Short, smooth coats
A quick brush once a week with a rubber mitt or bristle brush keeps loose hair down and feels good to most dogs.
- Sheds year round, often more than people expect
- Bath only when actually dirty
- Skin is easy to see — use that
My Dog
Coat & skin
Get to know what's normal for your dog, and you'll notice quickly when it isn't.
Brushing isn't only about looks. It's how most people first notice a lump, a sore patch, a tick or a mat forming somewhere awkward.
How often depends far more on the coat than the breed name on the paperwork — and mixed-breed dogs can land anywhere.
Step 1
Start with your hands
Run your hands over your dog before the brush comes out. You're feeling for lumps, scabs, sore spots and anything stuck in the coat.
Step 2
Brush in sections
Work in small patches, right down to the skin. Hold the hair above a mat so you aren't tugging at the skin while you work.
Step 3
Check the awkward places
Behind the ears, armpits, the back of the legs, the tail and under the collar. Mats almost always start where things rub.
Step 4
Finish with something nice
A treat, a scratch, a game. Grooming should be a thing your dog leans into, not endures.
Long coats
Needs proper brushing several times a week, right down to the skin rather than skimming the top.
- Mats form behind ears, under legs and around the collar
- A comb tells you the truth a brush won't
- Trims around feet and rear keep things clean
Curly coats
Curls don't shed much, which means the loose hair stays in the coat and mats quietly.
- Brush and comb every day or two
- Regular grooming appointments, usually every six to eight weeks
- Mats pull on skin and hurt — get them out early
Double coats
A soft undercoat under a coarser topcoat. It blows out heavily twice a year and you'll find it everywhere.
- An undercoat rake earns its keep in spring and autumn
- Don't shave a double coat unless a vet advises it
- Plenty of brushing beats frequent bathing
Wire coats
Harsh, weather-resistant coats that keep their texture with hand-stripping rather than clipping.
- Comb through the beard and legs
- Clipping softens the coat over time
- A groomer who knows the coat type is worth finding
Based on guidance from
- RSPCA — Everyday dog care advice
- British Veterinary Association — Owner guidance on health and welfare
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