How often should a small dog be groomed

The short answer

Most small dogs do well on a grooming schedule of every four to eight weeks. The right number depends on the coat more than the breed.

By coat

• Short and smooth coats, like a Chihuahua or a small terrier, can go longer, six to eight weeks, because the coat does not mat.
• Curly and long coats, like a poodle, Shih Tzu, or Maltese, need it closer to every four to six weeks. These coats mat, and a mat near the skin hurts.
• Wire and double coats have their own rhythm and need the right technique, not just a clip.

What a visit includes

A grooming here is bath and blow dry, nail trim, ear cleaning, and coat care. See the grooming service for the current rate.

Signs your dog is due

• Nails clicking on the floor
• A smell that does not wash out
• Tangles that are starting to tighten into mats
• The coat looking dull or dusty

Why regular matters

Regular grooming is not only about looks. It is skin health, comfort, and catching small problems before they become big ones. After twenty-plus years behind the chair and the tub, I can tell you the dogs who come regularly are the comfortable ones.

Book a grooming and we will get your dog on a rhythm that fits their coat.