12 Best Dog Breeds for People Who Like to Groom Their Pets

Written By

Mathew Abraham

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Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Goochie Poochie Grooming/Pexels

If you love grooming your dog, certain breeds require more attention to keep their coats in top shape. These dogs thrive on regular grooming, from brushing to trimming and even bathing. Grooming not only keeps them looking their best but also offers a wonderful bonding experience. Some dogs, like Poodles and Shih Tzus, need frequent care, while others, like Golden Retrievers, benefit from regular brushing to manage shedding. These 12 breeds are perfect for pet owners who enjoy keeping their dogs neat and well-groomed.

1. Golden Retriever – A Grooming Delight

Golden Retriever chewing toy playfully backyard
Life with Hamlet/Pexels

Golden Retrievers are not just known for their friendly nature, but also for their beautiful, thick coats that require frequent grooming. Their long, luscious fur can become matted and tangled if not regularly brushed. Regular brushing helps reduce shedding and keeps their coat healthy and shiny. Golden Retrievers shed year-round, so professional grooming services are often necessary to manage this breed’s heavy shedding. Regular bathing, trimming around the paws and ears, and thorough brushing will keep your Golden Retriever looking pristine. 

2. Poodle – A Grooming Lover’s Dream

Gray poodle on shoulder, happily smiling outdoors
PNW Production/Pexels

Poodles are known for their curly, hypoallergenic coats, which require regular grooming to prevent tangling and matting. Regardless of size—standard, miniature, or toy—Poodles need consistent grooming sessions to maintain their signature look. Their curly fur can easily become matted without proper care, so regular brushing is essential. In addition, Poodles require professional grooming to keep their coat looking stylish and healthy. Regular ear cleaning is also necessary to avoid infections.

3. Shih Tzu – A Fancy Grooming Breed

Smiling couple holding a Shih Tzu.
Helena Lopes/Pexels

Shih Tzus are beloved for their beautiful, long coats, but those stunning locks require diligent care. This breed needs daily brushing to avoid tangles, mats, and other hair-related issues. Their long, silky fur, particularly around the eyes and ears, requires frequent attention. Shih Tzus also need regular bathing to keep their coat fresh and healthy. In addition, their eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid tear stains. Grooming a Shih Tzu is not just about maintaining their coat, but also about bonding with them. These little pups love attention and enjoy the grooming process.

4. Yorkshire Terrier – A Silky Coat Requires Attention

Yorkshire Terrier
Pixabay/Pexels

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their silky, long coats that require frequent grooming. Regular brushing is essential to prevent knots and mats from forming in their fur. This breed’s beautiful coat can quickly become tangled, especially around their ears and legs, so routine grooming sessions are necessary. Yorkshire Terriers also need their ears cleaned regularly to prevent infections. Their small size makes them easy to handle during grooming, and their lively personality makes the grooming process enjoyable. 

5. Portuguese Water Dog – Low Shedding, High Grooming Needs

Portuguese Water Dog
Gayatri Malhotra/Unsplash

The Portuguese Water Dog is a breed that doesn’t shed much, making them perfect for people who prefer low-shedding dogs. However, their curly coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. Their fur can easily become unruly if not maintained, and they benefit from regular trimming and styling. A professional grooming service is recommended to help keep their coat in top condition. Despite their low-shedding nature, Portuguese Water Dogs still require daily brushing to keep their coat healthy and looking its best.

6. Puli – Unique and High Maintenance Coat

A puli dog on grass
kidsnews.hu/Pixabay

The Puli is recognized for its unique corded coat, which contributes to its distinctive and striking appearance. Their cords can easily become tangled and matted, requiring regular care and attention. Grooming a Puli involves separating the cords, which helps prevent matting and maintains their functional appearance. Regular bathing and drying are essential to ensure their coat stays clean and healthy. This breed requires significant effort in maintaining its signature look, but the results are stunning.

7. German Shepherd – Regular Grooming for a Healthy Coat

American German Shepherd
wirestock/Freepik

German Shepherds are known for their loyalty and intelligence, but they also have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming. Their fur sheds year-round, so routine brushing is necessary to manage shedding and prevent matting. While they don’t require constant bathing, German Shepherds need to be brushed several times a week, particularly during shedding seasons. Trimming around their ears, paws, and tail is also recommended. German Shepherds’ grooming needs are moderate compared to other breeds, but regular care is essential to maintain their beautiful coats. 

8. Komondor – A Unique Grooming Challenge

Komondor
Freestocks.org/Pexels

The Komondor’s corded coat is a feature that makes this breed stand out. Grooming a Komondor requires regular separation of the cords to keep them from matting, which is essential for their overall health and appearance. Their coat needs to be kept clean and well-maintained, and it requires a fair amount of effort to keep it looking impressive. Bathing and drying are also necessary to prevent their coat from becoming too heavy or unkempt. Komondors are large working dogs with grooming needs as substantial as their size. Their corded coat offers a rewarding challenge for grooming enthusiasts.

9. Labrador Retriever – A Grooming Routine for a Healthy Coat

Labrador Retriever shaking hands
Blue Bird/Pexels

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds due to their friendly nature and active lifestyle. While they have short, thick coats that don’t require extensive grooming, regular brushing is essential to manage shedding and keep their coat healthy. Labs shed year-round, and their grooming needs primarily involve brushing to remove loose fur and prevent matting. Occasional baths and nail trimming are also part of the grooming routine. While their grooming demands are moderate compared to long-haired breeds, regular care ensures that your Labrador looks and feels its best.

10. Lhasa Apso – A Grooming Perfectionist’s Choice

Lhasa Apso
Sonja Kalee/Pixabay

Lhasa Apsos are small dogs with long, luxurious coats that require frequent grooming. Regular brushing is essential to keep their fur looking shiny and tangle-free. This breed’s long hair needs daily care, especially around their ears and tail. Lhasa Apsos also benefit from occasional trims to maintain their distinctive appearance. Their coat can become heavy if not groomed regularly, so attention to detail is required to keep them looking their best. If you love grooming a dog with a regal appearance, the Lhasa Apso’s beauty and elegance will be well worth the grooming effort.

11. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Elegant and Groomed to Perfection

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in a grassy field.
SylwiaAptacy/Pixabay

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a silky, medium-length coat that requires regular grooming. Their fur can easily become tangled, particularly around the ears and tail, so routine brushing is necessary to prevent mats. Occasional trimming helps maintain their elegant appearance, while regular ear cleaning is crucial to avoid infections. This breed enjoys being pampered and is affectionate during grooming sessions, making them a perfect choice for pet owners who love grooming. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will reward your grooming efforts with a loving and refined presence.

12. Bichon Frise – Small but High Grooming Needs

Bichon Frise on a wooden deck
Saviera/Pixabay

Bichon Frises have a curly, hypoallergenic coat that requires frequent grooming to avoid matting and maintain their fluffy appearance. Regular brushing, along with occasional professional grooming, is necessary to keep their coat in good condition. Bichon Frises also require regular baths and ear cleaning to maintain their hygiene. Their small size makes them easy to handle during grooming sessions, and their affectionate nature makes the experience enjoyable. If you enjoy grooming small dogs with big personalities, the Bichon Frise will be a delightful companion for regular grooming care.

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