Grooming Tips For Large Dog Breeds

Grooming a large dog breed goes way beyond just keeping them looking sharp. For big dogs, regular grooming actually makes a huge difference in their comfort, health, and how manageable they are around the house. Big pups can shed a lot, get matted fur more easily, and their skin has special needs you don’t always see in smaller breeds. I’m going to share my favorite tips and routines to make grooming your big buddy way less of a hassle, and way more rewarding for both you and your dog.

Large fluffy dog being brushed on grass

Why Grooming Matters for Large Dog Breeds

Big dogs like Newfoundlands, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds have thick or dense double coats that collect dirt and debris faster than shorthaired pups. Their skin also can get dry or irritated underneath all that fur if they’re not brushed out regularly. Grooming time isn’t just about a shiny coat. It’s a chance to spot early signs of skin problems, ticks, or hidden injuries, especially for dogs that love to get outside or have thick fur that hides a lot. I’ve noticed that regular grooming makes my big dogs way happier, and keeps my floors a lot cleaner, too.

Research shows that some breeds like Saint Bernards and Great Pyrenees benefit a lot from weekly or even twice weekly grooming due to heavy shedding and the amount of oil their skin produces. Big breeds with floppy ears or deep facial folds, like Bloodhounds, need extra cleaning, too, to prevent infections. Staying on top of grooming keeps their coats healthy and makes vet visits less stressful, since your dog will be used to someone checking and touching their feet, ears, and mouth.

Grooming Tools You’ll Really Need

The right grooming tools save you time, effort, and keep your dog’s coat in top shape. Over the years, I’ve tried a ton of brushes and clippers, so here’s a straightforward list of what actually works for big dogs:

Slicker Brush: Perfect for removing loose fur, tangles, and mats from thick or long coats.
Undercoat Rake: Helps pull out that extra undercoat that causes shedding explosions. Super useful for Huskies, Labs, Shepherds, and Retrievers.
WideTooth Comb: Gets through knots without pulling too hard, especially on feathered legs or tails.
HeavyDuty Nail Clippers: Big dogs have tougher, thicker nails. Sturdy, sharp clippers make the job much faster.
DogSafe Shampoo: Choose one formulated for their specific skin and coat type. Sensitive skin or oatmeal options work well for itchy pups.
Ear Cleaner: Floppy eared or swimming prone breeds need regular gentle ear cleaning to avoid infections.

It’s worth checking out grooming gloves or deshedding blades, especially during seasonal coat blows (when big dogs seem to shed an entire extra dog from their bodies!). A nonslip mat is really helpful for bath time, too.

StepbyStep Grooming Routine for Big Dogs

Getting into a consistent routine makes everything smoother. Here’s a rundown of what works for most large dog breeds, with a few key additions to help you keep things super detailed and effective:

Brushing: Most big dogs need brushing at least twice a week, sometimes more during heavy shedding seasons. Start with an undercoat rake to pull out loose fluff, then finish up with a slicker brush for a smooth look. Pay special attention to areas where mats tend to build up, like behind the ears and under the legs.
Bathing: Big dogs can get smelly or dirty pretty quickly. Bathing too often strips their skin of natural oils, so every 4 to 8 weeks is a good rule, unless they get extra messy from mud, swimming, or something gross in the yard. Make sure to thoroughly rinse any shampoo out to prevent buildup, which can cause itching or irritation.
Drying: Toweling off works for smaller dogs, but large breeds with thick coats often need a petsafe dryer (on a cool setting!) to really get them dry and avoid skin problems. Letting them air dry can lead to a damp undercoat and potential hot spots—avoid this by ensuring the whole coat is dry.
Nail Trimming: Check nails every 2 weeks. If you hear their nails clicking on hardwood, they’re too long. Clippers for big dogs or a Dremel tool make things quicker and more manageable with thick nails. A good tip is to always have styptic powder available in case you accidentally nick a nail and it bleeds.
Ear Cleaning: Do a quick ear check after every wash and once per week. Use a dog-specific ear cleaner and gently wipe inside with a cotton ball (never poke too deep). Watch for redness or strong odors, which might be a sign of infection.
Teeth Brushing: Weekly brushing keeps dental bills lower and dog breath less lethal. Special dog toothpaste, which comes in flavors dogs like, makes this easier. Dental treats can help, but brushing is best for long term health.

Before you start, make sure your dog gets some exercise. A tired dog is easier to handle on the grooming table or in your yard. Have treats handy for a positive experience and break big grooming jobs into smaller sessions if your dog gets antsy or bored.

Common Grooming Challenges for Large Breeds

Tackling the challenges unique to big dogs makes grooming much easier. These are some things I’ve run into:

Shedding: Large dogs can drop piles of hair during seasonal changes. A deshedding tool and regular brushing keep tumbleweeds down and your furniture clear.
Matting: Areas behind the ears, under legs, or near the tail are mat hotspots. Stay ahead of mats by working these areas with your fingers and a comb each week.
Dry Skin: Big dogs can get dry or flaky skin, especially if bathed too often. Use a moisturizing conditioner or switch to a gentle, hydrating shampoo for improved comfort.
Ear Infections: Floppy ears trap moisture. Dry ears thoroughly after baths, and check for redness, smells, or signs of discomfort. Treat at the first sign of infection, as issues can escalate quickly in large breeds.
Reluctance or Fear: Some big dogs are simply nervous about grooming. Introduce tools and handling gradually, keep treats on hand, and stop if your dog panics. Patience really pays off.

Deshedding Techniques

Deshedding is super important if you’re living with a Malamute, Shepherd, or any densecoated breed. Bring out the undercoat rake at least once a week during shedding season (usually spring and fall). Go slowly and use short, gentle strokes. For really stubborn spots, a slicker brush helps finish the job without pulling. Bathing their coat before a thorough brush out can loosen undercoat hair and make it come out more easily. Never try to rush this step or pull mats out too hard. A little patience saves a lot of hair and fuss later. Some folks also use a petsafe blower to push out loose hair after baths, which is pretty handy with heavy sheds.

Trimming Nails on Big Paws

When you’re facing paws the size of your palm, nail trimming can get tricky. I always look for sharp, heavyduty clippers and take a little off each time. If your dog hates this step, try doing one paw at a time and reward with a treat or quick play. Gently push back the fur so you can see the quick (the pink part inside the nail) and clip just before it. If the nails are black and you can’t see the quick, take off tiny bits and check after every cut. Consider using a Dremel tool for gradual sanding, as some dogs find this less scary than clippers.

Advanced Tips for Easier Grooming Sessions

Once you’re confident with the basic routine, these extra tips keep things running smoothly for you and your large pup:

Routine that Fits Your Dog: Some breeds shed year round, while others drop their coat in bursts. Adjust your grooming schedule based on how much hair you see, not just the clock. Watch out for seasonal shifts and step up the brushing accordingly.
Focus on HighWear Areas: Under the collar, harness lines, or places where mats form, need a little extra attention every session.
Detangling Spray: Spritz tangles with a dog safe conditioner or detangler before brushing; you’ll have way fewer knots and less fuss overall.
Regular Health Checks: While brushing, feel for lumps, bumps, or sensitive spots. Early detection of health issues is really important for big, stoic breeds that might not otherwise show discomfort.
Training Makes Everything Easier: Teach your dog “stand,” “stay,” and “paw,” just like you would for basic obedience. These commands make baths and brushing a million times easier, especially for big, strong pups. Even just a few minutes of daily practice pays off in smoother grooming sessions later. You might also want to get them used to being touched on legs, ears, tail, and belly as part of their daily routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the top questions I get about grooming big pups:

How often should I groom my large dog?
Most large breeds do best with a thorough brushing at least twice per week, but some need more, especially during heavy shedding. Baths once every 4 to 8 weeks is a pretty good balance for most coats. Take extra sessions as needed if your dog rolls in mud or gets into something sticky while exploring outside.

What should I do if my dog hates grooming?
Start slow and keep sessions positive. Break up the grooming into shorter chunks, and use tasty treats as rewards for calm behavior. Over time, most big dogs get used to the routine, especially if you start young. If fear or nervousness continues, check with your vet or a local dog trainer for advice—they might suggest slow desensitization techniques or positive reinforcement games to make it a lowstress experience.

Is professional grooming better for large breeds?
Some owners stick with pros, especially for complicated trims or nervous dogs. If you’re up for it, you can do most routine grooming at home with a few good tools. Professionals can help with tricky mats or deep cleaning as needed. It really comes down to what feels best for you and your dog, your available time, and whether your dog has special coat requirements or thick undercoats that are hard to handle alone.

Key Things to Remember With Large Breed Grooming

Grooming your big dog keeps them cleaner, healthier, and way more comfortable. I’ve found that having the right brushes, a gentle routine, and lots of treats make the whole process much less stressful for both of us. Flexibility is important—every large breed has its own quirks and coat patterns—so stay alert and adjust your process as needed. The quality time spent together pays off in better health, less hair around your home, and an even stronger bond with your best bud.

Big dogs may come with big grooming jobs, but once you settle into a good rhythm, you’ll see just how much happier and healthier they can be. Stick with it, make it fun, and enjoy every moment with your giant furry friend. Over time, grooming goes from a chore to another great way to connect with your dog and show them some well deserved care and attention.