Did you know that not all dogs have the same grooming needs?
While some dogs are happy with a quick brush now and then, others need specialized grooming to stay healthy and comfortable. Certain dog breeds, especially those with long, curly, or dense coats, require regular grooming to prevent mats, tangles, and skin issues.
Proper grooming does more than keep a dog looking nice. According to the American Kennel Club, grooming helps remove dead hair, distribute natural oils, trim nails to prevent pain, and even detect early lumps or skin irritations.
Similarly, PetMD highlights that regular brushing and bathing support healthy skin, coat care, and temperature regulation year-round.
In this article, we’ll explore ten popular dog breeds that need specialized grooming, share practical grooming tips, and discuss the tools that make grooming easier.
Whether you have a curly-coated breed or a long-haired furry friend, understanding their grooming needs can improve their comfort, prevent matting, and keep their dog’s coat shiny and healthy.
Dog Breeds That Need Specialized Grooming Demands
1. Puli
Do you ever wonder what it would be like to groom a walking mop?
That’s one way to think about the Puli—one of the most eye‑catching dog breeds on the planet.
According to Britannica, the Puli is famous for its thick, long coat, which naturally forms tight cords as it grows. This unusual fur gives the Puli a mop‑like appearance that drags toward the ground, making grooming both unique and necessary.
Unlike many dogs, Pulik (the plural of Puli) don’t shed a lot. Instead, their hair mats and tangles into cords that need careful attention. For this reason, Puli’s dogs require more frequent grooming and a consistent routine to keep their coats from getting messy or dirty.
Grooming Highlights:
Their corded coat must be separated by hand to prevent matting and tangles.
Use a slicker brush or your fingers to gently go through the cords.
Occasional baths are essential, but drying can take a long time.
Nail trimming and checking skin under the cords helps keep a clean coat and reduces irritation.
Because their coat is so dense and unusual, many Puli owners work with professional groomers to help maintain it properly. At home, daily care (or at least very frequent brushing) prevents knots and keeps the dog comfortable.
Fun Fact
Some Pulis shake their corded coat like a giant wet mop, and the motion makes a soft swoosh sound—almost like they’re swaying through the grass with a rhythm of their own!
2. Poodle(Standard)
What makes a Standard Poodle’s coat such a big deal?
Standard Poodles aren’t just smart and elegant—they have a tight curls that truly stands out among dog breeds that need specialized grooming.
Poodles are known for their dense, curly hair that naturally grows without much shedding, but this unique fur can easily tangle if not cared for. Because their hair doesn’t fall out like many other dogs, it needs regular grooming and attention to stay healthy.
Their tight curls trap dirt, debris, and knots close to the skin, which can lead to mats or skin irritation if ignored. Standard Poodles benefit from weekly home brushing and regular grooming every few weeks to keep the coat neat and protect their skin.
Grooming Highlights:
The curly coat must be brushed often with a slicker brush to remove dirt and prevent tangles.
Many owners trim or clip hair every 6–8 weeks with help from professional groomers.
A comb helps get deep between curls and keep the coat soft.
Monthly baths and thorough drying support healthy coat and skin.
At home, spending a little time with your Poodle’s coat every week makes a big difference in comfort and appearance. Their tight curls may be low‑shedding, but it’s far from low maintenance. With the right tools and care, your Poodle’s fur can stay soft, shiny, and mat‑free.
Fun Fact
Some Standard Poodles seem to bounce when they walk because their curly hair springs with them, almost like they’re wearing tiny trampolines!
3. Shih tzu
Ever wondered why a Shih Tzu’s coat looks like flowing silk?
The Shih Tzu is a charming little dog whose long, luxurious hair makes it one of the dog breeds that need specialized grooming.
Shih Tzus have a silky coat that grows continuously and requires constant attention to stay tangle-free. Because their hair grows so long, daily brushing to prevent knots and matting is essentiall. Without this care, tangles can form close to the skin, causing discomfort or even irritation.
Adding daily baths, nail trimming, and ear cleaning to a grooming routine helps maintain a healthy coat and keeps your furry friend happy and comfortable.
Grooming Highlights:
Brush the silky hair daily to avoid tangles.
Use a soft-bristle or pin brush to avoid damaging delicate hair.
Schedule grooming periodically to maintain coat length and style.
Check and clean ears, and trim nails to avoid discomfort.
Even though grooming a Shih Tzu can feel like a daily commitment, it strengthens the bond between dog and owner. Regular care keeps their hair shiny, smooth, and free from tangles, while promoting overall skin and coat health.
Fun Fact
Shih Tzus love to sit in laps so much that some owners jokingly call them “four-legged cushions,” and they often nuzzle into blankets as if claiming their personal throne!
4. Maltese
Did you know a Maltese’s coat can look like a waterfall of silk?
The Maltese is famous for its long, flowing white coat, which makes it one of the most visually striking dog breeds that require specialized grooming.
Their fine hair tangles easily, so frequent brushing is essential to maintain a smooth coat. Daily attention helps prevent mats, keeps the coat soft, and protects the skin underneath.
Adding grooming appointments and paw care to the routine ensures the Maltese stays comfortable, healthy, and looking its best.
Grooming Highlights:
Brush the silky coat daily to prevent tangles and knots.
Use a comb for gentle detangling in harder-to-reach areas.
Schedule grooming every few weeks for trims and coat maintenance.
Occasional baths help maintain a clean coat and healthy skin.
A well-groomed Maltese isn’t just beautiful—it’s happier and more comfortable in its daily life. Proper care keeps the coat flowing, prevents mats, and ensures the dog’s skin stays healthy.
Fun Fact
Some Maltese dogs have been known to perform “hair flips” when excited, shaking their silky hair in a way that makes them look like tiny, dramatic movie stars!
5. Yorkshire Terrier
Have you ever seen a tiny dog with a coat that looks like flowing silk?
That’s the Yorkshire Terrier, a pint-sized pooch with surprisingly high grooming needs.
Yorkies have long, fine hair that can tangle and mat quickly if not cared for properly. To keep their hair smooth and shiny, Yorkies need daily brushing—often daily or at least several times a week.
Regular grooming sessions ensure their coat maintains a neat, manageable length and style, especially for those competing in shows. Consistent brushing also helps manage shedding and keeps their fine hair smooth.
Grooming Highlights:
Use a soft-bristle brush or comb to gently work through fine hair.
Separate small tangles by hand to avoid pulling on delicate strands.
Schedule professional grooming for trims and coat shaping.
Regular baths help maintain the fur clean and healthy skin.
With consistent care, a Yorkie’s hair can stay sleek and manageable, preventing discomfort and keeping your little companion looking adorable.
Fun Fact
Some Yorkies have been caught sneaking into their owners’ laundry baskets, curling up in socks and scarves to feel like they’re wrapped in tiny luxury blankets!
6. Cocker Spaniel
Did you know a Cocker Spaniel’s ears can hide more than just their charming expression?
The Cocker Spaniel has a dense undercoat and long, silky ears that can easily trap dirt, moisture, and loose hair, making it a high-maintenance breed that requires careful grooming.
Their lush coat needs consistent attention to stay healthy and mat-free, especially when using an undercoat rake to remove loose hair. They require regular brushing to maintain their soft, wavy coat.
Many Cocker Spaniel owners also rely on extensive grooming to trim the coat, manage the undercoat, and prevent skin irritation or infections.
Grooming Highlights:
Brush the dense undercoat frequently to remove loose hair.
Check and clean long ears regularly to prevent infections.
Use professional grooming for trims, shaping, and maintaining coat health.
Regular baths help keep the fur shiny and the skin healthy.
With proper grooming, a Cocker Spaniel’s coat stays soft, shiny, and comfortable, while their playful personality shines through.
Fun Fact
Some Cocker Spaniels love water so much that they’ll dip their ears in puddles and shake them, creating tiny fountains around them—almost like a mini indoor splash zone!
7. Bichon Frise
Have you ever seen a dog that looks like a fluffy cotton ball?
That’s the Bichon Frise, a cheerful little companion with a curly, fluffy coat that demands attention.
Bichons’ soft curls can tangle easily, which makes them one of the dog breeds that need frequent grooming. Their coat needs weekly brushing at a minimum, and many owners schedule professional grooming to keep the curls neat and avoid mats.
Regular baths, ear and paw care are also part of a complete grooming routine that keeps the dog comfortable and healthy.
Grooming Highlights:
Brush the curly coat thoroughly to prevent tangles and mats.
Use a comb to gently separate curls and remove dead hair.
Schedule professional grooming every day for trims and maintenance.
Bathing supports a clean coat and promotes healthy skin.
With proper care, a Bichon’s coat stays soft, fluffy, and adorable, making them look like a living plush toy.
Fun Fact
Some Bichon Frises love to dance when they hear music, spinning and hopping around with their fluffy curls bouncing like little clouds!
8. Afghan Hound
Have you ever seen a dog glide like a silk ribbon across a room?
That’s the Afghan Hound, famous for its long, flowing coat that requires constant care.
Afghan Hounds have a silky, fine coat that tangles easily, making them one of the high-maintenance breeds that need specialized grooming. Their luxurious hair requires daily brushing to avoid mats and keep the coat smooth.
Many owners rely on consistent grooming to maintain shine and protect the skin underneath. Using the right grooming tool helps support skin balance, ensuring the coat stays healthy and soft.
Grooming Highlights:
Brush the long coat daily to prevent tangles and mats.
Use a slicker brush to remove shed fur and spread natural oils.
Schedule professional grooming for trims, baths, and skin care.
Regular attention keeps their fur shiny, soft, and healthy.
Afghan Hounds aren’t just elegant—they also have a playful side.
Fun Fact
Some Afghan Hounds enjoy running in circles at full speed, spinning so gracefully that their long hair creates a visual “ribbon effect,” almost like a live art performance!
9. Old English Sheepdog
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to groom a fluffy cloud on four legs?
That’s the Old English Sheepdog, a lovable giant with a dense double coat that needs constant care.
Their thick fur can easily tangle and mat, making them one of the double-coated breeds that require frequent grooming. To keep their coat manageable, brushing is essential, often several times a week.
Many owners also schedule specific grooming appointments for trimming, bathing, and knot removal. Paying attention to the undercoat is key to maintaining strong, smooth fur and avoiding discomfort or skin problems.
Grooming Highlights:
Brush the dense double coat thoroughly to remove tangles.
Regular grooming helps maintain coat length and shape.
Regular baths prevent dirt buildup and support skin health.
Nail care and ear cleaning complete the routine for overall comfort.
With proper grooming, an Old English Sheepdog’s coat stays soft, fluffy, and manageable, letting their playful and gentle personality shine through.
Fun Fact
Some Old English Sheepdogs are so fluffy that when they shake off water, they can create mini “snowstorms” of loose fur around them—almost like a living cotton explosion!
Conclusion
Do you want your furry friend to stay happy, comfortable, and looking their best?
Special grooming isn’t just about appearances—it keeps your dog healthy, avoid heavy knots, and supports overall well-being.
From long-haired breeds like the Afghan Hound and Old English Sheepdog to curly-coated breeds like the Bichon Frise and Poodle, each dog has unique grooming needs.
Regular brushing and grooming appointments help maintain a healthy coat, avoid tangles, and protect the skin.
Even short-haired breeds can benefit from routine care to remove shed fur and support skin balance.
So, what’s your dog’s grooming routine?
Will you schedule a bath, brush, or visit a professional groomer this week?
