Does A Yorkie Poo Shed? How Much, Causes, Prevention, & How To Combat It

If you’re thinking about getting a lil Yorkie Poo pup, it’s crucial that you know what to expect in terms of Yorkie Poo shedding. Like other Poodle mixes, they’re always praised for their non-shedding coats. But is it all true? Does a Yorkie Poo shed? How much do Yorkie Poos shed? And what can you do about it? Let’s find out. 

Table of Contents

• Does A Yorkie Poo Shed?
• Why Is My Yorkie Poo Shedding So Much?
• Do Yorkie Poos Shed? Full Breed Generation Comparison
• How To Reduce Excess Yorkie Poo Shedding
• Does A Yorkie Poo Shed? Frequently Asked Questions
• Does A Yorkie Poo Shed? Final Thoughts

Does A Yorkie Poo Shed?

One of the main appeals of the Yorkie Poo is that they come with low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats. After all, that’s why the first Poodle mixes were created – to achieve a low-shedding and hypoallergenic breed with the help of the Poodle genes.

Although there’s no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic and non-shedding dog, the Poodle does come pretty close. Likewise, so do Poodle mixes. Poodles are single-coated dogs, meaning that they have just one layer of hair. Double-coated breeds, on the other hand, shed their undercoats either seasonally or throughout the year.

Another thing to note about the Yorkie Poo is that both of its purebred parents are single-coated breeds. So, not only do they have the low-shedding Poodle as a parent, the Yorkshire Terrier is also a single-coated pup that doesn’t shed. For this reason, Yorkie Poos are usually considered low shed. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they never shed… 

Why Is My Yorkie Poo Shedding So Much?

So why do Yorkie Poos shed? Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common reasons:

Coat Type

If coat type usually impacts how much Poodle mixes shed, then it’s not exactly the case with the Yorkie Poo. As we learned earlier, both the Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle are single-coated breeds, meaning that neither of them have a shedding undercoat. Therefore, regardless of their coat type, all Yorkie Poos tend to be very low shedders.

In contrast, what happens with many other Doodle breeds is that certain coat types may indicate a higher potential for shedding. For instance, if the other purebred parent is double-coated, some Doodle puppies may also inherit traits from that side of their lineage. This includes their coat type and potential for shedding. 

Like most other Poodle mixes, the Yorkie Poo can come in three coat types – curly, wavy, or straight coats. As a general rule of thumb, curly coats in Doodles are considered the least shedding, whereas straight coats could potentially shed some hair.

However, even straight coat Yorkie Poos are single-coated, and therefore shed very little. On the other hand, since the straight coat isn’t as textured as the curly coat, it may appear that straight coats shed slightly more than curly coats. 

Genetics & Generation

When combining two different purebred dogs, we can never know for sure how the puppies will turn out. Obviously, one of the key factors determining a Yorkie Poo’s coat type and potential for shedding is their genetic makeup. 

If your Yorkie Poo pup inherits most of its traits from the Poodle parent, we can expect them to be very low to non-shedding, and usually have curly coats. Likewise, if your pup takes more after their Yorkshire Terrier parent, they’ll likely have less curl in their hair, and they may be shedding slightly more than their curly-haired cousins. 

One of the easiest ways to predict a puppy’s coat type and potential for shedding is by looking at their generation. Crossbreeds come in different generations, which tell us how the puppies were bred. We’ll discuss more about Yorkie Poo generations later on in this guide and find out which Yorkie Poos shed the least. 

Health Related Causes For Excessive Shedding In Yorkie Poos

Although genetics play a key role here, environmental factors can also affect your Yorkie Poo’s potential for shedding. Regardless of their coat type, all Yorkie Poos may experience shedding for one reason or another, typically because of health conditions. Some of the most common causes of excess Yorkie Poo shedding include:

Unsuitable Or Unbalanced Diet

Diet is one of the leading causes of excessive Yorkie Poo shedding. If your pup doesn’t get all of its essential micro and macronutrients from its diet, it can lead to nutrient imbalances, a common cause for excessive shedding and bald spots. 

Moreover, making sudden changes to your Yorkie Poo’s diet can also affect their digestive health, skin, and coat health. If you do decide to switch your pup’s kibble or wet food formula, be sure to do it gradually over time to avoid any issues with shedding or digestion. 

Allergies & Sensitivities

Like other Doodles, Yorkie Poos can be quite sensitive to various ingredients in your usual dog food formulas. Yorkie Poos can experience allergies, sensitivities, and food intolerances. All of them can cause digestive upset, but also lead to excessive shedding. 

In addition to food-related allergies and sensitivities, Yorkie Poos may also be allergic to certain shampoos, conditioners, and other grooming products. Allergic reactions caused by grooming products can also lead to excessive shedding and bald spots. 

Fleas, Ticks, & Parasites

Like other dogs, Yorkie Poos are also at risk of catching fleas, ticks, and other parasites. All of them can cause a wide range of symptoms, one of the most common one being shedding. 

This usually happens because fleas and ticks make your pup all itchy and uncomfortable. Obviously, your pup will try to relieve the discomfort by obsessively scratching and licking their skin, which ultimately leads to shedding and bald spots. 

Anxiety & Stress

Yorkie Poos can also struggle with anxiety and stress. Just like in humans, extended periods of stress and anxiety can lead to hair loss. Most commonly, Yorkie Poos experience stress due to separation anxiety or changes in their daily routine or family dynamics. Anxious and stressed pups tend to also excessively lick and scratch themselves, which can lead to excessive shedding and balding in certain spots. 

Do Yorkie Poos Shed? Full Breed Generation Comparison

Does a Yorkie Poo shed? One way you could try to predict that is by looking at your Yorkie Poo’s generation. As we learned earlier, generations tell us how a litter of Doodle puppies were bred, and how much of their genetic makeup consists of either of the parental breeds. 

Here are all the possible Yorkie Poo generations and what each of them represents:

	1st Parent	2nd Parent	% Yorkshire Terrier*	% Poodle*
F1 Yorkipoo (first-generation)	Yorkshire Terrier	Poodle	50%	50%
F1B Yorkipoo (first-generation backcross)	F1 Yorkipoo	Poodle	25%	75%
F1BB Yorkipoo (first-generation backcross backcross)	F1B Yorkipoo	Poodle	12.5%	87.5%
F2 Yorkipoo (second-generation)	F1 Yorkipoo	F1 Yorkipoo	50%	50%
F2B Yorkipoo (second-generation backcross)	F1 Yorkipoo	F1B Yorkipoo	37.5%	62.5%
F2B Yorkipoo (alternate cross)	F2 Yorkipoo	Poodle	25%	75%
F3 / Multigen Yorkipoo	F1B Yorkipoo or higher	F1B Yorkipoo or higher	Varies	Varies

Do F1 Yorkiepoos Shed?

Does a Yorkie Poo shed if they’re first-generation? Since F1 Yorkie Poos are roughly 50% Poodle and 50% Yorkshire Terrier, it’s difficult to predict how the puppies in the litter will turn out. 

F1 pups can either inherit the curly Poodle-inspired coat, a straight Yorkshire Terrier coat, or a wavy combination coat. Although all varieties of the Yorkie Poo are low shedders, straight coat Doods may shed slightly more since the loose, dead hair is less likely to get caught in the fur. 

Do F1b Yorkie Poos Shed?

F1b Yorkie Poos have an F1 Yorkie Poo parent and a Poodle parent, making their genetic makeup roughly 75% Poodle and 25% Yorkshire Terrier. Since these pups are more likely to take after their Poodle ancestors, there’s a higher chance that they come with curly coats that might shed slightly less hair than the other coat types. 

Do F1bb Yorkie Poos Shed?

With an F1b Yorkie Poo parent and a Poodle parent, F1bb Yorkie Poos have the highest percentage of Poodle in their genetic makeup – roughly 87.5%. As you can guess, F1bb Yorkie Poos inherit most of their traits from the Poodle parent, including the curly coat. For this reason, F1bb Yorkie Poos are very low shed compared to F1 pups. 

Do F2 Yorkie Poos Shed?

F2 Yorkie Poos have two F1 Yorkie Poo parents, making their genetic makeup roughly 50% Poodle and 50% Yorkshire Terrier. Again, these pups may come with either curly, straight, or wavy coats. Although there won’t be a significant difference between these coat types, curly coats may shed slightly less simply because the loose hair won’t fall out as easily. 

Do F2b Yorkie Poos Shed?

Like F1b Yorkie Poos, F2b Yorkie Poos have about 75% Poodle and 25% Yorkshire Terrier in their genetic makeup. Similarly, they’re also more likely to take after the Poodle parent, with the majority of the pups inheriting either curly or wavy coats. 

Do F2bb Yorkie Poos Shed?

F2bb Yorkie Poos also have a similar genetic makeup to their F1bb cousins. With such a huge percentage of Poodle in their genetic makeup, F2bb Yorkie Poos mostly take after the Poodle parent, with some hints of Yorkshire Terrier. 

Do Mini Yorkie Poos Shed?

But does a Mini Yorkie Poo shed? Fortunately, size has no impact on a Yorkie Poo’s shedding levels, and all varieties of the Yorkie Poo are considered low shed. Still, if your Mini Yorkie Poo is a backcross generation and inherits the curly coat, they may shed slightly less compared to straight coat Mini Yorkie Poos. 

How To Reduce Excess Yorkie Poo Shedding

Brush Often

By now you probably know how important regular brushing is for Yorkie Poos, especially if you’re trying to minimize shedding. We recommend you brush your Yorkie Poo daily, as it’s the best, easiest, and most cost-effective way to prevent matted hair and subsequent skin problems. 

In addition to that, daily brushing helps you get rid of any loose, dead hair that’s stuck in your Yorkie Poo’s fur. If you want to keep your home in pristine condition, daily brushing is the way to go. 

Healthy Diet

As we mentioned earlier, an improper and unbalanced diet can often lead to excessive shedding in Yorkie Poos. For this reason, we recommend you look for dog food formulas that have a balanced nutrient profile, ensuring that your pup gets all vital nutrients from its diet.

In addition to that, you may want to avoid artificial ingredients, filler ingredients, colorants, and artificial flavors, as all of them can trigger allergies and lead to shedding in Yorkie Poos. Meanwhile, opt for formulas that include plenty of high quality fatty acids, such as omega 3-s that are excellent for nourishing the skin and coat from the inside.

Since food intolerances and allergies are common in Yorkie Poos, you may also have to watch out for protein sources that trigger allergies. For instance, chicken is a common allergen for many pups, but other protein sources can also trigger allergies. 

If you do suspect food allergies or intolerances, be sure to consult with your veterinarian about the appropriate next steps. In severe cases, an elimination diet may be necessary to figure out what triggers allergies in your pup.

Bathing & Grooming

In addition to regular brushing sessions, don’t forget that your Yorkie Poo also needs to be bathed and have its hair trimmed every few months or so. In fact, keeping up with your Yorkie Poo’s grooming routine can improve issues with shedding. On the other hand, if you wash your Yorkie Poo too often, it can have the opposite effect and lead to dry skin and excessive shedding instead.

If you’ve got a sensitive Yorkie Poo that struggles with skin conditions, a soothing or hypoallergenic dog shampoo would work best. In addition to that, some Yorkie Poo owners prefer to use anti-shedding or deshedding shampoos to combat the problem. 

Managing Stress & Anxiety

Lastly, as the mental side of things can also impact your Yorkie Poo’s shedding levels, make sure to do everything on your part to give your pup a happy life. Make sure your dog gets to exercise, play, explore, socialize, and spoil them with kisses and cuddles. 

You’ll also want to consider how much you’d be able to spend time with your pup, as Yorkie Poos may sometimes struggle with separation anxiety. If you do have to work from an office or spend time away from home for hours at a time, you might have to consider hiring a dog walker or a pet sitter. 

Does A Yorkie Poo Shed? Frequently Asked Questions

Does A Yorkie Poo Shed? Final Thoughts

Does a Yorkie Poo shed? Generally speaking, Yorkie Poos tend to shed very little, and they’re one of the least shedding breeds out there. Since both Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles are single-coated breeds, the Yorkie Poo will always be low shed. 

However, some individual Yorkie Poos may experience excessive shedding due to allergies or other health conditions. If you’re concerned about your pup’s shedding levels, be sure to consult with your veterinarian.

All in all, Yorkie Poos make excellent pets for people that don’t want to constantly deal with dog hair. Nonetheless, be sure to set aside time for regular grooming, as this is one of the key things that will impact your Yorkie Poo’s shedding levels.