How often your dog goes to the groomer really depends on their coat and on how well you can look after it. One of the first things you should ask yourself when getting a dog is:
How much time am I willing to spend grooming them?
This includes brushing, bathing, trimming nails, cleaning ears, brushing teeth and washing faces. The less time you’re willing to spend, the more often they need to go to the groomer.
Many owners opt to get their dog’s nails clipped at the groomers or vets. The timing depends on lifestyle and rate of growth, but a general rule of thumb is when you can hear their nails clacking on surfaces, it’s time for a trim.
General Guides
The following are general guides to how often your dog should be going to the groomer. But remember – if you don’t keep on top of your brushing on fluffy, long, curly or combination coats, don’t be surprised if your dog needs shaving off.
Short/Smooth Coat
Eg. Boxer, French Bulldog, Greyhound, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Pug, Dachshund, Dogue de Bordeaux, Shar Pei, Chihuahua
Every 4 weeks or so
Harsh Double Coat/ Hand Strip
E.g. Schnauzer, Border Terrier, West Highland Terrier, Scottish Terrier
Many pet owners find it easier to care for when the coat is ‘taken down’ to just undercoat a few times a year. However, if you want a show standard rolled coat, it needs to be done weekly.
Fluffy Coats & Heavy Shedders
E.g. Border Collie, Bernese Mountain Dog, Husky, Akita, German Shepherd
Every 6 weeks or less
Curly Coats
E.g. Bichon Frise, Poodle, Any Poodle Cross, Spanish Water Dog, Maltese, Bedlington Terrier
Every 4-6 weeks
Long Coats
E.g. Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Afghan Hound, Briard, Shih Tzu, Sheepdog
Every 4-6 weeks
Combination Coat
E.g. Golden Retriever, Setter, Cocker Spaniel
Every 6 weeks or less
