Looking at adopting one of the Kennel Club’s top five most popular breeds? Here’s the grooming that they will need

The dog grooming industry is also booming at the moment, thanks to a huge surge in canine companions being welcomed into our homes and hearts.

There are currently around 13million dogs living with families in the UK, which means that proper care is more essential than ever before.

In this must-read guide for dog owners and anyone thinking of taking home a pet, Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty of national animal care Awarding Organisation iPET Network focus on the Kennel Club’s top five most popular breeds, and the care that they need from dog groomers….

1. French bulldogs:

This popular breed has short fur, and doesn’t need regular baths. But an occasional visit to your groomer is essential to keep your Frenchie comfortable and looking in tip top condition.

Like other flat-faced breeds, French bulldogs have folds on their face, which need regular cleaning. You can keep this up at home between grooms, but a visit to a professional every so often is advisable to protect against infections or discomfort. Your groomer can also check for any other skin issues, which require veterinary treatment.

Your groomer can also use special techniques to remove tear stains and clean the hygiene area of your precious pet.

Clipping nails can also be carried out by a groomer, and should start in puppyhood. Unclipped nails can be dangerous and uncomfortable for your dog, and lead to tearing and injuries which can be avoided with maintenance.

Also not forgetting those beautiful bat ears! Your groomer can check and clean your dog’s ears, making sure that they are not suffering from any infections or excess of dirt or wax.

2. Golden retrievers:

These beautiful loyal dogs are renowned for their long flowing locks, and this fur needs to be regularly maintained, with a trip to the dog groomer.

At home you can maintain your pet’s fur with regular brushing and combing, this will help to avoid matting which can cause your dog serious pain, and skin injuries.

It is also important that you get a professional to groom your dog every four to six weeks. Your groomer can check for any skin conditions, and issues which may require veterinary treatment. They can also provide a professional standard groom which you can more easily maintain between visits.

Golden retrievers never need a severe haircut, unless their fur is incredibly matted. A well maintained coat will only ever need a light trim, meaning your pet will always be wowing the crowds with their glossy mane.

To keep that show-stopping shine, your groomer will use special breed-appropriate shampoo, regular brushing and blasting to remove dormant dull undercoat which will help to keep their coat shiny for longer between appointments.

It is very important that a golden retriever is never clipped or shaved, even in warm weather. Golden retrievers are double coated which means any shaving would leave the skin unprotected and open to hazards such as sunburn.

3. German shepherds:

Large, furry and fun, German shepherds have been used as guard dogs and police dogs, but also make wonderful family pets.

Like golden retrievers these bundles of fluff are double coated, and need regular coat care at home. German shepherd owners are advised to brush their pet three to four times a week.

German shepherds benefit from a visit to the groomer, as your groomer can clip nails, check for any skin issues and also clean the dog’s hygiene area. Owners should be careful of over bathing a German shepherd however, as this can lead to dry irritated skin, which will cause your dog pain.

German shepherds also have large pointed ears, which need cleaning regularly. German shepherds would benefit from visiting the groomer every 2 – 3 months, and like golden retrievers their double-coated fur should never be fully clipped.

4. Poodles:

Poodles and dog grooming goes hand in paw, and who hasn’t enjoyed images of fancy poodles sporting very elaborate styles after a visit to the salon.

With the popularity of poodle cross breeds such as labradoodles and cockapoos growing each year, there are a lot of wooly coated dogs that need the attention of a professional on a regular basis.

Because the poodle has a wool-type coat they are very prone to matting, and without regular professional care they could develop painful and life threatening skin conditions.

On a visit to the salon your professional grooming will check for any signs of matting developing, as well as use special products to ensure that your pet is comfortable and looks great.

Because of their bouncy springy fur, poodles are a hit with creative groomers, and if you think your dog would like to look extra fancy, you could visit a creative professional for something really special, such as a spiral groom, teddy bear cut, or even angel wings.

But for poodles regular professional care is an essential part of their lives, and something that anyone thinking of adopting should consider.

5. Bulldogs:

Bulldogs are often seen as a very British breed, bringing thoughts of car insurance adverts, or even wartime leader Winston Churchill to mind.

This patriotic dog has short fur, but that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t receive care and attention from a groomer.  Your groomer can help maintain their hygiene as well as cut their nails and check for any skin irritations.

Like a Frenchie, bulldogs also have wrinkles on their faces, which need regular checking and cleaning both at home and by a professional.

While your bulldog doesn’t need to visit the groomer as often as a poodle, they still benefit from the care and attention of a professional every few months.

The groomer can give them a special bath, nail clip and check over, ensuring that your pet is as pampered and comfortable as they deserve to be.

On a visit to the groomer your pet can also have their hygiene area professionally cleared and cleaned.

To find out how to become a dog groomer CLICK HERE