Routine dog care and fancy breed trims got their start centuries ago, but there’s been an evolution since. Here’s everything you wondered about early grooming and what your dog actually needs today.

Key takeaways:

• Early humans and dogs co-existed thousands of years ago and helped each other survive.

• The Middle Ages gave us the first records of routine dog care professionals.

• Traditional styles include kennel cut, teddy bear trim, breed trims, show trims, and exotic cuts.

• Routine dog care is important for hygiene and overall health, and fancy cuts are not necessary.

• Schedule your dog for regular visits to prevent skin and ear infections, cysts, and harmful mats.

Did you know the origins of your dog’s routine dog care goes back thousands of years? Our two species have been companions for centuries, and there’s even evidence that the dog care profession dates back to before the Middle Ages!

We know that regular care is key to keeping your pup healthy, but it may have been used as a reward early in the doggie/human relationship. Humans took care of their four-footed companions in exchange for their loyalty and ability to protect their human families.

Here’s everything you need to know about how we went from basic care to fancy trims, plus what your pup actually needs from you to stay happy and healthy today.

From basic dog care to styling

Humans caring for pups continued in the Middle Ages, when “kennel boys” lived with the dogs owned by Europe’s wealthy classes. Kennel boys bathed, fed, and even brushed the dogs’ teeth, and this is likely when the earliest brushes, combs, and scissors for dog care were developed. These estate owners valued dogs for their hunting skills, herding stock, and ability to keep the land clear of rodents, so caring for pups was viewed as a worthwhile investment.

Over time, owners began giving certain breeds specific cuts to make their tasks easier. Some, like the “poodle cut,” appear unusual but have a supposed purpose: The shaved sections were believed to reduce drag as they swam, while the unshaved sections were left to keep the dog warm. As years went on, the cut evolved into something more glamorous best suited for the dog show rings.

Many American Kennel Club (AKC)-recognized breeds now have specific styling requirements for dog shows to show off its muscles and genetics in the most flattering way. These standards are developed and maintained by clubs devoted to specific breeds, and some pup parents maintain their dogs’ coats to match AKC standards. Dogs with “show trims” are often show dogs, retired show dogs, or owned by people who want their dogs’ breeds to be instantly recognizable.

Common dog styling choices include:

• Kennel cut: This involves shaving the fur to a ½ inch length over the dog’s entire body.

• Teddy bear trim: The dog’s fur is cut using clippers and scissors to a uniform ½ inch length. This cut helps adult dogs look like puppies and is popular with some dog owners.

• Full coast/show trims: These vary greatly by breed and require tremendous upkeep.

• Breed trims: These are simplified versions of show trims and intended to be easier for pet parents to maintain.

• Exotics: This is an trend that involves coloring dogs’ fur. Dog advocates fear this movement will cause pet parents to see their pups as accessories and not living creatures with emotions.

Routine grooming your dog actually needs

Here’s the thing about dog shows: They are really about the owners’ desires for recognition and prizes. Dogs don’t care for “pampering” and want the whole thing to end as quickly as possible. They may enjoy performing, but the excessive process leading up to the show is tedious at best, stressful at most.

A good dog care specialist gives your pup the care he or she needs quickly to reduce stress. Your dog needs regular visits to a specialist for their health and well-being, so routine dog care should focus on that. If you haven’t taken yours in a while, it’s important to note that an unruly coat can lead to more serious issues such as:

• Matting and skin infections

• Hidden ear infections, fleas, ticks, and other problems

• Trapped clumps of feces at their hind ends

• Cut off blood flow and amputation caused by untreated matting

• How frequently your dog needs routine care will depend on their breed, how long their coat is, how much they play outside, and the weather in your area, among other factors. The easiest solution is to simply talk with your dog care professional, as some even offer subscription services or monthly plans.

Why having a trusted dog care expert is important

Choosing a reliable, trusted routine dog care specialist means you’re saving yourself a lot of time and effort – plus making the process easier on your pooch! Your four-footed friend will get through the process easier and faster by seeing a pro who can:

• Brush their fur to maintain a healthy coat and skin (and reduce shedding)

• Clip their nails to reduce risk of infection and promote healthy posture

• Regularly check to spot ear, skin, or teeth issues

Dog care professionals know how to make the care visits gentle and easy for your dog, which is especially important if your fur family is experiencing any of the following issues:

• Is your dog old or arthritic? A professional will know how to gently handle them to reduce risk of discomfort or injury.

• Are there yucky things? If your dog is muddy, has fleas or ticks to be removed, or needs their anal glands cleaned, your professional can take care of those things safely and painlessly.

• Do you have the right tools for the right job? Proper care for your dog’s coat, teeth, and nails is more than grabbing your own personal human supplies and hoping for the best. Professionals have doggie-specific brushes, combs, clippers, and scissors, plus extensive training to ensure your pup looks and feels their best.

Taking care of dogs’ coats has a long, storied history. While it’s fascinating to delve into, your dog’s routine care only needs to focus on his health and comfort needs.

If you’re looking for a routine dog care specialist to help keep your pup living their best life for years to come, contact the Scenthound team today! Our experts are specially trained to care for your pup in five core areas – skin, coat, ears, nails, and teeth – plus identify any early warning signs of potential health problems.