Keeping Long-Haired Dogs Clean

The Challenge of Long-Haired Breeds

Owners of long-haired dogs know the struggle. Breeds like Golden Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Border Collies, Shih Tzus, and Afghan Hounds have beautiful coats that require significantly more maintenance than their short-haired counterparts. Without regular washing and grooming, long coats quickly become tangled, matted, dirty, and uncomfortable for your dog.

Keeping a long-haired dog clean is not just about aesthetics. Dirty, matted coats can harbour bacteria, cause skin irritation, hide parasites, and restrict your dog's movement. A good cleaning routine keeps your dog healthy, comfortable, and looking their best.

How Often Should Long-Haired Dogs Be Washed?

Most long-haired breeds benefit from a thorough wash every two to four weeks. Dogs with silky coats like Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese may need weekly washing, while those with thicker double coats like Samoyeds and Rough Collies can sometimes go longer. The key indicators are smell, visible dirt, and how easily you can brush through the coat.

Not sure what schedule suits your long-haired breed? Our Dog Wash Calculator gives you a personalised recommendation based on breed, coat type, and lifestyle.

Between full washes, daily brushing is essential for long-haired breeds. This prevents tangles from becoming mats, distributes natural oils through the coat, removes loose hair and debris, and keeps the coat manageable between wash days.

Washing Techniques for Long Coats

Pre-wash brushing

Always brush your dog thoroughly before getting them wet. Water tightens existing tangles and mats, making them much harder to remove. A thorough brush-out before the bath saves time and discomfort during and after washing.

Thorough soaking and rinsing

Long coats take longer to get fully wet down to the skin and longer to rinse clean. Take your time during both stages. Shampoo left in a long coat causes itching, flaking, and attracts dirt faster. A self-service dog wash with good water pressure makes this much easier than a shower head at home.

Conditioner is essential

Unlike short-haired breeds, long-haired dogs genuinely benefit from conditioner. It reduces tangling, makes post-bath brushing easier, protects the coat between washes, and adds shine. Apply it from mid-shaft to the ends, avoiding the roots and skin, then rinse thoroughly.

Drying Long-Haired Dogs Properly

Drying is arguably the most important step for long-haired breeds. A damp long coat is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungal infections. It also tangles much more easily when left to air dry, creating mats that are painful to remove.

Professional blaster dryers are far superior to towel drying for long coats. They push water out of the coat rather than rubbing it in, reduce drying time dramatically, and help separate the hair for easier brushing afterwards. This is one of the main reasons long-haired dog owners prefer using a proper wash station over the bath at home.

Between-Wash Maintenance

Keep your long-haired dog cleaner for longer with these daily habits: brush every day, paying extra attention to behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar area where mats form first. Wipe paws and belly with a damp cloth after walks. Trim the hair between paw pads to prevent mud collecting there. Use a detangling spray on problem areas.

Check our pricing for wash bundles that make regular visits affordable for long-haired breed owners. Our locations are equipped with professional-grade dryers that make a real difference for thick coats. Join our rewards programme to earn free washes and keep your long-haired companion looking and feeling their best all year round.