should I ??? I really don't want to...but maybe I need to???? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

pepe mint · 01-04-2008, 08:34 PM

ok...I am really debating this. I need some serious advice

Maggie has part cotton coat, part silky coat. the back half of her is cottony and curly. the front half is silky and straight. I have the WORST time keeping the mats out of it. I brush her daily...and sometimes more often...but it is such a losing battle. every night before bed, I am digging mats out of her hair. and some of them are really close to the skin. I try to use conditioners and oils when working with the mats but it is just horrible. and if I put clothes on her at all..it's over. sometimes I find myself with the thinning shears trying to cut the mats out without cutting all of her hair out.

I have always wanted a full coat on her. but I am coming to the realization that maybe she just needs to keep her hair short. what do you think? gosh..I will cry if I cut her hair off..but I think it is just best. hubby is begging me not to...but he doesn't have to deal with it like I do. and poor maggie, it has to be miserable for her to sit through it all.

should I do it????

daisy mae06 · 01-04-2008, 08:39 PM

HMMMM That is a Hard one Mandee..... I know I keep kodi short because he hates the brush. but he is a boy... There has to be a product that will help you keep her long.

addicted · 01-04-2008, 08:43 PM

As much as you don't want to, I think it would be best. I am fortunate that my babies have silky hair and is kept long. I think puppy cuts are really cute on them... Goodluck!

MorkieAZ · 01-04-2008, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pepe mint

ok...I am really debating this. I need some serious advice

Maggie has part cotton coat, part silky coat. the back half of her is cottony and curly. the front half is silky and straight. I have the WORST time keeping the mats out of it. I brush her daily...and sometimes more often...but it is such a losing battle. every night before bed, I am digging mats out of her hair. and some of them are really close to the skin. I try to use conditioners and oils when working with the mats but it is just horrible. and if I put clothes on her at all..it's over. sometimes I find myself with the thinning shears trying to cut the mats out without cutting all of her hair out.

I have always wanted a full coat on her. but I am coming to the realization that maybe she just needs to keep her hair short. what do you think? gosh..I will cry if I cut her hair off..but I think it is just best. hubby is begging me not to...but he doesn't have to deal with it like I do. and poor maggie, it has to be miserable for her to sit through it all.
should I do it????

I think you just answered yourself honey. Neither of your day to day lives should be miserable. You dress her right? Then she will be warm. And you do not show her, right? Make your lives together as enjoyable as you can.

anthroboi · 01-04-2008, 08:46 PM

I think puppy cuts and schnauzer cuts are really cute and they look easy to maintain. I plan on keeping my little girl fairly short except perhaps for a top knot, I still haven't made up my mind about that one...

pepe mint · 01-04-2008, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anthroboi

I think puppy cuts and schnauzer cuts are really cute and they look easy to maintain. I plan on keeping my little girl fairly short except perhaps for a top knot, I still haven't made up my mind about that one...

yeah, I'll keep her face and top knot long. maybe 2 inches on the body to start out???? gosh, I dont want to. oye.

yeah, I dress her if it is cold out. but not all the time. and she wears pj's to bed.

MeganS · 01-04-2008, 09:12 PM

She has a beautiful coat, but I think she'd also be beautiful in a puppy cut, or cut shorter. Because you aren't really sure, I would just cut off a bit, not the whole thing. Then you can decide if you want her longer or not.

and if you shave her and it looks awful (which won't happen), then hey, its hair! It'll grow back!

Good luck in your decision!

Breny · 01-04-2008, 09:19 PM

Actually, with clothes on, you'll never be able to tell how long her coat is anyway. I keep mine short too, just for that reason. No matts. I like to dress them and with long hair its just a mess.

I think you should do it. It will grow back and if you totally hate it, her clothes will cover her up till it grows and keep her warm.

Oh thats another thing - I didn't look to see where you live but with the shorter hair they do tend to get chilly easier. But summer time they LOVE it and being naked! LOL

I vote - go for it

You never know - you might LOVE it!

sweetr72 · 01-04-2008, 09:31 PM

Ok..a couple months ago I took Reece and Soleil to the groomer for a "trim" they came out nakkie!!!!! The pro's are they look really cute, its sooooo much easier to bathe them and brushing them is a snap. The cons are they are chilly, their clothes fell off them lmao..and I do miss brushing them more than I ever thought I would..it was our 'bonding' time every night..not like THEY miss it im sure...its more me that misses that part...all in all it DOES grow back if you dont like it...but its worth a shot..you might just LOVE IT!!

I say go for it!!!

Dawn

stedmansmommy · 01-04-2008, 11:24 PM

That's a toughy! I'm not sure what to tell you since she is both cotton AND silky - but I CAN tell you that I LOVE the "all cotton" coats shorter. If either of my babies had a cotton coat, they would DEFINITELY be cut short as I personally love that look with the cotton coats. The short cuts on them always look so "puppy-ish"

If you ask me though, I think - ok nevermind - I KNOW Maggie would look cute either way, short OR long hair!

EmrldShdwQueen · 01-04-2008, 11:43 PM

Do it, definitely. I had to make the same decision with Sophie recently...but she mats just like Maggie...her daddy has a silky coat but her mom a cottony coat. And that brings me to her mom, my Brooklyn.

As much as I would LOVE to have her grow her hair out because it's beautiful, I just CAN'T...her hairs mats if I just LOOK at it the wrong way...it just has to be done because I don't want to put her through that every single day. She screams when I hit the knots and ahhh it's so pitiful...

So yes, do it for her sake. I cried when I cut all of Sophie's hair off, especially in the middle of winter, but I'm so glad I did it...and so is she...lol. I keep clothes on her if it's cold...but since she's always in the house it's kept room temp and she's fine. Maggie will appreciate it...because the brushing is not fun for her, or you...lol. It will be fine! And it's just hair, it grows back!!

AVERYxo · 01-04-2008, 11:47 PM

where does she mat?
is it mostly underneath?
if so.. maybe you could be creative and cut the underneath a lil bit, along with thinning it out? ..and then just blend it with the top and sides? that way you can get the look of a longer coat(the top/sides will most likely fall over the underneath-especially if her coat is thick!)
this may make it a little easier on you(when it comes to matting!) .. that IS IF it is mostly underneath that gives you the problems!?

Don't know if this will work?! BUT if you are planning on cutting it shorter anyway, why not try this first?!

Oh and i would def. use scissors-not clippers! that way you can judge how much you want to take off!

Sorry-Hope that made sense?!

abbie's mom · 01-04-2008, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pepe mint

hubby is begging me not to...but he doesn't have to deal with it like I do.

I say hand hubby the pooch and the brush nightly for awhile, and then make your decision, together

.

Jaya and Jenna · 01-05-2008, 12:12 AM

you know, i was debating this same question a month ago. Jaya has a cottony coat and when I got her it was with the decision that I would always keep her hair short.

How old is Maggie?

Jaya was 5 months old when we got her hair cut the first time, and even though the lady did a nice job, i seriously regret it from the "vanity perspective" only though.

I was going through the same thing as you...constantly brushing, bathing every two days to keep her hair fresh and mat-free (i spent SO much time on her). I found that as long as i stayed on top of things, her hair stayed great but it was so much work. Ever since i cut her hair, i don't have to do a thing... i can even go a week without having to bathe her and the brushings are barely once a day and the hair looks good.

Now back to what i regret....... before her hair cut, she had this thick wavy hair with the dark black ...but now, the dark black is all gone cuz it got cut off, so now its just the color breaking showing. In addition, her hair is totally straight and not nearly as thick looking! I don't know if its just because of the way her color is breaking or what, but i miss the way she looks. The picture on my avatar was when she was 4 months old ... i get sooo sad when i see older pics of her cuz she looks so scrawny now since the new hair is coming in so straight. Or maybe its because she's not a puppy-puppy anymore!............jeez issues, issues lol.

Basically, since i was sort of in your shoes, i regret that i cut her hair even though my life is WAY easier and now i can actually enjoy my time with her rather than spending my time grooming her. My issue with the puppy cut is that a lot of groomers all have different ideas of what that is, and the dogs always come out looking 'cut' ... and for me, that takes away from the natural beauty of the yorkie. The way the yorkie's hair grows naturally is just so perfect, and no groomer can mimic that! Those are the issues i have anyway. What I have decided to do with Jaya is when her hair gets long (though i dont know if its coming in silky or cottony..or what.. ) but if it gets to the point where it was for me right before she got her haircut, i will get a very small trim and just continue with that, keeping the hair longest on the head.

Jenna is a silky coat and so far, (she just turned 12 weeks today!), she has been no work but that is probably because her hair isnt very thick yet. For her, i have already told my husband that i will not cut her hair. there's no way...i dont care how much work it is

So......... bottom line....... i regret my decision to get it cut so short. That type of coat, i'd just suggest doing a slight trim following the natural hairgrowth pattern. I am being very specific about this point... has to follow the natural growth pattern. It is going to take Jaya eons and eons of time to grow the hair above her eyes and around her eyes long enough for a ponytail grrrr.... I REALLY regret that decision. I shoulda just got a slight trim or no trim at all. big mistake on my part! And i realize the hair grows back, but its just that dark hair gets cut off and that never comes back, and i prefer the darker looking yorkies. The dark ends keep the pup looking on the darker side, whereas if u cut it, the pup totally looks lighter.

yorkiegirl83 · 01-05-2008, 01:24 AM

Oh that is a tough decision!! I'm not sure what I would do! McKenzie has very thin, fine hair and it's pretty long right now, but since it's so light and thin, it's not hard to take care of since it rarely mats. I do think she's a bit cottony though because she has "whispy" hair.

I think Maggie will look GORGEOUS either way!

01-04-2008, 08:34 PM	#1
pepe mint YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Franklin, TN Posts: 11,145	should I ??? I really don't want to...but maybe I need to???? ok...I am really debating this. I need some serious advice Maggie has part cotton coat, part silky coat. the back half of her is cottony and curly. the front half is silky and straight. I have the WORST time keeping the mats out of it. I brush her daily...and sometimes more often...but it is such a losing battle. every night before bed, I am digging mats out of her hair. and some of them are really close to the skin. I try to use conditioners and oils when working with the mats but it is just horrible. and if I put clothes on her at all..it's over. sometimes I find myself with the thinning shears trying to cut the mats out without cutting all of her hair out. I have always wanted a full coat on her. but I am coming to the realization that maybe she just needs to keep her hair short. what do you think? gosh..I will cry if I cut her hair off..but I think it is just best. hubby is begging me not to...but he doesn't have to deal with it like I do. and poor maggie, it has to be miserable for her to sit through it all. should I do it???? __________________ Anyone who does not know what soap tastes like has never washed a dog

01-04-2008, 08:39 PM	#2
daisy mae06 Kodi & Pixie 2 Donating Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: NEBRASKA Posts: 14,766	HMMMM That is a Hard one Mandee..... I know I keep kodi short because he hates the brush. but he is a boy... There has to be a product that will help you keep her long. __________________ OK Yorkie Rescue - http://okyorkierescue.org LorisCritterSitter.com

01-04-2008, 08:43 PM	#3
addicted IheartYorkies Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: SGV, CA Posts: 1,511	As much as you don't want to, I think it would be best. I am fortunate that my babies have silky hair and is kept long. I think puppy cuts are really cute on them... Goodluck! __________________ Linda Penny Simba Bella Marley Pink

01-04-2008, 09:12 PM	#7
MeganS Donating YT 7000 Club Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 12,016 Blog Entries: 1	She has a beautiful coat, but I think she'd also be beautiful in a puppy cut, or cut shorter. Because you aren't really sure, I would just cut off a bit, not the whole thing. Then you can decide if you want her longer or not. and if you shave her and it looks awful (which won't happen), then hey, its hair! It'll grow back! Good luck in your decision! __________________ Megan "I have my dreams, I have made plans." - The Pirate Queen All Gave Some; Some Gave All

01-04-2008, 09:19 PM	#8
Breny My Tiny Treasures Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: . Posts: 11,790 Blog Entries: 3	Actually, with clothes on, you'll never be able to tell how long her coat is anyway. I keep mine short too, just for that reason. No matts. I like to dress them and with long hair its just a mess. I think you should do it. It will grow back and if you totally hate it, her clothes will cover her up till it grows and keep her warm. Oh thats another thing - I didn't look to see where you live but with the shorter hair they do tend to get chilly easier. But summer time they LOVE it and being naked! LOL I vote - go for it You never know - you might LOVE it! __________________ http://Brenysbabies.com

01-04-2008, 08:46 PM	#5
anthroboi Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: California Posts: 432	I think puppy cuts and schnauzer cuts are really cute and they look easy to maintain. I plan on keeping my little girl fairly short except perhaps for a top knot, I still haven't made up my mind about that one...

01-04-2008, 09:31 PM	#9
sweetr72 No Longer a Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 6,111	Ok..a couple months ago I took Reece and Soleil to the groomer for a "trim" they came out nakkie!!!!! The pro's are they look really cute, its sooooo much easier to bathe them and brushing them is a snap. The cons are they are chilly, their clothes fell off them lmao..and I do miss brushing them more than I ever thought I would..it was our 'bonding' time every night..not like THEY miss it im sure...its more me that misses that part...all in all it DOES grow back if you dont like it...but its worth a shot..you might just LOVE IT!! I say go for it!!! Dawn

01-04-2008, 11:24 PM	#10
stedmansmommy I Love My Lil' Punkin's Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Stedman and Tatum's World :) Posts: 15,331 Blog Entries: 5	That's a toughy! I'm not sure what to tell you since she is both cotton AND silky - but I CAN tell you that I LOVE the "all cotton" coats shorter. If either of my babies had a cotton coat, they would DEFINITELY be cut short as I personally love that look with the cotton coats. The short cuts on them always look so "puppy-ish" If you ask me though, I think - ok nevermind - I KNOW Maggie would look cute either way, short OR long hair! __________________ Mommy Loves Stedman and Tatum! They have us wrapped around their little paws!

01-04-2008, 11:43 PM	#11
EmrldShdwQueen No Longer a Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,987	Do it, definitely. I had to make the same decision with Sophie recently...but she mats just like Maggie...her daddy has a silky coat but her mom a cottony coat. And that brings me to her mom, my Brooklyn. As much as I would LOVE to have her grow her hair out because it's beautiful, I just CAN'T...her hairs mats if I just LOOK at it the wrong way...it just has to be done because I don't want to put her through that every single day. She screams when I hit the knots and ahhh it's so pitiful... So yes, do it for her sake. I cried when I cut all of Sophie's hair off, especially in the middle of winter, but I'm so glad I did it...and so is she...lol. I keep clothes on her if it's cold...but since she's always in the house it's kept room temp and she's fine. Maggie will appreciate it...because the brushing is not fun for her, or you...lol. It will be fine! And it's just hair, it grows back!!

01-04-2008, 11:47 PM	#12
AVERYxo Lovin' my Girlies!! Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Orange County, CALIFORNIA Posts: 3,609	where does she mat? is it mostly underneath? if so.. maybe you could be creative and cut the underneath a lil bit, along with thinning it out? ..and then just blend it with the top and sides? that way you can get the look of a longer coat(the top/sides will most likely fall over the underneath-especially if her coat is thick!) this may make it a little easier on you(when it comes to matting!) .. that IS IF it is mostly underneath that gives you the problems!? Don't know if this will work?! BUT if you are planning on cutting it shorter anyway, why not try this first?! Oh and i would def. use scissors-not clippers! that way you can judge how much you want to take off! Sorry-Hope that made sense?! __________________ Meg & my baby girls Avie & Gemma

01-05-2008, 12:12 AM	#14
Jaya and Jenna YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 781	you know, i was debating this same question a month ago. Jaya has a cottony coat and when I got her it was with the decision that I would always keep her hair short. How old is Maggie? Jaya was 5 months old when we got her hair cut the first time, and even though the lady did a nice job, i seriously regret it from the "vanity perspective" only though. I was going through the same thing as you...constantly brushing, bathing every two days to keep her hair fresh and mat-free (i spent SO much time on her). I found that as long as i stayed on top of things, her hair stayed great but it was so much work. Ever since i cut her hair, i don't have to do a thing... i can even go a week without having to bathe her and the brushings are barely once a day and the hair looks good. Now back to what i regret....... before her hair cut, she had this thick wavy hair with the dark black ...but now, the dark black is all gone cuz it got cut off, so now its just the color breaking showing. In addition, her hair is totally straight and not nearly as thick looking! I don't know if its just because of the way her color is breaking or what, but i miss the way she looks. The picture on my avatar was when she was 4 months old ... i get sooo sad when i see older pics of her cuz she looks so scrawny now since the new hair is coming in so straight. Or maybe its because she's not a puppy-puppy anymore!............jeez issues, issues lol. Basically, since i was sort of in your shoes, i regret that i cut her hair even though my life is WAY easier and now i can actually enjoy my time with her rather than spending my time grooming her. My issue with the puppy cut is that a lot of groomers all have different ideas of what that is, and the dogs always come out looking 'cut' ... and for me, that takes away from the natural beauty of the yorkie. The way the yorkie's hair grows naturally is just so perfect, and no groomer can mimic that! Those are the issues i have anyway. What I have decided to do with Jaya is when her hair gets long (though i dont know if its coming in silky or cottony..or what.. ) but if it gets to the point where it was for me right before she got her haircut, i will get a very small trim and just continue with that, keeping the hair longest on the head. Jenna is a silky coat and so far, (she just turned 12 weeks today!), she has been no work but that is probably because her hair isnt very thick yet. For her, i have already told my husband that i will not cut her hair. there's no way...i dont care how much work it is So......... bottom line....... i regret my decision to get it cut so short. That type of coat, i'd just suggest doing a slight trim following the natural hairgrowth pattern. I am being very specific about this point... has to follow the natural growth pattern. It is going to take Jaya eons and eons of time to grow the hair above her eyes and around her eyes long enough for a ponytail grrrr.... I REALLY regret that decision. I shoulda just got a slight trim or no trim at all. big mistake on my part! And i realize the hair grows back, but its just that dark hair gets cut off and that never comes back, and i prefer the darker looking yorkies. The dark ends keep the pup looking on the darker side, whereas if u cut it, the pup totally looks lighter.

01-05-2008, 01:24 AM	#15
yorkiegirl83 Love My Furbabies! Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: somewhere Posts: 4,427	Oh that is a tough decision!! I'm not sure what I would do! McKenzie has very thin, fine hair and it's pretty long right now, but since it's so light and thin, it's not hard to take care of since it rarely mats. I do think she's a bit cottony though because she has "whispy" hair. I think Maggie will look GORGEOUS either way!