Guide · UK sources · checked 5 October 2026
Grooming and coat care at home.
Coat care is one of the big everyday commitments in the breed comparison. This guide covers the basics that apply to any coat.
How often to brush
The Royal Kennel Club says short coats need light brushing two or three times a week, while medium and long coats may need daily brushing to prevent mats. PDSA gives similar ranges (long coats daily, medium coats several times a week, short coats weekly) and says to brush more in spring and autumn shedding seasons. PDSA says curly coats are more prone to knotting and suggests brushing a few times a week. Our breed profiles show each breed’s own coat-care category; use those with these ranges.
Bathing, nails and teeth
- Bathe only when needed, with a dog-specific shampoo; frequent bathing can cause skin problems (Royal Kennel Club).
- Dogs with skin folds need the folds cleaned and dried daily (Royal Kennel Club).
- The Royal Kennel Club says to trim nails when they touch the ground and to check dew claws. PDSA says to use clippers made for dogs and cut a few millimetres away from the quick, the sensitive part with a blood supply; for dark nails or if you are unsure, ask your vet to show you.
- PDSA suggests brushing teeth daily with pet toothpaste.
Starting well
The Royal Kennel Club advises handling a puppy’s mouth, eyes and paws early so grooming feels familiar, and suggests using a professional groomer at first to learn the right routine for the coat. PDSA advises leaving matted fur to a professional, checking the skin for parasites while you groom, and choosing a groomer who belongs to a trade body such as the Pet Industry Federation.
Sources
- Royal Kennel Club, how to groom my dog ↗
- PDSA, how often should you groom your pet? ↗
- PDSA, how to clip your dog’s nails ↗
Limits: general guidance; individual coats vary and the dental advice is thinly sourced. No product or groomer is recommended and nothing here changes breed matching.