Shaving a double-coated breed
Double coats insulate against heat and cold. Shaving removes that protection and the coat often grows back patchy or the wrong color. Instead, use an undercoat rake during shedding season and brush regularly.
The right grooming routine for your exact dog
Stop guessing which brush to buy or how often to groom. Enter a few details about your dog and get a clear, breed-aware plan you can print, save, and follow.
Tell us about your dog
Fill in what you know. You can change anything and the plan updates right away.
Your grooming plan
Select your dog's details above to see a personalized grooming plan here.
Saved dogs
No saved dogs yet. Build a plan above and click "Save this dog" to store it here.
Grooming mistakes that cause real problems
Using the wrong brush
A slicker brush on a short-haired dog irritates the skin. A rubber curry on a Poodle does nothing. Match the brush to the coat type. The guide above picks the right ones for you.
Bathing too often
Most dogs only need a bath every 4 to 6 weeks. Washing more than that strips natural oils, leading to dry, flaky skin and itching. If your dog gets dirty between baths, rinse with water or use a damp cloth.
Ignoring the ears
Floppy-eared dogs like Cockers and Basset Hounds trap moisture in their ears. Without regular cleaning and plucking (for hairy-ear breeds), infections take hold fast. Check ears weekly.
Cutting nails too short
The quick is the pink part inside the nail with blood vessels. Cutting into it hurts and bleeds. If your dog has dark nails, trim tiny bits at a time or ask your vet to show you. Guillotine-style clippers work well for most dogs.
Letting mats go
Mats pull on the skin and trap moisture, leading to sores and infections. Dogs with curly or silky coats mat fastest. A detangling spray and line-brushing technique (brush in sections down to the skin) prevents this.
How this guide works
1
Describe your dog
Pick the breed group that matches closest, choose the coat type, and set the age and activity level. If you have a mixed breed, choose the coat that looks most like your dog's.
2
Get your plan
The guide builds a grooming schedule, lists the tools you need with short explanations of why each one matters, and flags breed-specific warnings.
3
Use it anywhere
Print the checklist for the groomer, save the dog's profile in your browser, or copy a share link to send to a trainer or vet.
Assumptions and limitations
This guide uses breed-group generalizations. Every dog is an individual. Dogs with allergies, skin conditions, or recent surgery may need a different approach. Climate also matters. A Husky in Arizona needs more frequent deshedding than one in Minnesota. Always check with your vet if something seems wrong. The tool suggestions are common types found at most pet stores. Your local shop may carry good alternatives.