The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Long-Haired Dog Fabulous

Made by De can help you keep your long-haired dog looking their best, whether for the show ring or the morning walk.

7/18/20263 min read

A long-haired Gordon Setter wearing a colorful rainbow dog slinky coat to keep fur smooth and tangle-free.
A long-haired Gordon Setter wearing a colorful rainbow dog slinky coat to keep fur smooth and tangle-free.

Understanding the Unique Needs of Long-Haired Dogs

Long-haired dogs definitely have their charm, but their beautiful coats come with unique grooming requirements. Whether your pup is strutting around the show ring or merely enjoying a sunny day at the park, a well-maintained coat is essential for both appearance and health. These dogs not only demand more attention to keep their fur fabulous, but they also need regular care to prevent tangles and matting.

Essential Grooming Tips for Long-Haired Dogs

To keep your furry friend looking their best, regular grooming is key. Here are some straightforward tips that might help to ensure your long-haired dog stays in top form:

  • Brushing: Daily brushing is essential to remove loose hairs and prevent mats. Use a slicker brush or comb designed specifically for long hair.

  • Bathing: While you don’t want to wash them too often—once every few weeks is ideal—when you do, use a gentle dog shampoo that won't strip their natural oils.

  • Trimming: Regular trims can help manage their length and help prevent tangles, especially around sensitive areas like the ears and paws.

Remember, grooming isn't just about aesthetics—it's a crucial part of your dog's hygiene and comfort!

Making Your Pup Shine, show day or morning walk

Whether you are showing your dog in conformation or just wanting to keep your baby looking their best, extra care is required for long-haired breeds. A healthy coat is not just a fashion statement, but can impact overall health.

If you’re preparing your long-haired dog for a show, special techniques can help ensure they look their absolute best. Each breed and each unique dog in that breed will have it's own challenges. Often, a good preparation routine can make the difference between champion status or also ran.

Made by De Slinkies, made of nylon spandex, are intended to smooth the topline so there are no unwelcome curls or bumps. Each one is made custom to help address any issues. They also keep that silky coat clean and free of weeds.

Dog Snoods, also spandex, are especially helpful for those with long ears so your hard work isn't undone when they eat or play.

Dog Grooming Suits, like slinkies, help with smoothing but also keep legs and underside clean.

Dog Pee Coats are spandex "speedos" that cover the underside of those long-haired male dogs so they don't destroy their furnishing, even when they have to relieve themselves last minute.

Waterproof Leggings, made of P.U.L., cover the front legs so the boys don't pee on their legs.

On show day, brush them out to perfection. Overall, whether you’re aiming for that perfect show look or just want your long-haired dog to be comfortable and healthy, sticking to a regular grooming routine is vital. Not only does it keep your furry friend looking great, but it also strengthens your bond with them. And Made by De can help you reach your grooming goals!

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel wears a green slinky grooming suit for conformation dog shows.
A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel wears a green slinky grooming suit for conformation dog shows.
A brown and white spaniel dog wearing a blue snood to keep its long ears clean while eating.
A brown and white spaniel dog wearing a blue snood to keep its long ears clean while eating.
Two long-haired dogs wearing blue and purple protective grooming suits on grass.
Two long-haired dogs wearing blue and purple protective grooming suits on grass.
A Gordon Setter wearing a blue dog pee coat protector while standing in a grassy field.
A Gordon Setter wearing a blue dog pee coat protector while standing in a grassy field.
Small white fluffy dog wearing blue waterproof dog leggings to keep paws and fur clean.
Small white fluffy dog wearing blue waterproof dog leggings to keep paws and fur clean.

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