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

Grooming isn’t just about looking gorgeous (although that’s a lovely bonus). Regular professional grooming keeps your dog’s skin healthy, their coat comfortable and tangle-free, and helps you spot any little lumps, bumps or irritations before they become something bigger. But how often your pup actually needs a visit to the dog grooming salon really depends on their coat type – and with so many breeds and coat combinations out there, it’s not always obvious where to start. Here’s a handy guide.

Curly and woolly coats – every 6 weeks This is the category that keeps our grooming team busiest – and for good reason. Poodles, Cavoodles, Groodles, Labradoodles, Spoodles, Bernedoodles, Moodles and the whole wonderful family of Oodle breeds have coats that grow continuously and mat quickly, especially around the ears, armpits and collar area. Without regular professional clipping and brushing between visits, these coats can become uncomfortably matted in a surprisingly short time. Every 6 weeks is the sweet spot for most Oodle breeds, paired with a good brush at home in between. If your Cavoodle or Groodle is looking a little shaggy around the eyes or starting to form knots behind the ears, they’re probably overdue. We see a lot of Oodles at Unleashed – they’re one of the most popular breeds in Bayside – and our groomers know exactly how to handle their beautiful but high-maintenance coats.

Silky coats – every 6 weeks Cocker Spaniels, Maltese, Shih Tzus and other silky-coated breeds need regular professional grooming every 6 weeks to prevent tangles and keep those flowing locks looking (and feeling) their best. Silky coats can look deceptively manageable on the surface but tangle badly underneath, particularly around the legs and ears.

Wire coats – every 6 to 8 weeks Schnauzers, Fox Terriers, Border Terriers and many other terrier breeds have distinctive wiry coats that need regular attention every 6 to 8 weeks to stay neat, comfortable and true to their breed’s characteristic look.

Double-coated breeds – every 8 weeks Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Huskies, German Shepherds and similar double-coated breeds generally do well with a professional groom every 8 weeks, plus extra deshedding sessions during spring and autumn when they’re blowing their coat. One important note: these breeds should never be shaved. Their double coat is actually what protects them from both heat and cold, and shaving can permanently damage the coat’s natural structure and function.

Short, smooth coats – every 8 to 10 weeks Staffies, Labradors, Boxers and other smooth-coated breeds are the low-maintenance members of the dog grooming world – but low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. They still benefit enormously from a regular wash, nail trim and deshed to keep their coat healthy and their skin in good condition. Every 8 to 10 weeks is usually perfect.

Between professional visits A good brush at home goes a long way between professional dog grooming appointments – especially for Oodle breeds and other curly or silky coats that love to tangle. Nail length is worth keeping an eye on too: if you can hear them clicking on the floor, they’re overdue for a trim. You can pop in for a nail trim with us anytime.

Of course, every dog is an individual. Age, lifestyle, skin sensitivity and how much your pup loves a mud puddle all play a part in how often they really need a groom. Our dog grooming team in Highett is always happy to recommend a schedule that suits your dog’s specific coat and lifestyle perfectly.

Our full groom starts from $110 and includes a wash, blow-dry, nail clip, full styling and cut and lots of cuddles. Get in touch to book your pup’s spa day!

Explore more information on our grooming services or prices.

Book now or call us on 0433 399 436.