How Often Should I Groom my Dog
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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