The importance of regular grooming is all about keeping your dog healthy and comfortable, but that doesn't mean you can't take style into account too.
Of course, with so many options for doggy "hairstyles" available today, how can you decide which one will suit your dog best? Here are four key factors to consider.
Fur length
The best place to start when choosing a style for your dog's fur is by looking at the length and texture. Not all hairstyles work for all fur types, and there's no point in settling on a style that just isn't possible.
Dogs with shorter fur, for example, won't be able to rock a top knot. Conversely, dogs with long, silky fur may not look good with styles that require a lot of tight clipping.
Daily lifestyle
How active is your dog? How much time do you spend inside and outside together? These are important factors to consider when choosing a hairstyle.
If your dog is constantly running, swimming and playing in the great outdoors, you may want to consider a shorter style. Long hair can get caught in bushes and is easily dirtied by mud. A short style will be easy to keep clean and knot-free, making your life easier
On the other hand, if your dog is more low-key and likes to spend time indoors, you have more leeway to try out longer styles. That said, bear in mind that a dog with long hair may overheat indoors during the winter if you like to keep your heating on high.
Climate
On a similar note, you'll also want to think about the climate you live in. A thick, long coat may simply be too uncomfortable for a dog living in one of the hottest parts of Australia. On the other hand, if you live in a cold region, a short style may leave your dog shivering.
As a side note, don't despair if the weather tends to fluctuate where you are. You can always adopt one fur cut in the winter and another in the summer.
Your schedule
How much time do you have to keep up with grooming at home? If you have a busy lifestyle, consider a lower-maintenance fur style. Long fur will need more brushing and detangling, with some long-haired breeds requiring daily grooming.
If you don't think you can commit to that kind of grooming schedule, it's best to choose a shorter style. Of course, it's a good idea to avoid going too short. If you don't have much time for groomers appointments, you may need to trim a tightly clipped style every few weeks to keep it looking its best.
Reach out to pet grooming services to find out more.
