Different breeds have different coat types and characteristics. Some dogs have short coats that require minimal grooming. Others are popular for having luxurious long coats. Such breeds require extensive grooming to keep their coats healthy and tidy.
Coat care includes regular brushing to prevent matting and keep the fur tangle-free. It also helps reduce dander and shed hair during the shedding season. Grooming allows regular inspection of your dog’s skin for potential skin problems like lumps and parasites.
Trimming the dog’s fur in summer prevents overheating, whereas maintaining a long coat in winter provides enough insulation for your dog. Some popular dog haircuts include all-over cut, teddy bear cut, puppy cut, and kennel cut.
Here are the top 9 dog breeds that require hair styling and overall grooming.
Dog Breeds that Require Hair Styling
1. Poodle
Breed Profile
Height: 18 to 24 inches (Standard)
Weight: 40 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
The poodle is a popular dog breed known for its intelligence. According to the American Kennel Club, their low-allergen coats make them a perfect choice for allergy sufferers. This distinctive curly-coated breed requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
Poodles can sport a large variety of looks and hairstyles. These highly trainable dogs require professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. Poodle hair can be styled in different ways. Popular Poodle cuts include lamb cut, teddy bear cut, and Miami cut.
Do you know? Various Poodle mixes like Berniedoodle and Cavapoo inherit Poodle’s curly coat and the other parent’s behavioral traits.
2. Bichon Frise
Breed Profile
Height: 9.5 to 11.5 inches
Weight: 12 to 18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14 to 15 years
Bichon Frise is a fluffy white dog born to become a showstopper. It requires frequent grooming and hair styling to maintain its adorable appearance. Famous Bichon Frise haircuts include show trim, lamb cut, round head style, teddy head style, and bell ears cut.
Apart from trims and haircuts, brush your Bichon Frise’s coat two to three times a week. Mist their coat with a hydrating spray before brushing.
Take them for professional grooming sessions monthly. Bathe your dog fortnightly to weekly. These smart and sassy dogs make delightful and charming companions.
3. Puli
Breed Profile
Height: 16 to 17 inches
Weight: 25 to 35 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years
Puli is a small herding dog with a corded coat, which means the coat kind of braids itself. Grooming is required to keep these cords separate and prevent matting. Coat care includes separation of cords, bathing, and drying.
Their unique coat falls into their eyes, so you need to purchase hair accessories for your pup. Pulik does not shed a lot.
However, their dense coat can cause them to overheat. Additionally, the coat becomes heavy when wet. So, pay attention if your dog goes for a swim.
4. Komondor
Breed Profile
Height: 25.5 to 27.5 inches
Weight: 80 to 100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Komondor is a Hungarian breed that was originally bred to guard livestock. Komondor is another corded breed whose coat looks like “locs.” The puppies have a soft and wavy coat, but as the dog grows, the topcoat becomes coarse.
Regular grooming includes separation of cords, bathing, and drying. An adult Komondor’s coat is neither brushed nor combed.
Young puppies, however, require regular brushing until their cord starts forming at 8 to 12 months.
5. Lhasa Apso
Breed Profile
Height: Under 11 inches
Weight: 12 to 18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Lhasa Apso is a small dog breed whose long flowing coat requires proper grooming. Looking like a fancy mop, Lhasa Apsos have a heavy, straight, and dense double coat that does not shed a lot. According to PetMD, their coat needs to be brushed three to four times a week.
Regular trimming and professional grooming help maintain dog hair in top-notch condition. Lhasa Apsos are hypoallergenic dogs, so they make ideal pets for allergy sufferers.
Regular baths and nail trimming are also important. These affectionate pups never have a bad hair day!
6. Afghan Hound
Breed Profile
Height: 25 to 27 inches
Weight: 50 to 60 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Afghan Hounds have a characteristic silky, long, and flowing coat that protects them against the harsh weather in the mountains. They require daily brushing to prevent matting and keep the fur tangle-free. Pet parents also need to bathe their Afghan Hound fortnightly or weekly.
Use high-quality dog shampoo and conditioner while bathing your pup. Monthly trims from a professional groomer are also recommended.
Afghan Hounds are great if you are looking for a sweet and gentle long-haired breed. However, they are too vocal.
7. Shih Tzu
Breed Profile
Height: 9 to 10.5 inches
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
Shih Tzu is a Chinese word that means “little lion.” Shih Tzus are named so because of having a lion-like mane that requires regular upkeep. Its luxurious long coat requires consistent grooming to prevent mats and tangles.
Even the dogs with shorter cuts require regular grooming. Their long hair can often obscure their eyes, so trims are often needed from time to time.
PDSA recommends professional grooming for your Shih Tzu every six to eight weeks.
8. Old English Sheepdog
Breed Profile
Height: 21 to 22 inches
Weight: 60 to 100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Old English Sheepdog is a breed that looks like a teddy bear due to its dense and thick coat. They require daily brushing and professional grooming to prevent tangles and mats. Their paws also need to be trimmed to keep them from catching dirt.
Otherwise, expect fur tumbleweeds or an occasional squeaky toy lost in their coat.
English sheepdogs are known to be heavy shedders, so you’ll need a lint remover to remove dander. Popular Old English Sheepdog hair styles include a kennel cut and a puppy cut.
9. Maltese
Breed Profile
Height: 7 to 9 inches
Weight: Under 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Maltese dogs have a silky white coat that requires extensive grooming. The coat of these pint-sized dogs attracts dirt like a magnet.
They are the true aristocrats who require regular brushing, frequent baths, eye cleaning, and professional grooming to keep their coats in top-notch condition.
Maltese owners constantly need to pay attention to the tear stains that might appear on their lovely faces.
They can slay in various hair styles from teddy bear cut to lamb leg cut, and puppy cut. A short summer cut is perfect for warmer months.
10. Yorkshire Terrier
Breed Profile
Height: 7 to 8 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 to 15 years
Yorkshire Terriers have a long and silky coat that resembles human hair and can be styled in different ways. Hairstyling can help keep the coat clean and tidy. Frequent brushing is required to prevent mats and keep the coat tangle-free.
Show style Yorkies have their coats wrapped in paper to prevent breakage, while some others have a puppy cut. You can also give your Yorkie an all-over cut or a teddy bear cut.
Grooming Tip: Use a slicker brush and brush in the direction of hair growth to avoid discomfort.
Bathing, trimming, and keeping the face free from tear stains and food residue is a daily task for Yorkie parents.
Conclusion
Some dog breeds are known for their beautiful coats that can be styled in different ways. Hairstyling can help keep your dog’s coat tidy and dirt-free. It also prevents tangles and mats.
However, such breeds are high maintenance, and their coats require an extensive grooming routine. Therefore, if you are planning to adopt any such dog breed, make sure to take out enough time for grooming!
