How often should you brush your dog? The answer depends on their coat, including both its length and texture. A short, smooth coat has different brushing needs than a long, silky coat or a dense double coat.

But no matter their coat type, regular brushing is an important part of keeping your dog's coat healthy and manageable. Here's why it matters and how often you should be reaching for the brush.

Why is regular brushing important for dogs?

Brushing does a lot more than remove loose fur. Keeping up with your dog's coat can help:

• Prevent tangles and mats: Small tangles are much easier to work through before they tighten and turn into mats, which can lead to discomfort and pain for your dog. 
• Remove loose fur: Regular brushing catches loose hair before it builds up in the coat (or ends up all over your couch).
• Remove dirt and debris: Brushing helps lift away everyday dirt, leaves, and debris that can get caught in your dog's coat.
• Distribute natural oils: Brushing helps distribute the skin's natural oils throughout the coat.
• Keep an eye on their skin: Regular coat care gives you a chance to notice changes like bumps, irritation, dryness, or anything else that looks unusual.

How often should you brush your dog?

There's no one-size-fits-all brushing schedule, but your dog's coat type can give you a good starting point:

• Short & smooth coats: 1–2 times per week
• Long & silky coats: Daily or every other day
• Curly coats: Daily or every other day
• Wiry coats: 1–2 times per week
• Double coats: 2–3 times per week, or more during periods of heavier shedding

Every dog's coat is different. If you're noticing more loose fur, tangles, or mats between brushing sessions, it may be a sign to brush more often.

How often should you brush a dog with a short, smooth coat?

Dogs with short, smooth coats, like Beagles, Boxers, and French Bulldogs, generally don't tangle easily, but they still benefit from regular brushing.

Aim for once or twice a week to help remove loose fur, dirt, and debris and keep their coat looking and feeling its best. If your dog is shedding more than usual, you can increase brushing as needed.

How often should you brush a dog with a long, silky coat?

Long, silky coats are more prone to tangles and mats, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar.

Aim for daily or every-other-day brushing. Staying consistent helps catch small tangles before they tighten into mats that are more difficult to work through. For tangle-prone areas, Dandylion's Smooth Coat Detangling Spray can be used before brushing to help gently work through knots and leave the coat feeling soft and manageable.

How often should you brush a curly-haired dog?

Curly coats, like those found on Poodles, Bichon Frises, and many Poodle mixes, generally benefit from daily or every-other-day brushing. Because loose hair can become trapped within the curls rather than falling away, tangles can build up quickly. Regular brushing helps remove that trapped hair and prevent small knots from becoming mats.

How often should you brush a wiry-haired dog?

Wiry coats, like those found on many Terriers and Schnauzers, generally need brushing around once or twice a week. Regular brushing helps remove loose fur, dirt, and debris while keeping the coat manageable between professional grooming appointments. Individual needs may vary depending on breed and how the coat is maintained.

How often should you brush a double-coated dog?

Double-coated dogs, like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers, have a softer undercoat beneath their outer coat. Aim for two to three brushing sessions per week, increasing the frequency during periods of heavier shedding. Brushing helps remove loose undercoat before it builds up in the coat, or around your home.

Should you brush your dog more during shedding season?

Usually, yes. While dogs can shed throughout the year, some experience periods when shedding becomes much more noticeable. If you're suddenly finding more fur on your couch, clothes, and floors, your dog may benefit from more frequent brushing. Keeping up with loose fur can also help prevent it from becoming trapped and tangled within longer or denser coats.

How to make brushing part of your dog's everyday routine

The good news is that preventative coat care doesn't need to mean a long grooming session. A few minutes at a time can make it much easier to stay ahead of loose fur and tangles between baths.

For an easy coat care routine, start with Dandylion's Fresh Coat Daily Cleansing Spray when your dog needs a quick refresh. For tangles, use Smooth Coat Detangling Spray before gently working through the coat with the Daily Grooming Brush.

The Everyday Coat Ritual brings all three together for a simple freshen, detangle, and brush routine between bath days.

The takeaway: a little brushing goes a long way

How often you should brush your dog ultimately comes down to their coat. Short and smooth coats may only need attention once or twice a week, while long, curly, or tangle-prone coats may need brushing every day or every other day. Regular brushing helps you stay ahead of loose fur, dirt, tangles, and mats rather than waiting until they're harder to manage. A few minutes of preventative coat care now can make your dog's grooming routine a whole lot easier later on. 

*This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always contact your veterinarian or professional groomer if you have questions or concerns about your dog's skin or coat.