How Often Should I Groom My Dog?
The honest answer depends on your dog's breed, coat type, and lifestyle. Here's a practical guide by coat type — and why leaving it too long creates problems.
Written and reviewed by Joanne Taylor — SEG Level 3 accredited dog groomer at The Floof Spa in Herne Bay, Kent.
Every week at least one owner asks: 'am I grooming my dog often enough?' The answer is almost always breed- and coat-specific, and there's no universal interval that fits every dog. Here's a practical guide.
Curly and wavy coats (Poodle crosses, Bichon, Cockapoo)
Every 6–8 weeks for a full groom, plus daily home brushing. Curly coats don't shed much, which sounds convenient — but it means loose hair stays in the coat and matts form fast. Leave it 12 weeks and you'll often face a shave down rather than a trim.
Long double coats (Golden Retriever, Spaniels, Collies)
Coat care varies by density, length and lifestyle. Brush high-friction areas regularly and ask a groomer to assess the professional interval. Routine shaving is rarely the first choice for a healthy double coat, but severe matting, veterinary treatment or an individual welfare need can justify close clipping under an appropriate plan.
Short double coats (Labrador, German Shepherd, Husky)
Weekly brushing is a useful baseline for many short double coats, with extra coat-appropriate care when seasonal shedding increases. Professional de-shed timing is individual; hair loss, sores, odour or persistent itching needs a vet rather than more grooming.
Wire coats (Terriers, Schnauzers)
Every 6–8 weeks, with hand-stripping for breed-correct coats or scissor trimming for pet trims. Wire coats need active maintenance — left alone, they become soft, pale, and prone to skin irritation.
Smooth coats (Boxer, Staffie, Beagle)
Many short coats benefit from weekly brushing and bathing when dirty, using dog-specific shampoo. They usually do not need haircuts, but nails, outer ears, skin and coat still need routine checks.
What happens if you leave it too long
- Matts form close to the skin and pull painfully every time your dog moves
- Tight mats can pull painfully and hide sore or broken skin
- Overlong nails can affect comfortable footing and may grow towards the pad
- New ear smell, discharge, swelling, pain or repeated head shaking needs veterinary advice
- A full rescue groom often has to be a shave down — not a style
Ask about your dog
Message Joanne with your dog's breed, size, coat condition and any handling concerns.