The honest answer is that it depends on your dog, but most dogs do best with a full groom every four to eight weeks. Coat type is the biggest factor, followed by how much brushing you can keep up with at home between visits.
A short-coated dog like a beagle or a boxer can go longer between grooms and mostly needs a bath, nails, and ears. A curly or double coat is a different story. Poodles, doodles, and anything that keeps growing rather than shedding will mat quickly, and matting is uncomfortable for your dog and harder to fix the longer it's left.
Short, smooth coats: every 8 to 12 weeks, mainly a tidy-up and nails.
Double coats (huskies, retrievers): every 6 to 8 weeks, more in shedding season.
Curly, non-shedding coats (poodles, doodles): every 4 to 6 weeks to stay ahead of matting.
Long silky coats (shih tzus, yorkies): every 4 to 6 weeks, with brushing in between.
You don't have to count the weeks — your dog will tell you. Book a groom when you notice matting behind the ears or under the legs, a coat that's lost its shine, nails clicking on the floor, or a smell a quick home bath won't fix.
When in doubt, a regular schedule beats waiting for a problem. Not sure what suits your dog? Ask us at your next visit and we'll set a rhythm that works for both of you.