Dog grooming is more than just a regular daily routine: it’s essential to your pet’s health and comfort. One of the most overlooked aspects of grooming is the trimming of the coat, which depends largely on the dog’s breed, coat type, and personal needs. So, we’ll explain how to properly trim and maintain the coat of different dog breeds.

Why Breed-Specific Grooming Matters

Each dog breed was developed with a particular coat to serve specific purposes — whether it’s weather protection, camouflage, or work utility. For instance, a Poodle’s dense, curly coat insulates and repels water, while a Husky’s double coat is designed to withstand cold climates. Improper grooming can not only affect the dog’s appearance but also its health, comfort, and even behavior.

1. Short-Haired Breeds: Minimal Trimming, Maximum Care

Examples: Beagle, Boxer, Doberman, French Bulldog

Grooming Characteristics:

• Short, smooth coat

• Low-maintenance in terms of trimming

• Sheds moderately year-round

Trimming Tips:

• Trimming is rarely necessary except for hygiene (e.g., around paws or under the tail)

• Focus on regular brushing to remove dead hair and improve skin circulation

• Use grooming gloves or soft brushes

Frequency:

• Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks

• Brushing: Once a week

• Nail trimming: Every 3–4 weeks

2. Long-Haired Breeds: Regular Trimming is Essential

Examples: Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Afghan Hound

Grooming Characteristics:

• Fine, often silky coat that grows continuously

• Prone to tangling and matting

• Requires daily maintenance

Trimming Tips:

• Use thinning scissors and curved shears to shape the coat evenly

• Keep hair out of the eyes by trimming or tying it with a topknot

• Trim sanitary areas, feet, and around ears regularly

• Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks is often ideal

Frequency:

• Bathing: Every 2–4 weeks

• Brushing: Daily

• Trimming: Every 4–6 weeks

3. Curly and Wavy Coats: Precise, Frequent Grooming Needed

Examples: Poodle, Bichon Frise, Portuguese Water Dog, Labradoodle

Grooming Characteristics:

• Dense, curly or wavy hair that doesn’t shed much

• Mats easily if not brushed and trimmed regularly

Trimming Tips:

• Use electric clippers with guards for even cuts

• Scissor trim around the face, tail, and legs

• Maintain standard breed styles or choose a manageable puppy cut

Frequency:

• Bathing: Every 3–4 weeks

• Brushing: Every other day

• Clipping: Every 4–6 weeks

4. Double-Coated Breeds: Caution with Trimming

Examples: Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Husky, Akita

Grooming Characteristics:

• Two layers: a dense undercoat and a longer guard coat

• Sheds seasonally (blowing coat)

• Insulation relies on intact coat structure

Trimming Tips:

• Avoid shaving unless medically necessary — it can permanently damage coat texture and natural protection

• Trim stray hairs on paws, rear, and ears

• Use an undercoat rake to remove dead fur

Frequency:

• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks

• Brushing: 2–3 times a week (daily during shedding seasons)

• Trimming: Minimal, only as needed

5. Wire-Haired Breeds: Hand-Stripping or Special Tools Required

Examples: Schnauzer, Wire Fox Terrier, Irish Terrier

Grooming Characteristics:

• Harsh, coarse outer coat with soft undercoat
• Maintains breed look with proper technique (hand-stripping

Trimming Tips:

• Hand-stripping removes dead outer hairs to encourage healthy coat
• Alternatively, trimming with clippers is easier but can soften the coat
• Maintain classic breed cuts like “eyebrows” and “beard”

Frequency:

• Bathing: Every 6 weeks
• Brushing: Weekly
• Stripping or trimming: Every 6–8 weeks

6. Hairless or Low-Coat Breeds: Skin Protection Over Hair Management

Examples: Chinese Crested (Hairless), Xoloitzcuintli, American Hairless Terrier

Grooming Characteristics:

• Little to no hair — focus shifts to skin care
• Prone to dryness, sunburn, and skin irritations

Grooming Tips:

• Moisturize with pet-safe balms
• Use dog sunscreen during outdoor time
• Clean skin folds and ears regularly
• Trim any tufts of hair around the feet or tail if present

Frequency:

• Bathing: Every 1–2 weeks (gentle products only)
• Nail trimming: Regularly, as there’s no fur to hide overgrowth

7. Spaniels and Setter Types: Feathered Areas Need Care

Examples: Cocker Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles, Irish Setter

Grooming Characteristics:

• Silky coat with feathering on chest, legs, and ears
• Can become matted in high-friction areas

Trimming Tips:

• Trim ear edges, paws, and rear for hygiene
• Keep feathering neat and thinned to reduce tangles
• Regular ear checks — these breeds are prone to infections

Frequency:

• Bathing: Every 3–4 weeks
• Brushing: 3–4 times a week
• Trimming: Every 6 weeks

Common Tools for Dog Coat Trimming

Regardless of breed, having the right grooming tools is essential:

Grooming Safety and Best Practices

• Always ensure tools are clean and sharp

• Use positive reinforcement to keep dogs calm

• Never force grooming — use breaks if needed

• Pay attention to signs of discomfort, irritation, or skin conditions

• Consult a professional groomer for advanced trims or behavioral challenges

–

Grooming dogs of all breeds is a skill that requires an understanding of coat types, canine behavior, and proper techniques. Whether you’re a new dog owner, a professional groomer, or a budding content creator, properly trimming your dog’s coat contributes to their overall health. Tailoring your grooming approach to the specific needs of each breed ensures your dog has healthy skin, a manageable coat, and most importantly, a happy dog.