Coat Care
The variety in dog coats is vast, with most dogs falling into the categories of long-haired, short-haired, or wire-haired. On this page, you'll find some general advice on coat care.
It's not surprising that there's a significant difference in the time and effort required to maintain the coat of a large, long-haired dog compared to a small, short-haired one. Some coats demand special attention,such as the poodle, Afghan hound, Bichon frize, Lhasa apso and other long-haired breeds that do not shed their fur.
Short- and Wire-Haired Dogs
Maintaining the coat of short- or smooth-haired dogs is relatively straightforward. A couple of baths a year, perhaps during shedding, might suffice. However, wire-haired dogs, such as the Wirehaired Dachshund, Fox Terrier, or German Wirehaired Pointer, require a bit more care. These dogs should be trimmed at least a couple of times a year, and a monthly bath is recommended. Breeds with an undercoat should be scraped with an undercoat rake.
Long-Haired Dogs
Dogs with longer hair, like the Collie and Golden Retriever, usually require more effort. Long-haired dogs may shed quite a bit and need more frequent brushing and bathing. Brushing the coat outdoors can help reduce the amount of hair in your home. For dogs with medium-length hair, a bath every four weeks might be sufficient. Dogs with long hair may need baths twice as often to prevent matting and require frequent brushing.
What suits your dog?
Arguably, the best source of knowledge is your breeder. Inquire about how they care for the coats of their dogs. Your breeder might also be aware of a reputable dog groomer nearby with experience in your dog's specific breed. If you're interested in learning to groom or trim your dog yourself, your breeder may provide guidance or recommend a suitable course. Check with your breed or specialty club to see if they organize grooming courses.
Tools
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
For 20 years, I had both standard and toy poodles. I showed them and groomed them myself. Dealing with poodle coats is a challenge; it takes a lot of time and tests patience if you're not keen on bathing and brushing for several hours each week. Of course, you can opt for a stylish and sporty haircut for a poodle. When I stopped attending dog shows, I kept my poodles in short hairstyles. My black standard poodle, Tango, even had a Mohawk. Here, I've listed all the products I've loved over the years with poodles. But also, products I've used for my other breeds throughout the years. The dogs I have now require minimal coat care, so I mainly use nail clippers and a nail file, shampoo, and a towel.
I have always used both Oster and Andis blades, and I have never noticed any difference in quality between the different brands. I have used them extensively for many years, and there is usually not much price difference. The blades in the picture are my personal favorites, and I have relied on them almost exclusively, with a few exceptions. It's important to keep in mind that when shaving a dog with a clipper, the dog should be newly bathed and dry. I have been careless at times, trimming my dogs roughly before bathing them, and it unnecessarily wears down the blades. Also, remember to get a really good oil for your blades!
Tips: Read the description on the packaging of both the blades and the machine you choose to buy. For Andis and Oster, turn off the machine, remove the blade, attach the new blade, turn on the machine, and snap the blade in place while the machine is running. If you have chosen a different model, the process may vary slightly.
Several of my dogs have been extremely afraid of nail clippers, so I switched to a nail file, and I find that my Enzo even dozes off occasionally while I use this tool to file his nails. It's a testament to the ease and comfort that this professional-grade nail care kit provides. The package includes nail clippers that you can start with if you prefer, then use the file to smooth out any sharp edges. I currently only use the file for Enzo, and it works best for him! Learn about the "Start Button" training!
