September 27, 2021April 22, 2025

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

By In General

Grooming your dog isn’t just about keeping them looking their best—it’s an essential part of maintaining their overall health and well-being. Regular brushing, bathing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning help prevent skin issues, detect abnormalities early, and strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.

But how often should you groom your dog? The answer depends heavily on their breed, coat type, and lifestyle. Here’s a helpful breed-by-breed guide to help you establish the ideal grooming routine for your pup.

Short-Haired Breeds (Low Maintenance)

Examples:

  • Beagle
  • Boxer
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • Labrador Retriever

Grooming Frequency:

  • Brushing: Once a week
  • Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks
  • Nail Trimming: Every 3–4 weeks
  • Ear Cleaning: Monthly or as needed

Short-haired breeds don’t require intense grooming, but regular brushing helps remove loose hair and distribute natural oils across their coat. Bathing too often can dry out their skin, so a gentle schedule is key.

Medium to Long-Haired Breeds (Moderate to High Maintenance)

Examples:

  • Golden Retriever
  • Border Collie
  • Australian Shepherd
  • Cocker Spaniel

Grooming Frequency:

  • Brushing: 2–3 times a week
  • Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks
  • Nail Trimming: Every 3–4 weeks
  • Ear Cleaning: Monthly or as needed

These breeds are more prone to tangles, matting, and seasonal shedding. Frequent brushing is essential to keep their coats healthy and to prevent painful mats, especially behind the ears and under the legs.

Double-Coated Breeds

Examples:

  • Siberian Husky
  • German Shepherd
  • Akita
  • Shiba Inu

Grooming Frequency:

  • Brushing: 2–3 times a week (daily during shedding season)
  • Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks
  • Nail Trimming: Every 3–4 weeks
  • Ear Cleaning: Monthly

Double-coated dogs blow their coats once or twice a year, requiring more intensive grooming during those periods. Avoid shaving these breeds, as their coats help regulate body temperature and protect against the sun.

Curly or Wavy-Coated Breeds

Examples:

  • Poodle
  • Bichon Frise
  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • Labradoodle

Grooming Frequency:

  • Brushing: Daily or every other day
  • Bathing and Haircuts: Every 4–6 weeks
  • Nail Trimming: Every 3–4 weeks
  • Ear Cleaning: Biweekly or monthly

Curly-coated dogs are prone to matting, and their hair continues to grow, requiring regular trims. Professional grooming is highly recommended to keep their coats manageable and healthy.

Wire-Haired Breeds

Examples:

  • Airedale Terrier
  • Wire Fox Terrier
  • Schnauzer
  • Irish Wolfhound

Grooming Frequency:

  • Brushing: Weekly
  • Hand-Stripping or Clipping: Every 6–8 weeks
  • Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks
  • Nail Trimming: Every 3–4 weeks

Wire-haired breeds require hand-stripping or regular clipping to maintain the texture of their coat. These tasks are often best left to professional dog groomers.

Hairless Breeds

Examples:

  • Chinese Crested
  • Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless)
  • American Hairless Terrier

Grooming Frequency:

  • Bathing: Weekly or biweekly
  • Skincare: Daily sunscreen or moisturizer as needed
  • Nail Trimming: Every 3–4 weeks
  • Ear Cleaning: Monthly

Even without fur, hairless breeds require regular maintenance. Their skin is more exposed to the elements and can be prone to dryness, acne, or sunburn.

Puppies and Senior Dogs

Regardless of breed, puppies should be introduced to grooming routines early to get them comfortable with brushing, bathing, and nail trimming. Start slow and make grooming a positive experience with treats and praise.

Senior dogs may need more frequent brushing if they’re less active or have mobility issues. Keep grooming sessions gentle and brief to avoid discomfort.

Signs It’s Time for a Grooming Session

Even if you’re sticking to a schedule, look out for these signs that your dog might need some attention:

  • Strong odor or greasy coat
  • Excessive scratching or licking
  • Tangled or matted fur
  • Long, clicking nails
  • Dirty or smelly ears

Establishing a regular grooming routine that suits your dog’s breed and coat type is one of the best ways to support their health, comfort, and happiness. While some tasks can be handled at home, don’t hesitate to seek professional grooming services for more complex coats or if your dog is uncomfortable with grooming.

A clean, well-groomed dog is not only a joy to be around—they’re also more likely to lead a healthy, active life by your side.