How Often Grooming Is Needed, by Coat Type

Grooming frequency follows the coat type, not the breed name. Two animals of the same breed can have coats that behave quite differently.

Long, silky coats

This type mats easily, and a mat left alone pulls at the skin and becomes uncomfortable. Regular brushing at home is essential; salon grooming is usually needed every four to six weeks.

Curly, woolly coats

These do not shed — which is exactly why dead hair stays in the coat and felts. Brushing should be frequent and the cut regular.

Short, wiry coats

A cut is often unnecessary. The real work is bathing, removing dead hair, and nail and ear care. The interval can be longer.

Double coats

The undercoat sheds heavily as the seasons turn. Grooming more often during that period noticeably reduces the hair around your home. Keep in mind that clipping a double coat short is not always the right move — the undercoat also protects against heat.

Working out the right interval once makes everything after it easy — we can look at the coat together at your appointment.