Some dog grooming tips need no explanation: muddy paws, coat confetti, nails clicking across the floorboards like tiny tap shoes. But how often to groom a dog when the signs are less obvious is the furrier question.
Most dogs need a professional groom every 4–12 weeks, depending on coat type, plus daily or weekly at-home basics to keep their skin, coat, nails, ears and teeth in good shape.
To figure out the best dog grooming frequency for your fluff-forward friend, breed is a handy starting point, but coat type is the real decider. A smooth-coated Staffy, a double-coated Husky and a curly Cavoodle all shed, tangle and hold dirt differently, which means their grooming schedules should look different, too
In this guide, we’ll comb through grooming frequency by coat type, when to book a professional groom, and the dog grooming tips for home that keep fur under control between visits, from brush duty to paw patrol.
Grooming frequency by coat type
A good dog grooming schedule is really about your doggo's comfort. A fresh coat looks nice, yes, but the bigger win is skin that can breathe, nails that don’t catch underfoot and fur that doesn’t tug, trap heat or collect most of the outside world on the way home.
| Coat Type | Example Breeds | Recommended Professional Groom Frequency | At-home Brushing Frequency | Risk if skipped |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth Coats | Staffies, Labradors, Beagles | Every 8-12 weeks | Weekly | Dry skin and shedding build up |
| Double Coats | Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds | Every 6-8 weeks | 2-3 times weekly | Undercoat matting and overheating |
| Curly Coats | Poodles, Cavoodles, Bichon Frises | Every 4-6 weeks | Daily | Painful matting close to the skin |
| Long Silky Coats | Shih Tzus, Maltese, Yorkies | Every 4-6 weeks | Daily | Matting and eye irritation |
| Wiry Coats | Schnauzers, Terriers | Every 6-8 weeks | Weekly | Coarse coat buildup and tangling |
Smooth-coated pups are often the easiest to keep tidy, but they still need regular coat care. Staffies, Labradors and Beagles may not need clipping, but they can still shed, collect dander and develop dry or flaky skin if brushing drops off the list.
A weekly brush helps lift loose hair, move natural oils through the coat and reduce the fine layers of dog fur-fetti from the couch, the car seats and the jumper you planned to wear out.
Double-coated dogs bring more fluff to the fur party. Huskies, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds have a soft undercoat beneath their outer guard hairs, which helps regulate body temperature. That undercoat needs proper brushing and seasonal de-shedding, especially when every pat sends fur flying into the room. A professional groom every 6–8 weeks can help remove loose undercoat safely, while brushing 2–3 times per week at home helps prevent matting, trapped heat and fur-nados taking over the lounge room
Double coats should not be shaved. Their coat has an important job to do, and shaving can mess with its natural insulation and temperature regulation. For these pups, the goal is to clear out loose undercoats, keep air moving through the coat and stop shedding from becoming a hostile takeover of every surface in your home.
Curly-coated dogs usually need the most consistent grooming rhythm. Poodles, Cavoodles and Bichon Frises can matt quickly, especially around the ears, collar, legs, armpits and tail. These knots often sit close to the skin, which makes them uncomfortable and harder to spot until the brush hits trouble. A professional groom every 4–6 weeks, paired with daily brushing at home, helps keep the coat soft, loose and manageable before a small tangle turns into a bigger curl catastrophe.
Long, silky coats need a similar consistency, just with a different type of tangle. Shih Tzus, Maltese and Yorkies can knot around the face, chest, ears, belly and legs, especially after walks, naps, harness wear or a rolling session on the rug. A professional groom every 4–6 weeks helps prevent knots from forming close to the skin. Dogs with hair around the eyes may also need regular face trims to reduce irritation and keep their vision clear.
Wiry-coated dogs, including Schnauzers and many Terriers, usually need a professional groom every 6–8 weeks. Some coats can become coarse, scruffy and a little too ‘fresh from the garden bed’ if they are left too long. A regular groom helps keep the coat shaped, comfortable and easier to manage, while a weekly brush at home helps prevent tangles, clear out loose hair and keep everything feeling tidy between visits.
For some wiry-coated breeds, hand-stripping may be recommended to help maintain the coat's natural texture. This is a skilled grooming technique, so it’s best handled by a professional groomer who can let you know whether it suits your pup’s coat and lifestyle.
So when weighing up how often to groom a dog, every dog rolls with their own grooming maths. A couch-loving pooch may sit happily in the 8–12 week zone while a curly-coated mud-enthusiast may need help much sooner. Puppies do best with gentle, regular handling, so brushing, nail checks and ear checks feel normal. Older dogs may need shorter sessions, softer tools and a few extra breaks to keep things comfortable.
If you’re still unsure, it’s the coat that will usually dob itself in. If it feels clean, the brush glides through, and the usual knot spots are clear, the routine is doing its job. If the coat starts holding onto smells, dirt, loose hair or little tangles, your dog is probably due for a more regular professional freshen-up.
When to book a professional groom
If your dog grooming schedule is beautifully planned in advance, we salute you. If it’s more of a “wait, when did we last do this?” situation, there are still plenty of practical signs that your dog’s coat is begging for a professional groom.
- Visible matting or knots close to the skin
- Nails clicking on hard floors
- A warm doggy odour that returns quickly after
- Waxy ears, head shaking or a yeasty smell around the ears
- Fur holding onto grass seeds, burrs, dirt or debris after walks
- Hair growing over the eyes, paws or sanitary areas
- A greasy, flaky or dull coat
- The brush catches in the usual trouble spots, like behind the ears, under the collar, around the legs or where the harness rubs
A good professional groom gets into the fur, fluff and fiddly bits that keep your pup comfortable in all the places that matter: coat, skin, nails, paws and sensitive areas. Depending on your dog’s coat and the service you book, it may include:
- De-shedding to remove loose undercoat and reduce fur tumbleweeds at home
- Coat-length maintenance, clipping or trimming to keep the coat manageable
- Nail clipping to help prevent overgrown nails
- Ear cleaning to remove waxy buildup and spot irritation
- A sanitary trim to keep sensitive areas tidy and comfy
- An anal gland check, if appropriate.
Some breeds and coat types need a little more skill than the bathroom scissors can offer. Cavoodles, Poodles and Schnauzers, for example, often need careful clipping around the face, paws, legs and body to keep the coat comfortable, tidy and easy to brush between grooms.
Nail trimming is another one of those little jobs that seems like a walk in the dog park but is best left to the experts. Each nail has a quick inside it, with blood vessels and nerves, and cutting too far can hurt your dog or cause bleeding. It’s especially tricky with dark nails. If in doubt, let a professional groomer handle it or get some dog grooming tips from them for where the safe trimming zone is.
Daily and weekly basics at home
The full groom is the big freshen-up, but home care is where the fluff is managed day to day. Nothing fancy. Just a few small checks that help keep the knots, clicks, smells and paw debris under control.
- Brush to suit their coat: check the above table for your dog’s coat type. Smooth and wiry coats usually need weekly brushing; double coats need brushing 2–3 times a week, and curly or long silky coats usually need daily brushing.
- Check ears once a week: Look for redness, excess wax, strong smells, or head shaking.
- Look after their teeth: daily brushing is best. Dental chews can help, but they don’t replace proper tooth brushing.
- Check nails monthly: if you can hear clicking on hard floors, your pup may need a trim sooner.
- Don’t over-bathe: most dogs only need a bath every 4–6 weeks, unless they have a skin condition or your vet recommends a different routine.
Keep it simple, keep it regular and keep these basics ticking along so your pup can stay comfortable and clean between professional grooms.
Book a groom at Kip
Dirty paws, clicky nails, knotty coat or full fluff fiesta? Book a professional dog groom with Kip, and we’ll help get your pup clean, tidy and comfy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I bathe my dog?
Dog grooming frequency depends on your dog's breed and coat. Most dogs only need a bath every 4–6 weeks, depending on their coat, skin and everyday mess levels. If your dog has rolled through the mud, come home salty from the beach or found something suspicious in the garden before you could say “leave it!”, they may need a wash sooner. Dogs with skin conditions may need a different schedule under vet guidance. Too many baths can strip natural oils, leaving skin dry, itchy or flaky.
Can I groom my double-coated dog myself?
Yes, you can brush and de-shed your double-coated dog at home. Regular brushing helps remove loose undercoat before it starts turning up on the couch, in the car and every black outfit you own. Double-coated dogs should not be shaved, as their coat helps regulate their body temperature. If the coat needs heavy de-shedding or reshaping, dog grooming tip: book a professional groom.
How much does professional dog grooming cost in Australia?
Professional dog grooming in Australia commonly ranges from around $60 to $180 or more, depending on size, coat type, coat condition and service. A smooth-coated Beagle having a bath and brush is a different job from a curly Cavoodle with knots behind the ears. Curly, long, thick or matted coats usually cost more because they take extra time, skill and specialist handling.
