Teddy Bear Yorkie Haircuts: The Ultimate Groomer’s Guide to a Fluffy Favorite
- Riverview Grooming
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read

Why the Teddy Bear Cut Is a Yorkie Favorite
There’s a reason the Teddy Bear Yorkie haircut has become a go-to style for pet parents everywhere. At Riverview Grooming, we've done thousands of these cuts over the years. Each one brings out that sweet, wide-eyed charm Yorkies are known for. This style softens their facial features, keeps maintenance manageable, and gives them a plush, cuddly look that melts hearts instantly.
What Is a Teddy Bear Haircut for Yorkies?
The teddy bear cut trims the body and legs to a short, plush length, usually 1 to 2 inches. The face is left rounded, fluffy, and full. This style enhances their natural features while keeping the coat easy to manage.
Key Traits of the Cut:
Rounded face and muzzle with a scissored finish to mimic a teddy bear’s shape
Trimmed ears (rounded or pointy, depending on your preference)
Even body coat using a 1" comb attachment or # 4 blade
Tail neatly shaped for balance
It works well for Yorkies with either silky or cottony coats. We tailor the cut slightly depending on coat texture. For cottony coats, we may keep the body slightly shorter to reduce matting risks.
Benefits of the Teddy Bear Yorkie Cut
Cuteness Factor: Brings out the toy-like appearance Yorkies are famous for
Low Maintenance: Easier to brush and bathe compared to long or show-style coats
Comfort Year-Round: Keeps your Yorkie cool in summer while still looking fluffy
Clear Face Visibility: Helps prevent tear stains and buildup around the eyes
Popular Variations of the Teddy Bear Cut

1. Classic Teddy Bear Haircuts
1" length on the body
Fluffy, round face with trimmed muzzle
Perfect balance of fluff and manageability
This classic look creates a well-rounded silhouette while keeping things simple and easy to manage. It’s ideal for Yorkies with standard proportions and gives a soft, cuddly look that doesn’t require intricate shaping. The uniform length photographs well and works for dogs of all ages.

2. Short Teddy Bear Haircut
1/2" to 3/4" body trim using a # 5 or # 7 blade
Maintains a round face with less volume overall
Ideal for warm climates or active dogs
A great haircut for Yorkies that play hard or spend time outdoors. It keeps their coat light and breezy while still framing the face with a soft, rounded style. It’s a balanced, functional cut that works beautifully for summer or sportier pups.

3. Fluffy Teddy Bear Haircut
1.25" comb for extra volume
Extended fluff on legs and cheeks
Best for indoor pets or holiday grooming
This cut gives a full, plush appearance that adds extra charm for photos, holidays, or special events. It works especially well on silky coats and Yorkies with a bit more body hair. The fluffy shape emphasizes their teddy bear look with maximum softness.

4. Lamb Leg Teddy Bear Haircut
1" to 1.25" body length for plush texture
Legs are shaped into rounded columns for a "lamb leg" appearance
Face and head remain rounded like the classic teddy bear
Great for Yorkies with fine features and longer legs
This haircut emphasizes rounded legs with a soft taper into the feet. It gives a very balanced, polished look, especially if your Yorkie has slim legs or a longer frame. It also photographs beautifully and is a favorite for those who want a bit more structure without going full show coat.
Is the Teddy Bear Cut Right for All Yorkies?
Yes, with a few coat-specific adjustments. Yorkies generally fall into two coat types:
Silky Coats: Straight, fine texture that tangles less. Ideal for longer teddy bear trims.
Cottony Coats: Softer and more prone to matting. Better suited to shorter teddy bear cuts around 3/4".
Want to see more styles beyond the teddy bear cut? Check out our full guide to Yorkie haircuts for inspiration and find the perfect look for your pup.
Teddy Bear Cut vs. Puppy Cut vs. Show Cut
Feature | Teddy Bear Cut | Puppy Cut (All Over) | Show Cut (Full Coat) |
Face Style | Rounded and fluffy | Uniform trim | Long and tied topknot |
Body Coat Length | 1 to 2 inches | 1/2 to 3/4 inch | Natural floor-length |
Grooming Frequency | Every 4 to 6 weeks | Every 6 to 8 weeks | Weekly brushing and trimming |
Maintenance Level | Moderate | Low | High |
Coat Type Suitability | All Yorkie coat types | All coat types | Silky coats only |
Understanding Yorkie Coats and What Makes Them Unique
Yorkshire Terriers are known for their fine, silky hair. Unlike many breeds, Yorkies don’t have fur but hair, which grows continuously like human hair. Their single-layer coat is typically soft and straight, but some Yorkies have a cottony texture that is thicker and more prone to matting. Understanding your dog’s coat type is important because it influences how often you need to brush, how short to keep their cut, and which tools work best.
Silky Coat
Fine and straight
Less prone to matting
Best suited for longer teddy bear trims
Cottony Coat
Thicker, softer, and more textured
Mats easily and needs more frequent brushing
Benefits from shorter teddy bear cuts to reduce tanglingBest Brushes for Yorkie Coats
Best Brushes for Yorkie Coats
Different coat textures require different tools to maintain the teddy bear cut and keep the coat healthy and free of mats.
Slicker Brush: Perfect for removing tangles and loose hair, especially in cottony coats. Use it 3 to 4 times a week to prevent matting.
Pin Brush: Works best on silky coats that are less prone to tangling. It glides through the coat and is gentler on fine hair.
Metal Comb: Ideal for finishing touches. Use the wide-tooth side to detangle and the fine side to smooth the coat and check for hidden knots.
De-matting Tool: Helpful for thick, cottony coats that develop mats behind the ears, under the arms, and on the legs.

Maintenance Schedule and Home Care Tips
Proper upkeep is essential to keep your Yorkie’s teddy bear haircut looking cute, clean, and comfortable. Here is a more detailed guide for caring for your pup between grooming appointments.
Brushing
Brush 2 to 3 times per week for silky coats and daily for cottony coats.
Always start with a slicker brush to remove tangles, then finish with a metal comb.
Pay close attention to friction areas like behind the ears, underarms, chest, and inner thighs.
Bathing
Bathe every 3 to 4 weeks using a gentle, dog-safe shampoo and conditioner.
Always fully dry your Yorkie using a blow dryer set on low or cool. Never leave them damp as this can lead to matting and skin issues.
Use a detangling spray after baths before brushing to make grooming easier and more comfortable.
Professional Grooming
Schedule full grooming appointments every 4 to 6 weeks to keep the shape tidy.
Ask your groomer to check ears, nails, and anal glands during regular visits.
Consider upgrading to a Spa Package for extras like nail grinding, paw pad care, and tooth brushing.
Eyes and Face
Wipe around the eyes daily to prevent tear staining, especially for lighter-colored Yorkies.
Trim the hair around the eyes and mouth between grooming visits to avoid irritation and food buildup.
Use a fine-tooth flea comb to gently remove buildup around sensitive areas.
Nail and Ear Maintenance
Trim nails every 3 to 4 weeks or as needed to prevent splitting and overgrowth.
Clean ears weekly using a vet-approved ear solution. Avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal.
Consistent home care makes grooming easier and keeps your Yorkie happy, healthy, and looking their best. If you're unsure how to care for a particular area, don’t hesitate to ask your groomer for tips or a demo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I do a Teddy Bear Cut at home?
A: You can maintain it at home between professional grooms, but shaping the face takes training. For best results, let a professional groomer handle the full cut.
Q: What clipper blade is used for this cut?
A: We typically use a # 4 blade for the body or a 1 inch comb attachment for a fluffier look. For short teddy bear styles, a # 7 blade gives a very short smooth finish.
Q: How much does a Teddy Bear Cut cost?
A: At most professional salons, including ours, it typically falls into the full haircut package. Our prices range $35 to $55 depending on size and service. You can view details at riverviewgrooming.com/prices.
Q: How often should I get this cut?
A: Every 4 to 6 weeks is ideal to maintain shape, especially around the face.
Book a Grooming Session Your Yorkie Will Love
At Riverview Grooming, we specialize in breed-specific styles that highlight your dog’s natural charm. Our teddy bear cuts are custom-tailored to your Yorkie’s coat type, lifestyle, and personality.
We proudly serve Riverview, Gibsonton, Brandon, and the Tampa Bay area.
Book your Yorkie’s haircut today and let us bring out their best look.