Which dog breeds have the most low maintenance coats? And which dogs are better for people with allergies?
Bit about me – I’m Sue and I am the branch owner of We Love Pets in Horwich. I’m a qualified dog groomer with a level 3 diploma, and consistently attended further courses that specialised in dealing with difficult dogs and breed specific grooming.
What does low maintenance mean to you?
Does it mean, less trips to the groomers, less brushing routines, or coats that don’t shed any hairs?
Coats that don’t shed any hairs – this is a bit of a myth as all dogs shed hairs at some point, but there are some breeds that will shed a lot less than others and some that don’t produce allergens that can cause allergic reactions in people. Here are some breeds that are typically well known for being better for people with allergies:-
- Poodles
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Short haired Dachshunds
- Miniature Schnauzers
However, whilst these dogs are great for people with allergies, all of the above breeds, with the exception of a short haired Dachshund, do require regular grooming and styling.
Typically short or smooth haired coated dogs will shed a lot less, but a good brushing routine will help them to keep loose hairs off their coats and to maintain a lovely glossy looking coat. Getting your dog into a good brushing routine at home from an early age is also a great way for you both to bond, and also helps to reduce any stress and anxiety that they could possibly have with going to the groomers. The correct type of brush for your dog’s coat is also essential and a curry brush or zoom groom would be great for this type of coat.
Your groomer will be able to advise which are the best brushes to use for your dogs type of coat.
Grooming routines – each dog is different and will require different lengths of time in between a grooming appointments depending on its type of coat and possibly its lifestyle. Low maintenance coats for grooming appointments could be those of a Greyhound, Bulldog, Boxer, Beagle, Weimaraner, Hungarian Vizsla etc – you may just want to book them in for a lovely bath and pawdicure but they won’t require any ‘styling’.
Dogs that require clipping and styling typically require regular grooming appointments; anything from 6 week intervals to 10 week intervals. But just because they might require regular grooming appointments doesn’t necessarily mean that they are high maintenance, as their home brushing routine may be minimal depending on their type of coat. For example, with a miniature Schnauzer with a lovely tidy pet trim, you will need to make sure that the beard is brushed regularly to avoid any knots or tangles from developing, and to keep their legs brushed, and possibly their tail depending on how their tail has been styled, but this brushing routine wouldn’t take very long at all and would be considered to be a low maintenance coat.
Labradors are often considered to have low maintenance coats as they don’t require any styling, but at times when they are shedding, people are often amazed at how much hair can come out of a Labrador. During the times when they are shedding, using a good de-shedding tool will help or take them to a groomer who will have all of the right tools to remove the dead unwanted hair.
I hope that helps with understanding low maintenance dog coats and I hope you and your dog get enjoyment out of your grooming routine.
Take care, Sue
