How Often Should You Groom Your Dog?
Updated July 23, 2026 · By the Royal Pawz USA team
Most dogs do well with professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks, and the right interval depends mainly on coat type. Curly doodle coats need attention most often — about every 4 to 5 weeks — while short, smooth coats can go the longest, around 8 weeks. In Houston's heat and humidity, staying on a regular schedule matters even more: it's the simplest way to prevent matting, hot spots, and skin problems.
How often should you groom your dog by coat type?
As a rule of thumb, groom curly and doodle coats every 4–5 weeks, long or wiry coats about every 6 weeks, and double or smooth coats about every 8 weeks.
| Coat type | Groom every | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Doodle / curly | Every 4–5 weeks | Goldendoodles, Poodles, Bernedoodles |
| Long / silky | About every 6 weeks | Cocker Spaniels, Maltese, Havanese |
| Wiry | About every 6 weeks | Terriers, Schnauzers |
| Double coat | De-shed about every 8 weeks | Huskies, Aussies, Corgis |
| Short / smooth | Every 8 weeks or so | Beagles, Boxers, Frenchies |
These are starting points, not hard rules. A dog that plays outside a lot, swims, or has a thicker-than-usual coat may need grooming a little more often than the chart suggests.
Why does coat type matter so much?
Different coats mat, shed, and hold dirt at very different rates, so the grooming clock runs faster for some dogs than others.
- Curly doodle coats mat quickly when left too long — a steady four-to-five-week rhythm keeps them comfortable and tangle-free.
- Long, silky coats need regular brush-outs and scissor finishing so the feathering stays soft and clean before mats set in.
- Wiry coats look and feel their best when tidied about every six weeks to keep the texture sharp and the shape clean.
- Double coats need a thorough de-shedding to clear the loose undercoat — we brush it out properly on rhythm, and we never shave a double coat.
- Short, smooth coats are low-maintenance, but a bath and tidy every couple of months keeps the skin healthy and shedding in check.
How does Houston's climate change how often to groom?
Houston's heat and humidity speed up matting and shedding, so year-round regular grooming is more important here than in drier climates.
Humidity makes coats hold moisture and mat faster, and the warm months bring heavier shedding for double-coated breeds. Sticking to a regular schedule — rather than waiting until the coat is already matted — keeps your dog cooler and avoids the extra time and cost of heavy dematting.
What are the signs your dog is overdue for a groom?
Visible tangles, a lingering doggy odor, dull or greasy fur, and extra scratching are the most common signs it's time to book.
- Mats or tangles you can feel behind the ears, under the legs, or along the belly
- A smell that returns soon after the last bath
- Overgrown nails that click loudly on the floor
- More shedding than usual around the house
- Scratching, licking, or dry, flaky skin
Between grooms, a quick brush a few times a week goes a long way — especially for doodles and double coats.
Frequently asked questions
Can you groom a dog too often?
For most dogs, regular grooming on the schedule above is healthy, not excessive. The thing to watch is over-bathing at home with harsh shampoo, which can dry out the skin — our groomers use pet-safe products matched to your dog's coat and skin.
How often should a doodle be groomed?
Doodles and other curly coats do best about every 4–5 weeks. Their coats mat quickly, so a steady rhythm keeps them comfortable and avoids painful dematting.
How can I keep my dog clean between grooms?
Brush a few times a week to prevent tangles, wipe paws and face after outdoor play, and keep an eye on nail length. For anything more involved, a Royal Bath between full grooms keeps the coat fresh.
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