How often do you groom your dog?
Our parents weren't lying when they said that dogs are a huge responsibility. Training and walking your dog can take up a significant amount of time and effort. One of the more underrated parts of having a dog is grooming and maintenance.
The requirements can differ depending on the weather and your dog's special skin needs. The easiest way to start pet grooming is to know what breed you're working with. For some dogs, a quick bath may not be enough.
This article covers which dog breeds require the most care and grooming. Read on to discover if your dog is part of the list and what to do next!
Poodle
When you think of high-maintenance dog breeds, poodles are at the top of the list. Poodles have a reputation for being fancy show dogs, but getting this stage look isn't possible without hours of grooming. Poodles have curly coats that don't shed, which makes a poodle a popular home pet.
However, the lack of shedding means that their curly coat accumulates loose dead fur. Because of this, poodles need daily brushing to prevent their curly fur from tangling. Toy poodles will need gentler handling as they are more fragile than regular poodles.
Old English Sheepdog
If you remember The Shaggy Dog, you'll know how big their manes can get. True to its name, this breed's humble origins start with herding sheep. Old English Sheepdogs have an iconic double coat that they've adopted over generations to adjust to wet winters and hot summers.
Old English Sheepdogs require weekly grooming to keep tidy. A groomer must also keep their paws neat and trimmed to prevent dirt buildup.
Siberian Husky
These famous sledding dogs are also known for their distinctive double coats. It's not unlikely to find a husky in an ice bath during a hot summer day. Huskies shed this undercoat once a year.
However, huskies need careful grooming to keep this undercoat healthy. If you have a husky and live in a warmer area, grooming is necessary. Keep in mind that shaving will never be an option for your husky.
You only need to brush your husky to remove dead hairs and prevent matting. Shaving will destroy the protective undercoat that shields your dog from harmful UV rays.
Shih Tzus
Some beginner dog owners may opt to get a Shih Tzu because of its small size. However, these tiny dogs need a lot of maintenance to keep their coats lush and healthy. Shih Tzus have long coats that need daily brushing.
You can knot the top of their heads to keep their fur away from their eyes. One particular detail you need to keep in mind is that you must keep the fur around their jaws trimmed short. This prevents food debris from building up and causing skin sores and infections.
Maltese
Maltese are similar to Shih Tzus, characterized by long coats. Maltese have straighter and silkier coats that are prone to matting, which means they need daily brushing. Many Maltese owners may opt to sustain the traditional show look.
If this is you, remember that you need to trim the fur on a regular basis to prevent it from dragging on the ground. If you're getting a Maltese, it's best to get them accustomed to baths and grooming at a young age. Weekly baths may become a part of your routine due to their white coats.
Komondor
Komondors are one of the most interesting dog breeds you may ever encounter. One of their distinctive features is their long corded coat. Komondor coats look similar to dreadlocks.
This means that they don't need brushing, but they require regular upkeep all the same. Komondors tend to get dirty easily, so pet owners must look out for this, especially while the cords are growing. Komondors have the heaviest coat, so you may need some elbow grease to clean these dogs.
Afghan Hounds
Afghan hounds are another iconic breed of show dogs. These dogs take the cake for having long silky, and luxurious hair. Afghan hounds are not ideal for beginner dog owners due to the upkeep needed.
In addition to having long coats, Afghan hounds are a big breed. Afghan hounds also tend to be stubborn, making them difficult to train and groom.
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise dogs look like fluffy cotton balls, but this iconic appearance is far from effortless. These canine cotton clouds have a curled double undercoat, with a silky undercoat and a more textured overcoat. Because of the nature of their coat, they don't shed, but allowing loose dead hair to accumulate will result in matting.
Bichon Frise dogs require routine brushing, which should happen 2-3 times a week. Depending on you and your dog's lifestyle, you may need to brush your dog every day. These dogs also need more frequent baths than your average short-haired dog.
A Bichon Frise needs a bath at least once every week and, at most, once every three weeks. Bathing and brushing the hair regularly will not only keep their coats healthy but also their skin.
Samoyed
Samoyed dogs are famous for their happy faces, which coined the term the Samoyed Smile. Samoyeds have thick hair that can withstand the coldest of weather. To keep their coats healthy and beautiful, they need baths at least every six weeks.
Many Samoyed owners use a special kind of shampoo to meet their dog's special needs. Weekly brushing will help keep the coat smooth to prevent mats and tangles. Because of their thick coats, Samoyeds are prone to cobweb matting.
This type of matting forms close to the skin and, if left alone, can cause several skin issues. You will need a high-velocity dryer to loosen cobweb matting, dirt, and debris from the skin before bathing your dog.
Get Professional Pet Grooming Today
When getting a dog, it's always important to consider the amount of maintenance it will take to keep them healthy. Here are some of the dog breeds that require the most grooming and what they need to sustain healthy coats. We all want what's best for our dogs, but sometimes, it's best to leave things in the hands of a professional.
Are you looking for a professional pet grooming service? That's where we come in. Contact us today and let us work our magic on your dog!