How Often Should My Dog Be Groomed? It All Depends on the Breed...

One of the most common questions dog owners ask is: “How often should my dog be groomed?” The answer depends largely on your dog’s breed, coat type, and lifestyle. Some dogs need professional grooming every few weeks, while others only need occasional maintenance. Regular grooming isn’t just about keeping your dog looking great — it also helps prevent matting, skin problems, and discomfort.

At Brentwood Bubbles 'N' Barks, we see many dogs whose coats have been left too long between grooms, which can lead to painful matting and more difficult grooming sessions. Knowing how often your dog should be groomed helps keep them comfortable and healthy.

Below is a guide to grooming frequency for some common breeds and coat types.

Cockapoos, Cavapoos & Other Doodle Breeds

Recommended grooming: Every 6–8 weeks

Doodle breeds such as Cockapoos, Cavapoos, Labradoodles, and Goldendoodles have coats that grow continuously and can mat very easily. Because their coats are a mix of poodle curls and other textures, they often require:

• Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks

• Regular brushing at home 3–4 times per week

• Eye and ear cleaning to prevent irritation

Without regular grooming, these coats can quickly become tangled and matted, which can be uncomfortable for your dog.

Spaniels (Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, etc)

Recommended grooming: Every 6–8 weeks

Spaniels have beautiful coats with feathering on their ears, legs, and chest. These areas can easily collect dirt and become tangled.

Typical grooming needs include:

• Regular trimming of feathering

• Ear cleaning (important for floppy-eared breeds)

• Coat thinning or clipping

Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks helps keep their coat manageable and prevents matting around the ears and legs.

Double-Coated Breeds (Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, etc)

Recommended grooming: Every 8–12 weeks

Double-coated breeds have two layers of fur:

• A dense insulating undercoat

• A protective outer coat

These dogs should not normally be shaved, but they benefit from professional grooming to remove loose undercoat and reduce shedding.

Typical grooming includes:

• De-shedding treatments

• Bath and blow dry

• Nail trimming and ear cleaning

Regular grooming every 8–12 weeks helps control shedding and keeps their coat healthy.

Short-Haired Breeds (Labradors, Vizslas, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, etc)

Recommended grooming: Every 8–12 weeks

Short-haired breeds may not need haircuts, but they still benefit from regular grooming. Professional grooming helps with:

• Removing loose hair

• Cleaning ears

• Nail trimming

• Skin and coat health

Even short-coated dogs shed and can develop skin issues if grooming is neglected.

Long-Haired Breeds (Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Yorkshire Terriers, etc)

Recommended grooming: Every 4–6 weeks

Breeds with continuously growing hair require the most frequent grooming.

Without regular maintenance, their coats can quickly become tangled and uncomfortable. These breeds typically need:

• Haircuts every 4–6 weeks

• Frequent brushing at home

• Regular eye cleaning to prevent staining

Many owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” to make coat maintenance easier.

Wire-Coated Breeds (Border Terriers, Schnauzers, etc)

Recommended grooming: Every 6–8 weeks

Wire-coated breeds often benefit from hand stripping or specialist grooming techniques to maintain their coat texture. Grooming typically includes:

• Coat maintenance or stripping

• Trimming around the face and legs

• Nail and ear care

Regular grooming keeps their coat healthy and prevents it from becoming soft or uneven.

Signs Your Dog May Need Grooming Sooner

Even if you follow a grooming schedule, some dogs may need attention sooner. Signs include:

• Matting or tangles in the coat

• Strong odour

• Nails clicking on hard floors

• Hair covering the eyes

• Dirty ears or tear staining

If you notice any of these, it may be time to book a groom.

Why Regular Grooming Is Important

Professional grooming isn’t just cosmetic. It plays an important role in your dog’s wellbeing. Regular grooming helps:

• Prevent painful matting

• Maintain healthy skin and coat

• Reduce shedding

• Spot potential health issues early

• Keep your dog comfortable and clean

Most importantly, regular grooming helps dogs become comfortable with the grooming process, making future appointments easier and less stressful.

Book Your Dog’s Groom in Brentwood

At Brentwood Bubbles 'N' Barks, we provide calm, professional grooming tailored to your dog’s breed, coat type, and temperament. Whether your dog needs a full groom, tidy-up, or de-shedding treatment, our experienced team will make sure they leave looking and feeling their best. If you're unsure how often your dog should be groomed, we’re always happy to help advise.

Book your dog’s groom today and keep their coat healthy all year round.