Does their hair keep them warm or not? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

maggiefromnj · 12-12-2012, 09:46 PM

My girl is a yorkiepoo, but her hair is more yorkie. It is a wavy silky and I've been trying to let it grow, but she looks fat and messy at the moment. I usually keep it short (see album). Right now it is about 1.5 inches or so long. I want to cut it because I prefer the look. I think she looks "fat" with the long hair. I was trying to grow it for winter warmth and to see how it looks long. I don't think I have the patience to see how it looks longer. She sure does have a nice wave to it though.

I have read that being hair it doesn't really offer warmth if it's longer. Obviously it would be cold it I shaved it short and close to her skin. I'm thinking finger length, like in some of her photos. Does a anybody know from experience if it matters? She is about 10 pounds and is fine in the winter at any hair length indoors, it's just her walks I worry about.

LILBIT1 · 12-12-2012, 09:54 PM

Waffles is a yorkiepoo and I'm telling ya her hair does nothing to keep her cool or warm like fur would. It provides her no more protection. Than the hair on my head does me.

KazzyK810 · 12-12-2012, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maggiefromnj

She is about 10 pounds and is fine in the winter at any hair length indoors, it's just her walks I worry about.

Why not put a coat or hoodie on her for walks when it's really cold out?

I dress ZoE in whatever I'm wearing. If it's just a fall day with a lil nip in the air, I wear a hoodie & so does ZoE. If it's freezing cold out & I need a coat, ZoE wears a coat too.

ilovejoel · 12-13-2012, 12:16 AM

I was growing Joels hair for winter but it started matting so I said forget it and just cut it short, it's about 1 1/2-2 inches. Even when he goes out to potty he jumps through the snow and is fine, but for walks he wears a jacket. He never shivers though and is good about telling me when he's cold.
So at least for him his hair doesn't make a difference

alaskayorkie · 12-13-2012, 12:38 AM

I've cut them short in the winter before and didn't notice a difference in how cold they got. But I do use fleece or wool coats for walks. And booties in the snow.

Mine do shiver in temps of 10 degrees and lower even with longer hair if I don't keep them moving.

AngelFae · 12-13-2012, 07:16 AM

I was keeping Blazer's hair longer for the same reason but it just ended up looking messy all of the time and his sweaters looked funny. I ended up cutting off just enough length to make him look nice and neat again, plus really shortened up his leg hair. He is much happier and when he plays out in the snow it doesn't get matted in his hair. He seems warmer because of that, too. My other dog is a German Shorthair Pointer, so as the name says, he also has hair, not fur, and it is short. He loves being out in the cold but he just can't stay out as long as he'd like to. Sweaters and coats are quite helpful to keep their core warmer longer.

celstu1 · 12-13-2012, 08:24 AM

Yorkies do not have undercoats. That is what keeps a dog warm in the winter and cool in the summer. So whether your Yorkie has long hair or short hair, I would recommend a coat or sweater for walks in the winter. They do get cold easily. My boys can only handle about 5 mins outside in super cold days before their little paws start to freeze and they start to shake with cold.

capt_noonie · 12-13-2012, 10:04 PM

I'm going to have to disagree. Humans don't have undercoats on our hair either. When I put my hair down over my ears I do feel warmth, not so than when my hair is up. Keep in mind I have the most thin pathetic hair EVER. The air between the strands of hair can hold warmth, that is a fact. Yorkies with long hair (esp cottony coated ones) will make them warmER, but no, not warm enough to not wear a coat.

SWHouston · 12-13-2012, 10:12 PM

After about 1.5-2" of growth (total length) longer hair doesn't matter, except as many of you say, it is more trouble to groom, and without that, looks messy.

I groom my guys about three times a year, with the March and July sessions, clipping them down to a #7 (about 3/8ths inch), because of our extremely hot weather down here. I run my guys twice a day in a straight Jog for a half mile or so, or, allow them to hunt along the Bayou, where they jump in to catch Frogs and Snakes. They're a LOT easier to rinse and dry with short coats.

The September/October Grooming, is just a light trim, with the intent of lengthening their coats for the expected cooler weather, and, jumps in the Bayou past October are discouraged.

We usually do a circular Run, but, given our new member "Ickey", I've rerouted to do a figure 8, dropping him back at the house, while the adults continuing on for their usual distance. He should be in shape by the time he's a year or more, to run the whole distance.

Meet Ichabod !
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/4044881-post1.html

chachi · 12-14-2012, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

I'm going to have to disagree. Humans don't have undercoats on our hair either. When I put my hair down over my ears I do feel warmth, not so than when my hair is up. Keep in mind I have the most thin pathetic hair EVER. The air between the strands of hair can hold warmth, that is a fact. Yorkies with long hair (esp cottony coated ones) will make them warmER, but no, not warm enough to not wear a coat.

I agree with you

bobohyde · 12-14-2012, 04:33 AM

It definitely makes a difference with how warm Columbo is. I like Columbo's hair shorter because he hates to be groomed and it mats. He also has a wavy, cottony coat, so he looks fatter when it grows out. I frequently use the 5/8" clippers. He will shiver (excepts in summer) when it is that short, but after a growing a few weeks, he stops shivering. He still wears a coat outside in the mornings, but the difference is just hanging out in the house. When its short, he needs a sweater on in the house, but when its a bit longer, he doesn't. About 1" long is a good length for him in the winter. He gets a haircut at the point it starts to look messy or mats again. So watch him when you cut his hair to see if yours curls up in a tight ball to sleep and/or shivers when he just hanging out, then just keep a sweater on him then. Just a tiny bit extra hair length makes the difference for Columbo in winter.

gemy · 12-14-2012, 05:11 AM

My boy never needs a sweater or tshirt on in the house. And that is even with temp set to 65 for sleeping at night or while we are away during day.

Instead his crates have nice warm beds in them. At night we cover with a blankie as well.

If temp goes to 25F he will shiver on his walks unless we are moving out. In winter we do the booties like Alaska does, and he gets a coat nice and warm one put on. He does love the snow though.

We make a protected area in our backyard under the porch - we keep shovelled clear for his pottying needs.

oliver44 · 12-15-2012, 06:09 PM

great question & answers, i always struggle with cutting my ollie's hair in the winter because i want him to be warm too of course, but i agree, at least for me it is just harder to maintain & dosen't seem to matter. i use sweaters in the house & coats for walks & both my babies sleep under the blankets @ night & that seems to work.

KazzyK810 · 12-15-2012, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

I'm going to have to disagree. Humans don't have undercoats on our hair either. When I put my hair down over my ears I do feel warmth, not so than when my hair is up. Keep in mind I have the most thin pathetic hair EVER. The air between the strands of hair can hold warmth, that is a fact. Yorkies with long hair (esp cottony coated ones) will make them warmER, but no, not warm enough to not wear a coat.

hhmmm...so do you think hairy people are warmer than less hairy people?

I saw one HAIRY dude in line at the grocery store tonight (with a torn-shirt that clearly revealed thick chest hair & back hair

), now I can't stop thinking about whether that guy is warmer than the average guy.

capt_noonie · 12-15-2012, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KazzyK810

hhmmm...so do you think hairy people are warmer than less hairy people?

I saw one HAIRY dude in line at the grocery store tonight (with a torn-shirt that clearly revealed thick chest hair & back hair

), now I can't stop thinking about whether that guy is warmer than the average guy.

Well OBVIOUSLY, you think that shirt got torn on accident? He needed some ventilation!

12-12-2012, 09:46 PM	#1
maggiefromnj YT Addict Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: nj Posts: 497	Does their hair keep them warm or not? My girl is a yorkiepoo, but her hair is more yorkie. It is a wavy silky and I've been trying to let it grow, but she looks fat and messy at the moment. I usually keep it short (see album). Right now it is about 1.5 inches or so long. I want to cut it because I prefer the look. I think she looks "fat" with the long hair. I was trying to grow it for winter warmth and to see how it looks long. I don't think I have the patience to see how it looks longer. She sure does have a nice wave to it though. I have read that being hair it doesn't really offer warmth if it's longer. Obviously it would be cold it I shaved it short and close to her skin. I'm thinking finger length, like in some of her photos. Does a anybody know from experience if it matters? She is about 10 pounds and is fine in the winter at any hair length indoors, it's just her walks I worry about. Last edited by maggiefromnj; 12-12-2012 at 09:51 PM.

12-12-2012, 09:54 PM	#2
LILBIT1 Donating YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Riverside County, Ca Posts: 867 Blog Entries: 9	Waffles is a yorkiepoo and I'm telling ya her hair does nothing to keep her cool or warm like fur would. It provides her no more protection. Than the hair on my head does me. Last edited by LILBIT1; 12-12-2012 at 09:56 PM.

12-13-2012, 12:16 AM	#4
ilovejoel Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Alaska Posts: 3,299	I was growing Joels hair for winter but it started matting so I said forget it and just cut it short, it's about 1 1/2-2 inches. Even when he goes out to potty he jumps through the snow and is fine, but for walks he wears a jacket. He never shivers though and is good about telling me when he's cold. So at least for him his hair doesn't make a difference __________________ ℜachael JoelRoxy iLoveJoely.com

12-13-2012, 12:38 AM	#5
alaskayorkie Banning Thread Dictator Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Anchorage Posts: 30,843 Blog Entries: 57	I've cut them short in the winter before and didn't notice a difference in how cold they got. But I do use fleece or wool coats for walks. And booties in the snow. Mine do shiver in temps of 10 degrees and lower even with longer hair if I don't keep them moving. __________________ Mike ~ Doting Dad to Jillie, Harper, Molly, Cooper, Eddie (RIP), Lucy (RIP), Rusty (RIP) and Jack (RIP). Check us out on YouTube

12-13-2012, 07:16 AM	#6
AngelFae YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: MN, USA Posts: 780	I was keeping Blazer's hair longer for the same reason but it just ended up looking messy all of the time and his sweaters looked funny. I ended up cutting off just enough length to make him look nice and neat again, plus really shortened up his leg hair. He is much happier and when he plays out in the snow it doesn't get matted in his hair. He seems warmer because of that, too. My other dog is a German Shorthair Pointer, so as the name says, he also has hair, not fur, and it is short. He loves being out in the cold but he just can't stay out as long as he'd like to. Sweaters and coats are quite helpful to keep their core warmer longer. __________________ Amanda

12-13-2012, 08:24 AM	#7
celstu1 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 10,534	Yorkies do not have undercoats. That is what keeps a dog warm in the winter and cool in the summer. So whether your Yorkie has long hair or short hair, I would recommend a coat or sweater for walks in the winter. They do get cold easily. My boys can only handle about 5 mins outside in super cold days before their little paws start to freeze and they start to shake with cold. __________________ “Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer.” ― Dean Koontz

12-13-2012, 10:04 PM	#8
capt_noonie www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County Posts: 17,408	I'm going to have to disagree. Humans don't have undercoats on our hair either. When I put my hair down over my ears I do feel warmth, not so than when my hair is up. Keep in mind I have the most thin pathetic hair EVER. The air between the strands of hair can hold warmth, that is a fact. Yorkies with long hair (esp cottony coated ones) will make them warmER, but no, not warm enough to not wear a coat. __________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12

12-13-2012, 10:12 PM	#9
SWHouston YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Houston, Tx. U.S.A. Posts: 1,537 Blog Entries: 1	After about 1.5-2" of growth (total length) longer hair doesn't matter, except as many of you say, it is more trouble to groom, and without that, looks messy. I groom my guys about three times a year, with the March and July sessions, clipping them down to a #7 (about 3/8ths inch), because of our extremely hot weather down here. I run my guys twice a day in a straight Jog for a half mile or so, or, allow them to hunt along the Bayou, where they jump in to catch Frogs and Snakes. They're a LOT easier to rinse and dry with short coats. The September/October Grooming, is just a light trim, with the intent of lengthening their coats for the expected cooler weather, and, jumps in the Bayou past October are discouraged. We usually do a circular Run, but, given our new member "Ickey", I've rerouted to do a figure 8, dropping him back at the house, while the adults continuing on for their usual distance. He should be in shape by the time he's a year or more, to run the whole distance. Meet Ichabod ! http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/4044881-post1.html __________________ Dogs know that you love them, weather you own them or not Mbrs of YT Teapot Club: SNEAKERS since Apr 2011, Ichabod SOON ! RIP my darling Becca.

12-14-2012, 04:33 AM	#11
bobohyde Donating YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: c Posts: 427	It definitely makes a difference with how warm Columbo is. I like Columbo's hair shorter because he hates to be groomed and it mats. He also has a wavy, cottony coat, so he looks fatter when it grows out. I frequently use the 5/8" clippers. He will shiver (excepts in summer) when it is that short, but after a growing a few weeks, he stops shivering. He still wears a coat outside in the mornings, but the difference is just hanging out in the house. When its short, he needs a sweater on in the house, but when its a bit longer, he doesn't. About 1" long is a good length for him in the winter. He gets a haircut at the point it starts to look messy or mats again. So watch him when you cut his hair to see if yours curls up in a tight ball to sleep and/or shivers when he just hanging out, then just keep a sweater on him then. Just a tiny bit extra hair length makes the difference for Columbo in winter. Last edited by bobohyde; 12-14-2012 at 04:38 AM.

12-14-2012, 05:11 AM	#12
gemy YT 2000 Club Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Huntsville,Ont,Canaada Posts: 12,335 Blog Entries: 2	My boy never needs a sweater or tshirt on in the house. And that is even with temp set to 65 for sleeping at night or while we are away during day. Instead his crates have nice warm beds in them. At night we cover with a blankie as well. If temp goes to 25F he will shiver on his walks unless we are moving out. In winter we do the booties like Alaska does, and he gets a coat nice and warm one put on. He does love the snow though. We make a protected area in our backyard under the porch - we keep shovelled clear for his pottying needs. __________________ Razzle and Dara. Our clan. RIP Karma Dec 24th 2004-July 14 2013 RIP Zoey Jun9 th 2008-May 12 2012. RIP Magic,Mar 26 2006July 1st 2018

12-15-2012, 06:09 PM	#13
oliver44 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Gansevoort, New York Posts: 134	great question & answers, i always struggle with cutting my ollie's hair in the winter because i want him to be warm too of course, but i agree, at least for me it is just harder to maintain & dosen't seem to matter. i use sweaters in the house & coats for walks & both my babies sleep under the blankets @ night & that seems to work.