Every breed has unique grooming requirements based on coat type, shedding patterns, and breed standards. This comprehensive guide provides specific grooming tips for popular breeds we see at Totally Mutts in Vancouver, WA.
Understanding Coat Types
Before diving into specific breeds, understand your dog's coat type:
Short/Smooth Coats
Beagle, Boxer, Bulldog
Medium Coats
Golden Retriever, Labrador
Long Coats
Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier
Curly/Wavy Coats
Poodle, Doodles, Bichon
Double Coats
Husky, German Shepherd, Corgi
Wire/Rough Coats
Schnauzer, Terriers
Small Breed Grooming Guides
Large Breed Grooming Guides
Doodles (Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Bernedoodle)
Curly to wavy (varies widely!) • Low to moderate (depends on genetics)
Grooming Needs:
- Daily brushing REQUIRED (mats very easily!)
- Bath every 4-6 weeks
- Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks
- Home maintenance between grooms essential
Popular Haircut Styles:
- Teddy Bear Cut - Rounded, fluffy all over (most popular!)
- Puppy Cut - Short, even length (easy maintenance)
- Lamb Cut - Short body, fluffy legs and head
- Kennel Cut - Very short all over (summer cut)
- Poodle Cut - Shaved face, pom-pom tail
DOODLE OWNERS - READ THIS:
Why Doodles Mat So Easily:
- •Combination of curly + straight hair texture
- •Hair continually grows (doesn't shed)
- •Soft, cottony coat tangles quickly
- •Collar/harness friction creates instant mats
How to Prevent Matting:
- Brush to the skin daily (not just surface!)
- Use slicker brush + metal comb
- Line brushing technique (part hair, brush in layers)
- Brush BEFORE bathing (water tightens mats)
- Comb through after brushing to ensure no tangles
- Don't let grooming go past 8 weeks
Pro Tip from Totally Mutts: If you're not prepared to brush your Doodle DAILY, keep them in a short 'puppy cut' for easier maintenance!
How Often Should Your Breed Be Groomed?
| Breed | Brushing | Bathing | Professional Grooming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shih Tzu | Daily | Every 3-4 weeks | Every 6-8 weeks |
| Goldendoodle | Daily | Every 4-6 weeks | Every 6-8 weeks |
| Golden Retriever | 2-3x/week | Every 6-8 weeks | Every 8-12 weeks |
| German Shepherd | 3-4x/week | Every 6-8 weeks | De-shed every 6-8 weeks |
| Poodle | Daily | Every 4-6 weeks | Every 6-8 weeks |
| Yorkie | Daily | Every 2-3 weeks | Every 6-8 weeks |
| Husky | 2-3x/week | Every 8-12 weeks | De-shed every 8-12 weeks |
| Cocker Spaniel | 3-4x/week | Every 4-6 weeks | Every 6-8 weeks |
| Beagle | Weekly | Every 6-8 weeks | As needed |
| Schnauzer | 2-3x/week | Every 6-8 weeks | Every 6-8 weeks |
Common Breed Grooming Questions
Expert Breed-Specific Grooming at Totally Mutts
Our professional groomers know your breed inside and out! With 28+ years of experience, we've groomed thousands of dogs of all breeds.
We groom all breeds: Doodles | Shih Tzus | Golden Retrievers | Huskies | Poodles | German Shepherds | and MORE!
Related Resources
Continue learning with these helpful guides
Dog Grooming 101
Essential grooming basics every owner should know
Read MoreBrushing Techniques
Master proper brushing methods for every coat type
Read MorePuppy's First Grooming
Prepare your puppy for a positive grooming experience
Read MoreProfessional Grooming
Let our experts handle your dog's breed-specific needs
Read More