How to groom your dog

Grooming varies from breed to breed – some dogs require daily brushing and combing, others less often. Some breeds may also need professional grooming, this can be as often as every six weeks or as little as twice a year.

Grooming is a great way to bond with your dog. It also gives you the opportunity to keep an eye out for any new lumps and bumps that may need to be checked by a vet

There are five different types of dog coat – long, non-shedding, silky, wiry or smooth. There are also hairless breeds and breeds that have coats twisted into cords.

Dogs with long coats

Long coats need a lot of attention and grooming on a daily basis. Dogs with this type of coat include Samoyeds, Old English Sheepdogs, Newfoundlands and Golden Retrievers. A pin brush or a slicker brush work well on this coat type. Rake type brushes designed to remove dead coat tufts also help during their moult.

Non-shedding dogs

Although a non-shedding coat will not moult, it will need to be clipped on a regular basis. Your dog may also need their ears plucked, and any excess hair removed. If they are groomed professionally this will be done for you. Examples of non-shedding dogs are Poodles, Bichon Frises and Bedlington Terriers. A slicker brush, pin brush and a comb would suit these coat types.

Silky-haired dogs

Silky coats need a lot of care as the dead hair needs to be removed to prevent it from becoming matted and uncomfortable. Examples of silky haired dogs are Afghans, Yorkshire Terriers, Spaniels, Setters and Pekingese. A slicker brush and a wide toothed comb are good for silky haired breeds.

Wiry coats

Dogs with wiry coats, such as terrier breeds, can be hand stripped, usually twice a year, or clipped regularly. It can be very time consuming and take up to five hours so your dog will have to be trained from an early age. These types of dogs should also have their coats combed on a regular basis to prevent matting.

Dogs with smooth coats

The smooth coat is the easiest to maintain as a grooming mitt is all you really need. Smooth coated dogs include Labradors, Boxers, Dobermans, Greyhounds and Whippets.

For more expert tips on dog wellness, visit Ask Woodgreen.