Does My Dog Need a Haircut?
Before you reach for the clippers or book an appointment for your furry friend, let’s break down everything you need to know about dog haircuts and how to care for your dog’s coat the right way.
Hygiene care is an essential part of dog care, and it’s crucial for dog parents to understand the importance of this care for their furry friend’s wellness and well-being. Different dog breeds have unique needs, and it’s vital to consider these needs when creating a routine.
Does Every Dog Need a Haircut?
The short answer: Not all dogs need haircuts, in fact, 9 out of the 10 most popular breeds don’t. Whether your pup needs a trim depends on their coat type, dog's breed, and lifestyle.
Breeds That Usually Need a Haircut
Some dogs have continuously growing hair that requires trimming to stay healthy and comfortable. These include:
Poodles
Shih Tzus
Maltese
Yorkshire Terriers
Doodles (like Goldendoodles or Labradoodles)
These dogs benefit from consistent coat maintenance to prevent matting, skin irritation, and overheating.
What about double-coated dogs?
A double-coated dog has two distinct layers of fur: a soft, dense undercoat for insulation and a longer, weather-resistant topcoat for protection. Many popular breeds, like Golden Retrievers, Husky, and Labrador Retrievers, have double coats.
Some pup parents consider shaving their double-coated dog to alleviate problems with coat blow or matting, but that’s rarely a viable solution. There are many ways shaving can cause more problems. Here’s what to know:
Double coats provide a layer of protection against the external environment for the dog.
Shaving it away removes that protective layer, resulting in insufficient protection from temperature, parasites, sun damage, and wind.
Shaving also damages the coat because it doesn’t regrow in the same fashion.
To protect the skin, the undercoat grows back quickly but the guard hairs don’t. It takes time for them to reach full growth.
The undercoat gets too thick and coarse while it’s waiting for the guard hairs to catch up, and it gathers debris and oils along the way.
Breeds That Rarely Need a Haircut
Most short-haired dogs like Boxers, Beagles, Dobermans, Frenchies, and more typically don’t need a haircut, but they still need regular hygiene care, including bathing, teeth brushing, nail trims, and ear cleaning.
Signs Your Dog Needs a Haircut
Not sure if it’s time for a trim? Look out for these signs:
Matted or tangled fur
Fur covering eyes or dragging on the ground
Overheating during warm weather
Dirt, debris, or strong odor trapped in their coat, making them appear dirty
Your dog seems uncomfortable or scratches excessively
If you notice any of these, it’s probably time to explore your dog’s haircut options.
Beyond the Aesthetics
Functional haircuts are an essential part of hygiene care for dogs who need them. While a haircut alone isn’t enough to support overall wellness, pairing it with routine care—like bathing, teeth brushing, and nail trimming—offers real health benefits. Beyond managing your dog’s coat, regular trims allow dog care professionals to spot early signs of potential issues, including:
Skin irritations
Potential Infections
Coat changes that could point to underlying health concerns
At Scenthound, we make it easy to stay on top of your dog’s wellness with our S.C.E.N.T. Check, designed to keep you in the know about your pup’s wellness.
Final Thoughts – Does Your Dog Need a Haircut?
If your dog has a coat that requires a haircut to stay happy and healthy it’s important to incorporate it into their routine care. When in doubt, let Scenthound help you become the best dog parent you can be find a location near you!