How Often Should You Groom Your Dog? A Guide by Coat Type

This is one of the questions I hear most, and it usually comes from owners who just want to get it right for their dog. There isn't one right answer. How often your dog needs grooming depends mostly on coat type, then on lifestyle, age, and how much brushing happens at home. Grooming too rarely leads to mats and skin problems. Bathing too often can dry out the skin. Below are the starting points I use, and how to adjust from there.

Starting points by coat type

Curly and low-shedding coats: every 4 to 6 weeks. Poodles, doodles, Bichons, Portuguese Water Dogs. The hair keeps growing, and the hair they do lose gets trapped in the coat instead of falling out, which is why they mat so quickly. "Doesn't shed" means more grooming, not less.

Long coats: every 4 to 8 weeks. Shih Tzus, Maltese, Yorkies, Lhasa Apsos, Cocker Spaniels. Where you land depends on how long you keep the coat and how much you brush. A short trim can stretch longer between visits. A long coat needs more frequent grooming.

Double coats: every 8 to 12 weeks. German Shepherds, Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Corgis, Australian Shepherds. The focus is removing dead undercoat. During heavy shedding in spring and fall, every 6 to 8 weeks helps. Shaving a double coat can affect how it grows back, so talk it through with your groomer before going very short.

Short coats: every 8 to 12 weeks. Pit Bulls, Boxers, Beagles, Pugs, Boston Terriers. They still shed, still need baths, and still need nail trims. Dogs with skin folds need those kept clean and dry.

Wire coats: every 6 to 10 weeks. Schnauzers, Wire Fox Terriers, Scottish Terriers. Hand stripping keeps the harsh texture but needs doing regularly. Clipping is simpler but softens the coat over time.

Mixed breed? Go by the coat your dog actually has, not the breeds on paper.

Nails are on their own schedule

Most dogs need a nail trim more often than a full groom, often every 3 to 4 weeks. If you hear nails clicking on the floor, they're due.

What changes the schedule

Lifestyle. Dogs who swim, hike, or roll in things need more frequent baths and more attention to burrs and debris. A mostly indoor dog can often go longer.

Age. Puppies benefit from short, frequent introductory visits to get used to handling before they need a full groom. Seniors often do better with shorter, more frequent appointments.

Health. Dogs with skin conditions may need a different bathing schedule. Follow your vet's advice on this, especially if medicated shampoos are involved.

Season. Expect more brushing and possibly extra appointments during spring and fall shedding. Some owners like a shorter trim in summer and a longer coat in winter.

Home brushing. This is the biggest variable. A dog who is brushed thoroughly several times a week can go longer between grooms. If brushing isn't happening, that's okay. Life gets busy. Book more often or choose a shorter, lower-maintenance cut so your pup stays comfortable either way.

Finding your rhythm

Start with the baseline for your dog's coat type and pay attention to how things look toward the end of each cycle. If the coat is tangling or your dog smells before the next appointment, move it up. If everything still looks good, try stretching it a week. Once you know what works, booking ahead keeps you on track. You know your dog better than anyone, so trust what you see.

Signs your dog is due early

• Tangles or mats
• A smell that comes back quickly after a bath
• Lots of scratching
• Nails clicking on the floor
• Hair covering the eyes
• Dirty or waxy ears
• Scooting

Persistent scratching, ear problems, or scooting can also point to a health issue, so mention them to your vet if they don't clear up.

The right schedule is simply the one that keeps your dog clean, comfortable, and feeling like themselves.

If you're in the East Bay and want help working out a schedule for your dog, get in touch.