Grooming and coat
What is a topknot and how do you tie one on a long coated dog?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
A topknot gathers the long hair on top of a dog's head into a small ponytail, secured with a soft elastic band, to keep it out of the eyes without cutting it. It is common on breeds like Shih Tzus, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terriers that are grown out rather than clipped short around the face.
The basic technique
After combing the hair on top of the head smooth, section off the hair from roughly the outer corner of each eye up to a point in the center of the skull, gather it with your fingers, and secure it close to the head with a soft, latex free elastic band designed for dog hair rather than a human hair tie, which can pull and snap coarser strands.
Why not just trim it instead
For breeds shown in conformation, or owners who prefer the traditional look, growing the facial hair long and tying it back preserves the coat's full length rather than shortening it permanently. It also protects the eyes from constant hair contact, which can otherwise cause mild irritation or staining beneath the eyes over time.
Common mistakes to avoid
A band placed too far forward pulls uncomfortably at the base of the ears, while one placed too low fails to clear the eyes properly. Checking that a dog can blink and move its head freely once the topknot is in place is a simple way to confirm the tension and position are right.
Key takeaways
- A topknot gathers facial hair into a small ponytail to clear the eyes without cutting the coat.
- A soft, dog specific elastic band avoids the pulling and snapping a human hair tie can cause.
- Checking that the dog blinks and moves its head freely confirms the topknot is positioned comfortably.