How Often Should a Dog Be Groomed? A Schedule by Coat Type and Breed

Most dogs should see a professional groomer every 4 to 8 weeks, but the right number depends mostly on the coat. A doodle or Shih Tzu that mats in a month needs a very different schedule than a Lab or a Frenchie. Below you'll find a grooming schedule by coat type, with the breeds in each group, what to do at home between visits, the signs it's time to book, and how Florida's heat and humidity change the plan.

Grooming schedule by coat type

These ranges are starting points from common grooming practice. Your groomer will adjust them to your dog's coat, lifestyle and the cut you like. Not sure which group your dog belongs to? See the 7 dog coat types or let the quiz decide.

Curly and doodle coats

Pro groom: Every 4 to 6 weeks. The hair keeps growing and mats fast, especially behind the ears, under the legs and on the chest. A longer teddy bear cut needs the shorter end of the range; a short puppy cut can stretch to 6 to 8 weeks.

At home: Brush every day or every other day, down to the skin. Guides: Poodle, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Bernedoodle, Sheepadoodle, Cavapoo, Maltipoo, Bichon Frise.

Long silky coats

Pro groom: Every 4 to 6 weeks. Silky hair tangles easily and grows into the eyes. Kept long, it needs regular trims and a lot of brushing; in a short cut it can go 6 to 8 weeks.

At home: Brush every day, plus a quick face and eye clean. Guides: Shih Tzu, Maltese, Yorkie, Havanese, Cavalier, Cocker Spaniel, Springer Spaniel.

Double coats

Pro groom: Every 6 to 8 weeks, 4 to 6 in heavy shedding. These dogs don't need haircuts. They need a bath, a thorough blow-out and deshedding to pull the loose undercoat out, plus a tidy of the feet and sanitary area. Never shave a double coat unless your vet tells you to.

At home: Brush 2 to 3 times a week, daily while they blow their coat. Guides: Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Husky, Aussie, Pomeranian, Bernese, Newfoundland, Great Pyrenees, Samoyed, Shiba Inu, Border Collie, Corgi.

Wire coats

Pro groom: Every 6 to 8 weeks. Schnauzers and terriers keep their shape best with a trim every 6 to 8 weeks, or every 4 to 6 if you like a crisp look. Beards need rinsing between visits.

At home: Brush and comb once or twice a week; wipe the beard after meals. Guides: Miniature Schnauzer, Westie.

Short coats that shed a lot

Pro groom: Every 4 to 8 weeks. No haircut needed, but a bath and deshed every month or two cuts down the hair on your floors and keeps the smell in check.

At home: Brush once or twice a week with a rubber brush or glove. Guides: Labrador, Beagle, Pug, German Shorthaired Pointer, Rottweiler, Dachshund.

Short coats that shed little

Pro groom: Every 4 to 10 weeks. A bath, nail trim, ear clean and teeth brushing whenever they get dirty or smelly. Flat-faced breeds also need their face folds kept clean and dry.

At home: Brush weekly; clean face folds a few times a week. Guides: French Bulldog, Bulldog, Boxer, Pit Bull, Chihuahua.

Hairless dogs

Pro groom: Every 2 to 4 weeks. Their skin is the coat: regular gentle baths, moisturizing and sun protection matter more than any haircut.

At home: Wipe the skin and check for blackheads or dryness a few times a week. Guides: Xoloitzcuintli.

What "a groom" includes, and what to do in between

A full groom usually means a bath, blow-dry, brush-out, haircut or deshed, nail trim, ear cleaning and a sanitary trim. At Pawradise every bath and groom also includes teeth brushing. Between visits, your job is mostly brushing: it keeps mats from forming and makes the next groom shorter and more comfortable for your dog. For baths at home, follow our bath schedule by coat type and step-by-step bathing guide.

If the face grows faster than the rest, you don't have to wait for the next full groom. A quick face and paws touch-up keeps the eyes clear and the feet clean; at our Boca Raton salon that's the Tidy Up.

Signs your dog is overdue for a groom

• Mats or tight tangles behind the ears, in the armpits or on the back legs.
• Hair covering the eyes, or tear stains and gunk around them.
• Nails clicking on the floor.
• Long hair between the paw pads, which can make dogs slip.
• A smell that comes back a day or two after a bath.
• Hair collecting in the sanitary area.
• Clumps of undercoat coming out in your hand or all over the house.

What happens if you wait too long

Skipping visits rarely saves money. A coat that has matted close to the skin can't be brushed out without hurting the dog, so the kindest option is often a short shave-down, and dematting takes extra time. Learn how to deal with mats, and see what affects grooming prices. A regular schedule keeps every visit shorter, easier and more predictable.

Puppies: when to start and how often

The first visit can happen once your puppy is about 3 months old and their age-appropriate vaccines are up to date. Short visits every 4 to 6 weeks teach them that the bath, the dryer and having their paws handled are no big deal, long before they need a full haircut. Read our puppy's first groom guide and puppy cut guide.

Florida tips: heat, humidity and swimming

• Many dogs here shed all year, with peaks in spring and fall. Double-coated dogs often do better on a 4 to 6 week deshed schedule. See dog shedding season in Florida.
• Don't shave double coats for the heat. The undercoat helps protect against sun and heat; deshedding works better. Read can you shave a double-coated dog?
• Pool, beach and rain leave coats damp, and damp coats mat and smell faster. Rinse with fresh water and dry well, down to the skin.
• Book a standing appointment. Picking your next date at checkout is the easiest way to stay on schedule, especially before busy holiday weeks.

How long does a dog grooming appointment take?

It depends on size, coat and condition. A bath for a small short-coated dog is much quicker than a full haircut on a large doodle, and matting or a nervous dog adds time. When you book, ask the salon for an estimate for your dog; dogs on a regular schedule are usually faster because there are no mats to work through.

Grooming schedule FAQ

Written by the Pawradise grooming team in Palm Beach County. Schedules are general guidance; dogs with skin or health conditions should follow their vet's advice. More Pawfile guides.