Grooming
How often to groom your dog, by coat type
The short answer
Curly and long coats usually need professional grooming every four to eight weeks and frequent brushing at home. Smooth coats need far less.
Grooming schedule by coat type
| Coat type | Examples | Brushing | Professional grooming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth or short | Chihuahua, Boxer, Pug | Weekly | Occasional bath and nail trim |
| Double coat | Husky, German Shepherd, Corgi | Several times a week, more in shedding season | Every 2–3 months for a deshed |
| Long and silky | Shih Tzu, Yorkie, Maltese | Daily | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Curly, always growing | Poodle, Goldendoodle, Bichon | Several times a week | Every 4–8 weeks |
General guide only. Your groomer can tailor a schedule to your dog.
Signs it’s time for a groom
- Mats or tangles behind the ears and legs
- Nails clicking on the floor
- Fur covering the eyes
- A noticeable odor
City life adds wear
Sidewalk grime, winter salt and summer heat all affect coats and paws. Many NYC owners book grooming a little more often in winter and summer.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a Goldendoodle be groomed?
Most Goldendoodles need professional grooming every four to eight weeks, with brushing several times a week to prevent mats.
Can you groom a dog too often?
Bathing too often can dry out skin. Brushing is fine often; ask your groomer about bath frequency.