[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by topknot

A lot of people want a yorkie and buy a yorkie because of the long hair the breed is known for. But the above posters are right - only a silky coat with grow long. And even a silky coat if not treated correctly can break. Grass, rubbing on fabric like the sofa, or carpet, and wearing clothes can break a coat. Have you ever looked at a blade of grass - it is a knife and can really do damage on a coat. Even when a dog goes through the grass they can pick up brown pieces of grass or weeds and get caught in the coat and can do a lot of damage in just a day, if not taken out right away. They can really knot or mat up a coat. This is one reason many show dogs do not play out in the grass, not to mention what one flea can do to a coat. My dogs play and are pets first, but they play on our porch - it is huge and runs the full length of my house. Right now though with the heat and humidity so high they do not go out much. Way too hot.

With a cotton coat - if trying to keep long - humidity and getting their hair wet outside can also cause mats if not brushed out. I also have a 14 year old pet with a cotton coat and I have kept his coat short for many years, only because it is a nightmare trying to deal with the mats, especially under the arms and underneath, not to mention the smell. So short it has been and he loves it, as well as I do for easy manage.

With the slow growing silk coat is thin at first and then as they grow older around 2 years will fill out and look wonderful.

So you need the correct genetics first and then a lot of care and prevention to grow a nice long coat.

Elle - yep, I do not wrap my pups coat till their are close to 2 years and coat to the ground. Once the coat touches the ground, that is when I start to do the wrapping.

Good explanation.

But, I do let my kids play on the grass.....for one reason and one reason only. I'm in California and shows are out doors and they show on the grass. Ever seen a dog that hasn't been allowed on grass try to show on grass....the croup tucks and they look like they're roach backed.