6 Dog Breeds That Visit Grooming Salons Most Often

Regular grooming is essential for many dog breeds, not just for appearance but also for overall health and hygiene. While some dogs can get by with minimal maintenance, others require frequent trips to the grooming salon to manage their coats, prevent matting, and maintain cleanliness. Certain breeds have coats that grow continuously, are prone to tangling, or are susceptible to skin and ear issues—making routine professional grooming a necessity rather than a luxury.

In this blog, we’ll explore six popular dog breeds that top the list when it comes to frequent grooming needs. From the silky-haired Maltese to the curly-coated Poodle, these breeds rely heavily on professional grooming to stay happy, healthy, and comfortable. If you’re considering getting one of these high-maintenance pups or already have one at home, this guide will help you understand why grooming is so important and how often your furry friend might need to visit the salon.

1. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is one of the most frequent visitors to grooming salons due to its luxurious double coat, which can easily become matted and tangled if not maintained regularly. This breed’s hair grows continuously like human hair and requires daily brushing at home and professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks to prevent discomfort and skin issues. Shih Tzus are also prone to tear staining, especially around their eyes, necessitating routine facial cleaning during grooming appointments.

Groomers often perform tasks such as trimming around the eyes, cleaning ears, clipping nails, and maintaining a manageable coat length. Popular styles like the “puppy cut” keep the dog looking adorable while also reducing the maintenance needed between grooming visits. Without regular grooming, a Shih Tzu’s coat can become a breeding ground for bacteria and pests. Their temperament also plays a role in their frequent salon visits, as they tend to be relatively calm and cooperative during grooming sessions.

2. Poodle

Poodles, including Toy, Miniature, and Standard varieties, are among the most frequently groomed dog breeds due to their dense, curly coats that can easily mat without regular maintenance. Unlike many breeds, Poodles do not shed much, which makes them hypoallergenic but also demands regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and free of knots. Professional groomers typically recommend visits every 4 to 6 weeks.

Poodles also require careful clipping and scissoring, with many owners opting for breed-specific styles like the “Continental” or “Sporting” clips, depending on whether the dog is a pet or show dog. Their grooming routine includes thorough brushing, bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and occasionally even tooth brushing. Grooming isn’t just about aesthetics for Poodles—it’s essential for their overall health and hygiene. Because Poodles are intelligent and responsive, they usually adapt well to grooming routines, making them easier for professionals to handle during frequent salon visits.

3. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are another breed that frequently visits grooming salons, primarily because of their long, silky coat and feathering on the legs, ears, and belly. This breed is particularly susceptible to matting, especially if they are active outdoors, where dirt and debris can easily get trapped in their fur. Regular grooming is crucial not only to maintain their appearance but also to prevent painful skin irritations and ear infections, to which Cocker Spaniels are prone due to their floppy ears.

Most owners schedule grooming appointments every 4 to 6 weeks to ensure the coat is trimmed, ears are cleaned, and nails are clipped. Their grooming also includes brushing the feathered areas thoroughly to prevent tangling. Additionally, trimming around the feet and sanitary areas helps keep them clean and hygienic. Due to the complexity of their grooming needs, it is usually recommended that Cocker Spaniels be groomed professionally rather than relying solely on at-home care.

4. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small in size but big in grooming needs. Their fine, silky coats are often compared to human hair, growing continuously and requiring regular maintenance to avoid matting and breakage. Owners who choose to keep the coat long must commit to daily brushing and frequent grooming visits every 3 to 5 weeks. Many opt for a shorter “puppy cut” or “teddy bear cut” to make maintenance more manageable.

Despite their small size, Yorkies often need comprehensive grooming that includes bathing, coat trimming, ear cleaning, nail clipping, and dental hygiene. Their small mouths make them prone to dental issues, so some groomers even include teeth brushing as part of the grooming package. Additionally, Yorkies are known to develop tear stains around their eyes, which need regular cleaning. Professional groomers are skilled at handling the delicacy of their coat and temperament, making salon visits essential for their ongoing care and comfort.

5. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is well-known for its soft, curly, and plush white coat, which requires meticulous care to stay clean and free of tangles. Because their coat grows continuously and doesn’t shed, they need professional grooming every 3 to 4 weeks. Regular visits to a grooming salon are necessary to maintain the signature “powder puff” look that is iconic to the breed. Bichons are particularly prone to matting, especially in areas like the armpits, behind the ears, and around the neck.

A typical grooming session for a Bichon includes a bath with whitening shampoo, blow-drying, brushing, and precise scissoring to achieve the breed-standard look. Eye stain removal and ear cleaning are also part of the routine, as they are susceptible to tear staining and ear infections. Grooming is also essential for monitoring skin conditions, which are somewhat common in this breed. Their sociable and gentle nature makes them generally easy to handle during grooming sessions.

6. Maltese

Maltese dogs have long, flowing white coats that require intensive maintenance, making them regular visitors to grooming salons. Their fine, silky hair is prone to matting and tangling, especially if not brushed daily. Because they do not shed much, grooming appointments every 3 to 5 weeks are essential to keep their coat healthy and manageable. Many owners opt for shorter styles like the “puppy cut” to reduce grooming time and enhance the dog’s comfort.

A full grooming session includes brushing, bathing with whitening shampoo, blow drying, trimming, and cleaning of ears and eyes. Maltese dogs are particularly prone to tear staining, so regular cleaning around the eyes is necessary. Their small size also makes dental care an important part of the grooming routine, and many salons include teeth brushing. Groomers must handle them with care, as Maltese can be sensitive, but their affectionate and friendly demeanor often makes the process easier.

Bottom Line

Owning a high-maintenance dog breed means making a consistent commitment to grooming. Breeds like Shih Tzus, Poodles, and Bichon Frises may look adorable, but their grooming requirements are serious and often demand professional help every 3 to 6 weeks.

Regular grooming keeps them looking their best and supports their health by preventing skin problems, matting, and infections. By understanding the grooming needs of these breeds, pet owners can ensure their dogs lead happier, healthier lives. If you’re willing to invest time and care—or build a relationship with a trusted groomer—these beautiful breeds can be well worth the effort.

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