Picture your Saturday morning: a cup of coffee, your pup curled next to you, and not a single grooming appointment on the calendar. Sounds ideal, right?
For some dog breeds, that’s the everyday reality. Their coats practically take care of themselves with just a quick brush now and then. Yet for others, skipping regular professional grooming isn’t just impractical, it’s a recipe for matted fur, skin issues, and one very uncomfortable dog.
The truth is, not all coats are created equal. Some glide through life looking polished with minimal effort, while others demand daily brushing, strategic trims, and the skilled hands of a professional groomer to stay healthy and comfortable. So let’s dive in and discover which breeds make grooming a breeze and which ones will have you on a first name basis with your local groomer.
Beagle
Beagles require little grooming outside of weekly brushings, making them a favorite among busy families. These small scenthounds are known and loved for their docile temperaments and intelligence.
They need to be brushed weekly but don’t need to be bathed very often unless they get messy. Their medium length coat does shed, so that weekly brush session helps keep loose fur under control and your furniture cleaner. These little hounds are cheerful, sturdy, and wonderfully low maintenance in the grooming department.
Dachshund
Those adorable long bodies and short legs come with an easy care bonus, especially if you opt for the smooth coated variety. The smooth coated dachshund needs minimal brushing and are low shedders.
Dachshunds are generally clean and do not smell, though their brushing needs depend on the dog’s coat, with smooth coated dachshunds being fairly low maintenance. They might have that stubborn streak typical of hounds, but grooming them is genuinely simple. Just a quick weekly brush and the occasional bath keeps them looking sharp.
Vizsla
Here’s a breed that combines athleticism with incredibly easy coat care. They are known for lacking the typical dog smell that many breeds begin to have without adequate grooming.
The Vizsla is a popular hunting and companion dog, loved for its endurance and willingness to please, and they are intelligent, energetic, and fun loving. Their short, sleek coat repels dirt naturally and rarely needs more than a weekly brush. I think that’s pretty remarkable for such an active dog. These lean, gorgeous pups are ideal for active families who’d rather spend their time running trails than sitting in grooming salons.
Boxer
Boxers tend to be clean dogs that require minimal grooming with a weekly brush being enough. Their short, tight coat doesn’t trap dirt the way longer coats do.
Boxers are playful, loyal, and ridiculously easy to groom at home. Honestly, they’re one of those breeds where you can keep a grooming mitt by the door and give them a quick once over after walks. Bathing is only necessary when they roll in something questionable or start to develop that doggy smell, which honestly isn’t often.
Italian Greyhound
Their short, thin coats require almost no grooming at all, and sometimes monthly baths irritate the skin and coat. Let that sink in: these elegant little dogs are so low maintenance that bathing them too often can actually cause problems.
The Italian Greyhound is a popular companion breed that is very affectionate and enjoys being lap dogs. Their fine, silky coat stays clean with minimal effort, and they’re one of the few breeds where less grooming is genuinely more. A soft cloth wipe down and occasional gentle brushing is truly all they need.
Greyhound
Greyhounds have a short smooth coat that only needs a weekly rubdown with a damp cloth or hound glove and regular baths. Despite their reputation as racing dogs, these gentle giants are surprisingly low energy at home and equally low effort when it comes to grooming.
Despite their racing history, Greyhounds are surprisingly lazy indoors and require minimal grooming due to their short coats. They shed very little, their coat rarely smells, and they’re perfectly content with a quick wipe down instead of frequent baths. If you want a larger breed without the grooming commitment, Greyhounds are a wonderful choice.
Boston Terrier
Boston terriers do not shed a lot, so will only need to be brushed around once a week, and they only need the occasional bath. These tuxedo clad little charmers are as easy to groom as they are entertaining to watch.
Boston Terriers are smart, affectionate, and even tempered companions that are generally well behaved and friendly. Their short, smooth coat is practically maintenance free, and weekly brushing keeps shedding minimal. Let’s be real, these dogs are low drama in almost every way, grooming included.
Doberman Pinscher
They have very short coats that do shed, but these require little more than weekly brushing. Dobermans may look sleek and polished, but that appearance doesn’t demand hours of work.
The Doberman Pinscher is renowned as a loyal guardian for their family and they are active and intelligent dogs. Their glossy coat stays healthy with minimal effort, and they rarely need professional grooming. A quick weekly brush, occasional baths, and regular nail trims are genuinely all it takes to keep a Doberman looking sharp.
Weimaraner
Their short coats help make them extremely low maintenance, as they require almost no grooming. These striking silver dogs are athletic, energetic, and wonderfully easy to care for at home.
The low maintenance Weimaraner has a sleek coat that rarely needs more than occasional brushing, and baths are seldom necessary. Honestly, if you’re an active family looking for a dog that can keep up on adventures without demanding salon visits, the Weimaraner is a fantastic match. Their floppy ears do need regular cleaning to prevent infections, but that’s a minor task.
Basenji
The Basenji breed is easy to groom as they only need to be brushed around once a week and are generally not smelly dogs. Here’s the kicker: they tend to keep themselves clean, much like a cat, making them one of the easiest dogs to care for.
The Basenji is a unique dog known for its barkless nature. They’re independent, intelligent, and incredibly low maintenance. If you want a dog that grooms itself and rarely needs baths, the Basenji might just be your soulmate. Plus, they’re practically odorless, which is a huge bonus.
Poodle (Standard, Miniature, and Toy)
Now we’re entering entirely different territory. Poodles need to be brushed daily to keep the coat from matting, and most owners take their dog to a professional groomer every four to six weeks to be bathed and groomed.
Poodles are known for their curly, dense coats, which are prone to matting and can lead to skin infections if not properly maintained. Their hair grows continuously, much like human hair, so regular trims are essential. While Poodles are brilliant, affectionate dogs, their grooming needs are genuinely demanding. Professional grooming isn’t optional, it’s necessary for their health and comfort.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus have long, luxurious coats that need daily brushing and frequent grooming, and without proper care their fur can get matted causing discomfort and skin irritation. These little lap dogs are adorable, but their coats demand serious commitment.
Known for their luxurious, flowing coats, Shih Tzus are prone to matting without frequent brushing, and they also need regular trims around their face and paws to stay clean and comfortable. Many owners opt for shorter “pet cuts” to reduce the grooming burden, but even then, professional grooming every few weeks is essential. Let’s be honest, if you love the look but not the work, this breed will challenge you.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise has a dense, curly coat that requires frequent care, and their coat can easily become tangled and dirty, so regular visits for professional grooming including baths and haircuts are necessary.
Bichons have dense coats with a soft under layer and a more textured outer layer, so loose hair stays trapped instead of falling out, requiring regular grooming and weekly brushing to prevent matting. Even though they don’t shed heavily, their coat needs constant attention. Most Bichon owners rely on professional grooming because managing that fluffy coat at home is genuinely difficult without experience.
Maltese
Maltese dogs have long, white coats that need to be gently brushed every day, on top of regular baths and coat conditioning. Their silky hair is beautiful, but it tangles easily and collects debris.
Maltese are known for their long, silky hair, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Professional grooming helps keep their coat shaped and their eyes clear of hair, which is crucial for this breed. Without consistent care, their gorgeous coat quickly becomes a matted mess that’s uncomfortable and unhealthy.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies have fine, silky hair that grows like human hair, requiring regular trims to avoid tangles, and consistent grooming also prevents debris from collecting in their coats.
Their silky coats are absolutely gorgeous when properly maintained, but without regular brushing and professional styling they quickly become tangled messes. Yorkies might be tiny, but their grooming demands are mighty. Daily brushing at home plus professional grooming every few weeks keeps them looking like the little lions they think they are.
Old English Sheepdog
The rough, dense undercoat of the Old English Sheepdog requires extra care to stay free of mats and excess dirt, and it’s recommended that this breed undergoes regular trips to the groomer every four to six weeks.
Their shaggy, thick coat is iconic but incredibly high maintenance. Honestly, trying to groom an Old English Sheepdog at home without professional help is a monumental task. Their coat mats easily, traps dirt, and requires specialized tools and techniques to manage properly. Professional grooming isn’t a luxury for this breed, it’s absolutely essential.
Portuguese Water Dog
Having hair rather than fur, their coats continually grow and therefore require regular brushing, bathing, and trimming. Portuguese water dogs require regular and extensive grooming, and this breed should be groomed once a week and bathed occasionally.
These intelligent, active dogs were bred to work in water, and their thick, waterproof coat reflects that heritage. The coat can be wavy or curly and demands consistent care to prevent matting. Professional grooming keeps them comfortable and healthy, especially during warmer months.
Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds have long, flowing coats that turn heads everywhere, but their silky coat type can mat quickly if you slack off, so frequent grooming sessions are non negotiable.
Their silky, fine hair requires regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting, and a monthly bath and occasional trims are essential to maintain their appearance. This breed’s dramatic coat requires daily brushing and careful detangling from roots to ends. Most owners partner with professional groomers because managing that much hair is genuinely too much for rushed home care.
Puli
Once Pulis develop their cords they should be bathed and have their cords separated, and it can take an entire day for these dogs to dry after a bath. Yes, you read that correctly: an entire day.
Known for their distinctive cords that resemble dreadlocks, Pulis have a unique coat that requires special care, and regular separation of cords and bathing and drying are essential to prevent matting. Managing corded coats requires specialized knowledge and patience. Professional grooming is strongly recommended unless you’re prepared to invest serious time learning proper cord maintenance techniques.
Komondor
Komondors require specialty or professional grooming, and one breeder noted it is important to rinse out every hint of shampoo and then dry by squeezing, using towels, and then in front of a strong fan overnight.
The Komondor boasts a unique corded coat resembling dreadlocks, and while these cords serve a practical purpose preventing bites from predators, they require meticulous care including regular separation of the cords, bathing, and drying. This breed’s grooming needs are genuinely among the most demanding. Without proper care, the cords can smell, mat, or develop mildew. Professional grooming isn’t just recommended, it’s practically mandatory.
Conclusion
Choosing between a wash and wear breed and one that needs professional grooming isn’t just about convenience. It’s about matching your lifestyle, budget, and time to your dog’s needs.
Low maintenance breeds like Beagles and Boxers give you more time for adventures and less time wrestling with brushes. High maintenance beauties like Poodles and Shih Tzus reward your grooming commitment with stunning looks and healthier coats. Neither choice is better, they’re just different.
What matters most is understanding what you’re signing up for before you bring that puppy home. Did you expect that grooming could make such a difference in daily life? What would you choose?
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
