How Often Should You Groom Your Dog? A Breed-by-Breed Guide

Every dog deserves to look, feel, and smell their best — but how often should they actually be groomed? The answer depends on their coat type, lifestyle, and breed. Whether your pup is a low-shedding short-hair or a fluffy doodle with endless curls, the right grooming schedule keeps their coat healthy and prevents mats, skin issues, and discomfort.

At Gordie’s, we see dogs of all breeds every day, and one of the most common questions we get from pet parents is:

“How often should I bring my dog in?”

Let’s break it down breed-by-breed so you can create the perfect grooming routine for your pup 🐾

 

Short-Haired Breeds

(e.g., Beagles, Boxers, Dobermans, Pit Bulls, Boston Terriers)

Short-haired dogs are often low-maintenance, but that doesn’t mean they can skip grooming altogether.

Recommended grooming frequency:

• Bath & Brush: Every 4–8 weeks to remove dead hair and keep their skin clean.
• Nail Trims: Every 3–4 weeks, depending on activity.
• Full Groom: Not always required, but occasional professional baths help with shedding control and odor.

 

✨ Pro Tip: Even though they shed less visibly, regular brushing helps distribute natural oils and keeps their coat shiny.

Double-Coated Breeds

(e.g., Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Corgis, Labs)

These breeds have a soft undercoat beneath their outer guard hairs. They shed seasonally — often heavily in spring and fall — and require consistent grooming to prevent tangles and excess fur around the house.

Recommended grooming frequency:

• Bath & Brush: Every 4–6 weeks, with extra brushing during shedding seasons.
• De-Shedding Treatments: Every 6–8 weeks, especially for heavy shedders.
• Full Groom: Every 8–12 weeks, depending on lifestyle.

✨ Pro Tip: Avoid shaving double-coated breeds — it can damage their coat and affect temperature regulation. Regular brushing and professional de-shedding are key.

 

Curly & Wavy-Coated Breeds

(e.g., Poodles, Doodles, Bichon Frise, Portuguese Water Dogs)

Curly coats don’t shed much, but they mat easily, especially behind the ears, in armpits, and around the tail. Regular grooming is essential to prevent painful mats and keep their coat manageable.

Recommended grooming frequency:

• Full Groom (including haircut): Every 4–6 weeks to keep the coat clean and shaped.
• Bath & Brush: Every 2–4 weeks between haircuts.
• At-Home Brushing: Ideally every 1–2 days.

 

✨ Pro Tip: Skipping regular grooms often leads to severe matting that can only be resolved with a short shave. Staying on schedule means your doodle or poodle can keep their fluffy style comfortably.

Wire-Haired & Terrier Breeds

(e.g., Schnauzers, Westies, Scotties, Wire Fox Terriers)

Wire coats benefit from regular trimming or hand-stripping to maintain their texture and shape.

Recommended grooming frequency:

• Full Groom: Every 6–8 weeks, including breed-specific trimming.
• Bath & Brush: Every 4–6 weeks to keep their coats clean and crisp.
• Face & Feet Touch-Ups: Every few weeks if you prefer a tidy look between grooms.

 

✨ Pro Tip: Terrier beards and leg furnishings can trap food and dirt — a quick wipe after meals helps keep them fresh between grooms.

 

Long-Haired Breeds

(e.g., Shih Tzus, Yorkies, Maltese, Afghan Hounds)

Long coats are beautiful but high-maintenance. Without regular grooming, they mat quickly, which can cause discomfort and skin issues.

Recommended grooming frequency:

• Full Groom: Every 4–6 weeks for trims, baths, and coat maintenance.
• Bath & Brush: Every 2–3 weeks between haircuts.
• Daily Brushing at Home: To prevent tangles and mats.

✨ Pro Tip: Using a detangling spray and slicker brush daily can make grooming appointments smoother and more comfortable for your pup.

 

Short-Hair + Thick Undercoat Mix

(e.g., Australian Cattle Dogs, Shiba Inus, Akitas)

These breeds don’t need frequent haircuts, but seasonal shedding is intense. Routine grooming helps control loose hair and keeps their coat healthy.

Recommended grooming frequency:

• Bath & Brush: Every 4–6 weeks.
• De-Shedding Treatments: Every 8–10 weeks.
• Nail Trims & Ear Cleaning: Every 3–4 weeks.

✨ Pro Tip: A regular de-shedding schedule drastically cuts down on hair around the house — especially during spring blowouts!

 

📝 Quick Reference Chart

Coat Type	Full Groom	Bath & Brush	De-Shedding	Brushing at Home
Short-Haired	Rare	4–8 weeks	As needed	Weekly
Double-Coated	8–12 weeks	4–6 weeks	6–8 weeks	Weekly+
Curly / Wavy	4–6 weeks	2–4 weeks	N/A	1–2 days
Wire-Haired / Terrier	6–8 weeks	4–6 weeks	N/A	Weekly
Long-Haired	4–6 weeks	2–3 weeks	N/A	Daily

 

Final Thoughts

Every dog is different, but consistency is key. Regular grooming not only keeps your pup looking sharp — it prevents matting, reduces shedding, improves skin health, and helps catch issues early (like ear infections or nail problems).

At Gordie’s Grooming, we love helping each dog feel their best. Whether it’s a tidy trim, a deep de-shedding session, or a full spa day, we can recommend the right schedule for your dog’s coat and lifestyle.

👉 Book your next appointment online or give us a call — let’s keep those tails wagging and coats shining 🐾