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Every dog is unique, and so are their grooming needs. How often they need their hair brushed, trimmed, and washed will depend on the length, texture, and density of their coat. To help you keep your dog’s coat looking and feeling good, we asked several professional groomers how often you should groom your dog.
In this guide, we’ll cover grooming needs for short-haired dogs, long-haired dogs, dogs with thick undercoats, dogs with silky hair, wire-haired dogs, and dogs with curly hair. We’ll also explain how frequently pet parents should carry out basic grooming tasks at home like trimming nails and cleaning teeth, ears, and eyes. Finally, we’ll go over which types of dogs will benefit most from visiting a professional groomer—and how often they should see a pro.
How Often Should You Groom Your Dog? Guidelines by Hair Type
Different coat types require different levels of care. We break down the main hair types, looking at how often each one needs brushing, bathing, trimming, and professional grooming.
| Hair Type | Brushing | Bathing | Haircut | Professional Grooming |
| Short-haired (Dachshunds, Pugs, Boxers) | Weekly for dogs without an undercoat; every other day for dogs with an undercoat | Every 4-6 weeks for dogs with oily skin; every 6-12 weeks for other short-haired dogs | Never (unless medically required) | Not required, but may benefit from occasional visits for baths and/or nail trims |
| Long-haired (Afghan Hounds, Irish Setters, Havanese) | Daily | Every 4-6 weeks | Every 8-12 weeks | Every 6 weeks or so (can be stretched out if you brush at home often) |
| Double-coated (Golden Retrievers, Huskies, Pomeranians) | Daily | Monthly | Haircuts not typically needed, but occasional trims around the paws may be necessary | Every 8-12 weeks (for thorough undercoat removal) |
| Wire-coated (Terriers, Irish Wolfhounds) | 2-3 times per week | Every 6-8 weeks | Haircuts typically not needed, but you can trim around the face and feet | Every 4-8 weeks |
| Curly & Wavy (Poodles, Bichon Frise, Portuguese Water Dogs) | Daily | Monthly | Every 6-8 weeks | Every 3-4 weeks |
| Silky (Lhasa Apso, Yorkies, Shih Tzus) | Daily brushing & combing | Every 4-6 weeks | Every 4-8 weeks (though frequency depends on desired coat length) | Every 4-8 weeks |
Short-haired dogs need weekly brushing
Short-haired dogs, like Dachshunds, Pugs, and Boxers, have smooth fur that lies close to their body. Unsurprisingly, these pups have fewer grooming needs than long-haired dogs.
Janece Curtis, a professional groomer in Seattle, recommends running a curry-type brush, like the Bodhi Dog, over short-haired dogs weekly to distribute healthy hair oils—or more often when they’re shedding.
Dogs with oilier skin types benefit from a good wash in the tub every 4 to 6 weeks. Otherwise, short-haired dogs usually need a bath every 6 to 12 weeks, she says.
According to Angeon Booker, a professional groomer in Washington DC, short-haired dogs don’t need haircuts unless there’s a medical imperative. Otherwise, haircuts can be harmful for short-haired dogs because the cutting happens so close to their skin.
Do short-haired dogs ever need to see a pro? Only occasionally, says professional groomer Silvana Clavarino, owner of Hachi Dog Grooming. These dogs may need professional care every 3-6 months or so for baths and nail trims if you can’t do them at home.
Long-haired dogs need daily brushing and haircuts every few months
Long-haired beauties like Afghan Hounds, Irish Setters, and Havanese need nearly daily brushing with a good greyhound comb to work out tangles that form close to the skin. If those deep tangles go undetected, Curtis warns, they’ll become painful mats that tug at your dog’s skin.
Long-haired dogs need a bath every 4 to 6 weeks, complemented by a haircut every 8 to 12 weeks. A good balance of both can be achieved with a visit from a groomer every six weeks. The more you brush your dog at home, Curtis notes, the longer you can go between visits from the groomer. If you don’t have time to brush your dog regularly, groomers will probably suggest more frequent visits to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.
Double-coated dogs need frequent brushing that targets the undercoat
Andrii Zorii via iStock
Double-coated breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, Huskies, and Pomeranians, have a soft undercoat for insulation topped with a protective layer that wards off dirt and moisture. These dogs shed their undercoat twice a year, during which time you’ll need to dial up your brushing routine to keep the clouds of fur under control.
Double-coated dogs benefit from brushing 2 to 3 times per week, focusing on removing the undercoat. Curtis recommends using an undercoat rake with rotating tines instead of sharp blades, since cutting the undercoat can disrupt the growth pattern and texture. The PawsPamper is a good example.
According to Curtis, a thorough undercoat removal by a groomer every 8 to 12 weeks will allow your dog’s skin and coat to breathe without losing functional insulation. These dogs are best served by a tidy trim (no more than half an inch), she says, because excessive haircuts can alter undercoat regrowth, which can take up to two years to re-establish. Experts advise against shaving these types of dogs.
Dogs with thick undercoats need monthly baths to keep them healthy and comfortable, Booker advises.
Wire-coated dogs require either regular stripping or a short cut
Wire-coated breeds, like Terriers and Irish Wolfhounds, have a bristly, coarse feel. These coats are best maintained by daily brushing, hand stripping, and tidying outlines, says Curtis. She recognizes that most people don’t have time to deliver that regimen themselves, so she recommends bringing in a professional groomer or opting for a shorter cut.
According to Clavarino, wire-coated dogs benefit from bathing with a gentle shampoo (especially important to avoid stripping moisture from the coat) every 6 to 8 weeks. Typically, haircuts aren’t necessary, she says. But some pet parents may opt to trim fur around the face and feet.
Curly and wavy-haired dogs typically need professional grooming
Get ready for some heavy grooming—these dogs’ coats need more attention than any other. Curly- or wavy-coated dogs include Poodles, Bichon Frise, and Portuguese Water Dogs
When these dogs shed, hairs can get caught up in their curls and cause knots. This means daily brushing is a must, says Curtis, perhaps even two or three times per day if you like to keep your dog’s coat long. She recommends seeing a groomer every 3 to 4 weeks for baths and 6 to 8 weeks for haircuts.
Silky dogs need daily brushing, regular trims, and frequent baths
In Booker’s professional opinion, dogs with silky hair, like Yorkies and Shih Tzus, are best served by daily brushing and combing. Curtis recommends using a greyhound comb. The frequency of haircuts depends on how long you want to keep their coat, but Booker suggests every 4 to 8 weeks for these breeds.
Curtis notes that silky-haired dogs tend to have little to no undercoat and oilier skin, so they need to bathe more frequently. Clavarino recommends bathing every 4 to 6 weeks with a moisturizing shampoo. For top-notch care, Curtis suggests adding some baking soda to the bath water to help balance pH.
Home Grooming Schedule
Grooming isn’t just about hair. Dogs also need regular upkeep with their nails, teeth, ears, eyes, and sometimes anal glands. Usually, these tasks can be handled at home. We lay out a schedule for grooming tasks that will keep your pooch looking and feeling their best.
| Home Grooming Task | Recommended Frequency |
| Nail Trimming | Every 3-4 weeks. Dogs who walk on pavement may need less frequent nail trims than dogs who walk on grass or dirt. Puppy nails grow faster, so they may need weekly trims. |
| Teeth Brushing | Ideally, daily. Otherwise, aim for 2-3 times per week. Small dogs may require more fastidious brushing. |
| Ear Cleaning | Every 1-2 months. Dogs with floppy ears may need weekly ear cleaning. Swimmers, dogs with allergies, and those prone to infections may also need more frequent ear cleaning. |
| Eye Cleaning | During baths or as needed (when tear stains, boogers, or eye gunk accumulates). |
| Anal Gland Expression | For dogs who need it, every 3-4 weeks. |
How often should I trim my dog’s nails?
Regular trimming is essential to avoid the discomfort and pain of overgrown nails. A good rule of thumb is to trim your dog’s nails when they just about reach the floor—or when they make that unmistakable clicking sound on hard surfaces. On average, this will be every 3-4 weeks.
However, this isn’t a hard timeline. Nail trimming frequency will vary from dog to dog, depending on their activity level and environment. Dogs in urban or suburban areas, for instance, naturally wear down their nails by walking on sidewalks or hard pavement. Dogs who play on grass or dirt, on the other hand, won’t wear down their nails as quickly and can go longer between trims.
Age matters, too. Puppy nails grow faster than adult nails, so they’ll need more frequent trims—usually every week.
How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?
Regular teeth cleaning should also be on your agenda. Ideally, pet parents will aim for daily brushing. But if that’s not doable, try to brush your dog’s teeth 2-3 times per week using a long-handled dog toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste. Those with small-breed dogs will want to be extra fastidious with brushing, as they’re often prone to dental issues.
Can you just give your dog a dental chew or use a water additive? They can certainly help, but they won’t necessarily ensure the same results. If toothbrushing is an absolute no-go, talk to your vet about workarounds for your pup.
How often should I clean my dog’s ears?
Routine ear cleaning helps prevent itchiness and painful ear infections. There’s no precise cadence to follow with ear cleaning, so it’s always a good idea to consult your vet for advice.
Dogs with long, floppy ears, like Cocker Spaniels, usually benefit from weekly cleaning with a dog-specific ear cleanser to remove debris and moisture. Dogs who swim or play in the dirt will need their ears cleaned more often, as will pups with allergies or those prone to infections. Otherwise, most dogs can go 1-2 months between ear cleanings.
How often should I wash my dog’s eyes?
You can wash your dog’s eyes during bath time, but if you notice a buildup of eye gunk or tear stains (and you’ve ruled out an infection or illness), it’s a good indication that their eyes could use a touch-up. You can use a dog eye wash or pet-safe wipe to remove hair, dust, and crusties.
photographer via iStock
How often does my dog need their anal glands expressed?
For the most part, dogs can express their anal glands without assistance. However, some smaller breeds, including Pugs, Frenchies, and Chihuahuas, are prone to anal gland issues and may need to have them expressed manually. For dogs who require help, anal glands should be expressed every 3-4 weeks. Your veterinarian and some groomers can perform this task. Or you can do it yourself at home if you feel comfortable.
How Often Should You Take Your Dog to the Groomer?
If you’re weighing costs and convenience, you may wonder how often your dog really needs to see a professional groomer. Ultimately, grooming frequency will depend on your dog’s coat type, style preference, and lifestyle (e.g., outdoor adventurers may need professional cleanups more often).
According to Clavarino, dogs with long, thick, or curly coats benefit from professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks to prevent matting and maintain a healthy coat. Wire-coated breeds stand to benefit from a similar schedule. Double-coated breeds may need to see a professional every 8 to 12 weeks for an undercoat removal.
But hair type isn’t the only thing to consider. Even if your dog’s coat doesn’t require professional attention, Clavarino points out that groomers are trained and equipped to handle a variety of tasks. “Beyond basic hair grooming, the dog might require services like nail trimming, ear cleaning, or anal gland expression.”
If you’re hesitant to tackle these yourself, calling in a professional is your best bet. Plus groomers have access to specialized tools and products that help them do a more thorough job than most owners can do at home.
Additionally, professional groomers can identify skin issues, parasites, and other health concerns not readily apparent to pet parents. What’s more, some dogs may actually enjoy the interaction and socialization they get at the grooming salon, says Clavarino. It can be a great way to help dogs get used to regular handling and may help them become more comfortable around people and other dogs.
Pro-Tip: Socialization with new people and pets can prepare your dog for playdates at the dog park or boarding with a pet sitter!
It’s worth noting that not all dogs require professional grooming. Some breeds have coats that are easy to maintain at home with regular brushing and bathing. The decision to take your dog to a professional groomer should be based on your individual dog’s needs and temperament, as well as your own personal preferences and budget.
Dogs who can benefit from seeing a professional groomer more often:
- Dogs with long, silky, wiry, or curly coats
- Double-coated breeds in need of a thorough undercoat removal
- Dogs with certain hairstyles that need to be maintained
- Dogs who need anal glands expressed, nails trimmed, or baths. If you’re nervous about performing these tasks at home—or you just don’t have the time or energy—a professional groomer is well-equipped to take them on.
Dogs who don’t typically need to see a groomer:
- Short-haired dogs with smooth coats
- Those with pet parents who can perform grooming tasks at home
