Ever wondered why your groomer smiles when you bring in certain dog breeds but looks slightly terrified at others?
Behind those professional smiles lies a world of fur, tangles, and temperaments that make some pups a breeze to beautify and others… well, let’s just say they earn their grooming fees.
From cooperative canines with manageable coats to stubborn furballs that test every grooming skill, let’s explore which breeds make groomers jump for joy or reach for their stress balls.
1. Poodles
Curly-haired elegance with a side of good behavior makes poodles absolute favorites in grooming salons everywhere. Their non-shedding coats grow continuously like human hair rather than fur.
What truly sets poodles apart is their patience during grooming sessions. Most sit calmly through even elaborate cuts, seemingly aware of their fashionable reputation. Their hypoallergenic qualities make them popular pets, keeping groomers happily busy!
2. Bichon Frise
Fluffy white clouds of joy bounce into grooming salons with tails wagging. These powder-puff pups rarely put up a fight during their spa days, making them a welcome sight for busy groomers.
Their coats require regular maintenance but respond beautifully to proper care. Unlike some breeds, Bichons typically enjoy the attention of grooming. Many even doze off during blow-drying, turning what could be stressful into a relaxing experience for everyone involved.
3. Labrador Retrievers
Quick baths and simple brushing make Labs the fast-food equivalent in the grooming world. Their short, water-resistant coats need minimal fussing beyond seasonal shedding periods.
Friendly temperaments add to their appeal – most Labs stand patiently or even enjoy the attention. While they do shed considerably twice yearly, their straightforward maintenance requirements earn them a spot on the easy-list. Just a quick bath, nail trim, ear cleaning, and they’re good to go!
4. Maltese
Flowing white locks drape these tiny companions like living silk scarves. Despite their luxurious appearance, Maltese coats are surprisingly manageable when maintained regularly.
Most Maltese accept grooming as part of their pampered lifestyle. Their single-layer coat means no undercoat to deal with, reducing matting concerns. Many owners opt for practical “puppy cuts” that keep these adorable dogs looking neat while significantly reducing grooming time both at home and in professional settings.
5. Greyhounds
Aerodynamic bodies with minimal fur make these racing legends incredibly simple grooming clients. Their naturally clean, short coats rarely need more than occasional wipe-downs and quick brushing.
Greyhounds typically stand still during their brief grooming sessions, as if they understand the process won’t take long. Their sensitive nature means they appreciate gentle handling, but groomers love that even a full service appointment rarely exceeds 30 minutes from start to finish.
6. Shih Tzus
Royal ancestors must have passed down exceptional patience to these little lions. Despite their high-maintenance coats, most Shih Tzus remain remarkably calm during lengthy grooming sessions.
Their silky double coats require regular attention but reward groomers with versatility in styling options. Many groomers appreciate their adaptable personalities – they typically accept everything from elaborate show cuts to practical shorter styles with equal composure. Their expressive eyes often seem to say “take your time” during appointments.
7. Basenji
Nature’s solution to low-maintenance pets arrived in the form of these fastidious hounds. Basenjis groom themselves much like cats, reducing the need for frequent professional visits.
Their short, fine coats shed minimally and rarely develop odor. Groomers appreciate their quick appointments – usually just nail trims and occasional baths. While they might be spirited in other contexts, most Basenjis remain composed during brief grooming sessions, making them welcome clients who don’t monopolize precious salon time.
8. Cocker Spaniels
Gentle eyes peek out from silky curtains of fur as these sweet-natured dogs take their place in the grooming chair. Their luxurious coats respond beautifully to proper care techniques.
Most Cockers have been introduced to grooming from puppyhood, making them accepting of the process. Their moderate shedding and manageable temperament balance out the regular maintenance their feathered coats require. Groomers particularly enjoy their transformation from shaggy to show-stopping after a professional grooming session.
9. Portuguese Water Dogs
Famous as presidential pets, these working dogs combine practicality with style. Their non-shedding, curly coats can be maintained in either practical working clips or more elaborate lion cuts.
Bred as fishermen’s assistants, most Portuguese Water Dogs have an inherent comfort with handling and water that translates to cooperative grooming behavior. Their intelligence means they quickly learn grooming routines. While their coats require regular maintenance, their willing attitudes make appointments enjoyable rather than challenging for professional groomers.
10. Afghan Hounds
Flowing locks worthy of a shampoo commercial hide a grooming challenge of epic proportions. These aristocratic hounds require hours of meticulous detangling and conditioning to maintain their glamorous appearance.
Even the most patient Afghan can grow weary during lengthy grooming sessions. Their fine, silky hair tangles easily and catches debris like a magnet. Professional groomers often schedule these elegant dogs for multiple hours, knowing that rushing through their luxurious coats results in painful mats and disappointed owners.
11. Pekingese
Royal attitudes packed into small, furry packages make these ancient companions surprisingly difficult grooming clients. Behind their adorable squished faces lies a stubborn streak that can challenge even experienced professionals.
Their profuse double coats hide a multitude of potential problems, from skin issues to stubborn mats. Many Pekingese object vocally to certain grooming procedures, particularly around their sensitive facial folds. Their small size belies the big personality that emerges when they decide grooming time should end.
12. Chow Chows
Beneath that teddy bear exterior lurks one of grooming’s greatest challenges. Chows combine an incredibly dense double coat with a notoriously independent attitude about being handled.
Their blue-black tongues aren’t the only distinctive feature – their reluctance to cooperate during grooming is legendary. The thick ruff around their neck requires particular attention yet is often the area they least like touched. Seasonal shedding transforms these fluffy companions into fur-producing factories that can fill multiple trash bags with a single grooming.
13. Samoyeds
Arctic beauty comes with polar-level grooming challenges. These smiling snow dogs produce enough fur during seasonal blowouts to stuff several pillows, overwhelming even well-equipped grooming salons.
Their dense undercoats require specialized equipment and techniques to manage properly. While generally good-natured, many Samoyeds become restless during the extended time needed to thoroughly de-shed them. Professional groomers often schedule extra cleanup time after these white fluffballs visit, knowing their fur will somehow reach every corner of the salon.
14. Sheepdogs
Beneath those charming, shaggy bangs lies a grooming puzzle that tests professional patience. Old English Sheepdogs and their cousins hide tangles and debris under layers of continuously growing fur that owners rarely see.
Their coats mat close to the skin where casual brushing doesn’t reach. Many arrive at grooming appointments with hidden surprises – from burrs to small twigs completely concealed in their fur. While their personalities are often sweet, their size and coat density make them physically challenging to maneuver during the extended grooming sessions they require.