How often a dog’s coat needs to be trimmed depends on the type of coat. Different dog breeds have different grooming requirements, so to determine what exactly your dog needs, check out our guide below.
Curly coat (for example: Doodle, Poodle or Bichon Frise)
As these dogs have long coats that grow continuously, these dogs need to have their coats trimmed every 6 to 10 weeks. You will also need to detangle and brush the dog’s coat in between visits to the groomer.
Trimming advice: every 6 to 8 weeks.
Longhair (example: Yorkshire Terrier, Borzoi or Briard)
Daily coat care is necessary to prevent tangling. A visit to the grooming salon every 8 to 10 weeks prevents a lot of trouble for your dog. The dog has a long top coat, but no undercoat or a short undercoat (depending on the breed). After neutering or spaying, an abundant coat will develop.
Trimming advice: every 8 to 10 weeks.
Medium length hair (example: Irish Setter, German Stand, or English Cocker Spaniel)
These dogs have a longer top coat with a shorter undercoat. Good brushing and combing is important to keep the coat in top condition. After neutering or sterilization, an abundant coat will develop. A visit to the salon twice a year is desirable.
Trimming advice: twice a year.
Wirehair (for example: Fox Terrier, Vizsla or Welsch Terrier)
A naturally wiry coat will not tangle easily, sand and dirt will fall out easily. The coats on these dogs should be trimmed every 3 months or completely shaved twice a year. Depending on the structure and hair growth of the coat, the groomer will determine which option is best for your dog.
Trimming advice: every three months in case of a strip coat (these coats have three hair layers). In case of a plucking coat, it is advisable to shave it every 6 months.
Coarse hair (for example: Border Terrier, Wirehaired Dachshund or Basset Griffon)
A naturally wiry coat will not tangle easily, sand and dirt will fall out easily. The dog will moult twice a year.
Trimming advice: if the dog has a strip coat (these coats have three layers of hair), trimming is needed every twelve weeks. In case of a normal plucking coat, it is advisable to trim it every 6 months.
Stick hair (for example: White Shepherd, German Shepherd or Bernese Mountain Dog)
These dogs have a double coat: an undercoat and a top coat. They shed in the spring and fall, with the undercoat and part of the cover coat coming off.
Trimming advice: twice a year with full moulting.
Smooth hair (eg Boxer, Dalmatian or Rottweiler)
A dog with a short-haired coat requires grooming as soon as it starts molting (shedding). Dogs with a dense coat type have a mosaic moult, which means that they moult 365 days a year.
Trimming advice: twice a year.
Felt hair (for example: Puli, Komondor or Bergamasco)
This coat does not shed but forms strands of felt that must be torn regularly. The coat should not be combed or brushed. You can learn how to divide the felt layer and cords from the breeder.
Trimming advice: occasionally shorten the strands slightly for practical reasons.
Hairless or naked coat (example: Mexican Hairless Dog, Chinese Crested Dog)
The hairless coat type also includes dogs that are almost bald and the powderpuff variety.
These dogs require intensive care because their skin is not protected by fur. The skin should be exfoliated and then rubbed with oil. When the sun is out, it is wise to apply sun cream to prevent burns.