How often should you groom your dog?

One of the most common questions we're asked at The Barking Barbers is:

“How often should my dog be groomed?”

The honest answer? It depends on your dog's coat type, lifestyle, and the look you want to maintain, but for most dogs, regular grooming every 4–6 weeks is ideal.

Grooming isn't just about appearance. It plays a key role in your dog's comfort, skin health, and overall wellbeing.

Let's break it down.

 

 

Why Does Regular Dog Grooming Matter?

Dog hair doesn't just grow it changes, sheds, tangles, and traps dirt. Without regular maintenance, small knots can quickly turn into tight matting, which pulls on the skin and causes discomfort.

Keeping to a consistent grooming schedule helps:

  • Prevent matting
  • Maintain healthy skin and coat
  • Keep nails at a safe length
  • Reduce ear and eye gunk build-up
  • Make each appointment easier and more comfortable

Dogs who are groomed regularly are often more relaxed during appointments because grooming feels familiar and routine rather than overwhelming.

 

How Often Should You Groom Your Dog Based On Coat Type

Long, Curly or Continuously Growing Coats

(Breeds such as Poodles Cockapoos, Shih Tzus, Maltese Doodles, and similar crosses)

These coat types typically require grooming every 4–6 weeks.

Their hair grows continuously and is prone to matting if not maintained. Waiting 8–12 weeks often results in knots forming close to the skin, which can mean a much shorter haircut is needed for comfort.

Regular grooming keeps coats manageable and allows you to maintain your preferred style.

 

Double-Coated Breeds

(Breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Spaniels, German Shepherds, Labradors, Bernese Mountain dogs, Huskies and similar types)

These dogs benefit from professional grooming every 6–8 weeks, depending on coat condition and shedding levels.

Regular bathing, de-shedding, and brushing help remove loose undercoat, improve airflow to the skin, and reduce excess shedding at home.

 

Wire- Coated Breeds

(Breeds such as boarder terriers, mini schnauzers, Westies, Airedales, Welsh Terriers and similar types)

If the wire coat is maintained (clipping this coat can cause it to soften) they will benefit from professional grooming every 8-10 weeks. However, if the coat is clipped this can be needed more frequently to avoid matting and we would advise ever 6-8 weeks.

A technique called hand-stripping is traditionally used to maintain the coats natural texture and colour, but this isn't always achievable for pets due to several factors including neutering, temperament, and coat condition. If you are interested in finding out more about hand-stripping or want to discuss your dogs coat, we offer this service at The Barking Barbers and are happy to have a chat.

 

Short-Coated Breeds

(Such as Staffie, Pugs, Frenchie, Beagle, Dalmatian and similar breeds)

Even dogs with short coats benefit from grooming every 8-10 weeks.

While they may not need haircuts, professional bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning and overall coat care help maintain healthy skin and reduce odour and shedding.

 

What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

Leaving too long between grooms can lead to:

  • Matting that pulls tightly on the skin
  • Discomfort when walking due to overgrown nails
  • Increased shedding and coat build-up causing overheating and irritation
  • Hygiene issues around the eyes and sanitary areas
  • A more stressful grooming experience

When dogs only visit the salon occasionally, the appointment often takes longer and can feel more intense. Consistent maintenance makes grooming quicker, calmer and far more comfortable.

 

Is 4–6 Weeks Really Necessary?

For many coat types - yes.

At The Barking Barbers, we recommend a 4–6 week schedule for most of our regular grooming clients because:

  • It prevents matting before it starts
  • It keeps coats in healthy condition
  • It maintains a consistent style
  • It makes each visit easier for your dog

It's much kinder to maintain a coat regularly than to correct problems later.

 

Grooming Is Part of Your Dog's Health Routine

Every groom at The Barking Barbers includes more than just styling.

We carry out a gentle wellness check, looking at:

  • Skin condition
  • Ears
  • Eyes
  • Nails
  • Pads
  • Coat health

Regular visits allow us to spot changes early and communicate anything unusual to you. Grooming plays an important role in preventative care, not just appearance.

 

 

How to Know If Your Dog Is Due a Groom

Some simple signs include:

  • You can hear their nails tapping on hard floors
  • Their coat feels fluffy but tangled near the skin
  • Their eyes are becoming covered with hair
  • They're scratching more than usual
  • It's been more than 6–8 weeks since their last visit

If you're unsure, we're always happy to advise.

Finding the Right Schedule for Your Dog

Every dog is an individual. Coat type, lifestyle, swimming habits, and even how much brushing happens at home all influence how often grooming is needed.

At The Barking Barbers, we create tailored grooming plans based on your dog's coat and your lifestyle. Our goal is to maintain comfort, not just achieve a one-off result.

 

 

Ready to Book?

If you're unsure how often your dog should be groomed or feel you might have left it a little too long, don't worry we're here to help.

Get in touch with The Barking Barbers to discuss the best grooming schedule for your dog. Regular care makes all the difference for their coat, their comfort, and their health.

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