Continuously growing coats: every 4 to 6 weeks
Poodles, Cockapoos, Cavapoos, Labradoodles, Bichons, Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apsos have coats that keep growing and shed very little. Loose hair stays trapped in the coat, which is why these breeds mat so easily.
A full groom every four to six weeks keeps the coat at a manageable length and catches tangles before they tighten into mats. Leave it much longer and mats often form close to the skin, where they're uncomfortable and hard to brush out.
Silky and feathered coats: every 6 to 8 weeks
Cocker and Springer Spaniels, Setters and Yorkies have silky coats with feathering on the ears, legs and belly. They need tidying every six to eight weeks, with feet and ears kept neat in between.
Wire coats: hand stripped 2 to 4 times a year
Border Terriers, Westies, Schnauzers and other wire-coated breeds are best hand stripped when the coat 'blows', typically two to four times a year. Some owners prefer a rolling coat, with lighter stripping more often, so the dog always looks tidy.
Double coats: seasonally, plus when shedding
Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Collies, Huskies and Shepherds shed heavily in spring and autumn. A professional bath and blow-out every six to eight weeks, and especially during shedding season, removes far more loose undercoat than brushing at home. Double coats should never be shaved.
In between grooms
A few small things make a big difference between appointments:
- Brush two or three times a week, right down to the skin.
- Book a Shampoo, Bath & Tidy between full grooms if your dog walks in mud or water.
- Keep nails short. Book an interim Nail Trim if you can hear them clicking on the floor.