Quick answer: Most dogs need brushing 2–3 times a week. Short, smooth coats (Labs, Beagles, Frenchies) do fine with a 5-minute glove session twice a week. Double-coated dogs (Huskies, Goldens, Shepherds) need daily brushing during spring and fall shedding season, and 2–3 times a week the rest of the year. Long or curly coats (Doodles, Shih Tzus) need brushing every 1–2 days to stop mats. Use a gentle tool your dog actually likes — a brush they run from doesn't get used.
"How often should I brush my dog?" is the question we get more than any other. The honest answer depends on three things: the type of coat, the time of year, and whether your dog tolerates the tool you're using. Here is a simple, coat-by-coat schedule you can actually stick to.
Why brushing matters more than baths
Brushing pulls out loose undercoat before it lands on your couch, spreads natural skin oils along the hair, and lets you catch ticks, lumps, or hot spots early. A dog that's brushed regularly needs fewer baths, sheds less indoors, and smells better — because the dead fur that traps odor isn't sitting in the coat.
Brushing schedule by coat type
Short, smooth coats (Labrador, Beagle, Boxer, French Bulldog, Pit Bull)
Twice a week, 5 minutes. These coats shed constantly but don't mat. A rubber or silicone grooming glove is ideal — it lifts the loose hair while your dog thinks they're just being petted. Skip metal slicker brushes here; they scratch the skin on a short coat.
Double coats (Golden Retriever, Husky, German Shepherd, Corgi, Aussie)
Daily during shedding season (spring and fall), 2–3× a week otherwise. The soft undercoat "blows" twice a year, and if you don't get ahead of it, it comes out in tumbleweeds. Use a deshedding glove or rake to reach the undercoat, then a light pass with a slicker. Short daily sessions beat one long weekly fight.
Long, silky coats (Yorkie, Maltese, Afghan, Cocker Spaniel)
Every day or every other day. These coats tangle behind the ears, under the collar, and in the armpits. A few minutes daily with a pin brush prevents the mats that otherwise need to be shaved out.
Curly and wavy coats (Poodle, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Bichon)
Every 1–2 days, plus a professional groom every 6–8 weeks. Curly hair doesn't shed out — it mats in. Brush all the way to the skin, not just the top layer, or you'll get a "pelt" mat forming underneath.
Wire coats (Terriers, Schnauzers)
Once or twice a week. Wire coats are low-shed but need a slicker or comb to remove dead hairs and keep the texture.
Signs you're not brushing enough
- Fur on the couch, car seats, and clothes every single day
- Small knots forming behind the ears or under the collar
- A "doggy" smell a few days after a bath
- Dandruff or flaky skin (dead undercoat trapped against the skin)
- Your vacuum canister fills with hair every time
Signs you're brushing too hard (not too often)
You can't really over-brush with a gentle tool. But you can brush too aggressively. Red skin, brush-burn lines, or a dog that hides when the brush comes out means the tool is too harsh or you're pressing too hard. Switch to soft silicone tips and let the fur come off in light strokes.
A weekly routine that takes 15 minutes
- Mon / Wed / Fri: 5-minute glove session on the couch while you watch TV. Stroke with the coat, not against it.
- Once a week: a quick pass with a steam brush or slicker on the thick areas — chest, hind legs, tail base.
- Shedding season: make the glove session daily for 3–4 weeks. Then back to the normal schedule.
Want the full system? Read our guide to how to reduce dog shedding and the fall shedding season plan.
The tools for this job
The Furly Deshedding Glove is the twice-a-week tool for short and double coats — soft silicone tips, fur peels off in one sheet. The Furly Steam Brush handles thick undercoat and long coats without the pulling. Free US shipping, 30-day money-back guarantee.
Deshedding Glove — $24.99 Steam Brush — $24.99Buy both and save 10% automatically at checkout.
Frequently asked questions
Should I brush my dog before or after a bath?
Before. Brushing first removes loose hair and small tangles; water tightens mats and makes them worse. A quick brush after the coat is fully dry finishes the job.
Can I brush my dog every day?
Yes, with a gentle tool. Daily brushing is actually ideal during shedding season and for long or curly coats. Just keep pressure light and sessions short.
What is the best brush for a dog that hates being brushed?
Start with a silicone grooming glove. It feels like petting, has no metal pins, and lets your dog get used to the routine. Move to a slicker or steam brush once they relax.
How often should I brush a puppy?
A few minutes every day, even if there's not much fur yet. You're training the habit, not removing hair. Puppies that learn brushing is calm cuddle time become easy adult dogs to groom.