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Grooming Frequency by Coat Type
The most significant factor in your dog’s grooming schedule is the texture and growth rate of their fur. A Golden Retriever has vastly different needs than a French Bulldog. Here is the breakdown of professional grooming intervals by coat category.
Short Coats (Smooth Coats)
Examples: Beagles, Boxers, Dalmatians, Pugs, Greyhounds, Dobermans.
Professional Grooming Frequency: Every 8–12 weeks.
Short-coated dogs are often labeled “low maintenance,” but they are not “no maintenance.” These breeds shed continuously and still produce natural oils that can cause “doggy odor” if not managed.
While they don’t require haircuts, a professional visit every 2 to 3 months ensures:
- Deep Cleaning: Removal of built-up dirt and oils that regular shampoo might miss.
- Nail Maintenance: Short-coated dogs often have hard, fast-growing nails that need professional grinding.
- Deshedding: High-velocity dryers used by pros blow out loose hair that simple brushing leaves behind.
- Anal Gland Expression: Many small, short-haired breeds (like Chihuahuas and Pugs) need help expressing these glands to prevent infection.
Long and Silky Coats
Examples: Shih Tzus, Yorkshire Terriers, Afghan Hounds, Maltese, Lhasa Apsos.
Professional Grooming Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks.
These breeds have hair that grows continuously, much like human hair. It does not shed out seasonally; it just gets longer. Without frequent intervention, this hair tangles instantly.
For these dogs, a 4 to 6-week schedule is non-negotiable.
- 4 Weeks: Ideal for owners who want to keep a longer, fluffier style (like a “puppy cut”) and do not want to brush extensively at home.
- 6 Weeks: The maximum limit for most long-haired breeds before matting begins near the skin, specifically in high-friction areas like behind the ears and under the armpits.
Waiting longer than 6 weeks often forces the groomer to shave the dog down (“strip” the coat) because detangling becomes too painful and damaging to the skin.
Curly and Wavy Coats
Examples: Poodles, Bichon Frises, Portuguese Water Dogs, Goldendoodles, Labradoodles.
Professional Grooming Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks.
The “Doodle” craze has led to a lot of confusion about grooming. Because these dogs are often low-shedding, owners assume they need less grooming. The opposite is true. The loose hair gets trapped in the curls rather than falling on your floor, creating tight mats close to the skin.
- Poodles/Bichons: Their tight curls require regular shaping to maintain the breed standard and hygiene.
- Doodles: Their mixed textures (often a combination of wooly undercoat and silky topcoat) make them prone to “velcro” matting.
If you want a teddy bear look, you must visit the groomer every 4 weeks. If you prefer a shorter, sportier cut, you might be able to stretch it to 6 or 8 weeks, provided you are vigilant about brushing at home.
Double Coats
Examples: Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Pomeranians, Shetland Sheepdogs.
Professional Grooming Frequency: Every 8–12 weeks.
Double-coated dogs have a soft, insulating undercoat and a tougher guard hair on top. They “blow” their coat (shed heavily) twice a year, usually in spring and fall.
Warning: You should generally never shave a double-coated dog. Their coat regulates their body temperature, keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer. Shaving them can ruin the coat texture and lead to alopecia.
Instead, these breeds need a professional “deshedding” treatment every 8 to 12 weeks. This process removes the impacted undercoat that blocks airflow to the skin. Regular professional grooming for these breeds reduces the amount of hair floating around your house and prevents painful hot spots from forming under trapped fur.
Wire Coats
Examples: West Highland White Terriers, Schnauzers, Airedale Terriers, Jack Russell Terriers.
Professional Grooming Frequency: Every 4–8 weeks.
Wire coats are coarse and bristly. To maintain the proper texture and color, show dogs are “hand-stripped” (dead hair plucked out by hand). However, most family pets are clipped.
- Clipping: If you clip the coat, it becomes softer and potentially lighter in color. This requires a trim every 6 to 8 weeks.
- Hand-Stripping: If you choose this specialized method, the frequency varies, but “rolling” the coat (stripping a little bit constantly) is often done weekly, while full strips happen less often.
Summary Table
| Coat Type | Breed Examples | Professional Frequency | Primary Goal |
| Short | Boxer, Beagle, Pug | 8–12 Weeks | Hygiene, Nails, Deshedding |
| Long/Silky | Yorkie, Shih Tzu | 4–6 Weeks | Prevent Matting, Style |
| Curly/Wavy | Poodle, Doodle | 4–6 Weeks | Prevent Matting, Shape |
| Double | Husky, Golden Retriever | 8–12 Weeks | Remove Undercoat (Deshed) |
| Wire | Schnauzer, Westie | 4–8 Weeks | Maintain Texture/Shape |
Why Regular Grooming Matters Beyond Appearance
Many owners view grooming as a cosmetic luxury, but it is actually a health necessity. Extending the time between grooms can lead to medical issues that are painful for your dog and expensive to treat.
Preventing Painful Matting
Matting is not just a “bad hair day.” When fur tangles tightly, it pulls on the dog’s skin with every step they take. Severe mats can cut off blood circulation to the extremities (like the tail or ears) and trap moisture against the skin. This dark, damp environment is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus.
Detecting Parasites Early
Fleas and ticks are masters of hiding. In a thick double coat or a curly poodle mix, a tick can easily go unnoticed until it is engorged. Professional groomers inspect every inch of the dog’s skin using high-velocity dryers that part the hair down to the dermis. They are often the first to spot a flea infestation or a hidden tick.
Identifying Skin Abnormalities
Dogs often develop lumps, bumps, warts, or cysts as they age. Because you see your dog every day, you might miss slow changes. A groomer, who handles your dog every 4 to 8 weeks, is more likely to notice a new growth. Early detection of suspicious lumps is key to successful veterinary treatment.
Maintaining Healthy Posture (Nail Care)
Long nails are physically painful. When a dog’s nails touch the ground, it pushes the toe bone back into the foot structure. This forces the dog to adjust their posture to compensate for the pain, leading to joint stress and arthritis over time. Regular grooming ensures nails are trimmed or ground down to a safe length.
Factors That Influence Your Schedule
While coat type is the baseline, your specific lifestyle might require you to book appointments more frequently.
Activity Level
Does your dog frequent the dog park? Do they swim in the ocean or roll in the mud?
- Active Dogs: Dirt and sand act like sandpaper in a dog’s coat, damaging the hair shaft and causing tangles. Swimmers are especially prone to “wet mats” if they air-dry without being brushed. Active dogs generally need grooming every 4 weeks to keep the skin clean and free of environmental irritants.
- Indoor Dogs: Sedentary dogs that only walk on sidewalks stay cleaner longer and may be able to stretch their appointments.
Allergies and Skin Conditions
Dogs with environmental allergies (grass, pollen) benefit from more frequent baths with medicated or hypoallergenic shampoo. Removing the allergens from the skin can significantly reduce itching. If your dog suffers from skin issues, your vet might recommend a grooming schedule of every 2 to 3 weeks.
Your At-Home Brushing Routine
This is the “X Factor.” If you brush your long-haired dog thoroughly every single day (using a slicker brush and a metal comb to check for mats), you can wait 6 or 8 weeks between cuts. If you rarely brush your dog, you must go every 4 weeks. Professional grooming is not a substitute for daily maintenance; it is a supplement to it.
The Danger of “Winter Coats”
A common myth is that you should skip grooming in the winter to keep your dog warm. This is a dangerous misconception, particularly for long-haired and double-coated breeds.
- Matting Traps Moisture: In winter, dogs walk through rain, snow, and slush. If a dog has a long, unkempt coat, it acts like a sponge. A matted coat that gets wet does not dry quickly. It holds cold water against the skin, making the dog colder than if they had a well-maintained, shorter coat.
- Sweater Friction: If you put a sweater on a dog that hasn’t been brushed, the friction of the wool against the fur causes massive matting in the friction points (neck, armpits, chest).
The Solution: Do not stop grooming in winter. You can ask your groomer to leave the hair longer (e.g., a 1-inch guard comb instead of a short shave), but the coat must still be washed, dried, and brushed out regularly.
What Does a Full Groom Include?
When you book a full groom, you aren’t just paying for a haircut. At a high-quality salon, a full service typically involves a comprehensive 10-point check.
- Consultation: Assessing the dog’s coat condition and discussing the owner’s preferences.
- Pre-Bath Brush/De-shed: Loosening dirt and removing dead hair.
- Bathing: Using professional-grade shampoos tailored to the dog’s skin type.
- Conditioning: Restoring moisture to the coat.
- Anal Gland Expression: (If requested/needed) Emptying the external scent glands.
- Blow Dry: Using hand-held or high-velocity dryers (never cage dryers for safety).
- Brushing/Combing: Ensuring the coat is 100% tangle-free.
- Nail Trimming/Grinding: Shortening the claws.
- Ear Cleaning: Removing wax and plucking hair from the ear canal if necessary.
- Styling/Scissoring: The actual haircut or outline trim.
Signs Your Dog Is Overdue for a Groom
If you aren’t tracking the weeks on a calendar, watch for these physical signs that your dog needs an appointment immediately.
- The “Clicking” Sound: If you hear your dog’s nails clicking on your hardwood or tile floors, they are too long.
- Scooting: Dragging their rear on the carpet often indicates full anal glands that need expression.
- Excessive Licking: Dogs often lick their paws or legs when they are itchy or matted.
- Head Shaking: This can indicate dirty ears or an ear infection.
- Greasy Coat: If your hand feels oily after petting your dog, or if their coat smells musty, they need a bath.
- Visible Mats: If you see clumps of hair behind the ears or on the back legs, the matting is likely worse than it looks.
Puppy’s First Groom: When to Start?
Do not wait until your puppy is 6 months old for their first groom. By then, they are stronger, more opinionated, and likely already matted.
The Golden Rule: Schedule the first grooming appointment as soon as your puppy has completed their second round of vaccinations, typically between 12 and 16 weeks old.
The first visit is rarely a full haircut. It is an “introduction” or “puppy trim.” The goal is to socialize the puppy to the sights, sounds, and sensations of the salon:
- The noise of the clippers.
- The feeling of water in the tub.
- The sensation of having paws handled.
- The loud sound of the high-velocity dryer.
Starting early creates a confident dog who enjoys grooming rather than fearing it.
How to Maintain the Coat Between Visits
To save money and keep your dog comfortable, you must do your homework.
1. Brush Effectively
Using the wrong brush is useless.
- Slicker Brush: Use this for removing mats and loose hair in doodles and double coats.
- Metal Comb (Greyhound Comb): After brushing, run a metal comb through the fur. If the comb gets stuck, you haven’t finished brushing. This is the “Comb Test.”
2. Handle the Paws
Touch your dog’s paws daily. Rub their toes and touch their nails. This desensitizes them so they don’t fight the groomer during nail trims.
3. Keep Eyes Clear
Use a damp cloth to wipe away eye discharge (“boogers”) daily. If this hardens, it can cause sores beneath the eyes.
Hear it From Our Happy Customers
See what local pet owners are saying about their experiences. Our community loves the transparency, care, and daily updates we provide.
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Courteous. Professional. Kind. Very accommodating!
Cait M.
September 29, 2023Amazing dog hotel and daycare. Every time we travel we can rely on the wonderful caring staff at Dogtown to take great care of Dillon. He has been a daycare and overnight guest numerous times over the past 7 years since he was a pup and still get excited every time we mention that we are taking him there.
Suzanne C.
July 4, 2020I like their professionalism, grooming services, and my pups look fine when I get them- it’s an easy atmosphere.
Billie J.
November 25, 2022 -
Great service! Love the daily photos. Dog was safe and well taken care of for 10 days.
Matthew R.
March 29, 2023I have been going to Dogtown for 3yrs now. I love them! My dog is 14yrs old and they are the best with her! She always leaves with a puppy cut and a bandana. Plus they offer oatmeal shampoo which im super thankful for since she has sensitive skin. The groomers are amazing!! ? and the times shes stayed at the dog hotel have been great experiences too!
Gaby H.
August 26, 2020Dogtown Coconut Grove has the most amazing staff and they truly have love and care for my dog Carl. He loves going for daycare and everyone there is amazing with him sending picture and updates every day! Thank you Dogtown!
Trevor B.
June 24, 2025 -
I love the new Coconut Grove location! Same great staff and service! My pups are always excited to visit their friends at Dogtown!
Katrina F.
December 16, 2023I've reviewed before, but I'm doing it again - Dogtown is the ONLY place you should be taking your pooch. From their daycare to their boarding to their groomers (p.s. ANGELICA IS LIFE!! Best groomer ever!), they are the best in the business. I am so very delighted to brag about them. Been taking my mini goldendoodle, Lincoln to Angelica for over 5 years, and when I go out of town, he stays there, as well. So fortunate to have them in our neighborhood.
Toma R.
January 27, 2020If you’re not letting Dogtown care for your pup when needed, you’re doing it wrong. The staff is super friendly and Boomer loves spending time there. He told me so. I love the updates I get with photos while I’m gone. Dogtown is simply the best!
WAYNE M.
November 15, 2020 -
Louie had a geat experience getting his bath at Dogtown. Looking forwards for his first hair cut . The stuff is very professional and nice.
Sara L.
February 25, 2022Angelica and the staff at Downtown Coconut Grove are amazing. My Brussels Griffon baby is always gorgeous and they don’t keep her too long. Highly recommend!
Vanessa P.
February 16, 2024Very attentive, making sure we received pictures and videos of the dogs during the boarding time
Silvia L.
November 25, 2022 -
When I have to board my dog, which is something that’s tough for an obsessed dog owner like me, I know she’ll be in good hands with the pros at Dogtown. I really appreciate how they go above and beyond to make sure you are kept informed of your dog’s well-being. They will gladly text you pictures of your dog if you want and they’ll provide updates on how they’re doing. Their communication, reliability, and high level of care gives me the peace of mind I need when I must leave my dog. We are even considering using their daycare on occasion. Highly recommend!
Sarah D.
August 7, 2019Haven't been in a while. Just started to take my schnauzer back. David is great. Will continue to go.
Alex V.
January 17, 2026Had a great experience! I have a goldendoodle with extra fluff and had so much trouble finding a groomer who cut his hair to my liking- especially his face/ head. Would definitely recommend dogtown I will be bringing Maki back soon!
Aurora C.
February 25, 2022 -
Oliver loves staying here!
David S.
August 29, 2023Love this place!!! I've only gone for grooming (three times now!) and they've done an excellent job every time. My puppy is A LOT to handle, but they manage to get the job done. They ask a lot of questions to make sure the haircut is exactly what you like. The cut also includes nail cut, anal glands, and perfume. And the first time you go it's half off at $35! They also offer a rewards program. The staff is amazing, the dogs all seem happy, and the location looks great. Would definitely recommend if you're looking for a new groomer!
Williamson L.
August 12, 2020My 6-month old puppy has SO much energy & bringing him to daycare at Dogtown has been a game changer! He is so excited every time I drop him off, and all of the employees are so friendly & keep me updated on his behavior! I love that they don’t charge an extra fee for feeding him lunch. Plus, Dogtown has awesome daycare passes & membership options that make it a very affordable option compared to other daycares and in-home sitters! We love Dogtown Coconut Grove!
Emma P.
January 28, 2026 -
Awesome
Chris J.
July 24, 2024My puppy and I love Dogtown! She gets so excited when we walk in and is happy to be there. I don't worry when she is at Dogtown :)
Kristin P.
April 5, 2021Rocky loves coming here! Love their grooming services
Carmel P.
February 16, 2024 -
They take great care of our dog (who is a slow-moving senior). We love that he doesn't spend the day in a cage but rather gets to socialize with all his friends. Highly recommend Dogtown!
Wilifred A.
September 25, 2019The best care for my dogs. Incredible service and facilities
Victor L.
May 25, 2022Lady always turns out looking so cute and the deshedding shampoo works wonders!
Sofía F.
January 16, 2024 -
Wonderful customer service and smiling faces! We will be back. Thank you, Dogtown!
brooklyn a.
May 16, 2024Picked up my brothers”s dog here. Parking was easy, staff was extremely friendly and Milo looked great. I highly recommend Dogtown!
Nicole c.
August 29, 2023Just looking around
Esteban G.
July 24, 2024 -
We always leave our Floki at Dogtown for daycare, bath and/or boarding (mostly in the Grove) and he always has a great time. The team is attentive, transparent, supportive and always keeps us up to date. Highly recommend!
Mariana M.
May 16, 2024chewy looks so handsome!!!
cam g.
July 24, 2024Great place!!! consistent quality work and great service AAA+++++
Sebastian V.
September 29, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Regardless of coat type, most dogs need their nails trimmed every 3 to 4 weeks. If your dog walks frequently on concrete, they may wear them down naturally and can go longer. However, indoor dogs often need them done as frequently as every 2 weeks to force the “quick” (blood vessel) to recede.
Yes, but it depends on the shampoo. Cheap shampoos with harsh detergents can strip the natural oils from your dog’s skin, leading to dry, flaky, itchy patches. However, if you use a high-quality, moisturizing, or soap-free shampoo, you can bathe your dog weekly without issues. Always use a conditioner after shampooing.
Groomers often charge “dematting fees” or “overgrown coat fees.” If you wait 12 weeks for a groom that should happen every 6 weeks, the groomer has to do double the work. They have to cut through thicker hair, spend more time drying, and dull their equipment faster. It is cheaper to stick to a regular schedule than to pay for “rescue grooms” occasionally.
Consistency is key. Taking a fearful dog to the groomer more often (not less) helps them realize it is a routine part of life. For extreme anxiety, look for a “fear-free” certified groomer, or consult your vet about sedatives or anti-anxiety medication to use during appointments.
If you have a double-coated breed (Husky, Golden Retriever, etc.), the answer is NO. Their coat insulates them from heat just as it does from cold. Shaving them exposes their skin to sunburn and ruins the coat’s ability to regulate temperature. For single-coated dogs (Poodles, Yorkies), a shorter summer cut is perfectly fine.
Book Your Next Groom With Us
Keeping your dog on a consistent schedule is the best way to ensure they stay happy, healthy, and mat-free. Whether you have a rugged outdoor adventurer or a pampered sofa lounger, our team knows exactly how to care for their specific coat.
At Dogtown, we believe grooming should be a stress-free experience. Our certified groomers are voted the best in Miami because we prioritize your dog’s safety and comfort above all else. We use natural, organic products and offer cage-free waiting areas so your pup can relax or play in our daycare before their spa treatment.
Ready to get your pup looking their best?
We have a convenient location inCoconut Grove. Don’t wait until the mats appear—get on the schedule today!