Grooming Needs - South Africa Dog Guide

Understanding Your Dog’s Grooming Needs

Every dog’s grooming needs are different. Factors such as coat type, length and texture can affect how often your dog needs brushing at home and professional grooming.

To help you understand what may be required, grooming needs can be divided into five general maintenance levels.

Brindle Whippet standing in a grassy field with one front paw raised, looking to the side against a backdrop of autumn trees and a warm evening sky.

Very Low Maintenance

These breeds have relatively simple coat-care needs. Brush occasionally and wipe down the coat as needed to keep your dog clean.

Basic professional grooming every 12 to 16 weeks can include bathing, nail trimming and ear cleaning.

Examples: Whippets, Greyhounds, smooth-coated Chihuahuas and Italian Greyhounds

A Beagle walking toward the camera along a narrow path, with one paw raised mid-step. The dog has a tricolor coat of brown, black, and white, long floppy ears, and a focused expression, with a softly blurred background of green grass and bright yellow flowering shrubs.

Low Maintenance

These breeds generally need less frequent coat maintenance. Weekly brushing helps remove loose hair and maintain a healthy-looking coat.

Professional grooming every 10 to 12 weeks can include a bath, a nail trim, and a general tidy-up.

Examples: Labradors, Beagles, Boxers and Dalmatians

A Golden Retriever sitting in a grassy field, facing the camera with its mouth open and tongue hanging out. The dog’s golden coat is long and wavy, and the softly blurred background creates a warm, natural outdoor setting.

Moderate Maintenance

Brushing two to three times a week helps remove loose hair, reduce shedding and maintain a healthy coat.

A professional grooming appointment every 8 to 10 weeks can include bathing, blow-drying and a de-shedding treatment.

Examples: Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds

A close-up portrait of a Chow Chow with a thick reddish-gold coat and a lion-like mane. The dog has small ears, a broad face, and its distinctive blue-purple tongue visible as it pants, with a softly blurred outdoor background behind it.

High Maintenance

Regular brushing several times a week helps prevent knots and keeps the coat in good condition.

Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks helps maintain the coat and keep it neatly trimmed.

Examples: Cocker Spaniels, Old English Sheepdogs, Schnauzers and Chow Chows

Brown Standard Poodle with a curly coat standing alert on a forest path, facing the camera with a stick lying in front of its paws.

Very High Maintenance

These breeds need regular coat care to help prevent mats and tangles. At home, brush your dog daily to keep the coat clean, manageable and free from knots.

Professional grooming should be scheduled every 4 to 6 weeks and can include bathing, trimming and styling.

Examples: Shih Tzus, Poodles, Afghan Hounds, Bichon Frises and Maltese

Find the Right Grooming Routine for Your Dog

Understanding your dog’s grooming needs can help you stay on top of brushing and professional appointments. A consistent grooming routine helps keep your dog’s coat clean, comfortable and well-maintained.

These are general grooming guidelines. Your dog’s individual coat, lifestyle and condition may mean they need more or less frequent grooming.