Which dog breeds need grooming?
Doggy Day Care at the Willows
A regular dog groom keeps your canine companion’s fur and claws neat and tidy. It also helps you check for fleas and other unwanted parasites. So, which dog breeds need grooming and are there certain dogs with low-grooming needs? We look at a variety of popular breeds, so you know how much grooming is recommended and the frequency.
Popular dog breeds that need grooming
For most breeds, grooming is an essential part of looking after your dog. Giving your furry friend a gentle yet regular brush removes grass seeds, dirt and debris, and reduces furballs.
It also ensures any minor skin or health issues are spotted, nails are trimmed, and teeth can also be cleaned. For long-haired breeds, a professional groom helps to prevent matted fur.
- Poodles – this is probably one of the highest maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming. Their famous curly coats produce thick fur that requires brushing ideally every 1-3 days. They need a professional groom and a full bath every 4-6 weeks.
- Labradoodles – as this popular crossbreed is part-Labrador and part-Poodle, they will need a regular brush. For curly, woolly coats, aim to brush daily or every other day. For wavy, fleecy coats, it’s every 2-3 days. Professional groom every 6-8 weeks.
- Cockerpoo – this highly popular breed, which is a mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, needs a brush 3-4 times a week. Professional groom every 4-6 weeks.
- Spaniels – from Cockers to Springers and Sprockers, all spaniels need brushing 3-5 times a week, especially for “show” coats. Professional groom every 6-8 weeks.
- Shih Tzus – a quick, daily brush (10–15 minutes) will help to prevent this breed’s fast-growing fur from matting. Professional groom every 4-6 weeks.
- Bichon Frise – it’s recommended to brush this dog breed daily, if possible, or at least 3-4 times a week. Professional groom every 4-6 weeks.
- Bulldogs – this dog breed needs daily cleaning of their facial wrinkles and skin folds to prevent irritation, infection or odour. Brush weekly, bathe every 4-6 weeks, and trim nails every 3-4 weeks.
- Sausage Dogs (Dachshunds) – for short-haired types, brush 1-2 times a week and 3-4 times a week for long-haired. Nail trimming is needed every 2-3 weeks to avoid discomfort. Bathe every 3-4 months.
If your dog breed isn’t listed above, then speak to our dog grooming team. For more information on why it’s important to groom your dog regularly, see our guide.
Dog breeds with low grooming needs
Although most breeds need a regular groom, some only require a good brush from time to time. This is mainly due to the way they naturally maintain their coats and shed fur – or ‘moult’ – allowing new growth to appear throughout the year.
- Greyhounds – this breed is very low-maintenance, due to their smooth, short coat. In fact, if you’re looking for a dog with no grooming needs then consider rehoming a greyhound!
- Chihuahuas – for short-haired, a weekly brush is recommended, and for long-haired, brush 2-3 times a week. Bathe every 3-4 weeks. No professional groom needed.
- Beagles – a weekly brush and a bath every 4-6 weeks should keep this pooch looking and smelling their best. Nail trimming every 5-6 weeks is recommended.
- German Shepherds (Alsatians) – this dog breed has a thick coat with oily fur that sheds naturally during different seasons. They don’t need regular bathing (unless after messy play), but they still need a regular brush to prevent large furballs from appearing around your home. A quarterly bath keeps them smelling nice.
- Labradors – a weekly gentle brush should keep this breed in check, although this might increase to daily during seasonal shedding. Professional grooming isn’t usually necessary for this breed, but a monthly bath is recommended (too frequent will strip their natural oils).
NEW Canine teeth cleaning at our dog grooming centre!
Did you know that Doggy Daycare at the Willows not only offers dog grooming services at our Elmesthorpe centre, but we now offer teeth cleaning? Our fully trained dog groomers are ready and waiting to trim your pooch. A well-groomed dog not only looks good, but they’ll be happier too, as dog grooming helps to improve social interaction.
Get in touch to book your dog grooming or teeth cleaning appointment today.
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