How Often Should You Brush Your Dog?

Long, silky and curly coats: daily

VCA Animal Hospitals says dogs with long, silky or curly coats need daily brushing to keep hair from tangling and matting. This includes Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus, Havanese, Afghan Hounds, Poodles, Bichons and most doodles. Mats form quickly in these coats, especially behind the ears, in the armpits, on the chest and on the back of the legs, and they pull on the skin.

Use a slicker brush from our dog brushes, working in sections down to the skin, then a metal comb (our dog combs cover the options) to check you can comb from root to tip without catching. A short trim from a groomer every four to eight weeks makes daily brushing faster. Corded breeds such as the Puli need specialized care rather than brushing.

Double coats: weekly, daily in shedding season

The AKC recommends at least weekly brushing for most double-coated dogs, with more during shedding periods. Short double coats such as Labradors and Corgis do well with a weekly session most of the year. Medium and long double coats such as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Border Collies and Australian Shepherds may need two or three sessions a week, and combing two to three times weekly in summer helps prevent mats.

During spring and fall coat blows, brushing every day or two with an undercoat rake, deshedding tool or hair removal comb, then a slicker brush, removes the loose undercoat before it spreads around your home. Huskies, Malamutes and Samoyeds can drop huge amounts of hair during these weeks.

Short, smooth coats: weekly

Dogs with short, smooth coats such as Boxers, Beagles, pit bull types, French Bulldogs and Dachshunds need the least brushing. The ASPCA suggests weekly brushing for smooth, short coats with a rubber brush followed by a bristle brush. A rubber curry brush or grooming mitt used in circles loosens dead hair, and a bristle brush or damp cloth lifts it away.

Short coats still shed, often more than people expect, so a quick extra session during seasonal changes helps. Weekly brushing also spreads skin oils, keeps the coat glossy and gives you a regular look at the skin.

Wiry coats: weekly plus stripping or clipping

Wire-coated breeds such as Schnauzers, many terriers and Wirehaired Pointers have harsh, low-shedding coats. Brush and comb about once or twice a week to prevent tangles, especially in beards and leg furnishings. The coat is usually kept tidy by hand-stripping, which removes dead hair by plucking, or by clipping, which is easier but softens the texture.

A groomer experienced with your breed can show you what the coat needs and how often, typically every six to eight weeks.

Why regular brushing matters, and when to see your vet

Brushing does more than reduce hair on your floor. It removes dead hair and debris, prevents painful mats, spreads natural oils and lets you find problems early. The AKC suggests checking for burrs, cuts and mats as you brush. Short, frequent, gentle sessions are easier on your dog than an occasional long one, and starting in puppyhood makes it a lifelong habit. Matching the tool to the coat is easier when you can compare dog brushes side by side.

While brushing, look for fleas or flea dirt, ticks, lumps, red or flaky skin, hot spots, bald patches or a bad smell. Call your vet if you find any of these, or if your dog suddenly resents being brushed in a particular spot, which can be a sign of pain.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.