All dogs require some routine grooming, such as regular brushing and bathing. But, some dogs have unique coats with special requirements that make grooming more important. Here are some dog breeds with high grooming needs, and what makes their coats special.
Why do some dog breeds have higher grooming needs than others?
Every breed has unique coat traits. Some dogs have short, wiry coats that need less attention, while other breeds have longer hair that needs more specific care. In addition, some dogs have coats with unique needs, such as corded coat breeds, curly-haired breeds, and double-coated breeds. These often require additional help, such as preventing mats, removing excess hair, or keeping everything regularly trimmed.
Afghan Hound
The long, flowing locks of the Afghan Hound require some special treatment to stay beautiful. These long-haired dogs should be bathed regularly, and it’s recommended they are only brushed when the hair is damp. This can help prevent tangles and matting while keeping the coat shiny.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels require regular care and grooming even if they aren’t in the show ring. Their fluffy coats should be bathed and trimmed every 4-6 weeks. In addition, their long ears are more prone to ear infections and should be cared for weekly to avoid problems.
Goldendoodle
Originally a mix of breeds including the Golden Retriever and Poodle, Goldendoodles have acquired coat traits from both. This means they tend to have longer, curly coats that require daily brushing to keep from matting and balling up. They also benefit from regular hair trims.
Komondor
The Komondor is a corded breed that has special coat requirements. While they don’t require any brushing, due to the natural dreadlock formation of their coats, they still need regular bathing to keep the cords clean.
Lhasa Apso
A smaller breed, the Lhasa Apso needs daily brushing to keep their coat free of mats. They should also be bathed every few weeks, and trimmed monthly. This will help keep their longer, feathered ears and soft coats free of mats.
Old English Sheepdog
The rough, dense undercoat of the Old English Sheepdog requires extra care to stay free of mats and excess dirt. It’s recommended that this breed undergoes regular trips to the groomer every 4-6 weeks for brushing, bathing, and care of the coat.
Poodle
Like humans, the Poodle has continuously growing hair, rather than the fur most breeds have. This means they require regular trims to keep their hair from growing too long and matting up. Poodles should also be brushed and bathed regularly to keep the coat shiny and healthy.
Puli
Another corded breed, the Puli has similar requirements to the Komondor. It’s important to know how to manage coat cording, and those with puppies should look up the right way to allow the coat to cord without becoming tangled or matted.
Shih Tzu
Similar to the Afghan Hound, the Shih Tzu requires regular brushing and grooming to keep their long locks in good shape. They should also only be brushed with damp fur and bathed every few weeks to keep the fur clean and free of mats.
Siberian Husky
While the Siberian Husky has fewer grooming requirements than other breeds on the list, their coats still need care. It’s important not to trim or shave the coat as much as possible to help preserve their protective layer. Daily brushing is also important to remove dead hair from the undercoat.
More tips for grooming your dog
It doesn’t have to be difficult to take care of these high-maintenance coats. Now that you know which dog breeds have high grooming needs, read up on how to find the perfect dog groomer. Also, check out these common grooming mistakes and how to avoid them to help keep your dog’s coat looking great.
