The Chihuahua is an average shedder which can have either a short or long coat. Both should have their nails kept trimmed, their ears checked regularly, and baths given once a month. Shorthaired Chihuahuas require less grooming as an occasional brushing or wiping over with a damp cloth will suffice. Longhaired Chihuahuas, on the other hand, need daily grooming with a soft bristle brush to prevent mats and tangles from forming.
Both Miniature and Standard Poodles have a dense, curly coat with a fine, wooly texture. They shed little to no hair, often making them a good choice for people prone to allergies. However, extensive grooming and daily attention is required. This dog should be bathed on a regular basis, and the coat should be clipped every 6 to 8 weeks. There are several different hair clips, including the "pet" or "puppy" clip, the "sporting" clip, the "English Saddle" and the "Continental". In addition, the ears need frequent attention
The Shih Tzu has a long, dense coat that requires daily grooming. Many owners keep the coat trimmed to reduce the amount of grooming required, but otherwise they should be brushed daily with a bristle brush to prevent mats. A topknot is usually used to hold up the hair of the face and keep it out of the eyes. In addition, the eyes and ears should be regularly cleaned. When kept well-groomed, the Shih Tzu sheds little to no hair.
The Maltese has a long, silky coat that sheds little to no hair, making it a good choice for people prone to allergies. The coat must be brushed daily, but gently so as it is very soft. In addition, the eyes, ears and beard should be cleaned regularly. Baths and dry shampoos can be given regularly, but it is important that this dog is thoroughly dried and warmed afterwards. Some owners choose to have the hair trimmed to lower the grooming maintenance, and the hair on top of the head is often tied up to keep it out of the eyes
The Bichon Frise sheds its hair slowly and infrequently, and is often considered good for those prone to allergies. However, grooming is very important as mats can form easily and quickly without brushing. Frequent brushing, along with a once-a-month bath, is needed. In addition, it is recommended that the Bichon be professionally groomed every 5 - 6 weeks.
Lhasa Apsos are average shedders with a long, dense coat that requires frequent grooming. To prevent mats and tangles, daily brushing is recommended, though the coat can be cut shorter to cut down on maintenance. In addition, the eyes and ears need to be regularly and thoroughly cleaned.
The Australian Terrier has a long, stiff, shaggy coat and sheds little to no hair. Brushing several times a week will keep the hair glossy, and nails should be clipped regularly. Clipping the coat is not required and baths should be given no more than once a month. Trimming around the eyes and ears may be necessary on occasion, and plucking is recommended every three months or so.
Regular grooming and brushing is needed in order to keep the coat of the Border Collie gleaming. Though this dog is an average shedder, additional grooming is needed seasonally when it loses its dense undercoat. The Border Collie should be given a bath and shampoo only when needed.
The Silky Terrier has a glossy, fine, straight coat that sheds little to no hair. However, a lot of grooming is needed to keep the coat lustrous and free of mats and tangles. Every day, this dog should be combed and brushed for about 15 minutes. Regular bathing is also necessary, though it's important that this dog be thoroughly warmed and dried afterwards. The coat should be trimmed occasionally, with the hair on the legs and the knees kept short, and the hair over the eyes can be held up in a topknot.
The Schnauzer has a stiff, wiry coat that sheds little to no hair and has no offensive dog odor. To keep the coat clean and free of tangles and mats, frequent grooming is needed. A short wire brush should be used daily, and the whiskers cleaned after meals. Hair around the eyes and ears should be kept trimmed, and an all-over clipping is usually required in the spring and fall.
The Pomeranian has a long double coat comprised of a harsh, textured outer coat and soft, dense undercoat. Daily brushing is needed to prevent mats and tangles from forming in the coat. In addition, the ears and eyes should be cleaned daily and the teeth cleaned regularly. This breed constantly sheds, though the undercoat also sheds once or twice a year.
The Alaskan Malamute is a clean and odorless dog that rarely requires bathing because it has a coat that readily sheds dirt on its own. However, this breed has a very dense coat and is a very heavy shedder. A daily brushing is best or, at the very least, a twice weekly brushing
The Golden Retriever is an average shedder with a soft, thick, water-repellent outercoat and a fairly dense undercoat. To decrease shedding, brush regularly with a firm bristle brush, once daily if possible. Baths should only be given when needed. Large mats in the Golden's coat may need to be removed by a professional groomer or veterinarian.
The Cocker Spaniel is an average shedder with a long, silky coat that requires frequent grooming. Daily brushing is required, along with frequent baths. This dog also needs regular trimming, and some owners prefer to keep the coat trimmed to a medium length. In addition, the eyes need to be cleaned regularly.
