Breed-Specific Grooming Considerations — Grooming 101 — Learn — Lapdog
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Breed-Specific Grooming Considerations

Special grooming needs for common breeds in Australian households.

Breed-Specific Needs

Every breed has unique grooming requirements. Here are some common breed-specific considerations for Australian pet parents:

Brachycephalic Breeds (Flat-Faced)

Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Persian and Exotic Shorthair cats. These breeds have skin folds around their face that trap moisture, dirt, and bacteria. The folds need to be gently wiped clean and dried regularly to prevent fold dermatitis — a painful skin infection. Check wrinkles daily in warm weather.

Double-Coated Breeds

Huskies, Samoyeds, Akitas, Pomeranians, and Australian Shepherds. Never shave a double-coated breed. The undercoat provides insulation from both heat and cold, and shaving it disrupts the coat’s natural temperature regulation. It may also grow back differently. Regular brushing and professional deshedding are the correct approach.

Cats With Long Coats

Persians, Ragdolls, and Maine Coons need daily brushing to prevent matting. Pay particular attention to the belly, armpits, and behind the hind legs. Some long-haired cats benefit from a professional sanitary clip to keep the area under the tail clean.

Warning

Shaving a double-coated breed (Husky, Samoyed, Golden Retriever, etc.) does not cool them down — it actually removes their natural insulation against heat and sunburn. The coat may also grow back patchy or with a different texture. If your double-coated pet is struggling in the heat, talk to your vet about cooling strategies instead.

Seasonal Grooming Adjustments

Australian seasons bring specific grooming challenges:

Summer

  • Increase brushing frequency to manage shedding
  • Check paw pads after walks on hot surfaces — burns can occur on bitumen and sand
  • Apply pet-safe sunscreen to exposed skin (ears, nose, belly) on light-coloured and thin-coated pets
  • Check for grass seeds in paws, ears, and coat after outdoor time
  • Keep the coat clean and dry to discourage hot spots

Winter

  • Reduce bathing frequency — dry skin is more common in winter
  • Make sure your pet is fully dry after baths before going outside
  • Continue regular brushing — coats thicken in winter and need maintenance

Tick Season (Spring Through Autumn)

  • Run your hands over your pet’s entire body daily, feeling for any lumps or bumps
  • Focus on the head, ears, neck, and between the toes
  • If you find a tick, remove it promptly and see your vet if your pet shows any symptoms (see our Pet First Aid Awareness course for more on tick paralysis)
  • Ensure tick prevention is up to date — ask your vet for the best product for your area
Quiz

Breed Grooming Quiz

Why should you never shave a double-coated breed like a Husky or Golden Retriever?

A Because it makes the coat grow back thicker
B Because the undercoat provides insulation from both heat and cold, and shaving disrupts temperature regulation
C Because double coats are too thick for clippers
D Because it causes allergic reactions in the dog
The double coat provides natural insulation against both heat and cold. Shaving it removes this protection, exposes the skin to sunburn, and the coat may grow back with a different texture. Regular brushing and professional deshedding are the correct approach for managing a double coat.
Checklist

Seasonal Grooming Checklist — Summer

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Increased brushing frequency for shedding management
Paw pads checked after walks on hot surfaces
Pet-safe sunscreen applied to exposed skin if needed
Coat checked for grass seeds after outdoor time
Tick prevention up to date
Daily tick checks — head, ears, neck, between toes
Fresh water always available after grooming sessions
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