HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GROOM YOUR DOG? A BREED-BY-BREED GROOMING & BATHING GUIDE

By: Door Buddy Editors      |     Published: 27 January 2026

If you’ve ever Googled how often should a dog be groomed or how often should my dog be bathed, you’ve probably noticed wildly different answers. Some say weekly baths, others say barely ever.

The truth? Dog grooming depends on breed, coat type, lifestyle, and skin health. This guide gives you real schedules, popular dog grooming styles, and dog grooming tips, without the confusion.

QUICK ANSWER: HOW OFTEN SHOULD DOGS BE GROOMED?

Most dogs should be groomed every 4-8 weeks. Bathing can range from every 2 weeks to every 3 months, depending on coat type, breed, activity level, and skin sensitivity. Brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning often happen more frequently than full grooming sessions.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU BATHE YOUR DOG?

Bathing Frequency by Coat & Skin Type

• Short coat: every 4-8 weeks

• Long coat: every 3-6 weeks

• Double coat: every 6-12 weeks

• Sensitive skin: as needed, vet-approved shampoo

WHY TOO MANY BATHS ARE A PROBLEM

Over-bathing strips natural oils and can cause

• Itchy, flaky skin

• Increased shedding

• Stronger odor over time

Sometimes, less bathing = a healthier dog.

GROOMING FREQUENCY BY COAT TYPE

Curly / Poodle-Type Coats

Poodle, Labradoodle

• Brushing: 3-4x/week

• Bathing: 4-6 weeks

• Haircuts: Yes

• Pro grooming: Yes

Double-Coated Breeds

Golden Retriever, German Shepherd

• Brushing: Weekly (daily during shedding)

• Bathing: 6-12 weeks

• Haircuts: No shaving

• Pro grooming: Yes

Wire-Haired Breeds

Schnauzer, Terrier

• Brushing: 2-3x/week

• Bathing: 6-8 weeks

• Haircuts: Yes

• Pro grooming: Yes

BREED-BY-BREED GROOMING SCHEDULE

Small Breeds

Chihuahua, Yorkie, Shih Tzu, Maltese

• Grooming: every 4-6 weeks

• Brushing: daily to weekly

• Popular small dog haircut styles include teddy bear cuts, puppy cuts, and top knots.

Medium Breeds

Beagle, Border Collie, Cocker Spaniel

• Grooming: every 6-8 weeks

• Brushing: 2-4x/week

Large Breeds

Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Labrador

• Grooming: every 8-12 weeks

• Brushing: weekly (daily during shedding)

GROOMING SCHEDULE TABLE

HOW LONG DOES A DOG GROOMING TAKE?

On average

• Small dogs: 1.5–2 hours

• Medium dogs: 2–3 hours

• Large or curly-coated dogs: 3-4 hours

  
  

Factors include coat condition, dog grooming styles chosen, and behavior.

COMMON POST-GROOMING BEHAVIORS

What Causes Dogs to Act Weird After Grooming?

If you’ve noticed zoomies, sulking, or clinginess, you’re not alone.

Dogs may act strange due to

• Sensory overload

• Relief from heavy fur

• Mild stress or fatigue

• New smells on their coat

These post-grooming behaviors usually resolve within 24 hours.

CAN YOU GROOM YOUR DOG TOO OFTEN?

Yes. Over-grooming can cause

• Dry skin

• Hair breakage

• Skin infections

• Grooming anxiety

Stick to vet-and groomer-approved schedules.

CONCLUSION: HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GROOM YOUR DOG?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how often should a dog be groomed, and that’s actually a good thing. Your dog’s breed, coat type, lifestyle, and skin sensitivity all play a role in creating the perfect grooming routine. When grooming is done at the right frequency (not too much, not too little), it keeps your dog comfortable, healthy, and happy, not itchy or stressed.

Whether you’re choosing between different dog grooming styles, wondering about dog grooming cost, or simply trying to figure out how often should my dog be bathed, the key is consistency and listening to your dog’s needs. A well-groomed dog isn’t just about looks, it’s about skin health, behavior, and overall well-being.

Stick to realistic schedules, work with a trusted groomer, and don’t be afraid to ask questions (yes, even about do you tip for dog grooming!). With the right routine in place, grooming becomes less of a chore and more of a bonding experience.

Download our printable grooming schedule to make dog care easy, stress-free, and perfectly tailored to your pup,because a happy coat means a happy dog.