Petopia Grooming
Eastgardens, Sydney · Updated March 2026
Every dog is different — and so is their coat. Some pups are happy with a bath every few weeks, while others need regular brushing just to stay comfortable. Whether you've got a low-maintenance Staffie or a high-maintenance Cavoodle, knowing the right grooming schedule keeps your dog healthy, comfortable, and looking their best.
Here's a practical, breed-by-breed guide to help you figure out the right grooming routine for your furry friend.
Full Grooming vs Wash & Tidy — What's the Difference?
It helps to think of grooming in two tiers:
- Full Grooming — a complete session: bath, blow dry, nail clip, ear clean, paw pad trim, sanitary trim, plus clipping the body and shaping the head and tail. This is the full reset.
- Wash & Tidy — bath, blow dry, nail clip, ear clean, paw pad trim, and sanitary trim. No clipping or shaping — just keeping things fresh and clean between full grooms.
How often your dog needs each depends on their coat type.
💡 Quick Rule of Thumb
The curlier or longer the coat, the more often your dog needs professional grooming. Short-coated breeds can go longer between visits but still benefit from regular wash & tidy sessions to keep skin healthy.
Recommended Grooming Schedule by Coat Type
Use the table below as your starting point. Your pet's individual needs may vary based on lifestyle, age, and coat condition.
| Coat Type | Common Breeds | Full Grooming | Wash & Tidy | Home Brushing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short & Smooth | Staffies, Boxers, Beagles, Pugs, Dalmatians | As needed | 3–4 weeks | Weekly |
| Curly & Wool | Poodles, Cavoodles, Labradoodles, Bichon Frise | 3–4 weeks | 2–3 weeks | Every 2–3 days |
| Double Coat | Huskies, Samoyeds, Golden Retrievers, Corgis, German Shepherds | As needed | 3–4 weeks* | 2–3× per week |
| Long & Silky | Maltese, Shih Tzu, Yorkies, Lhasa Apso | 4–6 weeks | 2–3 weeks | Daily |
| Wire & Rough | Schnauzers, Westies, Border Terriers, Fox Terriers | 6–8 weeks | 3–4 weeks | 2–3× per week |
| Cats (long-haired) | Persians, Ragdolls, Maine Coons | As needed | 4–6 weeks | Weekly |
* During shedding season (spring & autumn), double-coated breeds benefit from more frequent sessions — every 2–3 weeks.
Short & Smooth Coats
These low-maintenance legends don't need much clipping, but they still benefit from regular baths. Their short coat means skin is more exposed to dirt, allergens, and the elements. A wash & tidy every 3–4 weeks keeps their skin healthy and coat shiny.
Research suggests that regular bathing actually supports a healthy skin microbiome in dogs, as long as gentle, pH-appropriate products are used (Older et al., 2023).
💡 At-Home Tip
A rubber grooming mitt works great for removing loose hair during bath time. It also doubles as a gentle massage that most dogs love.
Curly & Wool Coats
These coats don't shed much, but they mat easily — that's the trade-off. Without regular brushing, mats can form close to the skin and become painful. A full groom every 3–4 weeks prevents matting from getting out of control.
Between full grooms, a wash & tidy every 2–3 weeks keeps them fresh. And brush thoroughly at least every 2–3 days — all the way down to the skin, not just the surface.
✨ Pro Tip
Use a slicker brush and work in small sections. If you hit a tangle, hold the base of the hair so you're not pulling on their skin. Line brushing — parting the coat layer by layer — is the most effective technique for curly breeds.
Double Coats
Double-coated breeds shed — a lot. They "blow" their undercoat twice a year (usually spring and autumn), and during those times, daily brushing is your best friend.
A full deshedding treatment every 6–8 weeks helps manage the undercoat. During shedding season, more frequent wash & tidy sessions (every 3–4 weeks, or even sooner) help loosen and remove dead undercoat.
⚠️ Important Warning
Never shave a double-coated dog. Their undercoat insulates them from heat AND cold. According to Cornell University's Riney Canine Health Center, shaving can damage hair follicles and result in poor regrowth — sometimes permanently altering the coat's texture and colour (AKC, 2024). The guard hairs grow back slower than the undercoat, leading to a patchy, less protective coat.
💡 At-Home Tip
An undercoat rake is essential for double-coated breeds. Spend 10 minutes a day during shedding season — your furniture (and your vacuum) will thank you.
Long & Silky Coats
These beautiful coats need the most attention. A full groom every 4–6 weeks keeps the coat manageable, and a wash & tidy every 2–3 weeks in between prevents tangles from building up. Many owners opt for a shorter "puppy cut" — a uniform trim all over, usually around 2–3cm — to make daily maintenance easier.
💡 At-Home Tip
A detangling spray before brushing makes a huge difference — and your dog will appreciate the gentler experience. Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid pulling.
Wire & Rough Coats
Wire coats need hand-stripping or clipping every 6–8 weeks to maintain their characteristic texture. A wash & tidy every 3–4 weeks keeps things clean in between.
✨ Pro Tip
A comb works better than a brush for wire coats — it gets through the topcoat to catch tangles underneath. If you want to preserve the wiry texture for show, ask your groomer about hand-stripping instead of clipping.
What About Cats?
Most cats are excellent self-groomers, but long-haired breeds (Persians, Ragdolls, Maine Coons) benefit from professional grooming every 4–6 weeks. A cat grooming session typically includes a bath, nail clipping, and ear cleaning. For cats prone to severe matting, a lion cut — where the body is clipped short while the head, legs and tail tip are left fluffy — can be a practical option, especially in warmer months.
Senior cats or overweight cats who can't groom themselves properly may also need regular help.
Don't Forget Dental Care
Teeth brushing is something many pet owners overlook. Regular brushing at home — or as an add-on during a grooming visit — helps prevent plaque buildup. If you notice heavy tartar, persistent bad breath, or red gums, that's a vet visit. Tartar removal requires professional veterinary dental scaling, which isn't something groomers can do.
⚠️ When to See a Vet
If you spot heavy tartar buildup, persistent bad breath, red or bleeding gums, or your pet refusing to eat — book a vet appointment. Professional dental scaling under anaesthesia is the only safe way to address advanced dental issues.
Grooming Services at Petopia
Not sure which service to book? Here's exactly what's included in each tier at Petopia Grooming, Eastgardens.
| What's Included | Wash & Tidy | Full Grooming |
|---|---|---|
| Bath with premium shampoo & conditioner | ✓ | ✓ |
| Professional blow dry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Nail clipping | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ear cleaning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paw pad trim | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sanitary trim | ✓ | ✓ |
| Body clipping & shaping | — | ✓ |
| Head & tail styling | — | ✓ |
| Breed-specific finish | — | ✓ |
The Bottom Line
The right grooming schedule depends on your pet's coat type, lifestyle, and comfort. The tables above are a starting point — your pet's individual needs may vary.
The most important thing? Keep it consistent. Regular grooming isn't just about looking good — it's about keeping your pet comfortable, healthy, and happy.
Petopia Grooming · Eastgardens, Sydney · Professional care for every coat type
References
- Older, C.E. et al. (2023). "Impacts to Canine Dermal Microbiota Associated with Repeated Bathing." Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10. doi:10.3389/fvets.2023.1204170
- Meason-Smith, C. et al. (2025). "Skin Microbiome on Healthy and Inflammatory Canine Skin." Frontiers in Microbiology, 16. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2025
- Burke, A. (2024). "Is It OK to Shave Your Dog's Coat in Summer?" American Kennel Club. akc.org
- Cornell University Riney Canine Health Center (2024). Coat care and follicle damage advisory. cornell.edu
Petopia Grooming
Eastgardens, Sydney
Professional pet grooming for dogs and cats of all breeds. We use gentle, pH-appropriate products and take the time to understand your pet's individual coat needs. Book your next appointment or visit us in-store.
