At PawHootz, we believe that grooming your dog isn’t just about keeping them looking cute—it’s about helping them feel their best from nose to tail! But one of the most common questions we get is: How often should a dog be groomed? The answer depends on your dog’s breed, coat type, lifestyle, and even personality.
Let’s dig into the details of dog grooming so you know exactly how to keep your furry friend looking (and smelling) fabulous.
Why Regular Dog Grooming Matters
Grooming isn’t just about bubble baths and brushing. It’s essential for your dog’s health and well-being.
Regular grooming:
- Helps prevent painful matting and skin infections
- Controls shedding and reduces allergens in your home
- Keeps your pup smelling fresh and feeling comfy
- Lets you spot lumps, bumps, fleas, or ticks early
- Supports your dog’s emotional health by offering calm, gentle care
And hey, it’s also a great bonding time!
How Often Should a Dog Be Groomed? The Basics
| Coat Type | Example Breeds | Brushing Frequency | Professional Grooming Frequency |
| Short-Haired | Beagle, Boxer, Doberman | Weekly | Every 8–12 weeks |
| Long-Haired | Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier | Daily | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Curly/Wavy-Coated | Poodle, Bichon Frise | Daily | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Double-Coated | Golden Retriever, Husky | Daily during shedding | Every 8–12 weeks |
| Wire-Haired | Terrier Breeds | Weekly with stripping | Every 6–8 weeks |
| Hairless or Smooth | Xoloitzcuintli, Chihuahua | Bi-weekly (skin care!) | Every 8–12 weeks |
Dog Grooming Based on Coat Type
Short-Haired Breeds
Many small dogs like Chihuahuas and Jack Russell Terriers have short, low-maintenance coats. But that doesn’t mean you can skip out on brushing them entirely! Give them a weekly once-over with a rubber curry brush to remove dead hair and distribute skin oils that keep their coat healthy. Check their nails and trim if needed so they don’t accidentally scratch anyone. You can also use doggie wipes between full baths to freshen up dirty paws after a walk.
Medium-Haired Breeds
For medium-length coated breeds like Corgis, Miniature Schnauzers, and Pugs, aim to brush two to three times per week. Make sure to get all the way down to the undercoat. This helps prevent mats from forming close to the skin, which can be painful and trap moisture against your dog’s body. Trim nails as needed, and clean ears weekly with a vet-approved solution to avoid infections. Give these pups a bath every three to four weeks to keep their skin and coat in good condition.
Long-Haired Breeds
High-maintenance hounds like Golden Retrievers, Collies, Siberian Huskies, and the famous Komondor must be brushed about every other day. Their long hair is prone to tangles and mats, which are much easier to remove when freshly formed. Untended mats pull uncomfortably at your dog’s skin. Over time, they can even restrict blood circulation or cause sores. Make sure to brush down to the skin, and pay special attention to areas around the ears, legs, tail, and belly. Baths for the fluffy dogs should happen once every four to six weeks, along with regular nail trims.
Other Factors That Impact Grooming Frequency
While coat type is a biggie, it’s not the only thing that determines how often your pup needs grooming. Here are some other fur-real considerations:
Lifestyle & Activity Level
Does your dog love muddy hikes or splash in every puddle like it’s a pool party? More outdoor adventures = more frequent baths and grooming. Dogs that stay mostly indoors might be able to go a little longer between sessions.
Age
Puppies may need shorter, more frequent visits to get comfortable with grooming, while senior pets might benefit from specialized care and shorter sessions tailored to their needs.
Health Conditions
Skin sensitivities, allergies, or medical issues like arthritis can impact how often (and how gently) your dog should be groomed. Our trained groomers know how to adjust for your pup’s comfort and care.
Shedding Season
Spring and fall are prime shedding seasons for many breeds. A trip to the groomer during these times can help control the hair storm and keep your house a little less… furry.
Home Grooming Routine
If you’re brushing, bathing, or trimming your pup regularly at home, you might not need full-service grooming quite as often. But if life’s been hectic and the brush has been hiding in a drawer… it might be time for a refresh!
How Often Should Your Dog Be Groomed?
Still not sure? Here are a few clues it might be time to book a grooming appointment:
- You can’t see your pup’s eyes through their bangs
- Their paws sound like tap shoes on the floor (hello, long nails!)
- They’re scratching more than usual
- You’re brushing out more tangles than fur
- They smell… not great
At PawHootz, our professional dog grooming team knows how to pamper pups of every size and breed. From simple baths to full haircuts, we’ve got grooming down to a science—and an art.
Other Questions About Grooming Dogs
How often should a dog be groomed if they shed a lot?
Dogs that shed heavily, like Labs or Huskies, benefit from deshedding treatments and more frequent brushing during shedding season. A grooming session every 6–8 weeks helps manage the fluff!
Can I groom my dog at home?
Absolutely! Brushing, nail trims, and even bathing can be done at home if your pup is comfortable with it. But for haircuts, ear cleaning, gland expression, and deep de-shedding, it’s best to trust the pros.
What if my dog hates grooming?
We hear this a lot! That’s why PawHootz groomers use positive reinforcement and take things slow. We’re experts at turning anxious pups into spa-day regulars.
Ready to Treat Your Pup to a Fun Grooming Experience?
Whether your dog needs a quick nail trim or a full head-to-paw makeover, PawHootz is here to help. Our certified groomers know how to make every pet feel at ease—and look amazing.
Schedule your dog’s next grooming appointment today and keep those tails wagging (and those coats gleaming)!