Just like their human owners, some dogs are high maintenance when it comes to their grooming needs. While all dogs need baths, their coat brushed, nails trimmed, ears cleaned and teeth brushed, some need it more frequently than others. If you can afford it, you can send Fifi to a professional groomer or doggie day spa but you’ll be missing out on the opportunity to enrich the owner-dog bond that you get when you groom at home.
Dog breeds with long hair, and those who are heavy shedders, need daily brushing and regular bathing to look and feel their best. If you’re looking for a low maintenance dog take a look at our list of small dog breeds with short hair.
1. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are easy to groom. Brush them weekly with a firm bristle brush and bathe them with a dry, powder shampoo and a damp cloth, or give them an occasional bath when necessary. Because their eyes are so large and prominent, you should wash their faces every day and check their eyes for signs of redness or irritation. Read more about Boston Terriers.
2. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a wash-and-go dog. Grooming him takes only a few minutes each week. Brush him weekly with a rubber grooming mitt or a brush with short, natural bristles for a shorthaired Chihuahua and a pin brush for a longhaired Chihuahua. A fine-toothed flea comb helps remove loose or dead hair. Learn more about Chihuahuas.
3. Manchester Terrier
If you keep him brushed, your Manchester should need a bath only when he’s dirty. Use a shampoo made for dogs to avoid drying out his skin and coat. Find out more about Manchester Terriers.
4. Miniature Pinscher
The Min Pin doesn’t have a lot of fur, which means he’s sensitive to cold. Buy him a doggie sweater he can wear during cold winter months. Read more about Miniature Pinschers.
5. Norfolk Terrier
If you’re seeking a lively canine companion who is fearless, yet affectionate, the Norfolk Terrier may be the breed for you. This breed is great if you are looking for an easy to groom breed. Read more about Norfolk Terriers.
6. Pocket Beagle
Beagles are clean dogs, unless, of course, they’ve found something appealingly stinky to roll in. Otherwise, they don’t require frequent baths. They should be brushed with a medium-bristle brush or a hound glove (a rubber mitt with nubs on the palm area) at least once a week to loosen and remove dead hair and encourage new hair growth. Learn more about Pocket Beagles.
7. Rat Terrier (Toy & Miniature)
The Rat Terrier is a wonderfully low-maintenance dog to groom and only needs weekly brushings with a soft brush or a rubber curry mitt to remove loose hair. Shedding is heavier in the spring and fall, as well as after whelping or heat cycles. Bathe him only as needed. Learn more about Rat Terriers.
8. Schnoodle (Toy & Miniature)
The amount of grooming needed for a Schnoodle really depends on the coat of the individual dog. If your dog has the soft, wavy type of coat, brush once or twice a week to prevent tangles and mats. The Schnoodle will also need to be bathed on an as-needed basis to keep the coat soft. The best time to brush is after a bath. Drying the coat with a hair dryer will help prevent any mats from forming. Find out more about Schnoodles.
This is just a small list of dogs who are easy to groom, there are many more breeds who are easy to groom. If you have a particular breed in mind, check your area for breed specific rescues.
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