know how to do it properly.

Right now, Princess Sophie is a little wiggle worm and any time I get to any part of her that mildly resembles a tangle/mat, she pitches a fit and I practically have to wrestle her to try to keep her still. I don't very often succeed. LOL!

I checked out the videos on the grooming library and the last one I couldn't bring up at all. None of them and I have a feeling that these are the videos that could really help me. I have notified Admin of this issue and asked they look into it and let me know if it's my computer or if there really is something wrong with this post.

If anyone would like to offer me some more advice I would be happy to hear it. I'm all ears!!

[MandiesMom]

Don't jump the gun too fast on calling her coat. I was thinking Mandie might have a cottony coat for a while because she was getting mats and it was wavy. The longer it grew and the more of her puppy coat that she lost, the less mats and the silkier she got.

I think she's still too young to know as she is still with her puppy coat.

For that transition time when Mandie was getting mats, I tried cornstarch and tried to work them out with my fingers. It made her miserable, so I just ended up cutting them out with scissors each time.

[nanahas3]

I agree. Kyra had a coat that needed constant attention as a puppy. No she never mats.

[Ldyrev1]

Well, Princess Sophie didn't mat when we first got her that's why I thought she was getting a cotton coat. I realize now, and remember hearing, that their coat may go through several changes during their first year. I'm really good either way I'm just looking for help on taking care of the mats and appreciate the information. I have already cut out two small ones that were in places where she just didn't want me to go. LOL I'll just keep at it.

She goes in for her first hair cut tomorrow morning and I think I have decided with a modified schnauzer for her since that will allow her to wear more clothes and not get mats under her arms and legs. I do want her to grow out her head hair as I want her to be able to wear bows (she is a yorkie of course)!!

Thanks again!!

[MandiesMom]

When I first got Mandie at 4 1/2 months old, they had her in a schnauzer cut. I'm still waiting on her hair to grow. lol. Nah, it's come a long way.

The reason I even mention it is because when it was growing out, that's when the mats started happening. She got them under her arms and even on her cheek. It was like a 3 week period there where I kept having to snip. The longer her hair got..the less mats.

[kjc]

I agree... too soon to tell for sure....

[MI Yorkielover]

Our Sophie has a cottony coat but she never mats. We keep her in a puppy cut. I use Yorkie Sheen when I brush her and the brush glides through her coat easily and leaves her coat shiny and smelling wonderful.

[gracielove]

Most dogs do have very fine hair that tangles easily on the belly and under the legs. I have read that some people trim the hair off the belly so they don't have to deal with it. I have never done that but it is an option if you have a lot of trouble with that area. Gracie does not have a cotton coat but I do use a lot of conditioner on her. I would think a cotton coat would need a lot more. Always use a good metal grooming comb and a conditioning spray when doing your daily grooming. I only use a brush after any tangles are completely combed out.

I also find that after a week's time most conditioners have run their course of usefulness so I bathe once a week. That keeps the coat soft and more manageable between baths.

You still have some time before she has her full adult coat so she may still end up with a totally different type of texture to her hair.

[Teresa Ford]

Hi Diane, couple of things might help. Cornstarch and a good smooth toothed comb (we use Maden Combs and Brushes they make a huge difference) toplinepet.com
My Sister swears by the spray detangler from Yorkie Sheen.
I use a good conditioner after the shampoo, it makes the hair more flexible and less breaking.
I think the Schnauzer cut with a long beard and top knot is so cute.

[rubynrosie]

Originally Posted by MandiesMom

Don't jump the gun too fast on calling her coat. I was thinking Mandie might have a cottony coat for a while because she was getting mats and it was wavy. The longer it grew and the more of her puppy coat that she lost, the less mats and the silkier she got.

I think she's still too young to know as she is still with her puppy coat.

For that transition time when Mandie was getting mats, I tried cornstarch and tried to work them out with my fingers. It made her miserable, so I just ended up cutting them out with scissors each time.

I was just gonna second third and fourth what every one has said...Ruby's coat matted horribly as she has been switching to her adult coat. I finally had to give in and I got her groomed and trimmed earlier then i wanted to help with the matting ...now at 18 months she rarely mats....mainly at the top of her head.

[suicide_blond]

Alice is a puppy mill rescue... her coat has never been quite "right" she has much more of a "rough and tumble" look than a lot of her other yorkie friends...it suits her personality! Her hair is really thick and wavy cottony on her shoulders and rump..but silky on her head and tummy/sides...
we have tried lots of dif cuts but seems to be the cutest/most comfortable for her when its med long all over and i keep her beard trimmed and her visor trimmed...
alll that said she is adorable and never mats ..so we consider ourselves doubly blessed!
xoxo

[gracielove]

I don't think you said what product line you use on her. If ya did I missed it. Anyway, using ALL natural products will also help with keeping the coat smooth and easier to groom. Most regular brands will not give the kind of conditioning that most Yorkies need. I have seen several all natural product lines mentioned here on YT. Sulfates are the worst for Yorkie coats.

[Ldyrev1]

Originally Posted by gracielove

I don't think you said what product line you use on her. If ya did I missed it. Anyway, using ALL natural products will also help with keeping the coat smooth and easier to groom. Most regular brands will not give the kind of conditioning that most Yorkies need. I have seen several all natural product lines mentioned here on YT. Sulfates are the worst for Yorkie coats.

I have been using the Espree product line. Their puppy shampoo, conditioner, and hydrating spray when I'm combing out a dry coat.

I did try the Yorkie Splash and Shine as well as the Detangler but I thought it left her way too greasy and yes, I rinsed, rinsed, and rinsed again so I just don't know what I should do.

[Hrossen11]

Teddy had the same problem. He hated grooming, would try to bite me and wiggle all over. so at 5 months had him trimmed to 5/8 inch puppy cut all over, his new coat is growing in beautifully, no mats since and his coat is about 1 1/2 long. I also added salmon oil to his food, and use detangler spray with hair serum when grooming. Once he got his short coat, he didn't mind being brushed plus I gave him boiled chicken while grooming. Now he just lies down and let's me groom.

[mperran1974]

Don't forget to post pics of her new cut. hint, hint! I'm sure she'll be beautiful.