My dog doesn't need grooming...?!

It has recently come to our attention that many owners do not believe their doggies need a groom. It actually got us thinking about how little people are educated on their breed and their coat types. So the real question here is: Does my dog need grooming? The simple answer YES! All dogs need grooming and here is why.

There are several different coat types

1. Smooth (e.g. beagle)

This is usually the breed most owner believe don't need grooming and I do agree they are relatively easy coats to maintain. However, and this is a big HOWEVER they do shed. Having a short haired dog groomed evert few weeks will massively reduce the amount these breed shed.

2) Wire (e.g. border terrier)

Again many of these dogs have short coats and again many believe they don't need grooming. If you do want to keep that lovely wire coat harsh though its important to get these dogs hand stripped regularly.

3) Wool (e.g. poodle)

This is one of the breeds we get in frequently to be groomed. These breeds can get matted very quickly if not groomed. We have many matted wooly cockerpoos and labradoodles. Some breeders even suggest these dogs don't need grooming frequently as they don't shed. If you want to keep your fur baby nice a fluffy bring them in every 6-8 weeks for a nice clean up. A slicker brush and greyhound comb will also help keep your doggy looking lovely in between as well.

4) Double coat type 1 (shedding) (e.g. Border Collie)

Believe it or not we commonly get owners suggesting this breed doesn't need grooming. Now this coat usually grows to a certain length and then stops so doesn't need clipping. So why you ask does this type of coat need grooming? Why don't you ask that tumble weed that is making its way through your house. These dogs shed twice a year (spring and autumn) to make way for their summer and winter coats. Unfortunately for your lovely carpets these sheds last for 6 months each (ok so they shed all year round). Having your dog groomed regularly will significantly reduce the number of tumble weeds around the house.

5) Double coat type 2 (Non-shedding) (e.g. Shih Tzu)

These are the frequent occupants of our little salon. Thats not to say they all come in looking pristine and clean. These breeds need grooming every 6-8 weeks as well and definitely need a groom in between, either by the owner or the groomer if necessary.

6) Silky (e.g. Cocker Spaniels yours truly)

These breeds have very fine coats that get matted incredibly quickly. You have to get the groomed every 6-8 weeks as well but often need brushing frequently in between to keep their coats tangle free. Cocker spaniels can also be hand stripped so keep this in mind when you take them for their first groom as if they are clipped you wont be able to go back!

So guys there you have it all coat types need some form of grooming, if only to help your home look a little less like something out of a western. Start young as your dogs will learn that grooming is a normal part of doggy life and work with your groomers to make sure your dogs are happy and healthy all year round :)!

Scruffy Pup X