long hair vs short... - YorkieTalk.com Forums

dmg1029 · 07-12-2012, 08:47 PM

Our Leia has grey / steel body and golden blonde around her head... and I'm attempting to grow it out... She seems to hate it long... we've been at this for almost a year... the top knot goes up and she's shaking her head, scratching, rolling on her back with her front paws raking over the side of her head... needless to say what work I have done on her hair is un-done.

She also scratches around her head and face... not sure if it's a change in shampoo or she's not liking it longer than what she's had before.

She just seemed happier with less hair... SO, does she have a "say" as to how her hair is done? She does look so cute with the top knot.

Any input will be greatly appreciated...

Have a great weekend... and Friday the 13th...

Carlene, David and Leia

Lovetodream88 · 07-12-2012, 09:09 PM

I think some dogs just don't have the lifestyle, personality, or liking for long hair. Callie has beautiful thick hair but she loves to be outside rolling in stuff and loves to have people rub her head. A top knot would interfere with that and after being outside I would be picking leaves and stuff out of her hair for hours if I grew it out. Dogs give us so much love and the least we can't do is make them happy for the short lives they have.

gracielove · 07-12-2012, 09:11 PM

As far my experience goes I think all long haired dogs would much rather be hound dogs!

Long hair is something that is a commitment for the owner. It can be fairly easy to do if you make a decision to do daily grooming and weekly bathing. Both of these activities keep the coat clean and easy to groom.
As for the topknot; I wonder if you are getting it loose enough that it doesn't bother her. Usually once the dog gets over the initial training phase they accept it being there. Really they should not even be aware that it is there.
When I was training Gracie to accept the topknot I got her a topknot pillow to rest her neck in and I gave her a treat as soon as we were done. When she was still a puppy I would throw the ball for her or do some other play that she enjoyed to distract her until she forgot about the topknot. What are you using to hold the hair in place?

Maximo · 07-12-2012, 09:24 PM

I believe it depends on the age of the dog. It's relatively easy to train a pup under a year of age to accept a topknot and longer hair.

Some Yorkies never accept their topknot. YT member Patti has 3 beautiful adult females and one of them takes her topknot down all the time.

In short, yes, I believe the doggy has a bit of say in how she wants her hair styled. My Teddy likes his topknot hanging like a tassel alongside his right eye. It's his security blanket and there is nothing I can do to change that.

dmg1029 · 07-13-2012, 11:22 AM

Thanks everyone for your input...

Leia has had her hair long as long as David has had her... she was about 3.5 years old when they came together... I came into the picture when she turned 6... most of the older pics of her had her hair parted down the middle but it gets in her eyes too much and I know it's not good for her vision... so I just try to keep it up... if it's too loose he hangs in her eyes if it's too tight it pulls on her eyes... there is a happy medium and with practice we will find it.

Either way she does get brushed daily, sometimes twice, and bathed weekly... which works great for her hair...

I just want her to be happy and she is (most of the time, except for bath time)... we've become BFFs and she is loved... Most of the time I can tell what she wants and since we are together all the time I know we will work out a compromise.

Have a great weekend...

gracielove · 07-13-2012, 11:41 AM

Gracie is 2 and I have kept her long until this summer. I did a compromise. I had the groomer cut her length to just below her belly and we kind of layered her her legs so she was even looking. It looks really cute and I will let her grow out as summer winds down as she tend to get cold easily in the cooler weather.
If the dog really seems to dislike all the fuss then I surely would want to make her more comfortable. A groomer could trim her face so the hair does not have to be tied up to keep it out of her eyes. It does have to be done on a regular basis so the hair does not poke her in the eyes as it grows back.

Gatord · 07-13-2012, 12:01 PM

I keep Jack in the short cut. Josie has the long cut. The cuts fits them perfect.

Christinee · 07-13-2012, 12:30 PM

Charlie defiantly prefers shorter hair. I can see the difference in his personality instantly after a haircut. I think some dogs do have preferences. They might not realize it and they can't verbally tell you even if they did, but you can tell by their reactions.

maggiefromnj · 07-13-2012, 12:43 PM

Maggie seems to have more spring in her step when her hair is shorter. It has never been long, but she likes it short.

BabyGirl Rosie · 07-13-2012, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmg1029

Thanks everyone for your input...

Leia has had her hair long as long as David has had her... she was about 3.5 years old when they came together... I came into the picture when she turned 6... most of the older pics of her had her hair parted down the middle but it gets in her eyes too much and I know it's not good for her vision... so I just try to keep it up... if it's too loose he hangs in her eyes if it's too tight it pulls on her eyes... there is a happy medium and with practice we will find it.

Either way she does get brushed daily, sometimes twice, and bathed weekly... which works great for her hair...

I just want her to be happy and she is (most of the time, except for bath time)... we've become BFFs and she is loved... Most of the time I can tell what she wants and since we are together all the time I know we will work out a compromise.

Have a great weekend...

What are you using to pull her hair up out of her eyes? Are you using rubber bands? Scrunchies? Hair bows? Clips?

BLowry · 07-15-2012, 04:29 AM

Unless you started (as a puppy) with a band in her hair, it will take her a while to get used to it. Mine girls didn't like them either in the beginning...now they don't mind at all..of course there is no hair in their eyes! Also...they can get eye infections if their hair is hanging in their eyes. I also clip the hair on the top of their noses so it doesn't get in their eyes. It's a lot of work to keep them in full coat...especially if they matt easy. I use a 1 inch clipper guide on my three,,it's not down to the skin and they still have some length to their hair..just not enough to matt.

JaxsonsMommy12 · 07-15-2012, 09:38 AM

I think it depends on the dog but I like to keep Jaxsons hair short & a teddy bear face cause here in Texas it's too hot for long hair plus he likes to get dirty & hates getting brushed enough as it is.

yorkieusa · 07-15-2012, 09:53 AM

Mine were always happier with short hair. I believe it is more important that they be both happy and comfortable.

liza · 07-15-2012, 10:45 AM

I love the puppy cut, and agree it depends on the little one. It also depends on the type of hair. I had a little girl who was 15 and kept her in a puppy cut for about 8 years. She loved it and so did I. My little girl now has long hair and it's beautiful, however, boy the short dos are easy.

MamaZiggy · 07-15-2012, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximo

I believe it depends on the age of the dog. It's relatively easy to train a pup under a year of age to accept a topknot and longer hair.

Some Yorkies never accept their topknot. YT member Patti has 3 beautiful adult females and one of them takes her topknot down all the time.

In short, yes, I believe the doggy has a bit of say in how she wants her hair styled. My Teddy likes his topknot hanging like a tassel alongside his right eye. It's his security blanket and there is nothing I can do to change that.

I was going to say this

07-12-2012, 08:47 PM	#1
dmg1029 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Astoria, Oregon Posts: 56	long hair vs short... Our Leia has grey / steel body and golden blonde around her head... and I'm attempting to grow it out... She seems to hate it long... we've been at this for almost a year... the top knot goes up and she's shaking her head, scratching, rolling on her back with her front paws raking over the side of her head... needless to say what work I have done on her hair is un-done. She also scratches around her head and face... not sure if it's a change in shampoo or she's not liking it longer than what she's had before. She just seemed happier with less hair... SO, does she have a "say" as to how her hair is done? She does look so cute with the top knot. Any input will be greatly appreciated... Have a great weekend... and Friday the 13th... Carlene, David and Leia __________________ Carlene & David, aka Mom & Dad

07-12-2012, 09:09 PM	#2
Lovetodream88 Yorkie mom of 4 Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaPlata, Md Posts: 23,249	I think some dogs just don't have the lifestyle, personality, or liking for long hair. Callie has beautiful thick hair but she loves to be outside rolling in stuff and loves to have people rub her head. A top knot would interfere with that and after being outside I would be picking leaves and stuff out of her hair for hours if I grew it out. Dogs give us so much love and the least we can't do is make them happy for the short lives they have. __________________ Taylor My babies Joey, Penny ,Ollie & Dixie Callie Mae, you will forever be in my heart!

07-12-2012, 09:24 PM	#4
Maximo ♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 25,047	I believe it depends on the age of the dog. It's relatively easy to train a pup under a year of age to accept a topknot and longer hair. Some Yorkies never accept their topknot. YT member Patti has 3 beautiful adult females and one of them takes her topknot down all the time. In short, yes, I believe the doggy has a bit of say in how she wants her hair styled. My Teddy likes his topknot hanging like a tassel alongside his right eye. It's his security blanket and there is nothing I can do to change that. __________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy

07-13-2012, 11:22 AM	#5
dmg1029 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Astoria, Oregon Posts: 56	thanks Thanks everyone for your input... Leia has had her hair long as long as David has had her... she was about 3.5 years old when they came together... I came into the picture when she turned 6... most of the older pics of her had her hair parted down the middle but it gets in her eyes too much and I know it's not good for her vision... so I just try to keep it up... if it's too loose he hangs in her eyes if it's too tight it pulls on her eyes... there is a happy medium and with practice we will find it. Either way she does get brushed daily, sometimes twice, and bathed weekly... which works great for her hair... I just want her to be happy and she is (most of the time, except for bath time)... we've become BFFs and she is loved... Most of the time I can tell what she wants and since we are together all the time I know we will work out a compromise. Have a great weekend... __________________ Carlene & David, aka Mom & Dad

07-13-2012, 11:41 AM	#6
gracielove YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NY Posts: 6,582	Gracie is 2 and I have kept her long until this summer. I did a compromise. I had the groomer cut her length to just below her belly and we kind of layered her her legs so she was even looking. It looks really cute and I will let her grow out as summer winds down as she tend to get cold easily in the cooler weather. If the dog really seems to dislike all the fuss then I surely would want to make her more comfortable. A groomer could trim her face so the hair does not have to be tied up to keep it out of her eyes. It does have to be done on a regular basis so the hair does not poke her in the eyes as it grows back.

07-12-2012, 09:11 PM	#3
gracielove YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NY Posts: 6,582	As far my experience goes I think all long haired dogs would much rather be hound dogs! Long hair is something that is a commitment for the owner. It can be fairly easy to do if you make a decision to do daily grooming and weekly bathing. Both of these activities keep the coat clean and easy to groom. As for the topknot; I wonder if you are getting it loose enough that it doesn't bother her. Usually once the dog gets over the initial training phase they accept it being there. Really they should not even be aware that it is there. When I was training Gracie to accept the topknot I got her a topknot pillow to rest her neck in and I gave her a treat as soon as we were done. When she was still a puppy I would throw the ball for her or do some other play that she enjoyed to distract her until she forgot about the topknot. What are you using to hold the hair in place?

07-13-2012, 12:01 PM	#7
Gatord ♥ Jack & Josie ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: FL Posts: 1,235	I keep Jack in the short cut. Josie has the long cut. The cuts fits them perfect.

07-13-2012, 12:30 PM	#8
Christinee Donating YT Addict Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bellflower, Ca, USA Posts: 2,437	Charlie defiantly prefers shorter hair. I can see the difference in his personality instantly after a haircut. I think some dogs do have preferences. They might not realize it and they can't verbally tell you even if they did, but you can tell by their reactions.

07-13-2012, 12:43 PM	#9
maggiefromnj YT Addict Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: nj Posts: 497	Maggie seems to have more spring in her step when her hair is shorter. It has never been long, but she likes it short.

07-15-2012, 04:29 AM	#11
BLowry My furkids Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 4,625 Blog Entries: 1	Unless you started (as a puppy) with a band in her hair, it will take her a while to get used to it. Mine girls didn't like them either in the beginning...now they don't mind at all..of course there is no hair in their eyes! Also...they can get eye infections if their hair is hanging in their eyes. I also clip the hair on the top of their noses so it doesn't get in their eyes. It's a lot of work to keep them in full coat...especially if they matt easy. I use a 1 inch clipper guide on my three,,it's not down to the skin and they still have some length to their hair..just not enough to matt. __________________ Brenda

07-15-2012, 09:38 AM	#12
JaxsonsMommy12 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: waco,texas Posts: 113 Blog Entries: 2	Short!:) I think it depends on the dog but I like to keep Jaxsons hair short & a teddy bear face cause here in Texas it's too hot for long hair plus he likes to get dirty & hates getting brushed enough as it is.

07-15-2012, 09:53 AM	#13
yorkieusa Crazy about Kacee! Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 21,173	Mine were always happier with short hair. I believe it is more important that they be both happy and comfortable. __________________ Karen Kacee Muffin 1991-2005 Rest in Peace My Little Angel

07-15-2012, 10:45 AM	#14
liza Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: tn Posts: 12	I love the puppy cut, and agree it depends on the little one. It also depends on the type of hair. I had a little girl who was 15 and kept her in a puppy cut for about 8 years. She loved it and so did I. My little girl now has long hair and it's beautiful, however, boy the short dos are easy.