How Often Should You Brush (or Groom) Your Dog? Here’s the Real Answer

How often should I be brushing my dog?

It’s easily one of the most common questions we get here at One Fur All Dog Grooming in Glen Alpine, and the truth is… there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

But let’s clear a few things up.

Not All Dogs Are Built the Same

Some dogs just need more maintenance than others—it’s not personal, it’s coat type. If you’ve got a Shih Tzu, Cavoodle, Maltese, or Husky, you’re dealing with a coat that doesn’t manage itself. Those coats tangle, mat, and trap dirt faster than a toddler in a sandpit.

Meanwhile, your short-haired mates like Boxers, Staffies, and Beagles? They’re easier to handle at home. A quick weekly brush and they’re usually good to go.

But even the “low maintenance” breeds still benefit from a proper bath and blow-dry every now and then—especially if they spend time outdoors, shed heavily, or roll in things they shouldn’t (looking at you, mystery lawn stains).

Here’s What We Do

Here’s something most groomers won’t admit: I don’t brush my own dogs every day. I’ve got 9 of them, and that is if there are no puppies. Simply put, I don’t have time for daily brushing marathons. But, all my dogs (even their puppies) are professionally groomed on a schedule—weekly for most, monthly for the double-coated ones like Snowy the Husky.

Why does that work?

A solid grooming routine—done right—keeps their coat clean, tangle-free, and looking sharp without needing much in-between maintenance.

We use high quality shampoo and conditioner, dry them properly, brush them out with the right tools, check their ears, eyes, nails, and coat—all in one go. That way, I don’t spend my week chasing knots or trying to detangle mats while dinner burns on the stove.

Why It’s Worth Sticking to a Routine

Brushing and grooming isn’t just about appearances—it’s about your dog’s comfort and health. Regular grooming helps:

• Keep your dog free of dirt and irritants

• Allow your dog to have a longer coat in winter (Yes winter coats require EXTRA grooming)

• Stop painful matting before it starts

• Maintain good ear health and prevent ear infections

• Spot skin problems early (before they turn into vet visits)

• Spot any new growths or lumps that you may not have found yet ( Particularly on dogs with thicker coats)

• Strengthen trust—dogs learn to relax when things feel familiar and calm

Let’s be real—no dog likes their first time on a grooming table and it is worse if they’ve never been brushed at home. Regular contact makes future visits less stressful for them and easier for us.

How Often Should You Be Grooming?

Here’s a rough guide:

High-maintenance coats (Poodles, Cavoodles, Shih Tzus, Maltese, Oodles)

→ Brush every 1–2 days if you want to avoid mats. Groom every 3–6 weeks.

Double-coated breeds (Golden Retrievers, Huskies, Border Collies)

→ Brush 2–3 times a week, especially when shedding. Groom every 4–8 weeks.

Short-haired breeds (Staffies, Boxers, Beagles, etc.)

→ Brush weekly. Groom every 6-8 weeks, or sooner if they’re rolling in muck or stinking up the house.

If you're not brushing much at home, expect to book more frequent professional grooms—that’s the trade-off.

Final Word From the Team

At One Fur All, we’re not here to guilt trip you or overcomplicate things. We’re just straight-up about what works, what doesn’t, and how to keep your dog comfortable without making life harder than it needs to be.

If brushing every day isn’t realistic for you, no stress—just book in more regular appointments and we’ll handle the heavy lifting. If you want to stretch the time between visits, brushing at home is the key.

One Fur All - Serving Glen Alpine, Campbelltown & the greater Macarthur region with no-fuss, honest grooming.