Here at Pet Paradise, we're a one-stop shop for all your pet grooming needs, no matter what your dog’s breed may be. In this guide, we'll give you the inside scoop on grooming styles for common breeds to keep your four-legged friend looking and feeling their absolute best.
We'll also share some pro tips on how to adapt grooming styles to suit your dog's specific breed – all while you get to know the range of grooming services available at Pet Paradise. So, let's dive in and get to know the best grooming methods for your best friend!
Grooming Tips for Short-Haired Breeds
Short-haired dog breeds, like a French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, or a Beagle might seem like they have low-maintenance coats, but that doesn't mean they don't need grooming or a little extra TLC! Regular brushing keeps their coats shiny and healthy while reducing excess oils & dander. Want to learn how to maintain a clean and healthy coat? Let’s brush through the details!
Brushing helps spread the natural oils in your pup’s coat, which promotes a healthy shine. It also can help remove loose hair, dirt, and other debris to reduce excessive shedding. Rubber curry brushes or a boar’s bristle brush is great for this! Brushing your short-haired dog once every week to keep their coat in tip-top shape.
Keeping your pup’s coat clean and healthy also involves regular bathing with a gentle dog-friendly shampoo. Make sure all the shampoo is thoroughly rinsed to avoid residue that could irritate their skin.
It’s also a good idea to routinely check your dog’s ears for any signs of infection or wax & debris buildup. And don’t forget about their nails! Keeping them trimmed will help prevent discomfort or injury that can create long term joint pain or disfigurement of the tarsal (toe bones).
Grooming Styles and Practices for Long-Haired Breeds
Did someone say elegance? Long-haired breeds have long, fabulous locks that involve some extra care. Knowing the grooming needs of your long-haired dog, having the right tools and products, and following a guided routine can help you maintain a gorgeous, healthy coat for your furry friend.
Breeds like the Shih Tzu, Afghan Hound, or Yorkshire Terrier have hair that never stops growing. These glamorous pups need regular grooming to prevent matting, tangles, and discomfort.
Daily brushing & combing is the secret to keeping your long-haired dog’s coat healthy. Brushing helps to remove loose hair, prevent knots, and distribute natural oils is essential for a healthy shine.
Using the right tools and products is the key to keeping up with your long-haired dog between grooming appointments. A slicker brush has fine, short or wires, and is perfect for removing tangles and mats. If your pet has sensitive skin, a cat slicker brush may be a better fit. If your pet has very fine hair that easily breaks, a wood pin brush may be the best option. Your pup will thank you for the gentle detangling session!
A wide-toothed comb can help with detangling and smoothing. Dogs do move around a lot while we are trying to help them, so setting this routine in a calm, relaxed environment (maybe while watching you and your pet’s favorite movie on the couch) is a good time to focus on this task.
Using your comb, section the area you will brush through and after each brushing line move the hair away and begin the next section of unbrushed hair. Follow up with a comb before moving to your next section to be sure you found every tangle.
For long-haired breeds, there are a couple of popular grooming styles:
- Pet Version Puppy Cut: This adorable style keeps the medium to longer lengths and even all over the body. Many owners like a round head or a square shaped head with varied length preferences on the ears and tails. It's a medium-maintenance option for breeds like Yorkies, Shih Tzus and doodle varieties. To keep this style mat-free, it’s recommended to groom your pet every 4-6 weeks, and, in some cases, based on your pet’s lifestyle and activities, we may recommend a mini groom or ultimate bath in between sessions to help prevent matting.
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Summer Cut/Kennel Cuts: Similar to a puppy cut, but with the hair kept even shorter for hot weather and low maintenance. It’s the ultimate practical choice for the pet who stays busy in the yard, swims often, or isn’t on a regular grooming schedule of less than 8 weeks. Here’s the best part: our groomers are experts at making every grooming appointment a paws-itive experience. With plenty of praise and rewards along the way, every dog feels like a superstar at Pet Paradise.
Double-Coated Breeds and Their Grooming Needs
Let’s talk about those extra fluffy fur babies! Double-coated breeds, like the Siberian Husky, Golden Retriever, and Alaskan Malamute, have special grooming needs that deserve a little extra attention. Let’s dive into the details!
How to groom double-coated breeds correctly: The key to grooming double-coated breeds is to maintain their natural insulation while protecting their skin. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and prevent matting. A slicker brush or an undercoat rake works wonders for gently detangling knots. We don’t recommend shaving their coat, as it protects them from heat and the cold by allowing natural body temperature regulation. Their coats also help in allowing for their body’s natural sebaceous glands create oils that create a natural protective barrier and help keep balanced PH at the skin.
Managing shedding and matting in double-coated breeds: These fluffy furballs are known to shed quite a bit. And during certain seasons, they really let it all loose! This is known as "blowing their coat." To help manage shedding during these periods, amp up their brushing routine and consider using an undercoat rake or a de-shedding shampoo & conditioner to help tackle all that loose hair. Some double coats can still develop matting but that’s ok. There are ways to work these out if they are addressed quickly before the coat damage creates pelting in the coat.
Using a wide-toothed comb, and a dry shampoo powder, you gently work through them. Groomers will sometimes have additional products that are silicone based to help mats slide out gently but avoiding moisture and addressing matts as soon as possible with produce the best results.
Tips for maintaining a healthy coat and preventing overheating: Coat care is crucial to keep your double-coated buddy comfortable and healthy. Be sure to give them regular baths using a gentle dog shampoo and conditioner tailored to their specific coat type. In the warmer months, dial back on excessive exercise, provide shade, and plenty of fresh water to help prevent them from overheating.
Keep in mind, every double-coated breed has its own special grooming needs, so it's worth chatting with one of our expert groomers for breed-specific tips. With a little extra know-how, you can help your furry friend maintain a healthy and happy coat.
Grooming Styles for Curly-Coated Breeds
Curly-coated cuties, like Poodles, Bichon Frises, and Portuguese Water Dogs, have some special grooming needs that deserve a little extra attention. Here are some styles that'll have them looking their best:
- Pet Version Puppy Cut: This adorable style keeps the medium to longer lengths and even all over the body. Many owners like a round- or square-shaped head with varied length preferences for the ears and tails. It's a medium-maintenance option for breeds like the Poodle, Kerry Blue Terrier, and doodle varieties. To keep this style mat-free, it is recommended to groom your pet every 4-6 weeks and, in some cases, based on your pet’s lifestyle and activity level, we may recommend a mini-groom or ultimate bath in between sessions to help you prevent matting.
- Summer Cut/Kennel Cuts: Similar to a puppy cut, but with the hair kept even shorter for hot weather and low maintenance. It’s the ultimate practical choice for the pet who stays busy in the yard, swims often, or isn’t on a regular schedule of less than 8 weeks. Here’s the best part: our groomers are experts at making every grooming appointment a paws-itive experience. With plenty of praise and rewards along the way, every dog feels like a superstar at Pet Paradise.
- The Continental Clip: Feeling fancy? This elaborate style originates from hunting trials in Germany, and it gives your dog a royal, elegant look. The trim was specifically to keep a dog’s joints warm while working in the water, but this fancy look will require some extra maintenance on a regular schedule. The efforts are well worth it when you walk your pet down the street; they will be talk of the town!
To keep your dog’s curls in tip-top shape and prevent matting, brush regularly with a slicker brush and a wide-toothed comb. Start from the roots and gently work your way through those curls section by section, which is called line brushing, paying extra attention to areas that might be prone to tangling.
When it comes to grooming curly-coated breeds, the right products and tools make all the difference! Our grooming team uses only the best detangling sprays and conditioners to make brushing easier and minimize discomfort for your furry friend.
Adapting Grooming Styles to Your Dog's Breed
Understanding what makes your pup's breed unique is the key to giving them the best care possible. Different breeds have their own quirks that influence how they should be groomed. By tailoring your grooming routine to suit your dog's individual needs, you'll keep them healthy and comfortable.
So, where to start? Begin by researching your dog's specific breed. Some breeds have long, thick coats requiring regular brushing and trimming to prevent matting and tangling. Others might sport shorter 'dos that are lower maintenance but still need routine care to keep their coat and skin healthy.
Now, think about your dog's personality and lifestyle! For example, older dogs may have more sensitive skin and require gentler grooming techniques, while active dogs may need more frequent brushing to prevent matting. Whether your pup is a couch potato or an athlete, their age, activity level, and any skin or coat conditions they might have should all play a role in your grooming plan.
Our friendly professional groomers have knowledge and experience and are here to lend a paw! They're experts at sniffing out just what your pup needs and can offer personalized advice on the best grooming techniques, tools, and products to keep your furry friend looking fresh between appointments.
At the end of the day, grooming is all about making your furry friend feel like a million bucks – whether they’re a short-haired breed, a long-haired breed, a double-coated breed, or a curly-coated breed. By getting the scoop on breed-specific grooming requirements, adapting grooming styles to suit your dog's individual needs, and consulting with our professional groomers, you can ensure your furry friend looks and feels their best. Regular grooming not only enhances your dog's appearance, but also promotes their overall well-being. They'll appreciate the extra love and attention – we promise!
To schedule your pet's grooming appointment, please log in to your account via our login page or the Pet Paradise app and book today!
