Breed-Specific Grooming 101: Why Not All Dogs Need the Same Cut

With so many precious pooches arriving for appointments each day, it’s tempting to treat grooming as a routine task. A bath, a brush, a trim with scissors, then on to the next. Once you’ve met a tangled Pomeranian or a shedding Husky, though, you realize how much the story changes with each coat type. Breed grooming isn’t about giving every dog the same cut. It’s about understanding what each coat was designed to do and working with that, not against it.

Every breed brings its own challenges, from seasonal shedding to mat-prone curls. You might already know that coat care impacts a dog’s appearance. What may be less obvious is that it also affects temperature regulation, skin health, and mobility. Coat type isn’t just cosmetic; it’s functional. Despite some overlapping traits across breeds, no two coats are managed exactly the same way.

What Double Coats Are Trying to Tell You

Hidden beneath a layer of coarse guard hairs, a dense undercoat acts like thermal gear. This structure appears most often in Huskies, German Shepherds, and Retrievers. Built for temperature regulation, this coat traps warmth in the winter and releases it once the weather turns. Shedding often increases in spring and fall. Without regular upkeep, tufts gather fast, forming mats that pull on the skin and invite irritation.

Trimming is often needed in targeted areas, such as around the paws or rear furnishings. That said, shaving a double coat disrupts the dog’s ability to regulate body heat and may damage the follicles. Use an undercoat rake regularly. Slicker brushes and combs help lift loose fur before it turns into tangles.

Shedding is expected and some dogs do shed quite a bit, but it’s just that they shed short, rigid hairs that wedge into the furniture and carpets. Baths can help release excess undercoat, although brushing remains the core solution.

Short-haired double coats, seen in breeds like Labradors and Shiba Inus, won’t mat easily, but still drop fur in startling quantities. These breeds benefit from brushing a few times each week, and the occasional de-shedding session with a professional never hurts. Grooming for these dogs may seem easier at first glance. Over time, though, the fur you didn’t catch ends up in every corner of the home.

What Coat Texture Reveals About Grooming Needs

Silky-coated breeds, such as Yorkshire Terriers and Irish Setters, grow hair in a single layer that continues indefinitely. Without trimming, it drapes and tangles. These coats tend to look elegant, but need frequent attention to stay that way. Daily brushing is ideal for most. Pin brushes, bristle brushes, and metal combs work in tandem to detangle strands before they knot near the skin. Brushing isn’t optional here; it’s preventive care.

Curly coats, often found on Poodles and Portuguese Water Dogs, pose a different challenge. These coats trap moisture and form mats easily. Puppy coats, softer and less dense, offer a brief reprieve. Once the adult coat grows in, grooming must become more structured. The coat should be brushed thoroughly three to five times a week.

Mats form closest to the skin, often hidden by a fluffy surface. Brushing while damp, after applying a thick conditioner, prevents those hidden tangles from forming. If left to dry on their own, mats become inevitable. Towels should be used to blot. Rubbing will encourage knots rather than remove them.

Wiry coats, typical of Terriers and Schnauzers, don’t shed in the traditional sense. Their coarse hair clings in place. Dead strands must be removed by hand or with specific tools. Carding and stripping knives are used for this purpose. Without this process, the coat becomes dull and prone to irritation. It may surprise some to learn that this method, when performed correctly, causes minimal discomfort. The coat is meant to be maintained this way. These breeds don’t require frequent baths. Once a season often suffices, and a weekly brush helps keep texture crisp and natural oils balanced.

Flat coats, such as those seen on Golden Retrievers or Springer Spaniels, blend short body fur with long feathering across the chest, belly, and legs. The variation in length creates opportunities for matting. Brushing these coats several times per week is advised. An undercoat rake helps reduce bulk, while a slicker brush smooths the top layer. The longer sections tend to trap twigs, dust, and dander. A regular routine prevents build-up, which, if ignored, can lead to painful knots that resist combing.

Not All Dogs Follow the Same Blueprint

Mixed breeds bring in variables. A Labradoodle, for instance, may inherit the density of a Poodle’s coat without the uniform curl. This blend increases the risk of matting and may even produce unexpected shedding. There’s a tendency to assume mixed breeds are lower maintenance. Please always check the dominant coat type before planning a grooming routine. Assumptions often lead to neglect or inappropriate styling choices.

Hairless breeds require a shift in perspective. The Xoloitzcuintli and Chinese Crested breeds may have tufts of hair that need occasional combing, but their skin must be protected daily. Without fur to buffer the elements, their bodies are vulnerable to sunburn, dryness, and irritation. Dog-safe lotion, sunscreen, and breathable clothing become the core of their grooming needs. A gentle shampoo should be used occasionally. Use towels to pat (not rub) the skin.

Training Unlocks Precision

Coat type dictates more than brush selection; it defines the approach. Timing, technique, and tool use all stem from understanding the natural rhythm of the coat. A style that works for one breed may backfire on another. Scissors should enhance function, not create stress. Over-trimming, like under-trimming, has consequences. Follicles can be damaged, the texture may change, and function may be lost.

Mastering breed grooming is less about memorizing cuts and more about reading each coat as a system. There’s a reason why one coat needs stripping while another needs frequent conditioning. That difference lies in biology, and it shapes how the dog feels from day to day.

Understanding these patterns requires exposure, instruction, and a very specific technique that demands both instruction and extensive practice.

Contact the Breed Grooming Professionals

You could keep guessing, or you could learn from the best. Groomers who master double-coated breeds stand out in any salon. However, those who understand the full range of coat types become irreplaceable. That’s where APEX Academy of Professional Grooming & Animal Arts comes in.

Our programs are grounded in current science and evolving industry demands. You’ll gain hands-on experience with breeds of every coat type. If you’re also serious about improving your technique, we’ll show you how to wield your scissors with both confidence and grace.

Whether you’re thinking of launching your grooming career or you’re ready to level up your skills, APEX Academy offers tailored instruction, small class sizes, and instructors who bring real-world expertise to every session.

Are you ready to take the next step? If so, contact us at info@apexacademy.ca or call (639) 307-6303. You can also reach us online. The right cut starts with the right knowledge, and it starts with you.