The Ultimate Guide to Grooming Routines for Long-Haired Large Dogs in 2025

Keeping Your Big Floof Fabulous: Essential Grooming Routines for Long-Haired Large Dogs

Let's face it: there's nothing quite like the majestic presence of a long-haired large dog. Whether it's the flowing mane of a Bernese Mountain Dog, the luxurious coat of an Old English Sheepdog, or the fluffy grandeur of a Great Pyrenees, these breeds are truly magnificent. But beneath that beauty lies a significant commitment to grooming. As Dana Cole, a seasoned large-breed rescue owner and content writer for bigdogdaily.com, I've spent over a decade navigating the glorious, often messy, world of long-haired giants. My Bernese Mountain Dog, Gus, with his perpetually impressive — and sometimes challenging — coat, has been my furry professor in this journey.

The truth is, ignoring their grooming needs isn't an option. It leads to painful matting, skin issues, excessive shedding, and a less comfortable dog overall. In this comprehensive guide for 2025, we're going to dive deep into effective grooming routines for long-haired large dogs, sharing my real-world strategies, essential product picks, and expert tips to ensure your beloved companion stays happy, healthy, and looking their best.

Large Bernese Mountain Dog being brushed outdoors by owner

Understanding the Unique Challenges of Long-Haired Large Dogs

It’s easy to be charmed by their flowing locks, but anyone who owns a long-haired large dog knows the unique set of challenges their coats present. These aren't your average short-haired pups where a quick brush-through suffices. Their coats are designed to protect them from elements, often featuring a dense undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat. This combination, while beautiful, is a magnet for dirt, debris, and, most notably, mats.

From burrs picked up on a hike to the daily accumulation of dust and loose hair, everything seems to find a home in a long coat. My Gus, bless his adventurous heart, can walk through a field and come back looking like a mobile shrub. Without a consistent grooming routine, these minor annoyances quickly escalate into serious issues that can be uncomfortable, and even painful, for your dog. Furthermore, managing the seasonal shedding of these breeds is a lifestyle in itself, a constant battle against fur tumbleweeds. But with the right approach, it doesn't have to be a struggle; it can become a bonding experience.

The Essential Grooming Routine: A Step-by-Step Guide

Establishing a consistent grooming routine is paramount. Think of it less as a chore and more as preventative health care. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps I follow and recommend for keeping those long coats pristine.

Daily Brushing for a Healthy Coat

Brushing is the cornerstone of any effective grooming routine for long-haired large dogs. It removes loose hair, prevents mats, distributes natural oils, and provides a wonderful opportunity for you to check your dog's skin for any abnormalities. Aim for at least 15-20 minutes daily, or every other day at minimum.

Choosing the Right Brush

Having the correct tools makes all the difference. For long-haired large breeds, you'll likely need a combination:

Slicker Brush: Excellent for removing loose fur, tangles, and small mats from the topcoat and stimulating circulation.
Pin Brush: Ideal for longer coats to detangle and fluff, especially after using a slicker.
Undercoat Rake/De-shedding Tool: Crucial for breeds with dense undercoats (like Bernese Mountain Dogs or Huskies) to remove dead undercoat, significantly reducing shedding. This is a game-changer, especially during shedding seasons. You can read more about managing this in our article on Dealing With Shedding In Large Breeds.

The Daily Brushing Technique

Always brush in layers, starting from the bottom of your dog’s coat and working your way up. Part the hair and brush small sections at a time. This "line brushing" technique ensures you get right down to the skin, where mats often start. Be gentle, especially around sensitive areas like behind the ears, armpits, and groin. Positive reinforcement with treats and praise can turn this into a pleasant routine for your dog.

Regular Bathing for Cleanliness and Skin Health

Bathing a long-haired large dog can be a monumental task, but it's essential for cleanliness and skin health.

How Often to Bathe?

The frequency depends on your dog's lifestyle and coat type. For most long-haired large dogs, every 4-8 weeks is a good general guideline, unless they get particularly dirty or have skin conditions requiring more frequent washes. Over-bathing can strip natural oils, leading to dry skin, so strike a balance.

The Bathing Process

Brush thoroughly BEFORE the bath: This is non-negotiable! Water tightens mats, making them impossible to remove once wet.
Use a large tub or walk-in shower: Or even an outdoor dog wash station if the weather permits.
Use appropriate shampoo and conditioner: Always use dog-specific products. For long coats, a good detangling shampoo and conditioner will be a lifesaver.
Rinse, rinse, rinse: Residual shampoo can cause skin irritation. Rinse until the water runs completely clear.
Towel dry then blow dry: Use absorbent towels, then finish with a pet-specific force dryer or a low-heat human hairdryer. A high-velocity dryer dramatically cuts drying time and helps blow out loose undercoat. Ensure your dog is completely dry to prevent matting and hot spots.

Nail Trims and Paw Care

Long nails can cause discomfort, lead to paw problems, and even affect your dog's gait. Aim to trim nails every 2-4 weeks, or as needed.

Nail Trimmers or Grinders: Choose what you're comfortable with. Grinders are often less stressful for large dogs as they remove small amounts gradually.
Paw Pad Health: Check paw pads regularly for cracks, cuts, or foreign objects. Long hair between paw pads can also collect dirt and debris, so trim it flush with the pads using blunt-nosed scissors.

Dog paw with untrimmed nails, showing need for grooming

Ear Cleaning and Dental Hygiene

These often-overlooked aspects are crucial for overall health.

Ear Cleaning: Long-haired dogs, especially those with floppy ears, are prone to ear infections due to poor air circulation. Check ears weekly for redness, odor, or discharge. Clean gently with a vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton balls.
Dental Hygiene: Daily brushing with dog-specific toothpaste is ideal. Regular dental care prevents plaque buildup, gum disease, and bad breath.

Expert Tips for a Stress-Free Grooming Experience

Beyond the tools and techniques, these expert tips can transform grooming from a dreaded task into a positive bonding time.

Start Early and Make It Positive

The earlier you introduce your puppy to grooming, the better. Associate it with positive experiences: treats, praise, and gentle handling. Even if you have an adult rescue (like many of us on bigdogdaily.com), it's never too late to start. Go slow, be patient, and end on a good note. This is also important for their overall socialization.

Consistency is Key

This isn't a "once a month" job. Maintaining a long-haired coat requires consistent effort. Integrate brushing into your daily lifestyle. Just like feeding and walks, grooming should be a regular, expected part of your big dog's routine. This proactive approach prevents small tangles from becoming painful mats.

Don't Be Afraid to Seek Professional Help

There's no shame in calling in the pros! Professional groomers have specialized tools, training, and experience. If your dog is severely matted, or if you're struggling with a particular aspect like nail trims, a professional groomer can offer relief and guidance. They can also do an amazing de-shedding treatment that can't easily be replicated at home.

Address Matting Gently

If you encounter mats, do not pull them. Use a mat splitter, detangling spray, and a comb to carefully work them out, section by section. If a mat is too close to the skin or too large, it’s safer to let a professional groomer shave it out to avoid injuring your dog.

Monitor for Skin Issues

Regular grooming allows you to closely inspect your dog's skin for any lumps, bumps, rashes, parasites, or dry patches. Early detection of these issues can prevent them from becoming serious health problems. It's also a good way to see if your dog is exhibiting signs of discomfort that might be coat-related.

Making Grooming a Part of Your Big Dog's Lifestyle

For those of us who share our lives with long-haired large dogs, grooming isn't just about aesthetics; it's about health, comfort, and forging a stronger bond. By establishing a consistent, positive grooming routine for long-haired large dogs in 2025, you're investing in your dog's well-being and making their long, beautiful coat a source of pride, not a challenge.

Remember, every stroke of the brush, every gentle trim, is an act of love. Your big dog relies on you to keep them comfortable and clean. Here at bigdogdaily.com, we believe that informed owners make happy dogs. So, embrace the fluff, invest in the right tools, and enjoy the rewarding journey of caring for your magnificent companion!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I brush a long-haired large dog to prevent mats?

For most long-haired large dogs, daily brushing is highly recommended. At a minimum, aim for every other day. Consistent brushing prevents small tangles from becoming painful mats and helps to remove loose hair, reducing shedding.

What are the essential grooming tools I need for a long-haired large dog?

You'll need a good quality slicker brush, a pin brush, an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool (if your dog has a double coat), a sturdy metal comb, dog-specific shampoo and conditioner, nail clippers or a grinder, and ear cleaner. A high-velocity dryer and a grooming table are also highly recommended for efficiency and comfort.

Is it okay to shave my long-haired large dog in the summer?

For many long-haired, double-coated breeds (like Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Pyrenees, or Huskies), shaving their coat can actually be detrimental. Their double coat provides insulation against both heat and cold, and shaving it can interfere with their natural temperature regulation, increase sun exposure, and potentially damage the coat, causing it to grow back improperly. Consult with a professional groomer or vet before shaving a double-coated dog.