How Often Should You Groom Your Dog?

Most dog owners underestimate how often their dog needs professional grooming. The answer varies significantly by breed, coat type, and lifestyle — but there are some reliable rules of thumb.

Short-coated breeds (Beagles, Labs, Boxers) need the least frequent professional grooming. A bath and brush every 6–8 weeks is usually enough to keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding.

Medium-coated breeds (Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies) shed year-round and are prone to matting behind the ears and in their leg feathering. Plan for professional grooming every 4–6 weeks during shedding season, and every 6–8 weeks otherwise.

Long-coated breeds (Shih Tzus, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers) need the most attention. Without regular grooming, their coats mat quickly and become uncomfortable. Every 4–6 weeks is the standard, and many owners maintain a monthly schedule.

Double-coated breeds (Huskies, Samoyeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs) have a dense undercoat that blows out seasonally. A de-shedding treatment during heavy shedding periods makes a huge difference. Between blowouts, every 6–8 weeks works well.

Doodle breeds (Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Bernedoodles) are the highest-maintenance of all — their coats are prone to severe matting if not maintained. Most doodle owners come in every 4–6 weeks. If your doodle goes longer than 8 weeks without grooming, you may be looking at a close clip instead of a breed cut.

The DFW climate adds another variable. Texas summers mean your dog is more likely to be outdoors, getting into water, or rolling in things. Summer often means more frequent bathing and grooming, even if you're on a long-coat breed that might otherwise go 8 weeks.

When in doubt, ask your groomer. We can assess your dog's coat condition at each appointment and recommend a schedule based on what we see.