Grooming dogs is as much an art as it is a science, requiring skill, patience, and knowledge of each breed’s unique needs. While every dog is special, some pure breeds can present more challenges than others due to their coat type, temperament, or grooming requirements. Here, we take a look at 5 of the most challenging pure dog breeds to groom and offer tips to help professional groomers and owners tackle these tasks with confidence.
Most Challenging Pure Breed To Groom - The Poodle
Poodles are the epitome of grooming challenges, thanks to their dense, curly coats. Their hair requires regular brushing to avoid matting and professional grooming every 4–6 weeks. On top of that, Poodles often sport intricate styles, such as the Continental or English Saddle clip, which demand precision and expertise. As a groomer you must be familiar with breed standards or customer preferences, adding complexity to your grooming process.
The Poodle Coat
Firstly the texture of the coat is thick and tightly-curled, which can trap dirt and debris, plus it knots very easily. Due to coat friction, especially between the legs, these areas should be groomed at least twice a week. Much like human hair, a Poodle coat keeps on growing and doesn't shed seasonally. This means regular grooming is necessary.
Another area you have to be mindful of the Poodle coat, is the skin. Poodles tend to be sensitive, so choosing the right products and techniques is crucial to avoid irritation or dryness during grooming. Poodle coats need to be properly dried and straightened with a high-velocity dryer before clipping or scissoring to ensure an even, polished look. This step is essential but labour-intensive.
To successfully groom a Poodle, you need the right tools, products, and training, along with a good understanding of their coat and anatomy. In our blog Beneath the Canine Coat we discuss what lies beneath the fur is just as important as the coat. Knowing the underlying points on a dog’s body allows you to adapt to specific breed standards while maintaining the dog's comfort.
Frequent grooming sessions, whether at home or with a professional, are essential to keep the Poodle looking and feeling its best.
Grooming Tips:
Use a high-quality clipper like the Clipit Quattro for precision trimming.
Detangle their coat with a slicker brush before bathing.
Plan time for styling and be sure to communicate with the owner about their preferences.
The Second Challenging Breed To Groom - The Old English Sheepdog
Known for their abundant, shaggy double coats, Old English Sheepdogs are prone to matting and require extensive upkeep. Groomers and pet owners must ensure thorough brushing to avoid painful tangles and skin irritation.
The Old English Sheepdog
The coat of an Old English Sheepdog is one of its most distinctive features, setting it apart as an iconic and charming breed. The coat is naturally coarse, with a slight wave in some dogs. It should never feel overly silky or soft, as this would not serve the practical purpose the coat was bred for: protecting the dog while herding livestock in various weather conditions.
Regular brushing is non-negotiable for maintaining the health of the Old English Sheepdog’s coat. For groomers, this means dedicating significant time to each session, as the coat must be brushed in layers to ensure every strand is addressed. Missing even small sections can allow mats to form, creating more work down the line.
Washing an Old English Sheepdog can be a daunting task. Their dense coat absorbs water like a sponge, making thorough rinsing and drying crucial to prevent trapped moisture, which can lead to fungal infections. You will need a high-powered dryer to speed up the process and ensure the coat dries completely, leaving it fluffy and ready for styling.
Interestingly, Old English Sheepdogs are considered moderate shedders despite their abundant coats. Much of the loose hair gets trapped within the coat itself, contributing to tangling and matting if not brushed out regularly.
Maintenance Needs
The coat demands frequent care, including:
Regular brushing (at least 2–3 times per week or daily for heavily coated dogs).
Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks to prevent matting and maintain shape.
Occasional trimming, depending on whether the dog is kept in a practical pet cut or groomed for shows.
Grooming an Old English Sheepdog is undeniably demanding, but it is also incredibly rewarding. The transformation from a disheveled coat to a well-groomed, radiant appearance showcases the groomer’s skill and dedication. With the right techniques, tools, and a deep understanding of the breed’s needs, these magnificent dogs can thrive in both comfort and beauty. For professionals, the challenge of maintaining an Old English Sheepdog’s coat is an opportunity to demonstrate expertise and care, ensuring the dog’s health and happiness.
Cocker Spaniels is No. 3 in the Most Challenging Breeds.
Cocker Spaniels are beloved for their affectionate nature and striking appearance, especially their silky, feathered coats and long, floppy ears. However, maintaining their beauty requires a significant grooming effort. For both pet owners and professional groomers, grooming a Cocker Spaniel presents unique challenges that demand skill, time, and the right techniques.
Managing Their Coat
The Cocker Spaniel’s coat is dense, often soft, and prone to tangling and matting. Key challenges include:
Feathering Maintenance: The fine, silky fur on their chest, legs, and ears requires frequent brushing to avoid mats, which can form quickly in these areas.
Seasonal Shedding: While Cocker Spaniels are not heavy shedders year-round, they experience seasonal shedding periods. Groomers and owners need to use de-shedding tools to manage the loose undercoat effectively.
The breed’s coat grows continuously, meaning regular trims are essential to maintain their appearance and comfort. Challenges include:
Shaping the Coat: For show Cocker Spaniels, precise grooming is required to adhere to breed standards, including the distinctive saddle pattern on the back.
Practical Pet Cuts: Many pet owners prefer shorter, low-maintenance cuts, but even these require professional skill to maintain a natural, tidy look without compromising the dog’s iconic features.
Cocker Spaniels can suffer from sensitive or oily skin, which requires careful product selection. Groomers must use a hypoallergenic shampoo, like Glavaderm with Pure Evening Primrose Oil to avoid irritation and manage common conditions like seborrhea or hot spots.
Grooming a Cocker Spaniel is time-intensive. Groomers must be thorough, especially when:
Brushing: Their coat requires regular brushing (at least 2–3 times a week) to prevent mats and distribute natural oils.
Drying: After a bath, drying the coat properly is crucial to avoid lingering moisture, which can lead to skin issues.
Grooming a Cocker Spaniel is both an art and a responsibility. Their gorgeous coats and unique features make them stand out, but maintaining that beauty demands commitment and expertise. For groomers, overcoming the breed’s specific challenges is a testament to their skill, ensuring that every Cocker Spaniel leaves the grooming session looking and feeling their best. If you would like further information on grooming a Cocker Spaniel head over to Helpful tips on How to Groom a English Cocker Spaniel
The Fourth Challenging Breed To Groom - Siberian Huskies
Siberian Huskies are renowned for their striking appearance, athletic build, and thick, luxurious double coat. While their coat is shorter compared to some long-haired breeds, it presents unique grooming challenges that require attention, skill, and persistence. For both pet owners and professional groomers, maintaining a Husky’s coat involves managing its density, texture, and natural shedding cycles.
A Husky’s double coat consists of:
A dense undercoat: This soft, insulating layer keeps the dog warm in cold climates.
A protective outer coat: This coarse, water-resistant layer shields the dog from the elements.
Together, these layers provide excellent protection but also make grooming more labor-intensive.
Seasonal Shedding ("Blowing Coat")
Twice a year, Huskies undergo a dramatic shedding phase known as "blowing coat", during which they lose their undercoat in large quantities. This process:
Can last several weeks, depending on the climate and the dog.
Results in a substantial increase in loose
fur, often described as "fur explosions."
Requires frequent brushing (daily, if possible) to manage shedding and prevent mats from forming in the loose hair.
During this period, grooming tools like undercoat rakes and de-shedding brushes become essential. Even outside of seasonal shedding, Huskies continuously shed smaller amounts of hair. Regular grooming (at least once or twice a week) is necessary to keep the coat healthy and reduce the amount of fur left around the home.
Although their coat isn’t prone to matting under normal circumstances, mats can form if the loose undercoat is not removed promptly, especially in areas where friction occurs, such as behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar.
Bathing Challenges
Bathing a Husky can be a challenge due to their dense coat:
Thorough rinsing is crucial to avoid shampoo residue, which can irritate the skin.
Drying takes significant time, as the coat retains moisture. Professional groomers often use high-velocity dryers to speed up the process and ensure the coat dries completely.
Grooming a Siberian Husky is both a challenge and a rewarding experience. Their stunning coats require regular upkeep to manage shedding and maintain their health and beauty. For groomers, the ability to tame the infamous "blowing coat" and present a clean, well-groomed Husky is a testament to their expertise and care. With the right tools, techniques, and a little patience, the grooming process can become a valuable opportunity to bond with these remarkable dogs.
While Huskies thrive in colder climates, they can struggle in warmer regions. Groomers and owners must avoid shaving their coat, as this can interfere with its natural temperature-regulating properties. Instead, proper grooming to remove excess undercoat helps them stay cool.
The Fifth Challenging Breed To Groom - Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu’s luxurious, flowing coat is one of the breed’s most enchanting features, evoking elegance and charm. However, behind this beauty lies a demanding grooming routine that requires dedication and expertise. For both pet owners and professional groomers, maintaining a Shih Tzu’s coat involves addressing its high-maintenance needs and overcoming specific challenges.
The Long, Double Coat
Shih Tzus' have a dense double coat that grows continuously, much like human hair. While this contributes to their stunning appearance, it also presents unique challenges:
Mats and Tangles: The long hair tangles easily, especially around high-friction areas like the legs, underarms, and behind the ears. If left unchecked, these tangles can develop into painful mats that pull on the skin.
Daily Brushing: Regular brushing is essential to prevent tangling. Groomers often recommend brushing the coat in sections, layer by layer, to ensure thorough detangling.
Coat Maintenance Choices: Many owners opt for shorter, manageable “puppy cuts” to reduce maintenance. However, even these require regular trimming and brushing to maintain their shape and prevent matting.
Bathing a Shih Tzu requires care due to the length and density of their coat:
Thorough Rinsing: Ensuring all shampoo and conditioner is removed is crucial to avoid residue, which can lead to irritation or dullness.
Drying: The coat takes time to dry completely. High-velocity dryers are often necessary to speed up the process and leave the coat fluffy and tangle-free.
Shih Tzus are prone to skin allergies and sensitivities, requiring the use of gentle, hypoallergenic grooming products. Groomers must avoid over-bathing, which can strip the coat of its natural oils and dry out the skin.
Grooming a Shih Tzu is a labour of love, blending technique, time, and care to maintain their signature beauty. While the challenges of their long, flowing coat may seem daunting, the result is well worth the effort. For professional groomers, many clip the coat off to suit the owners when maintain the coat. However this is one coat will require regular up-keeping and proper grooming techniques are required, so a Shih Tzu’s coat can remain a source of pride and admiration.
Final Thoughts
Every dog is unique, and the challenges of grooming can vary even within breeds. With the right tools, techniques, and patience, even the most difficult dogs can leave your salon looking and feeling their best. Investing in high-quality grooming equipment and understanding breed-specific needs is key to mastering the art of dog grooming.
At Clipit Grooming, we offer a range of products designed to make your grooming process smoother, from precision dog clippers, blades and care to tools and accessories. Tackle even the toughest coats with confidence—because every dog deserves the best care.
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