Yorkshire Terriers aren’t the easiest to groom. Adding to that is their feisty attitude, even during grooming time. Yorkies can turn nail clipping into a full-on claw fight if you’re not careful. Aside from that right method, you also need to get the right tool for the job. The best nail clippers for Yorkies will help you finish grooming while keeping your doggo’s paws safe.
In this post, I reviewed 7 of the best-selling nail clippers that you can get for your pet. Check which one your Yorkie can tolerate:
7 Best Nail Clippers For Yorkies
OUR #1 CHOICE
For this list, I consider the Dremel 7020-PGK Dog Nail Care Kit as one of the best nail clippers for Yorkies. Unlike clippers that use blades, this Dremel unit grinds the dog’s claw. It doesn’t squeeze your Yorkie’s nails, which reduces the pain and stress on the part of your pet.
Aside from that, this dog nail grinder is equipped with a sanding disc that will slowly reduce the length of the dog’s nails. This way, you can trim your Yorkie’s nails bit by bit. It’s a safer choice since Yorkshire Terriers aren’t big fans of grooming.
Moreover, this nail grinder has adjustable speed settings, so you can choose the one that suits your pet. It also runs quietly to prevent spooking a nervous Yorkie during grooming time.
This is a battery-operated tool to make it easier for you to groom your Yorkie. This kit also comes with a disc cover to prevent accidental operation when not in use.
Overall, Dremel is the leader when it comes to pet nail grinders. I just wish they can make the bottom part sturdier, so the battery pack won’t feel like it’s falling off.
RUNNERS-UP
CONAIR PRO Corded Nail Grinder
Another tool I recommend for Yorkies is the CONAIR PRO Corded Nail Grinder. This is a great choice if you have multiple pets to groom at home. Since it’s corded, you can file your Yorkies’ nails without losing power.
This is a professional-grade nail grinder that packs up to 7,500 RPM in motor power. It’s perfect for all dog breeds since it’s lightweight, and you can easily change the sanding disc as you wish.
Moreover, this nail grinder is relatively quiet and has low vibration. This is crucial for Yorkies who are scared of unfamiliar noises.
In this kit, you’ll receive four grinding bands, two finishing stones, and a wrench tool. This way, you can trim your Yorkie’s nails safely.
The only thing I noticed is that there’s no way to adjust the speed of this nail grinder. There’s only an on and off button, so you’re stuck in a single speed. Still, it works well for most Yorkies, but it’s something multi-pet owners would surely want to have at this price range.
Overall, the CONAIR PRO is light and comfy to hold. It’s also very quiet, which is surprising for a corded type of tool.
GoPets Dog Nail Clipper
If your Yorkie hates the sound of a nail grinder, your best bet is a clipper. One model I highly recommend is the GoPets Plier-Style Nail Clippers. It trims your dog’s claws instantly, thanks to its sharp and efficient blade.
This tool is equipped with a 3.5 mm thick stainless suitable for all dog breeds. It will also stay sharp for years, so you don’t have to purchase replacements repeatedly.
I also like the ergonomics of this nail clipper, thanks to its non-slip rubber handle. There’s also a safety lock switch to prevent accidental cutting when not in use.
Moreover, this nail clipper has a free filer hidden inside one of its handles on the built-in compartment. You can use this to smoothen your Yorkie’s nails after clipping it.
As proof of its durability, the GoPets nail clipper is backed by a lifetime money-back guarantee. That says a lot about the brand’s confidence in their products.
Overall, these are affordable and functional clippers. I also like the angle of the blades, which makes it very easy to cut a Yorkie’s nails without too much effort.
Rexipets Dog Nail Grinder
If your Yorkie gets squirmish when you trim its nails, the Rexipets Dog Nail Clipper will be a big help. It’s a cordless nail grinder, just like the one from Dremel. The difference is that this one from Rexipets comes with a safety sleeve that only exposes a small portion of the grinding disc. As a result, it prevents accidents when your Yorkie tries to run away.
Aside from that, this nail grinder has two speeds and three-size ports. You can easily select the settings that match your Yorkie’s grooming needs.
This Rexipets nail grinder has a low-noise design that doesn’t exceed 50 decibels. It also has a gentle vibration.
Moreover, this nail grinder has a built-in LED light so that you can see your dog’s nails clearly. This will reduce the risk of hitting the quick.
In the package, you’ll receive a USB adapter plug. Each full charge will give you four hours of battery life. I just wish it can give a more aggressive grind, but it does the job well on Yorkie nails nonetheless. Just keep it fully charged before each use for optimal performance.
Walkinnwith LOOKUT Dog Nail Clipper
The Walkinnwith LOOKUT Dog Nail Clipper is an ingenious combination of a plier-style clipper and a manual grinder. It has sharp blades that will cut through your Yorkie’s nails. After cutting, you can use the built-in nail file to remove rough edges.
Another thing that I like the most about this nail clipper is its built-in LED light. You can adjust the angle of the light, so you can see where the quick is located. This is added safety, especially since Yorkies have dark toenails.
Aside from that, this has a nail trapper, so the trimmed claws won’t scatter all over your house. You can empty the small container after you’re done grooming.
And to encourage your Yorkie to cooperate, you can utilize the snack holder, which is compatible with soft chews.
Overall, this is a well-designed dog nail clipper. However, some users find it awkward to use the built-in nail filer. In my experience, it just takes some practice, and the clipper itself does the job. It’s made for small to medium dogs, so it’s a perfect fit for Yorkies.
Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder
If you’re looking for a compact nail grinder, you’ll never go wrong with this model from Casfuy. This nail grinder has two-speed adjustments and three grinding ports. You can easily tweak the setting to find which works best for your Yorkie.
Moreover, this dog nail grinder uses a diamond drum bit grinder for effective and smooth results. It works with a low noise level, so your Yorkie will not get scared. Still, each dog has its own tolerance level, so even a considerably quiet tool like this can cause negative reactions.
This nail grinder has a protective sleeve to prevent accidents while trimming your pet’s nails. Overall, this nail grinder is compact, light, and easy to use, even for first-time pet owners.
Inside the package, you’ll receive a sanding disc cover and a charging cable. You can charge this using a power bank, laptop, and a power adapter. Each two-hour charge lasts for up to three hours, which is more than enough to groom a Yorkie.
Overall, I like that this Casfuy nail grinder has a softer noise level than Dremel. It’s also cheaper and uses equally durable grinding discs.
BOSHEL Dog Nail Clipper
If you’re on a budget, you should consider the BOSHEL Dog Nail Clipper. This plier-style clipper has 3.5 mm stainless steel blades with a safety stop to prevent overcutting. I also like that it’s equipped with a locking switch for safe storage.
Moreover, this nail clipper comes with a nail file tucked in one of its handles. You can use this to smoothen the rough edges of your Yorkie’s nails after clipping.
The BOSHEL Dog Nail Clipper has ergonomic handles to reduce the strain on your hands. It’s a straightforward tool without the unnecessary bells and whistles.
Aside from that, I like how this nail clipper doesn’t split or splinter Yorkies’ nails. It also cuts like butter without putting too much pressure on the canine’s paws.
Overall, this clipper is comfortable to hold and is insanely sharp. Always be careful when using this as it can easily cause injuries.
The only caveat I have over this nail clipper is that the blade guard will become flimsy over time. Aside from that, this clipper works wonders.
How to choose the best nail clippers for Yorkies
There are so many options in the market that finding the best nail clippers for Yorkies can be challenging. To help you out, you should look for the following aspects:
✔️Type
The very first thing you should consider is the type of nail clipper you’re getting for your Yorkie. Here are the most common options in the market:
- Plier-type. Plier-type dog nail clippers are one of the most common and cheapest options in the market. Like pliers, it has two blades that you’ll press together to trim the Yorkie’s toenail. It’s straightforward to use, much like a pair of scissors.
- Guillotine-type. Guillotine-type nail clippers also use a blade, but in a different way. This has a hole where you’ll place the dogs’ toenails. When you press the handle, the blade will come down and slice off the nail. It’s easier to use for pet owners who have arthritis and gripping problems.
- Grinder type. Nail grinders use a spinning sanding disc to grind away the length of your Yorkie’s toenails. Since it doesn’t cut, you’ll take more time using this tool. Still, the benefit here is the smoother finish and less pain if used well. However, some dogs tend to get scared of the noise the motor of this tool produces.
✔️Noise level
If you’re choosing a grinder type of nail clipper, make sure that it has a low noise level. Some Yorkies get scared because of the buzzing sound of the tool. Also, Yorkies have varying tolerance in terms of noise levels they can endure.
✔️Handle material
Aside from the clipper head, it’s also crucial to get a tool with ergonomic handles. Make sure that it’s easy to hold and won’t strain your hands too much.
I always prefer textured rubber since it’s tacky and cheap. Plastic handles will also work, but make sure that it’s not slippery because Yorkies can be reluctant during grooming time.
✔️Safety
Whatever grooming tool you’re buying, make sure that it’s safe to use for your dog.
For example, if you’re buying a dog nail grinder, try to look for one with a protector sleeve. This sleeve has a small opening that exposes a portion of the rotating disc. It prevents accidents since Yorkies are quite energetic canines.
Aside from that, make sure that the tool won’t overheat. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid accidents while grooming your dog.
✔️Size and weight
The size of the nail clipper or grinder matters for both dogs and their owners. Small dogs like Yorkies don’t need a large nail clipper or trimmer. Their toenails are small and won’t require a lot of spinning power if you’re planning to get a grinder-type trimmer.
On the other hand, dog owners should ensure that the clipper fits perfectly on their hands. This will make it easy for you to cut your Yorkie’s nails properly.
✔️Price
Lastly, always consider the price of the nail clipper. If you want one that will last for years, you should invest a few more bucks to get a premium model. You can also opt for more affordable types, but make sure that it’s made of decent materials.
Tips in trimming your Yorkie’s nails
Many Yorkies don’t like being restrained, which can be a problem when cutting their nails. To make the process more worthwhile, you can try using these tips the next time you’re grooming your pet.
✔️Let your dog relax first.
Before you restrain your Yorkie for nail trimming, make sure that the pooch is relaxed first. You can take it to a short walk or engage it in fun playtime. By doing this, you’re burning your dog’s excess energy. By the time you’re cutting the Yorkie’s nails, the pooch won’t have the energy to fight back.
✔️Get your dog familiar with the tool.
One of the main reasons why Yorkshire Terriers hate nail clipping is because of the unfamiliar scent of the tool. It’s important to desensitize your canine first, so it will be more relaxed once you turn the device on (in the case of grinders). Let your dog sniff and lick the tool before you use it on them.
If you’re using a grinder type of trimmer, you should desensitize your Yorkie to its sound. Feeding treats while the trimmer is on will help the dog associate the tool with something positive.
✔️Give your dog a break
Any dog, not just Yorkies, will dislike prolonged restraint. It’s best to let your dog go after finishing a few toenails. And if you’re using a toenail grinder, you should pause every 5 to 10 seconds to prevent heat buildup on the canine’s nails.
If it’s the first time for you to trim your dog’s nails, it’s best to follow the Yorkie’s pace. When the doggo starts to become agitated, you should release it then resume after a few minutes.
✔️Let rewards flow
One way to encourage your Yorkie to cooperate is by giving treats as you trim its nails. Most canines are food-driven, so the reward system rarely fails. However, make sure that you’re not overindulging your Yorkie. You should also explore other forms of rewards other than food.
✔️Mind the quick
The ‘quick’ is a part of a dog’s nails consisting of a nerve and a blood vessel. If you accidentally cut this portion, it will cause pain and bleeding.
Moreover, the quick is easy to see among dogs with light-colored toenails. Unfortunately, Yorkies have black ones, so you have to check closely to avoid accidents.
✔️Don’t rush
Rushing increases the risk of cutting your Yorkie’s quick. Stay focused and calm. This way, your Yorkie will not become agitated, and you can finish grooming without any hiccups.
✔️Take it easy
It’s easy to get lost in the process of trimming your dog’s nails to the point that you’re already squeezing its paw. Always take it easy and check how tight your hold is, as it might be hurting your pooch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I cut my Yorkie’s nails?
A: You should trim your Yorkie’s nails every 2 to 3 months, depending on how fast it grows. Some Yorkies can be left for six months without nail trimming. The rule of thumb is that if your dog’s nails are already scratching the floor, it’s a sign that the pooch is due for trimming.
Q: What kind of nail clippers do dog groomers use?
A: Dog groomers use a guillotine type of nail clipper. Still, many groomers offer pet owners several options since some dogs are scared of specific tools. Usually, a professional groomer will own a guillotine type, plier-type, and nail grinder to suit specific canines.
Q: Is it okay to use human nail clippers on dogs?
A: It’s not advisable to use human nail clippers on dogs. First of all, dog nails have a different shape than those of humans. If you use human clippers on them, you’ll surely injure your pet. This is the reason why you should purchase a dedicated nail clipper for your Yorkie.
Q: How often should you replace dog nail clippers?
A: Most high-quality dog nail clippers will last for up to two years before it requires replacements. However, it also depends on how well you maintain the clipper and how often you use it. As with any grooming tool, proper maintenance is crucial for its longevity.
Q: How do you cut dog’s nails that are black?
A: Yorkies have black toes, which can be challenging to cut since you might hit the quick. You should practice extra care and avoid cutting too much length. You’ll find a small dark center on the black nail, which is the start of the quick. You should never cut past this, or your Yorkie will suffer from intense bleeding.
Final words
Grooming a Yorkshire Terrier isn’t the easiest task. But with the best nail clippers for Yorkies, the task would be a tad easier. Make sure that you get one that you’ll be comfortable using while remaining safe for your pet.
Have you used any of the dog nail clippers I reviewed above? Which one do you prefer? Let us know below!
