Owning a dog is a joyous and rewarding experience, but it comes with a commitment to professional care for your four-legged family member. Grooming is not only for dogs to appear trendy or attractive but to maintain wellness and happiness. So what dogs need grooming? Literally, ALL of them! Grooming includes nail trimming, cleaning, bathing, skin and health checks, and more than just hair care.
When people ask what dogs need grooming, a more accurate question they intend to ask is what dogs need haircuts?
Cutting hair, brushing hair, washing hair, and drying hair is a time-consuming effort. It’s also very difficult if you’re not experienced with certain breeds that have more complex needs.
Related reading: Dog Grooming School for Certification and Business Training
There are a lot of decisions to make when choosing the right dog breed for you and your family, and sometimes you might have to compromise. Maintenance requirements, temperament, size, exercise needs, and more are all important considerations.
If you lead a busy lifestyle but still want a dog companion, you will most likely need an easy-care breed requiring minimal grooming. On the other hand, if you have time to spare or simply love having immaculately groomed canine companions, adopting dogs that need grooming might be the right option.
Why do some dogs need to be groomed regularly?
Grooming frees dog fur from tangles, mats, dirt, and trapped moisture, which can lead to fungal or bacterial skin infections if left untreated. Regularly grooming your pooch also helps to reduce shedding and remove dirt, allergens, and mites from their coat. And of course, brushing your dog’s fur regularly helps keep them looking fabulous!
Related reading: What Do Dog Groomers Do?
Grooming also lets you identify any lumps or other physical changes that might indicate a health problem. Nail trimming, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, and other grooming practices are important for the overall well-being of your canine friend.
With that in mind, let’s look at 5 dog breeds that need grooming and maintenance and 5 with minimal grooming requirements.
Top Breeds that Need Grooming
1. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small and friendly dog with a thick coat made of hair. The beautiful white coat, like a fluffy cloud, is a sure attention-getter. This breed needs regular combing and trimming to maintain its signature look, as well as frequent brushing to prevent painful mats. A monthly trip to the groomer for a trim and bath is recommended.
Bichons are known for their exuberant and cheerful personalities, relishing the company of people and other pets. Their lively nature and verve make them the perfect companions for families with children of all ages.
2. Poodle
Poodles are among the most popular breeds globally, and with good reason. This elegant breed is well-known for its intelligence, loyalty, and striking looks that come in a variety of colors and sizes. They have an attractive double coat that requires regular grooming and clipping.
Poodles make wonderful companions for those looking for an engaging, affectionate, and active four-legged friend. While they require a lot of maintenance with groomers, they provide a lifetime of rewarding companionship and an endless supply of fun adventures for their lucky owners.
Related reading: Do Dog Groomers Clean Teeth?
3. Yorkshire Terrier
The petite and adorable Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is an attention-getter. They have a luxurious silky coat with long glossy locks that require regular brushing and styling to keep them from becoming matted and tangled. Without a proper grooming regimen, their fur can easily become unmanageable.
They are small but mighty, fearless, and courageous beyond their size. Yorkies are loyal, social, and loving companions for their owners. They thrive on attention, often becoming jealous if their owner lavishes too much attention on another pet or person!
4. Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is a mix of two breeds, the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, exhibiting the best qualities of both. Interestingly, they have no regard for their appearance and will drop and roll in the mud without batting an eye if it looks fun. They require daily brushing and occasional trips to a groomer for trimming, as their coat can easily become unruly without proper maintenance.
Goldendoodles are happy, energetic, and eager to please. They can be both active and relaxed at the same time, making them excellent companions for those who love walks, hikes, and trips to the park. Goldendoodles also have a great sense of humor and will make you laugh out loud.
5. Shih Tzu
The regal and endearing Shih Tzu is instantly recognizable with its long luxurious locks and sparkling eyes. While they may look small and delicate, these dogs are full of energy and love nothing more than playing with their owners. But with that long coat comes the need for regular grooming, and this breed requires lots of it. Brushing should be done daily – coat and face – to prevent mats and keep their fur sparkling like the stars!
Shih Tzus are confident, loving, and loyal companions. With regular grooming, they will be sure to bring joy and laughter into any home. They have a strong bond with their family and enjoy spending time cuddling, playing games, and going for walks. They do not do well when left alone for long periods and need plenty of attention to stay happy and healthy.
Top Breeds that Do Not Require Grooming
1. Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier is a muscular and stocky breed that has an easy-care coat. They need a little bit of brushing once in a while to keep their coat clean but do not require frequent trims or trips to the groomer. They have the potential to excel as great family pets, given they receive optimal socialization and training. Novice dog owners may not find them suitable as they require a more experienced hand. Furthermore, caution is recommended when considering them as pets in households with other pets or irresponsible children.
Bull Terriers are not just adorable and playful, they are also exceptionally devoted to their humans. While they may exhibit a bit of stubbornness at times, their unflagging loyalty and endearing character more than make up for it. These unique ‘eggheads’ (as they are affectionately known) may not require much grooming, but they do need lots of love and attention.
2. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a charming little companion who loves to be the center of attention. This breed has a short, smooth coat that is easy to maintain and requires nothing more than regular brushing and occasional baths. They are low-shedding, which helps keep their coats clean. As a bonus, they do not need frequent trips to the groomer.
While this breed has a great deal of energy, they usually lack stamina. Moderate daily activities suit them, but you should limit outdoor exercises when it is hot or humid. French Bulldogs are well-behaved and respond well to gentle training methods. These small dogs are great companions and make excellent watchdogs as they are alert and attentive to their surroundings. They may be too friendly to strangers, but their loyalty and love for their humans are unwavering.
3. Greyhound
If you’re looking for a furry friend that won’t put a dent in your daily routine, you might want to check out the greyhound breed. Not only are they gentle giants but they also have low-fuss temperaments that make them super easy to take care of. Plus, with their love for lounging around all day, they are the ultimate Netflix binge-watching buddies.
Say goodbye to long grooming sessions because these pooches don’t require much pampering. Thanks to their sleek coat that’s naturally smooth, they don’t need frequent brushing or trimming. All you’ll have to do is give them a quick bath every once in a while to get rid of their dirt and keep them looking fresh.
Overall, greyhounds are ideal for people with busy lifestyles as they don’t need much attention when it comes to grooming. So, if you’re looking for a loyal companion that’ll keep you company for the long haul, then a greyhound might be perfect for you.
4. Vizsla
The Vizsla, a versatile Hungarian pointer, an energetic and athletic breed, is highly regarded as both a lovable companion and an enthusiastic hunting partner. This breed has a rust-colored, short, and smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. Brushing the Vizsla once a week will help keep their coat looking neat, and baths should only be given when necessary.
These intelligent pooches are easily trainable and love to please their owners. Adequate socialization from a young age helps them develop into confident and happy adults. They are extremely loyal and form strong bonds with their families. Given their active nature and a strong desire to please, Vizslas are suitable for novice dog owners who are able to provide them with the physical and mental exercise they need.
5. Beagle
Beagles are a breed of small dogs that were originally developed to hunt hares. They’re famous for being gentle, smart, and strong-willed. They’re great pets for individuals and families with kids of any age. Although Beagles shed, their fur is not hard to manage as they only require little grooming outside of weekly brushing to keep it in good condition. As a result, they’re considered low-maintenance dogs, which, coupled with their cheerful temperament, has made them a favorite choice of many people as pets. They’re also known for being social and friendly with people and other animals, so they make great companions. Overall, Beagles are perfect for those looking for an easy-to-manage dog with a happy disposition.
We hope you now have a better idea of which dogs breed are best suited for those who want low-maintenance grooming, or who may not have time for frequent trips to the groomer. Dogs that need grooming can still be great companions, but it’s important to consider if you’re able and willing to commit the necessary time. For those of you who are looking for a pup that won’t require much grooming, the breeds above are great options.