How to Groom a Dog with Long Hair

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How to Groom a Dog with Long Hair

Hard

15 - 30 Minutes

1 Day

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Introduction

Is your dream dog a Lassie Collie, bounding across the field to save Timmy from the well? How did she keep her long flowing hair looking so great while performing heroic feats weekly?!

Your long-haired dog might be a Bearded Collie or an Afghan Hound, a Havanese, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, or a Lhasa Apso. No matter what the breed or combination thereof, long-haired dogs are beautiful to look at, as long as they are groomed properly, of course. If not groomed regularly, however, they can become matted, dirty, scraggly messes! Long-haired breeds need regular grooming and care in order to have those long flowing locks managed and to prevent mats that can interfere with movement and result in skin infections and sores.

If you are planning on getting a long haired dog, plan on spending some time daily or every other day grooming them, so they can look their best and stay healthy.

Dog's Perspective

Your long-haired dog may or may not be a diva. Some dogs love being brushed and seem quite proud of their flowing locks. Others could not care less. Still others would rather just be left alone. Depending on what kind of dog you have, daily grooming may be something your dog looks forward to, or, not so much. Making it a positive experience for your dog will be important, as long haired dogs need grooming frequently. Start grooming your dog early to get him used to grooming and create a positive experience by being gentle, not pulling on mats, and grooming frequently so knots and tangles are regularly removed before they become a problem. This will get your dog used to being brushed and groomed. Keep grooming sessions short so your dog does not become frustrated, and to minimize discomfort during grooming.

The Routine Brushing Method

Most Recommended

5 Votes

Spray

Slicker Brush

Scissors

Pin Brush

Deshedder

Dematter

Comb

Step

Lay dog on back

Once a day, or every other day, you will need to brush your dog out with a pin brush. Remove your dog's collar and start with him lying on his back. Small dogs can be put on your lap, larger dogs may lie on a towel or blanket.

Step

Brush underside

Using a pin brush or rotating comb, brush out your dog's underside, under legs, belly, underside of the neck, and feathering on the legs. Remove tangles with a brush or by working them out with your fingers or a comb.

Step

Part, spray, comb

Part hair, and brush or comb from root to tip. You can apply a mist or spray conditioner or detangler on each layer to help the process. Move all over the dog’s underside, parting and brushing hair the entire length of the hair shaft.

Step

Brush back and sides

Once the underside of your dog is done, let him flip over onto his belly, and start parting and brushing, working over your dog’s sides and back, parting hair and brushing from root to tip.

Step

Smooth

Gently use a soft brush on tail and face to smooth out hair. If knots are present, remove with fingers and soft brush.

The Bath and Trim Method

Effective

4 Votes

Spray

Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Scissors

Pin Brush

Nail Clipper

Deshedder

Dematter

Comb

Clipper

Step

De-mat

Comb out all mats and tangles before bathing Baby powder, oil or detangler can be used to aid this process. Bad knots or mats may be cut out if you are not planning on showing your dog and do not need to leave hair intact.

Step

Bathe

Bathe from your dog’s top to bottom, to prevent tangling long hair. Use fingers to work shampoo through hair and remove any tangles. Rinse, and use a good, dog-appropriate, conditioner. Rinse, or use leave-in conditioner for dogs with particularly long coats.

Step

Dry

Wrap your dog in a large towel and pat dry--avoid rubbing, which will tangle long hair. Allow the dog to air dry near an air vent, or blow dry on low heat while combing the hair. After air drying, you may want to use a blow dryer and slicker brush to fluff up your dog.

Step

Trim feet

Trim nails, trim hair from the underside of paws and from around top and edge of paws.

Step

Trim face and backside

Trim long hair around eyes, ears and anus or use a clipper or personal trimmer.

Caution & Considerations

Daily, regular brushing will keep knots, and mats from forming and becoming a problem. Mats and knots can create dermatological issues or have to be cut out with scissors, which will not look as good and can expose skin in cold or hot weather to damage from frostbite or sunburn.
Keep sessions regular and short so your long-haired dog does not develop a tangled coat, which leads to a long and uncomfortable grooming session, which can result in a frustrated dog that does not want to cooperate with grooming.
Be careful trimming excess hair. Keep scissors parallel to the dog, do not point scissors at the dog.
Be gentle removing tangles so as not to hurt your dog. Use detanglers, oils, or baby powder and appropriate grooming tools to help make the process more comfortable.

Conclusion

Your long-haired beauty is ready to meet the world with some regular grooming. Daily brushing, and weekly or monthly bathing and fluffing will keep your dog a diva whether she (or he) is one by nature or not. Everyone wants to look their best. Remember that grooming your long-haired dog is not just about looks, matted hair creates skin problems which are uncomfortable for your dog and can be difficult to treat once they have developed. Stay on top of grooming your long-haired pooch and your dog will look tip-top!

How to Groom a Dog with Long Hair

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Routine Brushing Method

The Bath and Trim Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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