How often should curly or wavy-coated dogs be groomed?

Curly and wavy coats — Poodles, Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, and Bichons — need a full groom every 4 to 6 weeks, no exceptions. The curl traps loose hair close to the skin, and without regular brushing and professional grooming, mats can form in days.

How often should double-coated breeds be groomed?

Double-coated breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Huskies, German Shepherds, Corgis, and Australian Shepherds need a professional bath and de-shed every 6 to 8 weeks, with extra visits during spring and fall shedding seasons. Double coats should not be shaved, which damages the coat permanently.

How often should short-coated dogs be bathed?

Short-coated breeds like Boxers, Beagles, Bulldogs, Labs, and Pit Bulls benefit from a professional bath every 6 to 8 weeks to manage shedding, skin oils, and odor. Nail trims and ear cleaning are often the bigger priority for these breeds.

How often should my dog get a nail trim?

Most dogs need a nail trim every 2 to 4 weeks depending on how much they walk on hard surfaces. If you can hear your dog nails clicking on hard floors, they are already too long. Overgrown nails affect posture, gait, and joint health over time.

How Often Should You Groom Your Dog? A Guide by Coat Type

Q: How often should I groom long-coated dog breeds?

Long-coated breeds like Shih Tzus, Yorkies, Maltese, and Lhasa Apsos need a full groom every 4 to 6 weeks. These coats grow continuously and mat quickly without regular professional maintenance. Daily brushing at home between appointments is essential.

By Chris-Gieczys

April 13, 2026

“How often should I get my dog groomed?” is the single most common question we hear from dog owners — and the answer depends on your dog’s breed, coat type, lifestyle, and what “grooming” actually means for them. Here’s a straightforward guide based on what we see every day at Designer Paws Salon.

First: Grooming Isn’t Just Haircuts

When most people say “grooming,” they mean a full haircut. But professional grooming includes bathing, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and coat maintenance — and each of these has its own schedule. A dog that only needs a haircut every 8 weeks may still need a bath and brush-out every 4 weeks and nail trims every 2 to 3 weeks.

Grooming Frequency by Coat Type

Long-coated breeds (Shih Tzus, Yorkies, Maltese, Lhasa Apsos)

Full groom every 4 to 6 weeks. These coats grow continuously and mat quickly without regular professional maintenance. Waiting longer than 6 weeks almost always means dealing with mats, which adds time, cost, and discomfort for your dog. Daily brushing at home between appointments is essential.

Curly and wavy coats (Poodles, Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Bichons)

Full groom every 4 to 6 weeks — no exceptions. Curly coats are the most mat-prone of any coat type. The curl traps loose hair close to the skin, and without regular brushing and professional grooming, mats can form in days. These are the breeds we see most often with preventable grooming problems that could have been avoided with a consistent schedule.

Double-coated breeds (Golden Retrievers, Huskies, German Shepherds, Corgis, Australian Shepherds)

Professional bath and de-shed every 4 to 6 weeks, with extra visits during spring and fall shedding season. Double-coated breeds don’t get haircuts (shaving a double coat damages it permanently), but they need regular undercoat removal to prevent matting, overheating, and skin issues. A professional de-shed bath removes far more loose undercoat than brushing alone.

Short-coated breeds (Boxers, Beagles, Bulldogs, Labs, Pit Bulls)

Bath every 4 to 6 weeks. Short coats are low-maintenance but still benefit from regular professional bathing to manage shedding, skin oils, and that “dog smell” that builds up. Nail trims and ear cleaning are often the bigger priority for these breeds.

Wire-coated breeds (Schnauzers, Wire Fox Terriers, Airedales, many terrier breeds)

Full groom or hand-stripping every 4 to 6 weeks. Wire coats need hand-stripping to maintain their texture and color. Hand-stripping preserves the coat’s natural harshness, while clipper cutting softens it over time. Ask your groomer which approach is right for your dog’s coat condition and your lifestyle.

Nail Trims: Every 2 to 4 Weeks

Regardless of coat type, every dog needs regular nail maintenance. If you can hear your dog’s nails clicking on hard floors, they’re already too long. Overgrown nails affect your dog’s posture, gait, and joint health over time. Most dogs need a trim every 2 to 4 weeks depending on how much they walk on hard surfaces. Nail trims are included in every full groom and bath at Designer Paws Salon, and we offer standalone nail appointments too.

Signs You’ve Waited Too Long

Not sure if your dog is overdue? Here are the telltale signs:

You can feel mats forming behind the ears, under the legs, or around the collar.
Your dog’s coat looks dull, greasy, or smells even after a home bath.
Nails are clicking on the floor or curling at the tips.
Your dog is scratching more than usual — trapped undercoat and dirty skin cause itchiness.
You can’t run a comb through the coat from root to tip without snagging.

Build a Schedule That Works

The easiest way to stay on track is to book your next appointment before you leave the salon. At Designer Paws Salon, we groom dogs of every breed and coat type at both our Upper Arlington and Westerville locations. Whether your dog needs a full groom every 4 weeks or a bath and de-shed every 6, we’ll help you find the right cadence.

Book your dog’s next grooming appointment online — and if you’re not sure what schedule your dog needs, just ask. We’ll recommend a plan based on their breed, coat condition, and your daily routine.