Grooming is an essential part of pet care, especially for certain dog breeds. While all dogs need some level of care, there are certain breeds that require more attention to keep their coats healthy, shiny, and tangle-free. Whether it’s because of their thick coats, curly hair, or long fur, these dogs need frequent grooming to maintain their appearance and comfort. Discover dog breeds that require exceptional grooming and what you need to know to take care of them.
1. Poodle
The Poodle is one of the most well-known breeds that requires exceptional grooming. Whether you have a standard, miniature, or toy Poodle, their curly coat needs to be combed and trimmed regularly. Poodles are known for their hypoallergenic coats, which, while great for people with allergies, can mat and tangle easily if not maintained properly.
Regular brushing (at least every other day) is essential to keep their coat free of mats and tangles. Poodles also need to be clipped every 6-8 weeks to keep their coats looking neat. Many Poodle owners opt for professional grooming to ensure that the dog’s coat stays in top shape. In addition to coat care, don’t forget about the Poodle’s ears, which need regular cleaning to avoid infections.
2. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is another breed that requires exceptional grooming due to its long, flowing coat. Originally bred as companion dogs, their luxurious fur can easily become tangled and matted if not combed and brushed regularly. Shih Tzus require daily grooming to prevent mats from forming and to keep their coat shiny and healthy.
While some owners opt to keep their Shih Tzu’s coat trimmed short for easier maintenance, others prefer to keep it long. Either way, regular visits to a professional groomer are recommended for haircuts and maintenance, particularly around the face and eyes, where hair can easily obstruct vision.
3. Maltese
The Maltese is a small breed with a long, silky coat that requires daily grooming. Their hair grows continuously and can easily tangle, so regular brushing is essential. While some owners choose to trim their Maltese’s coat short for easier maintenance, many prefer to keep the coat long and flowing, which requires a lot of time and effort to maintain.
In addition to regular brushing, your Maltese will benefit from professional grooming every 6-8 weeks to keep their coat looking neat and healthy. Regular eye cleaning is also important for Maltese dogs, as they can be prone to tear staining.
4. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels, both American and English varieties, have medium-length coats that are prone to tangling and matting. These dogs have feathering on their ears, legs, and belly, which requires extra attention during grooming. Cocker Spaniels need to be brushed at least three to four times a week to prevent mats and tangles, particularly around their long ears and legs.
In addition to regular brushing, Cocker Spaniels also need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks to trim their coats and keep them looking neat. Their ears require special care to prevent ear infections, as the long ears can trap moisture and dirt. Routine ear cleaning is a must.
5. Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdogs are known for their beautiful, dense, and long coats. However, their fur requires exceptional grooming to stay in good condition. Due to the thickness of their coat, Old English Sheepdogs need to be brushed daily to prevent mats and tangles.
These dogs have a double coat that sheds throughout the year, so regular brushing helps keep shedding under control and prevents their fur from matting. It’s also a good idea to take your Old English Sheepdog to a professional groomer for a trim every 6-8 weeks. Additionally, their long, heavy coat can be challenging to manage in hot weather, so it’s important to keep them cool and well-groomed during warmer months.
6. Schnauzer
The Schnauzer, with its distinct beard and eyebrows, requires exceptional grooming to maintain its signature look. The breed’s wiry coat needs to be hand-stripped regularly to maintain its texture and appearance. Regular brushing is also important to prevent tangles and matting, especially around their beard and face.
Schnauzers need to be groomed every 6-8 weeks, including professional trimming, to ensure their coat stays in top shape. Regular maintenance is key to keeping the Schnauzer’s coat looking neat and clean, and regular ear cleaning is also necessary to avoid infections, as they have floppy ears that can trap moisture.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier has long, silky hair that requires daily grooming to prevent tangles and mats. Their fine hair needs to be brushed regularly to keep it smooth and shiny. Yorkies also tend to have hair that grows continuously, so regular trimming is necessary to maintain their neat appearance.
Yorkshire Terriers benefit from professional grooming every 4-6 weeks, especially around the face, eyes, and ears. Their coat can be trimmed short for easier maintenance or left long and flowing for a more traditional look. Regular cleaning of the eyes and ears is also important to keep them healthy and free from infection.
8. Briard
The Briard is a large, long-haired breed with a thick double coat that requires exceptional grooming. These dogs need to be brushed several times a week to prevent matting, particularly in areas like their chest, underbelly, and around their ears. Regular brushing helps maintain the Briard’s coat and keeps it looking its best.
In addition to frequent brushing, Briards also need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks to ensure their coat remains manageable and healthy. Regular ear cleaning is also necessary, as their long ears can trap dirt and moisture.
The Importance of Regular Grooming for Long-Haired and High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
If you own a dog with a thick, long, or curly coat, exceptional grooming is essential to keeping them healthy and comfortable. Regular brushing, professional grooming, and proper care for their coat, ears, and nails are all important to maintain the well-being of these breeds. While grooming these dogs may require a bit more time and effort, the reward is a happy, healthy, and beautiful dog that is a joy to be around.