Dog grooming schedule by coat type

How often, by coat type

The frequencies below come from the rules of the Pettify care plan, by coat type, each with its source. Breeds differ: the Royal Kennel Club also gives a grooming line for each breed, and your groomer or vet may suggest something else for your dog.

• Smooth coat (Chihuahua, Jack Russell Terrier, Bulldog and others): brush once a week (RKC); bathe only when needed (VCA).
• Short coat (Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, Belgian Malinois and others): brush once a week (RKC); bathe only when needed (VCA).
• Double coat (German Spitz, Welsh Corgi Pembroke, German Shepherd and others): brush more than once a week (RKC); bathe only when needed (VCA).
• Medium-length coat (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel and others): brush more than once a week (RKC); bathe only when needed (VCA).
• Wire coat (Miniature Schnauzer, West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier and others): brush more than once a week (RKC); bathe every 6 weeks (VCA).
• Long coat (Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Maltese and others): brush every day (VCA); bathe every 4 weeks (AKC).
• Curly coat (Poodle, Bichon Frise, Portuguese Water Dog and others): brush every day (VCA); bathe every 6 weeks (VCA).
• Hairless coat (Chinese Crested): no brushing (AKC); bathe once a week (AKC).

What every coat needs

Some tasks don’t depend on the coat, or depend on the breed’s build rather than its fur:

• Nail trim: every 3 weeks (AKC).
• Ear check and cleaning: once a month (AKC).
• Tooth brushing: every day (AAHA).
• Groomer, for coats that need clipping: every 6 weeks (AKC).
• Eyes, for breeds prone to tear stains and flat-faced breeds: every day (AKC).
• Skin folds, for wrinkled breeds: every day (RKC).

What’s in the PDF

• Page 1: your dog’s name, breed and coat type, the groomer and the vet, then the table above with its sources, and the tasks for every coat.
• Page 2: your dog’s own plan, task by task, with how often, when it was last done and when it’s next due, then a grooming log with date, task, who did it and notes.
• US Letter and A4, with fields you can fill in on screen.

Shedding seasons and changes

VCA Animal Hospitals describes two heavy shedding seasons a year, in late spring and late fall, when dogs that shed seasonally need brushing every day. If your dog’s skin or coat changes, or grooming hurts, stop and ask your vet.