Best Grooming Practices for Large Dogs with Long Hair

But with all that cuteness comes the need for some special care. And let me tell you, it’s not a small task.

To keep their coat beautiful, healthy, and tangle-free, you need to follow some solid grooming practices that make a huge difference – both for you and your pup.

1. Frequent brushing is a must

There’s no escaping it: brushing your large dog frequently is grooming tip number one.

For long-haired breeds like Golden Retrievers, Collies, or Shetland Sheepdogs, ideally, you should brush them every day, or at least three times a week.

Brushing helps to:

• Prevent knots and tangles (which can cause pain or infection);
• Remove dirt and dead hair;
• Stimulate healthy circulation in the skin.

At home, I use something called a slicker brush, which has fine bristles and does a great job getting through Max’s thick coat.

I’ve tried standard pet brushes before, but they just didn’t work well on him. With the slicker, it’s a whole different game!

2. Regular baths – but not too often

Bathing your big furry friend doesn’t need to (and shouldn’t) happen every week.

The sweet spot is every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on their routine and how dirty they get.

Pro tip: Always use a dog-specific shampoo, preferably one that’s gentle and formulated for long hair. If you’re unsure, ask your vet for a recommendation.

I usually bathe Max at home, but in the winter? Straight to the pet groomer.

Drying all that fur with a hairdryer is practically a workout session!

3. Complete drying avoids skin problems

After bath time, comes the challenge: drying. You can’t just let long fur air dry.

A thick coat that stays damp too long can cause skin infections, fungus, and bad odor.

The best way is to use a blow dryer (on warm, not hot, and at a safe distance), while brushing to help smooth out the coat and avoid tangles.

I learned this the hard way after giving Max a bath on a rainy day and thinking a towel would be enough.

He ended up with some serious itchiness and a vet visit. Ever since, the blow dryer is non-negotiable!

4. Trimming the coat: less is more

Unless your dog is entering shows or competitions, a light trim in key areas can make grooming much easier.

Focus on trimming:

• The belly area (to avoid dirt buildup);
• Around the paws (to prevent slipping or matting);
• Near the eyes and ears (for better hygiene and visibility).

Don’t go overboard though! Long fur protects their skin from sun and cold. Over-trimming can do more harm than good.

5. Check and clean the ears regularly

Floppy-eared, hairy dogs are prone to ear infections. A weekly clean with vet-approved solutions is one of the best grooming habits you can adopt.

I use a bit of cotton wrapped around my finger – never Q-tips!

6. Trimming the nails matters more than you think

Long nails can mess up your dog’s posture and even cause joint pain. I trim Max’s nails every three weeks.

If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, the vet or groomer can help out.

7. A good diet shows in the coat

External care is important, but don’t forget what’s inside. A diet rich in Omega-3, Omega-6, and key vitamins helps your dog’s coat grow strong, shiny, and shed less.

I switched Max’s food after talking to the vet, and in two months, the improvement in his fur was unbelievable.

Taking care of a big, long-haired dog takes dedication, sure.

But the reward is huge: you keep your pet healthy and beautiful, and those grooming moments become time to bond.

It’s that quality time when you stop, give affection, and strengthen your connection with your best friend.

And hey, if you’re just starting out with a fluffy giant and still finding your groove, don’t worry.

These grooming routines become second nature – and even a fun part of your day together.

If you want, I can help you set up a personalized grooming schedule or suggest apps to track baths, vet visits, and more. Just let me know!