How often should my dog be professionally groomed?

There is no single grooming schedule that is right for every dog.

Breed and coat type are an obvious starting point, but the length and style you want to maintain, your dog's lifestyle and the amount of coat care you can realistically manage at home all make a difference.

A longer coat generally needs more maintenance. If you prefer a fuller style, regular professional appointments combined with appropriate brushing at home can help keep the coat manageable and comfortable.

Dogs with shorter styles may have different maintenance needs, but regular grooming is still about more than hair length. Bathing, drying, nails, skin and coat condition and becoming comfortable with professional handling are all part of the picture.

Puppies benefit from beginning the process before they urgently need a major groom. Regular positive experiences can help the salon become familiar rather than something that appears suddenly when their coat has become difficult to manage.

The best schedule is therefore the one designed around your individual dog and the result you want to maintain.

If you are unsure, speak to your groomer rather than waiting until the coat tells you an appointment is overdue.