Ever wonder why some dogs look messy again just one day after a good brush? For some pups, grooming is not a once-in-a-while chore. It is part of staying comfy, clean, and healthy.
A quick routine can stop knots, cut down on shedding, and even help you spot small skin problems early.
Here is one fact many people do not know: according to Kinship, a dog’s ear canal bends like an L, which makes wax and dirt easy to trap. That is why gentle ear checks matter.
In this blog, you will learn which coats and body features need the most care, what tools make it easier, and how to build a simple schedule that fits real life.
You do not need to be a pro. A few minutes at a time can make a big change.
Dog Breeds With High-Priority Grooming Routines
1. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is basically a calm, tiny glam icon with a flowing coat that loves to grab knots like it is collecting badges. Exactly. This is one of those breeds where regular grooming is not optional.
It is the whole lifestyle. If you want that Shih Tzu’s coat to stay cute and comfy, you will be doing a lot of regular brushing and a little face tidy work, too.
Here’s the good part. Once you get a rhythm, it is easy. Think daily brushing to prevent matting, plus quick checks around the face, paws, and the spots that tangle fast.
And yes, frequent brushing is your best friend here. Sounds crazy, right? But it saves you from surprise knots that turn into a full drama scene.
But wait, there’s more! Many pet owners keep on track with regular grooming every 4 to 6 weeks. That helps with trims and keeping the coat neat where it gets messy.
Also, the Shih Tzu has a double coat, so proper grooming matters even when you do not see a ton of loose hair flying around.
Little routine that keeps it cute
- Daily brushing to prevent tangles behind ears and under legs
Quick face wipe and gentle ear cleaning checks
Paw trims to keep dirt from sticking
Keep grooming sessions short and snack-powered
2. Poodle
A Poodle has that adorable, bouncy look because the curly coat is doing a lot. And it grows fast. This is one of those high-maintenance breeds where regular grooming keeps the dog comfy, not just fancy, as noted by Britannica.
Skip care for too long, and the coat can mat up like a tangled headphone cable.
Here’s the best part! The routine is super clear. You want frequent grooming at home with daily brushing or very close to it, because curls love to trap tangles.
Use regular brushing to work through small sections, all the way to the skin. A slicker brush moment can be a lifesaver when the coat starts clumping.
Now the pro move. Many groomers recommend professional grooming on a steady schedule, often every 4 to 6 weeks, for a trim and reset.
That keeps the grooming process smooth and helps avoid painful mats and skin infections later.
Curl control basics
Plan grooming appointments so mats never get a chance
Keep the coat trimmed to match your routine
Prevent matting where collars rub
Watch for damp spots that can start skin issues
3. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound shows up with a runway-level flowing coat, and yep, it comes with runway-level grooming needs.
This is one of the more “bring snacks and patience” dog breeds that require situations. That long hair can tangle fast, so regular grooming keeps it silky and comfortable.
Here’s the good part. A steady routine works. Think about frequent brushing and regular brushing to prevent tangles along the legs, chest, and tail.
Add bathing when needed, because that coat can hold onto dust like it is hiding secrets. Exactly. This is a coat that rewards consistent grooming.
And here’s the best part. Many people keep things sane with professional grooming and steady grooming sessions.
Regular pro care helps keep the coat tangle-free and looking polished, especially if you want that true show vibe.
Keep the “wow” without the “why me.”
Brush in layers to prevent matting
Focus on friction spots to prevent tangles
Keep baths and drying thorough
Stick to regular grooming so the coat stays smooth
4. Maltese
The Maltese has that soft, bright look because the coat grows and tangles easily, kind of like human hair on a windy day.
This is one of those longer-haired breeds where regular grooming keeps the dog comfy and clean. You will hear it a lot because it is true: this coat needs attention.
Here’s the best part! A simple routine goes far. Most people do daily brushing to prevent matting, especially if the coat is kept long.
Some owners opt for a shorter trim to make life easier, and honestly, that is a valid life choice. It also helps keep the dog’s coat healthy and reduces little tangles that turn into big ones.
For many homes, professional grooming keeps the schedule realistic. Regular baths and trims help keep the coat clean and tidy, and they support proper grooming without stress.
Think of it as teamwork between you and your professional groomer.
Quick care that pays off
Daily brushing to prevent matting around legs and belly
Keep facial hair neat so it stays clean
Use regular grooming to spot tiny knots early
Plan trims so the coat stays easy to manage
5. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is basically a walking fluff cloud with a curly “poof” vibe. And that poof needs help. This is one of those high-maintenance breeds where the coat can tangle and get dirty fast, so regular grooming is the secret sauce.
Sounds crazy, right? But the coat needs serious brushing. Many guides suggest daily brushing to keep hair from matting, plus baths on a steady routine.
If you skip care, mats can form and lead to discomfort and even skin infections. PetMD also notes that matting can cause pain and lead to skin infections, so this is not just about looking cute.
Here’s the good part. Professional grooming makes this breed way easier to live with. Regular haircuts and baths keep the shape neat and the coat clean. Most pet owners who stay consistent find that the whole grooming process becomes quick and chill.
Fluff maintenance, but make it fun
Brush to remove dead fur trapped in curls
Keep up regular grooming to prevent matting
Schedule trims so the coat stays round and comfy
Watch for damp spots that can cause skin issues
6. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog comes with a dense coat that is low-shedding but still needs work. Yep, it is one of those breeds that require situations where less shedding does not mean less grooming.
The coat can be curly or wavy, and it can tangle if you ignore it.
Here’s the best part! A steady routine keeps things easy. You can do weekly brushing at a minimum, and many people do more when the coat is longer.
That helps prevent tangles and keeps the coat healthy. If your dog is one of those active dogs who live for water and mud, you will be brushing more. Exactly.
Now the “save your weekend” tip. Many families rely on professional grooming for trims and shape, plus regular baths to keep that thick coat fresh.
It is a smart use of grooming services, especially when you want the coat neat but do not want a full home salon setup.
Easy wins for water hair
Brush after big play days to manage shedding and tangles
Keep trims regular so the coat stays workable
Dry well after baths to avoid irritation
Stay consistent with regular grooming
7. Puli
The Puli is famous for a corded look that forms from a double coat. It looks effortlessly cool, but it is not effortless. Not even a little.
This is one of the most high-maintenance breeds for coat care, because cords need time, patience, and a routine that does not quit.
Here’s the good part. The job is more about hands than brushes. You separate cords so they do not turn into one giant mega mat.
The cords need separating and careful washing, and drying can take a long time. That is why regular grooming matters so much here.
And here’s the best part! Once you learn the pattern, it becomes your dog’s little spa ritual. Many people still use professional grooming sometimes, because cord care can be a lot.
Staying on top of it helps prevent matting deep in the coat and keeps your furry friend comfy.
Cord care basics
Separate cords often to prevent matting
Plan wash days because drying takes time
Keep a steady dog care routine all year
Use regular grooming to check skin and comfort
Conclusion
Certain breeds come with big grooming demands, and that is totally normal. Dogs require different care based on coat type: thick double coats, heavy coats, tight curls, or even silky hair.
In cold climates, that thick fur can be a real win, but it also means extra dog grooming during shedding seasons. A Siberian Husky and a Golden Retriever can leave fluff everywhere, like it is their hobby.
And yes, even large dogs can need more time than you expect. Keep an eye on the coat’s health so you can spot skin irritation early and avoid bigger health concerns.
If you are a new dog owner, do not stress. You have got this. Learn your dog’s coat type, stay consistent with dog grooming, and your buddy will stay healthy and in top shape.
Some pups are extremely active, so their coat gets messy fast, and some look like a little show dog when the routine clicks.
Here’s the best part. With steady care, silky coats stay soft, your coat bright moments happen more often, and even extensive grooming feels doable. You are the dog owner now. That is the whole vibe.
