How Often Should I Groom My Dog? A Complete Guide for Pet Parents

Keeping your dog well-groomed isn’t just about looking cute (though that’s a bonus!) — it’s essential for skin health, comfort, odor control, and preventing painful matting. Many pet parents struggle to know how often grooming should happen, and the truth is: it depends on your dog’s coat type.

Below is a clear, easy guide to help you stay on top of your dog’s grooming routine and keep their coat healthy year-round.

Short-Coated Breeds (Boxers, Labs, Pugs, Beagles)

How often to groom:

Every 8–12 weeks

Short-coated dogs don’t need full haircuts, but they do benefit from regular baths, nail trimming, de-shedding, and ear cleaning.

Why this schedule works:

• Keeps shedding under control

• Prevents buildup of dirt and oil

• Maintains healthy skin

At-home maintenance:

• Brush with a rubber curry or grooming mitt 1–2 times per week

• Wipe paws and coat after messy walks

Double-Coated Breeds (Huskies, Shepherds, Golden Retrievers)

How often to groom:

Every 6–10 weeks, with heavier shedding seasons requiring visits every 4–6 weeks

Why this schedule works:

• Controls seasonal shedding (“blowout” periods)

• Prevents impacted undercoat

• Helps regulate body temperature

At-home maintenance:

• Brush with an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool 3–4 times per week during shedding season

• Never shave a double coat — it affects insulation and regrowth

Long-Coated Breeds (Shih Tzus, Yorkies, Maltese, Afghans)

How often to groom:

Every 4–6 weeks for full grooming
Every 2–4 weeks for face, feet, sanitary trims, and tidy-ups

Why this schedule works:

• Prevents matting, especially in friction areas (armpits, ears, legs)

• Keeps the coat manageable and healthy

At-home maintenance:

• Brush daily using a combination of a slicker brush and metal comb

• Use a detangling spray to prevent breakage

• Keep eyes wiped and facial hair clean

Curly & Wavy-Coated Breeds (Poodles, Doodles, Bichons, Portuguese Water Dogs)

How often to groom:

Every 4–6 weeks — these coats mat quickly if not maintained

Why this schedule works:

• Curly coats don’t shed like other breeds, but loose hairs can tangle

• Regular grooms keep the coat from forming painful mats

At-home maintenance:

• Daily brushing is ideal — at minimum 3–4 times per week

• Use a slicker brush and line-brushing technique

• Keep friction zones trimmed between grooms

Wire-Coated Breeds (Terriers, Schnauzers, Wire Dachshunds)

How often to groom:

Every 6–8 weeks for hand-stripping or clipping
Every 4 weeks if maintaining a tidy pet trim

Why this schedule works:

• Maintains texture and color

• Prevents the coat from becoming soft and fuzzy

• Keeps skin healthy and prevents buildup

At-home maintenance:

• Brush 1–2 times weekly with a stiff bristle brush

• Clean beards regularly to prevent odor

How to Tell If Your Dog Needs Grooming Sooner

Call your groomer if you notice:

• Mats forming or coat feeling “sticky”

• Excessive shedding

• Smelliness even after a bath

• Nails clicking on the floor

• Eye discharge or debris around the face

If you’re struggling to keep up with at-home care, increasing your grooming frequency makes a huge difference.

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