The Secret of Grooming Your Dog’s Breed

You want your dog to look the best in the neighborhood. Right? That means proper grooming. The key to this is knowing what proper grooming for YOUR dog is. Each breed of dog has slightly different needs. What works for one won’t necessarily work for the next. Why? Different breeds have different types of fur. This fur may vary in length, thickness, texture, and even its tendency to shed. Some dogs take relatively little upkeep to get looking good. Some dogs, however, need a lot of your time. Make sure you are ready for whatever commitment you take on.

Why is it Important?

Grooming your dog is more than just aesthetics. Fur left uncared for can become matted and tangled. This fur can pull on a dog’s skin causing injury, and then need to be shaved. Dog’s fur can grow over their eyes making it hard for them to see, or for some breeds long enough to become a tripping hazard!

What Supplies WIll I Need?

This will also depend on the breed of dog you own. There are a variety of different brushes on the market. Dog’s coats typically have two types of fur: the outer layer of fur, which is coarser, and the inner layer of fur, which is much softer. A dog’s hair grows to a predetermined length, some stay short and some will grow quite long.

Some of the most common brushes include: a bristle brush, a pin brush, and a soft or rubber brush. A metal comb for grooming is also a handy tool. You may also need a hound glove. Don’t forget equipment for taking care of their nails. Choose an organic dog shampoo for your pup’s bath. Not sure what to choose? Consult dog shampoo reviews. Dog bathing frequency will vary from breed to breed.

Wiry Fur

Dogs with wiry coats need to be brushed at least three times a week to remove loose dead hair. These breeds can be considered high maintenance if you are going to take the time to properly brush them! These coats do best being washed about once every three months. Terriers and Dachshunds are breeds that belong in this category.

Curly, Non-shedding Fur

Think poodles! Poodles should be bathed and trimmed every two months. Extra care needs to be taken dealing with extra fur in and around their ears, make certain you hire a professional to do your grooming.

Long Thick Fur

As you might suspect long thick coats require frequent brushing. In fact when these dogs are shedding they may need to be brushed daily. This breed of dog has a coat with protective oils. Too frequent bathing strips these oils which is detrimental to their coats.

Choose a shampoo designed to care for your breed’s fur. Dog shampoo reviews can help you find just the right one. What is the dog bathing frequency for this breed? On average these breeds need baths only about twice a year. Akitas and Newfoundlands belong in this group.

Smooth Fur

Use a hound glove to keep these pups looking great. A hound glove has a slicker brush on one side and rubber studs on the other. Comb these breeds once a week. Use dog shampoo reviews to find just the right shampoo for your dog’s baths. These breeds need a bath two to three times a year.

Who falls into this category? Dalmatians, Dobermans, Boxers, Whippets, and Labradors!

Know Your Dog’s Coat

Not all fur coats are created equal. Your breed will have needs different from the dog down the block. When you visit a well trained professional groomer you will get the right cut and style for your dog and great advice on follow up care. The number of time you bath your dog during the year will vary depending on their breed. Some need much more frequent baths. Remember that there are a WIDE range of shampoos available for dogs. Some repel fleas, some whiten coats, and the list goes on. If you don’t know where to start check out dog shampoo reviews