Both new and long-time dog owners often struggle with sticking to a regular schedule for dog grooming. While all dogs need their nails trimmed at least once a month (in addition to daily tooth brushing), the breed of dog you own largely determines the amount of time you can go between trips to the groomers for a haircut.
How often should you take your dog for grooming? Read on to find out.
Short-coated dogs
Dogs with short hair are pretty low maintenance, requiring less frequent trips to your dog groomer compared to long-haired dogs. They rarely need grooming with clippers or trimmers, and you should stick to a four- to six-week schedule for bathing. Minimal brushing is required to maintain a healthy coat.
Common examples of breeds that require minimal trips to the groomers include:
- Boston Terriers
- Dobermans
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers
- Pugs
- Corgis
Double-coated dogs
Dog breeds that have double coats typically shed their undercoat seasonally. Since these dogs have thicker coats than their short-haired counterparts, their hair can mat easily if you don’t stick to a regular schedule with your dog groomer. You should brush these breeds at least one to three times per week and visit the groomers every two to three months.
Examples of double-coated dogs that require a quick trim at the groomers include:
- Golden Retrievers
- Labrador Retrievers
- Shiba Inus
- Australian Shepherds
- Huskies
- Havaneses
- Pomeranians
Wiry-coated dogs
Terrier breeds typically feature rough and bristly coats, and they need to be brushed and combed from the skin outwards to the ends of the hair one to three times every week. Grooming should be done every four to six weeks and should include light trims around the face, ears, paws and sanitary areas.
- Wire Fox Terriers
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- Wirehaired Dachshund
- Airedale Terriers
Curly- and wavy-coated dogs
Dogs with curly and wavy hair shed much less than most other breeds, but their hair is more likely to become matted and tangled. Dirt and debris easily get caught in the coat, which means frequent brushing and bathing may be required. Brush your pup at least three times per week using a slicker brush to brush the hair from the skin out. If you encounter stubborn matts during brushing, bathe with a dog-friendly shampoo.
As far as trips to the groomers, these breeds need a quick trim once every month; otherwise, a complete shave may be required to get rid of heavy matting. Examples of these breeds include:
- Poodles
- American Water Spaniels
- Curly-Coated Retrievers
- Bichon Frisés
All dogs are a bit different, and if you like to keep your pup trimmed to perfection, you may want to visit your trusted groomer more frequently. Your dog may also have particular needs that impact its ideal grooming schedule, so having a discussion with your pet’s vet may be helpful.
It’s always helpful to ask your local experts in dog grooming to determine a schedule that’s right for you and your pooch. Contact Lucky Bones Pet Resort to learn more about the specific grooming requirements for each and every breed.
