How Often Should You Groom Your Dog? A Breed-by-Breed Guide
The honest answer is: it depends entirely on your dog's coat type. Here is a clear, practical guide to how often different breeds actually need grooming.
5 min read | September 2026
One of the most common questions new dog owners ask is how often they should be grooming their dog. The internet gives wildly inconsistent answers, partly because the honest answer is that it completely depends on what breed you have and what kind of coat they are carrying.
A Labrador and a Bichon Frise both need grooming, but they need it very differently. Getting this right means a healthier coat, a more comfortable dog, and a home with significantly less fur on the sofa.
It starts with understanding coat type
Before you can build a grooming schedule, you need to understand which coat category your dog falls into. Most dogs fit into one of five types, and each has its own needs in terms of brushing frequency, bathing schedule, and seasonal adjustments.
Five coat types and what they need
Short coat
Beagle, Boxer, Dalmatian
Double coat
Lab, Golden, Husky
Curly coat
Poodle, Cockapoo, Bichon
Long coat
Collie, Shih Tzu, Afghan
Wire coat
Schnauzer, Terrier breeds
Grooming frequency by coat type
| Coat type | Brushing | Bathing | Professional groom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short coat (Beagle, Boxer, Dachshund) | Once or twice a week | Every 6 to 8 weeks | Not usually required |
| Double coat (Labrador, Golden Retriever, Husky) | 3 to 4 times a week, daily in shedding season | Every 4 to 6 weeks | Optional, 2 to 3 times a year |
| Curly coat (Poodle, Cockapoo, Bichon Frise) | Daily to prevent matting | Every 4 weeks | Every 6 to 8 weeks |
| Long coat (Collie, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier) | Daily | Every 4 weeks | Every 6 to 10 weeks |
| Wire coat (Schnauzer, Jack Russell Terrier) | Once or twice a week | Every 6 to 8 weeks | Every 8 to 12 weeks for stripping |
The most common grooming mistakes by coat type
Short-coated dogs are often over-bathed because owners assume they need less frequent grooming. In reality, they need less brushing but the same bathing schedule as longer-coated dogs. Washing too often strips the natural oils their short coat relies on for shine and protection.
Curly and long-coated dogs are often under-brushed between professional appointments, which leads to matting. Mats are not just unsightly; they pull on the skin, trap moisture, and cause real discomfort. Daily brushing with the right brush for the coat type prevents them entirely.
Signs your dog needs grooming sooner than scheduled
Oil build-up is the clearest sign a bath is overdue, regardless of what the calendar says.
Catch them early with a brush session. Leave them and they become painful to remove.
This can indicate a build-up of dead skin, loose fur, or product residue irritating the skin.
Dogs get used to their own smell. If you notice it, it is probably time for a wash or a dry shampoo session.
Building a grooming routine that actually works
The best grooming routine is the one you will stick to. Keep products somewhere visible and accessible. A brush hanging by the lead hook, a dry shampoo on the bathroom shelf. These small things make it much more likely you will actually use them between scheduled baths.
Pair grooming with something your dog already enjoys. A brush before their evening walk, a paw clean after their morning one. Attaching it to an existing habit means it gets done without feeling like a separate chore. Over time your dog will start to associate it with good things, and the whole routine becomes genuinely easy.
Whatever your dog's coat type, the ITSY Pets Mousse Shampoo keeps things simple. One gentle formula that works across every breed.
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