How Often Should You Brush Your Dog? By Breed and Coat Type

Last Updated: March 11, 2026 Reading Time: 5 minutes

Quick Answer

The short answer: It depends entirely on coat type. Short-haired dogs need brushing once a week. Long-haired and double-coated dogs need 3–5 times weekly (daily during shedding season). Curly-coated dogs need brushing every 2–3 days to prevent matting.

Brushing Frequency by Coat Type

Coat Type Frequency Best Tool Time Per Session

----------- ----------- ----------- -----------------

Short/Smooth 1x weekly Rubber curry brush 5 minutes

Medium 2–3x weekly Slicker brush 10 minutes

Long/Silky Daily or every other day Pin brush + comb 15–20 minutes

Double-Coated 2–3x weekly (daily during blowout) [Furminator](https://amzn.to/4jhmDNE) + slicker 10–15 minutes

Curly/Wiry Every 2–3 days Slicker brush 10–15 minutes

Hairless Weekly wipe-down Damp cloth 5 minutes

By Breed (Quick Reference)

Short-Haired Breeds

Beagle, Boxer, Bulldog, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Doberman, Great Dane, Labrador, Pit Bull, Pug, Rottweiler, Weimaraner

• Frequency: Once weekly
• Tool: Rubber curry brush or [grooming gloves](https://amzn.to/4jLldvj)
• Why: Remove loose hair, distribute oils, check skin
• During shedding season: Increase to 2–3x weekly

Medium-Coated Breeds

Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Springer Spaniel

• Frequency: 2–3x weekly
• Tool: Slicker brush + comb for tangles
• Why: Prevent mats, manage shedding
• During shedding season: Daily

Long-Haired Breeds

Afghan Hound, Cavalier King Charles, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier

• Frequency: Daily or every other day
• Tool: Pin brush + fine-tooth comb
• Why: Prevent matting (mats can cause skin issues)
• Pro tip: Daily brushing prevents the painful dematting sessions

Double-Coated Breeds

Akita, Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Great Pyrenees, Husky, Samoyed, Shiba Inu

• Frequency: 2–3x weekly, daily during spring/fall blowout
• Tool: [Undercoat rake](https://amzn.to/3Yt66N5) + [Furminator deshedding tool](https://amzn.to/4jhmDNE)
• Why: Remove loose undercoat before it mats or sheds everywhere
• ⚠️ Never shave double-coated breeds — their coat regulates temperature

Curly/Wiry Breeds

Bichon Frise, Poodle (all sizes), Doodles, Schnauzer, Wire Fox Terrier

• Frequency: Every 2–3 days
• Tool: Slicker brush, work in sections
• Why: Curls mat easily; regular brushing prevents painful tangles
• Pro tip: Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks supplements home brushing

Signs You're Not Brushing Enough

• Mats forming (especially behind ears, under legs, around collar)
• Excessive shedding on furniture and clothes
• Skin flaking (oils not being distributed)
• Dog resists brushing (probably painful due to existing tangles)
• Groomer finds extensive matting at appointments

Signs You're Brushing Too Much

• Skin irritation (redness, sensitivity)
• Coat looks thin (overbrushing with deshedding tools)
• Dog avoids you when brush comes out
• Broken hair instead of removed loose hair

Rule: Deshedding tools (Furminator) once weekly max. Slicker/curry brushes can be used more frequently.

Tips for Dogs Who Hate Brushing

1. Start with 2-minute sessions — build gradually 2. Use high-value treats — treat during AND after 3. Try different tools — some dogs prefer gloves over brushes 4. Brush after exercise — tired dog = cooperative dog 5. Make it routine — same time, same place 6. Stop before frustration — end on a positive note

The Bottom Line

• Short hair: 1x/week
• Medium/double: 2–3x/week
• Long/curly: Every 1–2 days

Consistency matters more than duration. Five minutes daily beats one 30-minute session weekly.

Invest in the right tool for your dog's coat type—it makes brushing faster, more effective, and more comfortable for your dog.

Next Steps

• [Best Brushes by Coat Type](link) — Find the right tool
• [The Complete Pet Hair System](link) — Beyond brushing
• [Why Is My Dog Shedding So Much?](link) — Normal vs. concerning