By coat type
- Coats that keep growing (poodle, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Yorkie, doodles): a cut every 4 to 6 weeks, or they mat.
- Double coats (husky, malamute, golden retriever, German shepherd, Pomeranian): a bath and de-shed every 6 to 8 weeks, more often in spring.
- Wiry coats (schnauzer, wire-haired terriers): every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the shape.
- Short coats (lab, staffie, boxer, Jack Russell): every 8 to 12 weeks for a bath, de-shed and nails.
Between grooms
Brushing at home makes the biggest difference. A few minutes, a few times a week, stops mats in long coats and cuts the hair on your floor with short ones.
Check nails every two weeks: if you hear them click on the floor, they're too long. Check the coat for ticks after every walk in long grass or bush.
Signs it's time
- Knots or mats behind the ears, in the armpits or on the trousers
- Hair over the eyes
- A smell that comes back soon after a bath
- Clicking nails
- Lots of loose hair when you stroke them